Re: Home From Surgery

July 3, 2001

Dear Group:

I had surgery on Thursday the 28th. I came home last night and I'm doing

okay. The surgery lasted 2 1/2 hours. The NSG said the herniation was a full

centimeter (10mm). I had a rough first 2 days. The ICU had numerous

admissions that night and I spent several extra hours in recovery. The ICU

had one room that had 2 beds and that is where they put me. At 4am they

brought in a heart attack patient and the noise was excruiating - I was

holding in fine except developed an extreme intolerance noises. So they moved

me out of ICU Friday midday and into a private room - Which made ALL THE

DIFFERENCE. The worst problem is neck stiffness - i could not roll over

without help and pain - by Saturday afternoon they found the right mix of

drugs and I began to improve tremendously. I had good times and bad times

(still do) but overall feel GREAT.

I asked the NSG about some things that were said like reoccurrence -

slumping, etc. He was firm that in his opinion I was going to be just fine

and that those things would not recur. He said he has never had to operate a

second time on one of his patients. I do not have a shunt - there was no

need. He said that no matter how good the doctor - shunts have a 50% failure

rate within 2 years. So I am thankful for no shunting.

One of my biggest helps was my regular doctor. She stopped in every day - and

spent a lot of time with me - that was so important. I know many of you have

to travel and be away from your regular doctors - but I am happy I made the

decision to have the surgery at the hospital she had visiting rights to. So I

am off to rest. I am saving up the posts and will read them later to catch up

on news. I hope all is well with everyone and they are having pain free days.

Lorene

Acm1 - 10mm

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