My spine surgery journey: from preparation to recovery

[bellbird]

Maybe you could borrow Little's camera?

Good idea :hug:

So you may know :) that I have a bit of an issue with the medical world -- so to read how fabulously they are caring for you makes me super happy for you. It sounds like you are getting amazing care!

Ah, yes. I do. And I wish so deeply that these medical people could have been there for you, but I am glad that you can feel positive emotions from reading my experiences.
Thank you :hug:

--
Ok. Bit of a vent/moan. Technically not about scoli stuff, but affecting me in the present.

I just got an email saying my application for a big university scholarship ($13000NZD) that I had applied for was unsuccessful.

Nauseous, in pain, exhausted from the enema, and now feeling a bit sad for myself on top of all that.
I really really was hoping it would be successful.
And this was really not the news I needed in this moment. Sigh.

 

[MrMoonlight]

I'm so sorry it didn't come through bellbird. I know things will work out for you. I hate that that news came now because you just need to relax, sleep and heal. Give that bear a big squeeze and try to stay positive. :hug:

 

[blackemerald1]

I just got an email saying my application for a big university scholarship ($13000NZD) that I had applied for was unsuccessful

Hmm. I'm sorry that it's been unsuccessful but remember they are not being personal. It's about money and only about money. I get that if feels personal though. Very frustrating. But you are super woman bellbird!! You will find another way or reapply!!
You will still be okay. :hug:

Nauseous, in pain, exhausted from the enema, and now feeling a bit sad for myself on top of all that.

You are entitled to feel exhausted!! All of your body is taking a hit right now.. rest, rest and keep looking forward because you are still doing remarkably well. :hug:

 

[Freida]

well crap! Nothing worse than bad news when you feel like crap. I'm so sorry :(

 

[bellbird]

Thank you all :hug::hug:
Your support means so much to me, especially in this kind of moment.

Give that bear a big squeeze and try to stay positive. :hug:

I have now.

So many people here; nurses, radiographers, PT, pain nurses.. they all think Mr Bear is just the cutest thing :D


Ugggh ok, for real, I keep thinking to cute registrar this evening, and hoping I'll see him again.
Maybe it's because I really want something to work in my favour after having a bad day with bad news.
But then I need to remind myself that I can wiggle my toes... I can WALK... And even with pain and nausea and exhaustion and needing an enema and a failed scholarship application, that is still a totally awesome thing that I am so grateful for.

 

[Chris-duck]

Hey. I've been following along and just wanna add to everyone else saying I think your way of looking at things is amazing :)

 

[bellbird]

Hey. I've been following along and just wanna add to everyone else saying I think your way of looking at things is amazing :)

Hey @Chris-duck , thank you so much for following along, and for you kind words.
Means very much to me :hug:

 

[Deleted member 42984]

Sorry for the bad news. But you are pushing through this with such amazing strength. I'm glad you are taken such good care of, you deserve it :hug: :hug:

 

[DharmaGirl]

You are so positive! I need a fusion too, because the vertebrae in my spine are slipping in 4 places. I'm afraid of it, and you are so brave and positive! I might ask my doc for a referral again, since I'm starting to have trouble picking up my feet when I walk, which causes me to fall. I love how well your recovery is going, and I'll continue to follow you.?

 

[bellbird]

I'm glad you are taken such good care of, you deserve it :hug::hug:

Thank you @ziter :hug: :hug:

I need a fusion too, because the vertebrae in my spine are slipping in 4 places.

Ouch!

I might ask my doc for a referral again, since I'm starting to have trouble picking up my feet when I walk, which causes me to fall.

I can only imagine how hard that must be to live with, and it sounds like a very good reason to ask your doc for a referral.

Remember: getting the referral and seeing your specialist doesn't mean you -have to- have the surgery; you can get yourself as well informed as possible and then make the decision :)

I love how well your recovery is going, and I'll continue to follow you.?

Thank you very much @DharmaGirl , grateful to have you following along my journey.
Please, let me know if you decide to embark on your own fusion journey (and want to share it); I would love to follow yours too :hug:

 

[MrMoonlight]

I hope you are doing well today @bellbird . You are always on my mind. :hug:

 

[bellbird]

I hope you are doing well today @bellbird .

Thank you, MrM.
Today has been another hard day so far (it's about 1pm currently).

I woke in a lot of pain at around 2am, and got some pain meds that kicked in eventually to put me back to sleep, but I was still quite tired when I woke next at 6am.

My nausea from yesterday has also followed me into today.

My surgeon came past this morning, and I let him know how things have been.
He's made some changes to my meds (not my psych ones of course), to try get this damn bloating down.
But told me that I won't be discharged until things have settled, which I am fully on board with.

Will possibly need another enema if things don't settle on my two current laxatives.

I'm so clammy and sweaty 24/7 now, which I think must be largely to my body trying to find alternative routes of clearing things.

Surgeon wants me to walk as much as possible today, and to drink a lot of water.
I will try my best with both.

You are always on my mind. :hug:

And you, on mine :hug: ?