2/17/2007
It’s been just over 3 weeks since my multi-level ACDF surgery on spine vertebrae C 5-7 of my neck. No thanks to the surgeon for supplying adequate pain management, I’m doing better now. I went to see my endocrinologist on the 5th of February. He told me that from the amount of percacet I was taking, as per the surgeon’s directions, I would have ended up with kidney disease with all the Tylenol base in the drug. It seems my thyroid is in proper order but with all the other issues with my body, he recommended a super pain management specialist.
This doctor was as thorough as my endo, (who is the 4th one I’ve gone through since July 05 and is an orthopedic surgeon) so I was extremely happy that I was seeing somebody who was ready to treat my entire body. He too, agreed that the amount of percacet I was taking would kill my kidneys & liver. He put me on a higher dosage of pain medication, so I’m taking half the amount of pills plus something for the neurons and something for my nausea & an increased dosage of sleep medicine my GP prescribed before the surgery. Since I started this new regiment of medication, my pain is not as severe as quickly, I’ve mostly slept through the night, (after over a month of not) and my blood pressure has gone down to normal. I do seem to have some left over nerve damage that comes & goes in my hands but I expect it to disappear all together one of these days.
I’ve been getting daily sunlight despite the cold weather and taking antacid with calcium and a calcium supplement in lieu of all the milk, cheese and ice cream the surgeon told me to consume. Both doctors I saw told me that most surgeons don’t know much about pain management, just how to cut. It’s pathetic how ignorant the surgeon is but I was bound & determined to be relieved of the pain & get decent nights sleep. “Just take another percacet when it wakes you in the middle of the night.” My surgeon said, but that doesn’t cut it with me.
The other day I received my bone growth stimulator that does not feel or sounds like anything, unless it comes unplugged and it beeps. I was told to wear it as much as possible to get the quickest results of bone healing, so I’m wearing it 24/7 except when I shower. I’ve been walking on the treadmill everyday, today I increased my walks to twice a day, granted, I’m only walking 13 minutes each time, it’s a lot more than I had been before the surgery.
I had a CT scan and neck X-ray yesterday morning, and then we went to Wal-mart for some shopping. By the time we returned home, I was completely wiped out and look forward to not going anywhere for another week. I want this ordeal to be done but the butcher said I’m to wear my aspen collar the full three months and the pain in my shoulders persists.
I’m trying not to be depressed over the length of time it takes to heal but I don’t think I’m the only one in this house who is a bit bummed that I’m not totally back to myself, (like my whole family who has had to pick up where I stopped). I filled out an application so I can take the civil service exam next month, so I’m getting myself occupied with my future endeavors while resting my body as much as it needs.
I’m sorry I didn’t get this update out sooner but once I got adequate pain management, when I wasn’t sleeping, (the best thing for healing) I was zoning out against my wedge (insurance will reimburse) in front of the TV up high on the armoire in front of the bed, (or radio/mp3 player) & laptop that sits on top of an over the bed table like those in hospitals, (adjusts from 28 – 43 inches) but not writing & barely reading while my brain adjusted to the strong medicine. I stay completely away from my family unless I need something or they page me for meals, it's a perfect setup. Lately, I’ve been raging at things going on in the world outside of myself so that must mean I’m on the mend.
Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts.
Ro
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