Friday, May 15, 2020

A Little Spring Vintage on the Baker's Rack and Surgery Update

Hi Friends, I just wanted to share a quick post letting you know I survived the Cervical Spine surgery that I had on Monday. I guess "survived" is the correct term, but it's not been an easy few days. I'm home and taking it really easy. I'm not in a cervical collar, which is nice, but I feel a little vulnerable to moving wrong or overdo-ing it. I thought I'd share a pic of my Spring Baker's Rack that I put together last week with some vintage birdie and garden items for a small distraction. It may be awhile before I can do much else around here.









I really didn't know what to expect after this surgery (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) it seems each person gets through this differently. I had 2 levels that needed to be removed and fused; C4 and C6, what was left of the disintegrated discs taken out and a rod and screws fusing 4,5,and 6. My husband has teased me that I won't be able to go through an airport without them hauling me over for inspection. Oh well, traveling hasn't been anything I've been able to do much of anyway.

They warned me that my throat and neck would be sore, but that was an extreme understatement. I said it felt like a truck ran over my neck. Pretty blunt, but any swallowing has been difficult, as the surgical procedure requires the trachea and esophagus be physically pushed aside to be able to get to the anterior spine. It will get better each day, (I'm hoping).

A year ago I started having problems getting a deep breath then it got worse and I went down hill. Terrible headaches, neck pain, and dizziness turned into arm and leg weakness, numbness and pain. I'd been to 7 or 8 different doctors and they each had a different diagnosis or idea. Finally after having MRI's of my head and neck repeated from 2016 they showed I had 2 areas of critical impingement of my spinal cord. Problem was the doctors had never seen a spine impingement cause a breathing difficulty. They just had never come across this as a symptom unless it was an accident or trauma. But leave it to me to be the one with symptoms that are whack-a-doodle. I blame it on autoimmune illness and swelling of tissue. The good news is that my breathing has improved a lot since the surgery, so I'm hopeful that the cervical spine problems will have been the cause of my breathing problems. The arm and leg weakness are improved also. Still having neck pain and headache but I think that's normal from the trauma of the surgical procedure.







It was weird not having my husband with me at the hospital. He was sent to the surgical waiting area and I didn't see him again until he picked me up outside the next day to go home. I feel so badly for people who had to be at the hospital by themselves without family support. All the hospital staff of course had on masks but they were very friendly and caring, and I didn't feel uncared for. I'm so glad that this is over, and I'm believing that I will come out of this soon if I'm careful. I don't know when I can be blogging "as usual" because this post has taken me multiple settings to write since being in front of the computer puts stress on my neck.

I just needed to touch base with you all. Hope you all are well and wearing masks. I'm having a bit of a "moment" seeing everyone running around to stores, bars, and restaurants without wearing masks. This virus hasn't backed off, it's still out there and I'm afraid we're letting our guard down which will compromise all of us. Thanks so much for all the prayers and well wishes from my last post. I sure appreciate your friendships and caring. Hope to see you soon,


21 comments:

  1. HI Debra, I remembered when you shared your pending surgery news. So grateful you had no complications. Take it easy!! Do you enjoy podcasts where you can be immobile and listen?

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  2. So happy the surgery went well. You waited a long time to get this done. Hope you can take it easy and rest and soon you will be feeling even better. Hugs,
    Kris

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  3. Interesting that I should read this - I've been having problems with my neck and shoulders and upper arms. I have blown out discs (L3 L4) but the cracking neck has been painful. I can't wait till I can get in and have it all checked out. I had to buy a soft neck collar, so I could "rest" my neck and keep it stationary. I fear it is arthritis and not much can be done.

    I hope you heal nicely. Last year I had a partial knee replacement. I think I am falling apart. Oh well

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  4. So glad you are home and can begin the recuperation period. I'm sure your body will tell you when to slow down. The baker's rack looks great. It's nice to have a special place to display favorite pieces. I am in agreement with you about re-opening our states. I don't feel safe with so many people out and about without masks. I don't understand why they feel the are the "exception." Take care and stay safe!

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  5. I am so thrilled that your surgery went well. I know what you are going through to a degree since I had spinal surgery 2 years ago. I also have rods and screws in my back so I always tell everyong I am now bionic. Follow the doctors orders and take it easy. You will be so much better when this is all over with. I had lots of restrictions about bending or twisting for a full year, but now I can do anything and lots of things I hadn't been able to do for years. Good Luck.

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  6. Hi Debra. So glad the surgery is behind you and it sounds like you are improving already. It will take time and you must be careful but sounds like you are on the road to recovery. I'm with you, I see so many people going about like nothing is going on and everything is normal. It really makes me mad. I know that there are circumstances that some have to get back to work, etc. but to put me in jeopardy while doing it is dispicable. I'm sorry but I will not go out like that. I won't kill myself just because some idiot needs to get reelected..Keep getting better and stay well..xxoJudy

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  7. What good news!! So happy all went well !!! Do take it real easy..no kidding...don't mess around. Healing will come much easier if you obey ALL the rules. That was an intense operation and wow, what they did.... Your insides have to heal. They must be bruised..

    Sending good wishes and prayers your way...….Cleo....xoxoxo

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  8. So glad the surgery is over, Debra! Get lots of rest and pampering! I will keep you in my prayers for total healing and pain relief! xoxo

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  9. So glad you are improving daily. I have several friends who had that surgery and are doing fine. It just takes time. Best Wishes.

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  10. That is so good to hear Debra. I'm so glad you have got some relief, it makes the recovery much easier to take. Kudos for you to get this done now...before it got any worse, Hugs and take your time... and give yourself some time to HEAL!
    Best wishes, Sandi

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  11. Yay! So glad to hear it's behind you, and you're improving daily. Hang in there! I'll look forward to hearing more about your vintage birds when you are able to write more. Thanks for sharing and letting us know how you're doing.

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  12. So glad to hear that your surgery is over with. You PLEASE take it easy so you will heal completely. The bakers rack is pretty with the birds.

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  13. So glad you came through the surgery well. Wishing you a speedy recovery but don't overdo. Take care. Look forward to your posts when you're feeling better.

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  14. What a treat to hear from you Debra, you are so brave, it sounds terrifying and so painful...your upbeat attitude is amazing and an inspiration to us all. Sending prayers and wishes for a great recovery
    Jenna

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  15. So great to see your post pop up! So glad your surgery is behind you now. Sending healing thoughts. Get well soon!

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  16. So grateful you are home and recuperating. I hope your pain is manageable and you can rest.
    Sending prayers of healing and heaklth.

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  17. I’m so glad to hear your surgery is over and that you are on the recovering side. Continued prayers for continued progress -slow and steady.

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  18. That's wonderful that your surgery went well and some of your symptoms have improved.

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  19. Happy to see you back to blogging so soon! And that though sore, things are starting to improve! Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

    Best wishes!
    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.com

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  20. Glad the surgery is behind you, Debra, and you're already feeling some relief! Take care of yourself and recover; blogging will still be there when you are back to better than normal!

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  21. I'm glad to hear your surgery went well and your breathing is better. Listen to your body and take your time recovering!

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