06/26/14
Date for second back surgery is July 8.The cervical spine surgery was a complete success. I still have wide ranging flexibility in my neck, considering that five of seven vertebrae were fused. The lumbar spine fusion will be more complicated and performed in two stages. First, Dr. Keem will remove the collapsed, herniated and otherwise damaged disks and replace them with composite disks that will eventually fuse together. The placement of these disks must be fairly precise in order to restore normal spine curvature. Second, he will insert titanium rods and screws to straighten my spine and hold everything in place.Then, months of rehabilitation. By the end of this year, I hope to be as back to normal as modern medical technology can make me.
06/29/14
I have cleared all my pre-surgical interviews and procedures as before. No new tests will be necessary. Things feel a bit anti-climatic compared to the first surgery, when everything was new and intimidating. This is a much more complicated procedure with no guarantee of success, and potentially dire post surgical complications. The pain profile will be more severe, but I've lived with chronic pain for the last twelve years, so no biggie. It's the incapacity factor and my dependence on others that concerns me the most. No driving for four months. The need for a walker or cane to get around. No carrying anything heavier than five pounds. Worries about personal hygiene. Confinement to my apartment etc. etc. But, I have an excellent surgeon, state of the art medical facilities, and fantastic and supportive friends who were so helpful the first time around. And the precedent for successful surgery has been confirmed. So, my no worry zone is hereby well and truly established. Heartfelt thanks and love once again to all my friends and neighbors for their help.
07/1/14
Someone has said, "trust that there will be healing." Amen. One day at a time, with increased physical activity as circumstances allow. Be patient. No self pity. Time flies. It's been four months since my first surgery, and I feel fine. And, as a purely personal aesthetic when writing, no platitudes! No cliche ridden horse manure! No verbosity! Whoever reads these words, your feedback is welcomed. Has anyone else undergone serious surgery or illness recently? We can cry in our beer together! }:-) I'm also thinking of travel plans deferred that I can now look forward to when I have recovered, and hikes in the Cascade Mountains with friends. I am lucky to live in such a beautiful place as the Pacific Northwest..I am grateful.
07/3/14
Office visit
with Shantay, Dr. Keem's assistant nurse, who fits me for a back brace. I
must wear it 24/7 (except during sleep) for a couple of months after
surgery. Yuck. I have been notified of the time for the operation on the 8th - 12:45 PM at the Swedish Hospital Orthopedic Center.
04/4/14
Happy Forth of July! Gathering of friends tonight to watch the fireworks over Lake
Union.
07/7/14
Completed last minute chores. Mike and Robin helped me clean up the place and remove tripping obstacles. Mike brought a nice chair over so I can have a comfortable place to sit like a proper couch potato while I watch TV. Tried on the back brace. A bit complicated tightening all the Velcro straps in proper sequence but it works..
01/9/15
It's the six month anniversary of my spinal fusion surgery, and this is my first entry in months. I can happily report that the procedure was a success, with some complications. It was a long operation, divided into two days, July 8 and July 10. I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot on the lungs) and later, a urinary tract infection that spread to the incision area. I was put on anticoagulants (Coumadin) for the PE and a stringent course of antibiotics for the infection.
