Post CT Scan Update

     It is confirmed that I need another surgery. The CT scan showed that a small piece of the bone from my fusion broke off and is pressing against my spinal cord. The opening where the spinal cord is also narrowed. It looks like calcification, and arthritis. He is going to do a Laminectomy, and a framinotomy to my C4, C5, and C6. That's where they remove the back part of the vertebra. They will also make the opening where the nerve goes a little bigger. It is more of a major surgery that the ACDF was. The healing process will be slower as well. The ACDF was an outpatient surgery. I will have to stay in the hospital at least one if not two nights. It will depend on what my insurance will approve.

     I am not a happy camper. I was hoping for a less evasive surgery. I am just now getting where I can get around  by myself. I was even driving myself to therapy. (sigh) I hate the thought of starting over from the beginning. On the bright side, I did finish therapy today. I got a beautiful blue T-shirt with the rehabs name on it. If I go again, I can get a water bottle, or another T-shirt. I look to have to go again for my neck, and possibly for my lower back.

After we got out of the Doctors office, my sweet hubby took me up to Hickory, NC. I wanted to go to A. C. Moore Crafting Supply. I found some awesome yarn on SALE!!! I nearly hyperventilated at the sight of all the yarn choices they had. I hope to go up there again when I'm feeling better. That is a happy goal to look forward to.

I will post again when I have more details on my surgery/time.

ACDF Surgery 3 Month Update

     I had intended on writing a weekly blog, but pain meds, then life got in the way. I was healing by leaps and bounds better than I expected. At 6 weeks, I had a setback. I heard a pop in my neck and was instantly in pain. It ran from the left side of my neck, and went down my shoulder into my arm. My hand became numb.

     The doctor ordered a MRI and physical therapy. Therapy included massage, and H-wave with heat. That part of it helped some. I can not recommend Electro Therapy (TENS) enough. When my MRI results came back, it looks like my spinal chord is still compressed at my C5-6. The doctor said that it could possibly be a halo from my screw. He ordered a CT scan to confirm diagnosis. I go on July 26th to see what the results are. I will post again shortly thereafter.

     I want to speak (write) briefly about my last post. During my convalesce I have been binge watching Doctor Who. I also enjoy watching You-Tube. I saw this post by one of the people I subscribe to. (Jadainstitches) I could not resist posting it. I haven't made it yet, But I intend to. I will try to post a picture when I complete it. 

Recommended site to buy a tens unit is omronhealthcare.com/electrotherapy-tens
I got the one with Tens plus heat the second time. The cheap one is good, but the expensive one is
worth the money.

DR WHO TARDIS BAG - Crochet Pattern with Lining