I'm aliiiiiive, gals :)

In Reply to: Anne posted by Linda on December 10, 2003 at 20:42:49:

The RFL is apparently over, and, I slept most of the day (and likely will do so today, as well). It took longer than the others (procedures) and the antesthiologist -- beloved Clark -- told me beforehand that he was increasing the Versed and other pain medications; they wanted to be sure I felt nothing and was pretty well under.

I won't know for a few days the results (efficacy); right now, I can just feel something more drastic was done -- can barely turn my neck and it feels as if it weighs a ton. That should lessen in a few days. The pain surgeon wants to hold off on the ortho. or neurosurgeon (for now), and assured that he can do some things (procedures) to help my legs.

The mood/atmosphere could not have been better. The notes from the doctors to Clark re: Smurf helped set the tone :) I've never seen as many smiling faces in a surgical setting. In post-op, well... it got even better, and the surgeon and doctors were laughing so loud that they had to separate themselves from me and Smurf :)

In the OR, the radiologist, told me funny stories about his ex-wife; they were cute-funny stories (not demeaning to her). I went "under" with a smile on my face.

The surgeon is still hopeful that his efforts (today) will help my arms/hands (re: effects of the spinal disease).

When the post-op nurse calls today, I'll ask her about physical therapy -- to stabilize the joints. My physician suggested that and an ortho. or neurosurgeon, yet said that the pain surgeon will be the one to give the "when" and which type of surgeon to see.

It's been a long way getting here (to this point) and I do believe that knowing that I had support going in (you gals, and from others), it also affected how I felt (positive) prior to the nerve-nuking.

If the pain relief lasts weeks, that's plenty for me (right now); it will mean less pain through the season :)