Mom is very tired. She had a lot of activity today. As part of the PT they had her work with tools to take off / put on socks. They had her walk down the hall and back. She then sat in a chair and had her lunch. She got back into bread, brace removed and was ready to have a rest.
It's 2pm and she is still exhausted. She is a bit overwhelmed understanding what the next six months has in store for her. She will be very restricted in her mobility and it will be tough to do normal day things. A bit down in the dumps. She needs all your positive thoughts and prayers to help lift her spirits.
They have removed the i.v. which is nice to be free. The next big event will be getting the intestines working. Until the big movement occurs she will be on the clear fluids diet. Gas is good.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Physical Therapy - Saturday 11:45
Julie the cracker jack physical therapist is here. She is full of lots of energy, very chipper. She started with putting her brace on her. This is done laying in bed and rolling back and forth until she is wrapped in hard plastic shell. Once she is all strapped in they have her sit up and stand up with the walker. The PT woman is working with Mom to do the things she will need to be able to do to go home and get around.
They had her walk to the bathroom and get on and off the toilet - just for practice. She has gotten back to the edge of the bed and is having a little diet coke.
One of the doctors responsible for internal medicine has just stopped by. He is checking on the vitals and pain and how the stomach is starting to work.
Lunch has arrived. Broth, yellow jello cubes, orange water ice and apple juice. She has had her appetite return and is looking forward to something with chocolate.
Stay tuned...
They had her walk to the bathroom and get on and off the toilet - just for practice. She has gotten back to the edge of the bed and is having a little diet coke.
One of the doctors responsible for internal medicine has just stopped by. He is checking on the vitals and pain and how the stomach is starting to work.
Lunch has arrived. Broth, yellow jello cubes, orange water ice and apple juice. She has had her appetite return and is looking forward to something with chocolate.
Stay tuned...
11:30 am update - Wide awake
Jenny and I just had a very nice visit with Mom/Marilynn. Dave and Dad took an opportunity to go out and get a bite to eat.
She was awake the whole time and we were chatting a lot (naturally, with 3 Peters girls together! hello?!).
An Occupational Therapist came by and there was some discussion about the brace and also the ice therapy machine. Mom has most of the "equipment" she needs for recovery. The OT left and said she would return later to go over more information with Mom and bring something to help her put her own socks on (although she does have Rodney and the rest of us for sock duty). But her OT wants her to eventually be as independent as possible...but of course without any bending, twisting, or lifting (nothing over 5 lbs....and for example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 pounds....so she won't be sneaking any milk and cookies). While we were there the "percocet pusher" came and asked Mom if she wanted 1 or 2 pills and she took one...so I think her pain is in check.
Jenny and I had to leave around 10:30 to pick up Jack. Not sure who else will be down to visit today, but hopefully we'll get more updates as thing progress.
She was awake the whole time and we were chatting a lot (naturally, with 3 Peters girls together! hello?!).
An Occupational Therapist came by and there was some discussion about the brace and also the ice therapy machine. Mom has most of the "equipment" she needs for recovery. The OT left and said she would return later to go over more information with Mom and bring something to help her put her own socks on (although she does have Rodney and the rest of us for sock duty). But her OT wants her to eventually be as independent as possible...but of course without any bending, twisting, or lifting (nothing over 5 lbs....and for example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 pounds....so she won't be sneaking any milk and cookies). While we were there the "percocet pusher" came and asked Mom if she wanted 1 or 2 pills and she took one...so I think her pain is in check.
Jenny and I had to leave around 10:30 to pick up Jack. Not sure who else will be down to visit today, but hopefully we'll get more updates as thing progress.
Coffee and Scones...
Dave has arrived with coffee and scones - for Dad as Mom is still on a clear liquids diet. She is not really that hungry yet.
Mom is looking very human again. She is alert with great color and her sense of humor.
There was some concern yesterday about a pain in her right leg and a low grade fever. The scan of the leg was negative for any blood clot. Today her fever is gone and the pain in her right leg is also gone!
Mom had a nurse from Nigeria last night - her name is Uju. When Mom woke up this morning she started asking Uju where she lived in Nigeria. Mom dreamt about her through the night - this was the first time Mom has meet her. Mom could describe in great detail the green and white house that matched up to the house Uju lived in Nigeria. She also saw her with daughters and as it turns out, Uju has three daughters. --- Twilight Zone Stuff --- I did not know that the side effect of narcotics was to become clairvoyant. No wonder so many people are doing drugs.
Dave
Mom is looking very human again. She is alert with great color and her sense of humor.
There was some concern yesterday about a pain in her right leg and a low grade fever. The scan of the leg was negative for any blood clot. Today her fever is gone and the pain in her right leg is also gone!
Mom had a nurse from Nigeria last night - her name is Uju. When Mom woke up this morning she started asking Uju where she lived in Nigeria. Mom dreamt about her through the night - this was the first time Mom has meet her. Mom could describe in great detail the green and white house that matched up to the house Uju lived in Nigeria. She also saw her with daughters and as it turns out, Uju has three daughters. --- Twilight Zone Stuff --- I did not know that the side effect of narcotics was to become clairvoyant. No wonder so many people are doing drugs.
Dave
Saturday
Marilynn is making great strides. She's more like her old self. The intravenous pain management system was removed last evening. She walked down the hallway. Her digestive tract was insulted during the surgery and we are now waiting for those natural functions to take off. Doctor Vargas, an associate of Dr. Transfeldt, was in this morning and told her she has to take three walks today. When she gets walking, she can get rid of the catheter. The morning fare was the same blah as previous days. As I sign off Marilynn is off to the throne room to get nature running.
Friday, June 29, 2007
for some scale
We have returned from a visit to see Mom at the hospital, and I've posted some photos on my flickr account to share. Be aware there are two graphic shots of her back so do not click through if you are easily disgusted. She is doing great but they had to check her legs for blood clots while we were there, so that was concerning. I have heard too many horror stories so am trying to continue to believe in the power of positive thinking and prayer.
These lovely titanium gadgets are the screws the surgeon removed from Mom's spine. They are super gnarly in person!
Mom was in good spirits throughout getting up to get moved to a new bed, and returning to her own bed. Dad fed her some food while Jack, Laura and I had a picnic lunch a la Byerly's in the lobby. I brought her a pretty hydrangea with lavender and of course the latest US Weekly. Matt and Joni popped in with another purple hydrangea and lots of well wishes for Mom. Hopefully both Mom and Dad got a nap in this afternoon as it was quite hectic with all that company at once. TP and Dave will be happy to know I sent replenishments of gin, tonic and limes.
These lovely titanium gadgets are the screws the surgeon removed from Mom's spine. They are super gnarly in person!
Mom was in good spirits throughout getting up to get moved to a new bed, and returning to her own bed. Dad fed her some food while Jack, Laura and I had a picnic lunch a la Byerly's in the lobby. I brought her a pretty hydrangea with lavender and of course the latest US Weekly. Matt and Joni popped in with another purple hydrangea and lots of well wishes for Mom. Hopefully both Mom and Dad got a nap in this afternoon as it was quite hectic with all that company at once. TP and Dave will be happy to know I sent replenishments of gin, tonic and limes.
Day 3, AM
My Dear One is sleeping after a busy morning. Doctor removed her dressings and said all looked OK. Fine dining started with a breakfast of orange jello, hot bullion broth, hot tea, apple juice and orange water ice. (Food service just now arrived with an identical tray for lunch.) Got to brush her teeth for 1st time. Two ladies from the brace company showed up for a fitting. As long as she was sitting up, her nurse and a physical therapist got her to walk out to the hallway and back assisted by a walker. She's a trooper. Laura brought breakfast.
Jenny, Jack, Matt and Joni showed at noon. Jen brought lunch. Fun to watch Jack marvel at all the equipment. Marilynn is off for an ultra sound scan of her right leg. She has had some leg pain and last night, a lo fever. So a test for blood clot was ordered. She has just returned so I will sign off.
Jenny, Jack, Matt and Joni showed at noon. Jen brought lunch. Fun to watch Jack marvel at all the equipment. Marilynn is off for an ultra sound scan of her right leg. She has had some leg pain and last night, a lo fever. So a test for blood clot was ordered. She has just returned so I will sign off.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
9 PM...she stood up again!
Two nurses were just here and got Mom to stand again. Her main nurse told her to march in place a bit while standing at the walker. Then they asked her to walk a little, but toward the side, which looked awkward to me. It was tricky for her but overall went ok. She was feeling nauseous again but she did joke as she "marched", "I must be almost to Lake Street by now."
She is still quite woozy and said it is hard to keep her eyes open.
The nurse said they might increase her IV because her blood pressure is a bit low. (Dad pointed that fact out to the nurse.)
After standing, she sat back down and is currently resting on her side. She has lots of pillows to give support behind her.
Dad and I just finished the last of the gin and tonics that I snuck in. Send reinforcements.
I am writing logged in as David...then I can go and edit all of his spelling! Ha!
Good night peeps...look for updates tomorrow unless something exciting happens in the night.
-Teresa
She is still quite woozy and said it is hard to keep her eyes open.
The nurse said they might increase her IV because her blood pressure is a bit low. (Dad pointed that fact out to the nurse.)
After standing, she sat back down and is currently resting on her side. She has lots of pillows to give support behind her.
Dad and I just finished the last of the gin and tonics that I snuck in. Send reinforcements.
I am writing logged in as David...then I can go and edit all of his spelling! Ha!
Good night peeps...look for updates tomorrow unless something exciting happens in the night.
-Teresa
Early evening update, Day 2
She's is drowsy and snoozing on and off since I got here. When she is awake she is pretty spunky! I may even dare to say almost sassy! YAY! Dr. Transfeldt came by around 6 pm...he mentioned that he was leaving and taking his wife out for her birthday dinner...Mom called out to him as he left, "You better give her extra hugs and kisses tonight!"
She used her "puffer machine" (5 exhales into that every 2 hours) and had her ice packs changed. They gave her another dose of Benadryl for the itchies and it makes her extra drowsy.
Dad feeds her ice chips every once in a while and last time before he put the spoon in her mouth she said, "Is it chocolate?"
She also mentioned her flower pots and baskets at home. Ed, this is now your department...she wants you to check on them. So you know, she's doing really well, if you ask me. She is currently snoring a bit so obviously getting some good zzzz's. Dad is fine and fed and right by her side. - Teresa
She used her "puffer machine" (5 exhales into that every 2 hours) and had her ice packs changed. They gave her another dose of Benadryl for the itchies and it makes her extra drowsy.
Dad feeds her ice chips every once in a while and last time before he put the spoon in her mouth she said, "Is it chocolate?"
She also mentioned her flower pots and baskets at home. Ed, this is now your department...she wants you to check on them. So you know, she's doing really well, if you ask me. She is currently snoring a bit so obviously getting some good zzzz's. Dad is fine and fed and right by her side. - Teresa
Very Busy Morning for Mom...
Well we have just changed shifts with Laura leaving and Dave arriving. It's 2 pm on day two.
Mom is looking better. Her color is better and thank God she has had a chance to brush her hair. I don't know what it is but when you are laying half naked in bed with a catheter and a drainage tube out of your back for some reason the hair still matters the most.
Mom has been up three times today! Awesome. One of those was to be fitted for the brace / body cast thing she will be living in for the coming months. They have her stand and wrap her in plaster cast material. It takes some time and is messy. Once it dries they cut it off and it is the mold for the custom brace that will be created. Very form fitting. She did good standing the whole time without too much pain (some nausea, tho).
Dr. T has still not stopped in to check on her. The doctor that was in this morning was responsible for pain management and reviewed all the drugs she has had. They are giving her some low doses of Benadryl for the itching caused by the narcotics.
Currently both Mother and Father are fast asleep. They both need the rest as it is hard to get any quality sleeping done in the hospital.
Post a comment if you have any specific questions!
Keep those positive vibes rolling in - your male nurse in training, Dave.
Mom is looking better. Her color is better and thank God she has had a chance to brush her hair. I don't know what it is but when you are laying half naked in bed with a catheter and a drainage tube out of your back for some reason the hair still matters the most.
Mom has been up three times today! Awesome. One of those was to be fitted for the brace / body cast thing she will be living in for the coming months. They have her stand and wrap her in plaster cast material. It takes some time and is messy. Once it dries they cut it off and it is the mold for the custom brace that will be created. Very form fitting. She did good standing the whole time without too much pain (some nausea, tho).
Dr. T has still not stopped in to check on her. The doctor that was in this morning was responsible for pain management and reviewed all the drugs she has had. They are giving her some low doses of Benadryl for the itching caused by the narcotics.
Currently both Mother and Father are fast asleep. They both need the rest as it is hard to get any quality sleeping done in the hospital.
Post a comment if you have any specific questions!
Keep those positive vibes rolling in - your male nurse in training, Dave.
Morning of day two... time to start moving ahhhh
This morning an assistant to the surgeon was in and broke the news to her about the brace she is going to have to wear. It will extend down her left thigh to discourage taking a sitting position. Does not sound good, but we will find out more after the brace is made.
This morning the nurse and assistant had Marilynn on her feet next to her bed. Had her do some steps in place while holding a walker. When asked about pain she has claimed little to none. They call her button she pushes for pain meds "her little buddy."
We expect her surgeon, Dr. Transfeldt, to pop in.
All for now, Rod
This morning the nurse and assistant had Marilynn on her feet next to her bed. Had her do some steps in place while holding a walker. When asked about pain she has claimed little to none. They call her button she pushes for pain meds "her little buddy."
We expect her surgeon, Dr. Transfeldt, to pop in.
All for now, Rod
A little research
It's Thursday morning, the day after the operation, and I'm enjoying some coffee and toast and the nice blog Dave put together. I'm sure Mom would be dying to read this if she knew about it - well, except the part about her new brace. Jack is catching up on his daily cartoons and we are headed off to a picnic with his summer preschool program this morning, the beach to meet his old WNS friends for lunch, and then swim lessons at the community center this afternoon. I am excited to spend his last day of summer activities with him so I can follow him around with my camera, but wish I could be at the hospital to see mom. She was very concerned that he still go to his classes in her absence so I know this is what she would want.
What can one do when it's too early to say "hi" and I'm chasing after a 5-year-old all day? How 'bout a little research to ease the anxiety!?
I have never met Dr. Transfelt buy suspect this is an old photo. He needs a new website, I know that much.
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is seen in 10-40 percent of patients who undergo back surgery. It is not actually a "syndrome", but characterized by intractable pain and varying degrees of functional incapacitation occurring after spine surgery. Poor mama bear.
The Spine Institute is an Abbott Northwestern Hospital Center of Excellence dedicated to the comprehensive management of spinal diseases and disorders. I wonder if they will remember our little trooper from last summer? Dave, do you have any of those parking passes left?!
Now that I am intimately familiar with medical device marketing (St. Jude Medical, in particular) I was curious to learn more about the Medtronic Infuse bone graft the Dr. "super glued" mom with. I don't know if she had ALIF, but don't watch the video while you're eating. It all makes my skin crawl a little bit!
We need to boogie now but I am praying for Mom and am available any time to come down with good food or just some TLC. (Muffins and McDonald's can only last for so long!) Jack and Megan put together a very nice get well card for grandmas so I anticipate we'll be down tomorrow to deliver it if she is ready to see us.
What can one do when it's too early to say "hi" and I'm chasing after a 5-year-old all day? How 'bout a little research to ease the anxiety!?
I have never met Dr. Transfelt buy suspect this is an old photo. He needs a new website, I know that much.
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is seen in 10-40 percent of patients who undergo back surgery. It is not actually a "syndrome", but characterized by intractable pain and varying degrees of functional incapacitation occurring after spine surgery. Poor mama bear.
The Spine Institute is an Abbott Northwestern Hospital Center of Excellence dedicated to the comprehensive management of spinal diseases and disorders. I wonder if they will remember our little trooper from last summer? Dave, do you have any of those parking passes left?!
Now that I am intimately familiar with medical device marketing (St. Jude Medical, in particular) I was curious to learn more about the Medtronic Infuse bone graft the Dr. "super glued" mom with. I don't know if she had ALIF, but don't watch the video while you're eating. It all makes my skin crawl a little bit!
We need to boogie now but I am praying for Mom and am available any time to come down with good food or just some TLC. (Muffins and McDonald's can only last for so long!) Jack and Megan put together a very nice get well card for grandmas so I anticipate we'll be down tomorrow to deliver it if she is ready to see us.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
End of day one...
Mom has been resting a lot. For the most part she is able to sleep. She had been laying on her back since coming up to her room. Around 7:30 pm they had her roll over onto her side. Then they placed cold compresses on her back - she said the cold feels great.
To make her more comfortable, Dad had brought her pillow from home along. When they put that under her head it drew a big smile from Mom.
She has a drainage tube out of her back and has been given antibiotics and some sulphates.
They will try and get her to sit up, maybe stand up and take a step or two tomorrow.
Everyone have a good night and we will see you all in the morning...
To make her more comfortable, Dad had brought her pillow from home along. When they put that under her head it drew a big smile from Mom.
She has a drainage tube out of her back and has been given antibiotics and some sulphates.
They will try and get her to sit up, maybe stand up and take a step or two tomorrow.
Everyone have a good night and we will see you all in the morning...
2 hours in recovery... finally we get to see her.
Mom spent two hours in recovery. We would not get to see her until she was in her room.
With that news, Dad and David took the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful day, and have a cigar!
Upon return, we were given the room (7090) they were taking Mom to and we headed upstairs to her room.
She is still very out of it, but looks great. She opened her eyes and is talking a little bit. She is mostly sleeping and trying to rest.
She likes a cold wash cloth on her head, and an ice chip now and then. They have given her some medication for nausea - from the anesthesia. They are also monitoring her blood to make sure there are no complications from the blood she lost. Otherwise it is all PAIN management.
With that news, Dad and David took the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful day, and have a cigar!
Upon return, we were given the room (7090) they were taking Mom to and we headed upstairs to her room.
She is still very out of it, but looks great. She opened her eyes and is talking a little bit. She is mostly sleeping and trying to rest.
She likes a cold wash cloth on her head, and an ice chip now and then. They have given her some medication for nausea - from the anesthesia. They are also monitoring her blood to make sure there are no complications from the blood she lost. Otherwise it is all PAIN management.
Are they done yet? ...
Surgery was over at 2:30 pm. Do the math, she was in the O.R. from 7:30 - 2:30 YUCK.
Dr. T. came out and gave us the report.
The surgery went well. The bone tissue is softer then he would have liked. He did go across the three vertebrae so he could anchor the bottom screws into new bone. He is slightly concerned that one of the top screws is not 100%, but he did not want to extend any farther up the spine. To help reinforce the hardware he added a horizontal bar - this will help alleviate extra pressure on the top screws.
There was a lot of scar tissue from the previous procedures. She did lose some blood. They used her blood to replace about 1/2 of what was lost.
He explained that Mom will have to wear a very restrictive brace for the next 6 months. It will not allow her to bend at the waist. He said Mom will hate it. It will require training and physical therapy just to be able to walk, go on steps, get into a car etc. It will attach to her left leg and up her midsection / back.
He does not want to take any chances this time and believes it will help ensure a successful outcome.
Mom is in for a long 6 - 12 months of recovery.
Dr. T. came out and gave us the report.
The surgery went well. The bone tissue is softer then he would have liked. He did go across the three vertebrae so he could anchor the bottom screws into new bone. He is slightly concerned that one of the top screws is not 100%, but he did not want to extend any farther up the spine. To help reinforce the hardware he added a horizontal bar - this will help alleviate extra pressure on the top screws.
There was a lot of scar tissue from the previous procedures. She did lose some blood. They used her blood to replace about 1/2 of what was lost.
He explained that Mom will have to wear a very restrictive brace for the next 6 months. It will not allow her to bend at the waist. He said Mom will hate it. It will require training and physical therapy just to be able to walk, go on steps, get into a car etc. It will attach to her left leg and up her midsection / back.
He does not want to take any chances this time and believes it will help ensure a successful outcome.
Mom is in for a long 6 - 12 months of recovery.
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Dad and Dave went off to hangout in the surgery waiting room. We were the first ones and quickly grabbed a spot near the only computer and TV.
Dr. T. had told us he would try and get updates to us every hour.
Once settled in, we where off to put some stuff into the car and find another coffee and scone.
All reports from the OR were positive - Mom was stable and the "work" was progressing.
The procedure was to open her back, remove all the old hardware (you will see some stuff going up on eBay soon - shoot it's only 12 months old, I am sure someone could still get good use out of it).
Because the lower screws where loose, they thought they would need to fuse across three vertebrae, going down one more to have a new stronger bone material to attach the lower screws.
Once they had all the new hardware in place, they would close up the back, and open her from the front. This was to insert the super duper Medtronic bone graft protein that will go in between the vertebrae so the bones will fuse - I think its some kind of super glue.
Laura and Teresa showed up to hang out and wait with us. There was much catching up, sudoku and crosswords down while passing the time.
Around noon we headed to the cafeteria for yuck hospital food.
Dr. T. had told us he would try and get updates to us every hour.
Once settled in, we where off to put some stuff into the car and find another coffee and scone.
All reports from the OR were positive - Mom was stable and the "work" was progressing.
The procedure was to open her back, remove all the old hardware (you will see some stuff going up on eBay soon - shoot it's only 12 months old, I am sure someone could still get good use out of it).
Because the lower screws where loose, they thought they would need to fuse across three vertebrae, going down one more to have a new stronger bone material to attach the lower screws.
Once they had all the new hardware in place, they would close up the back, and open her from the front. This was to insert the super duper Medtronic bone graft protein that will go in between the vertebrae so the bones will fuse - I think its some kind of super glue.
Laura and Teresa showed up to hang out and wait with us. There was much catching up, sudoku and crosswords down while passing the time.
Around noon we headed to the cafeteria for yuck hospital food.
Wednesday 6/27 - Here we go again.
The day started very early for Mom (Marilynn) and Dad (Rod). They where up at 4:30 am to be at the hospital by 5:30 am. For once there was no traffic on Highway 5 into the big city.
The check in process went fine. David showed up around 6:45 am and found Dad in the waiting room. Fortunately I (David) had brought Dad a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin.
We when into the pre-op prep area around 7 am to find Mom in her funny gown in very good spirits. She was doing great.
Dr. Transfeldt stopped and around 7:15 and talked everyone through what was going to be happening. He thought it would take around 4 hours on the back, then she would be flipped and have another hour on the front. He answered all of Mom's questions and reassured her that this was the right decision. We also talked about the boundary waters!
Mom was given some loopy drugs and off she went to OR.
The check in process went fine. David showed up around 6:45 am and found Dad in the waiting room. Fortunately I (David) had brought Dad a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin.
We when into the pre-op prep area around 7 am to find Mom in her funny gown in very good spirits. She was doing great.
Dr. Transfeldt stopped and around 7:15 and talked everyone through what was going to be happening. He thought it would take around 4 hours on the back, then she would be flipped and have another hour on the front. He answered all of Mom's questions and reassured her that this was the right decision. We also talked about the boundary waters!
Mom was given some loopy drugs and off she went to OR.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
