Diane's surgery blog

Cheryl · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 09:38 PM

I can't believe she's out, made the trip to Straubing and looks so great!!! The leave the hospital day (which was 3 days later than Diane) was SOOOOO hard for me. I know you'll make her take it easy - I was really awful the day after leaving the hospital - I think that you even called me that day after you read how bad it was.

Where'e Dianes back brace? I can't see it in the picture.

Cheryl

ans · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 08:41 AM

Wow, what a great picture. Diane, you do not look like patient! Best, Allan

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 12:46 PM

Just a few notes...

In the discography, I did not yell - YOOHOO, she's a 2-level. I was not "happy that she'd get a 2-level"... it just that I was pleased that we would not be facing difficult decisions based on ambiguous test results. I the early days of ADR, we were very worried about multi-level procedures. While I'd rather face a smaller surgery if possible, being a 2-level does not generate the fear that it used to.

It's after noon on Tuesday. We slept late and had a pleasant breakfast. For 2 days now... Diane has wanted to walk down by the river. I would not let her try that because it's downhill there and uphill back. After breakfast, we walked a path down to the river that I thought she'd tolerate OK. Worst case is we'll call a cab for the ride back. We had a wonderful stroll... about an hour. Google earth says it's 1.5 miles... the loop down to the river... along the length of the stadtplatz... up the stairs next to the bridge... up to the gate opposite the Theresientor... then the full length of the town square.

Nice morning... she said her incision hurt a bit when we were done. No back, hip, leg pain now except for some hip soreness that may be remenant positioning on the table pain. Legs feel a bit tired and by the time we came back, she resisted the urge to window shop... save that for later... be smart and rest. She's in the process of reducing her meds too... so things are still going well.

All the best,

Mark

PS... see other post about lump on abdomen... nothing big, just an interesting discussion.
Egg shaped lump on abdomen after surgery?

Cheryl · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 01:51 PM

Diane,

You look fabulous!!! I never saw the river post surgery - couldn't make it that far. I'm so happy this is going so well for you.

I still haven't been wearing jeans - although my incision is primarily healed there is a small part on the bottom of it that gets aggravated when I wear jeans if I don't cover it. So, sweats it is!!

Cheryl

djscal · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 04:22 PM

Diane,

Wishing you a most speedy recovery! You have been so supportive and wonderful to us (the community), thank you so much for being such a giving person. We wish you all of the best and pain free days soon to come.

Best regards,
Dan

mmglobal · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 04:30 PM

Another major hurtle cleared today. I picked up a car and we are now in Munich. I was concerned about how Diane would tolerate > 1.5 hour drive... I was anticipating having to stop many times so she could walk and stretch. Today brought a little extra pain from yesterday's activity level and from changes in the meds... but she talks about discomfort and minor pain.

We are staying back at Hotel am Markt, so there is plenty for her to do... I'll be working much of our remaining time here in Munich.

All the best,

Mark

melodyl · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 06:54 PM

Hi Mark. I'm so glad to hear that your wife's surgery went well. Reading about her recovery confirms that ADR is a superior choice to fusion when it is appropriate. As you know, it wasn't an option for me at L-4 to S-1 because of previous fusion and Harrington rods directly above the site. Although I am doing fine now (3+ months post op), there is no way I could have been up and walking around as quickly as Diane has. Out of the hospital in 3 days is amazing. Going for mile and a half walks and long car rides so quickly makes me feel a little envious, but I am very happy for both of you! It must be a huge comfort to her to have you and Dr. B. taking care of her. The pictures of Bogen and Straubing are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your story and the photos. Note to Diane....although our surgeries were different, our incisions are probably quite similar. I wore comfortable, loose sweat pants for at least a month after surgery. Maybe you should send Mark shopping for some dressy sweats that you can wear anywhere and still look fashionable. I hope the rest of your trip and recovery go smoothly. Melody