Diane's surgery blog

[fauraloster]

WOW...just W-O-W!!
Mark and Diane, I am so happy to hear that all is going so well!
I have to say that you, Mark, and Dr. B saved my life, and then returned me to the "land of the LIVING".
Thank you Diane, for sharing your amazing husband with all of us! Mark is my hero. I know all of this sounds quite dramatic and appropriately so. It's a BIG DEAL. All my best in your continuing recovery...and that grand-baby is gorgeous.

[annapurna]

Diane and Mark,

Congratulations on your big step toward spine health. It's wonderful that Diane has had a relatively smooth recovery. Your experience really reminds me of my single level Charite nearly six years ago.

Remember to be VERY patient. You may still have some big set-backs, but, don't let them shake you. I guess that motion preservation spine surgery is like investing in the stock market. You need to ride out the "bear" days and enjoy the "bull" days. In the long run, you'll get better and better.

You are both very brave to travel in that little car on the AutoBahn! I always use the train to get from Bogen/Straubing to Munich and Frankfurt.

If you're still in Germany, have a good and safe trip back. Don't be afraid to upgrade to business class if you feel like it.

Keep us posted on your recovery at home.

Best,
Laura

[letteski]

Hi Diane

So glad your surgery has gone well. I know you are in the best of hands. In so many ways. You have always been such a support to all of us and now it is our turn to give back to you. (although I have done a crapy job of that) Sorry I am so late with my well wishing post but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Paulette

[mmglobal]

Friday morning.... Diane is 14 days post-op and continues to do as well as any lumbar ADR patient I've ever seen. Pain levels are very low... medications being reduced (but still far more than before surgery). The most amazing thing is the ease with which she moves. At 1 week post-op, she would get in the car like a normal person.... left foot and left hip in simultaneously while standing on right. It's pretty amazing how great these early days have been. It's been a long trip and we are so ready to be home... only a few more days. We are 23 days gone now... 3 to go... tired of eating out... tired of hotels... missing our family... It's been a successful trip in so many ways, but we'll be so very glad to be home.

I know so many people who think that a long recovery time here will be useful, but I think that for most people, an extended trip after the stressful surgical ordeal is not what's needed. Also, the motivation to sightsee may be misplaced... may still be too much for the patient.

It's kind of blurry out... my marathon is almost over... I hope to write much more later. It's been a while since the last update, so I wanted to let everyone know that she's still doing well. It's been great to reconnect with so many of you... (Paulette... you rock... don't go saying anything bad about yourself or my Charite's will come over there and straighten your ProDisc out!)


Muenchen StadtOper


Twilight from our balcony at the am Markt

[Cheryl]

Glad all continues to go well. I agree with you on not extending the trip - I too was ready to leave just at two weeks post op - it was time to move on to the next step of recovery. Although the plane ride even in first class was extremely uncomfortable. And I couldn't even think about sightseeing -way too painful. If anything, preop sightseeing might be the way to go. Although I suppose that depends how bad you feel going into it.

Good luck on your ride home.

Cheryl

[jmintzer]

Mom and Dad,

We are so glad that you are recovering well. Can't wait to see you guys. Costa Rica was awesome and safe (no bites).

Love,

Jason and Naomi

[mmglobal]

Coming home today.... can't wait. Diane still doing great, but maybe overdid a little yesterday... some foot pain. (2 miles is good, 6 miles is better??)

Can't wait to see our house, rabbits, cats, dog, friends, family and oh, yeah.... Zoey!

Gotta pack and make our flight... more later... love to all,

Mark

[nomorepain]

U.S. Trials vs Germany Prodiscs, glad to hear you both are doing well, It was great to talk with you on Mothers day! so when is the next west coast meeting of spineys? Another feat of mine, and a first in a very very long time, i change my own oil, tune up my old volvo, crawling under the car, leaning over the fenders changing spark plugs, something i could not do before my prodisc surgery, 6 years and still feeling great! Welcome to the Club Diane, it will be cool to follow your recovery from year to year!
gary

[Maria]

Don't have another West Coast meeting until after June. I really want to attend but will be in Florida for nearly all of June!

Diane, you look radiant!! And the surgeons look nice too~ tho you've the implants and look the livliest! Hope you're doing well ~ beautiful beach weather coming up this weekend!

[ans]

I agree: D., you certainly do look radiant. Congratulations and hope this is your last surgery ever. - Allan