Diane's surgery blog

Tim · #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 12:41 PM

Hi Diane and Mark
I'm so glad all has gone so well with Diane's surgery.
It must be such a relief now your packing up and heading off home.
Wishing you a continued smooth recovery.

All the best
Tim

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 03:40 AM

First post home... it's Tuesday afternoon... 20 days post-op. We got home Sunday night after the long travel ordeal. We had a layover in Chicago and the flight to California was delayed. We were pretty exhausted after about 22 hours hotel to home.

Diane's ankle did swell up and hurt on the trip. We did not ask for any assistance, so she all the walking and waiting... pretty far through Munich airport... very far in Chicago. It was great to see the kids and Zoey when we got home. She was a little confused at first... not helped by the fact that she was almost asleep when we arrived. She warmed up quickly and we all played until Diane was ready to drop. She got in bed and said that she was exhausted... her foot hurt some, but her back didn't hurt at all. In the 2 days home, she's stopped opiates entirely and is only taking Voltaren. Remember that pre-op, she really didn't take them either.... after the surgery, she started 20mg/day oxygesic... after several days she stabilized on 15mg/day and stayed there until we came home (but was in good enough shape to forget doses.) Ankle is still a little puffy, but nothing like when we got home. The picture below says it all... Taffy really missed us... Diane loves the dog beach and takes Taffy there 4, 5, 6, 7 days/week. It was very hot here Sunday and Monday... today was a bit cooler, but still warm and sunny. It was wonderful to get to the beach and hear the kids playing in the surf... see the pelicans... surfers and kite surfers... palm trees... but most of all... Diane in her element.... We still don't know how good she'll get, but are so hopeful that she'll have a full recovery.

All the best... love to all...

Mark

sahuaro · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 04:05 AM

Welcome home, Diane and Mark! Your family must have been so relieved and happy to see you! Sounds likes you both need some restful down time.
Be well.

dshobbies · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 06:56 AM

Funny how there's nothing like home for some deep relaxing breathing. It was a long ordeal but sounds like some rest and tlc is in your future. Hope Diane's ankle doesn't give her too much pain.

Great to be home, huh?

Dale

letteski · #5 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 05:41 AM

Welcome home

So glad to hear you are home and doing well. Take it easy there is no rush and you have the rest of your life a head of you. I don't know what I would have done without you and Mark cheering me on so please know I am here for you just got my head into adoption resurch these days and not back stuff. I am so glad your back feels.

Take care and I will be following your progress

mmglobal · #6 (**permalink**) 04-26-2008, 10:05 AM

4 weeks and 2 days post-op - 11 days since last update. Diane has hit a plateau, but it's a good plateau. She has continued to do well, and is off all meds except anti-inflammatory. She still moves well, sleeps well, is driving (but has difficulty turning to backup) and is generally functioning very well. She is in little pain, but higher activity levels still generate typical sciatica in a familiar pattern - down back of left leg and also has a numb spot on bottom of left foot. (Same as me... feels like something in my shoe... even when barefoot!). Egg on abdomen shrinking. Incision looks great, but is still tender. It also responds to the activity levels and when she does too much, that may be what is hurting. Standing still is not fun, especially when trying to work in front of her body... like doing dishes. (Anyone who's been through this knows exactly what we are describing.)

During the last few days, we've been able to spend some time with an old friend.... here we are with PCMguy... now 11 days post-op from STALIF L4-5 and ProDisc L3-4. L5-S1 was already fused and he also has a PCM cervical ADR in his neck. Hardware lineup here has 6 ADR's (5 lumbar, 1 cervical) and 2 levels fused. Hopefully, John will come along and tell his own story! (Taffy has no hardware yet.)

Maria · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-2008, 05:01 PM

Mark,
It looks like Diane has a brace on.. does she wear it most of the day or just during activities? Glad to hear she has hit a good plateau~ hopefully all the rest will work itself out and activity level increase to a Lettski level or mmglobally going level)~ you guys all rock! Best wishes for continued great recovery Diane~