The light at the end of the tunnel

I see it! It's faint, but getting brighter every day. Stamina and energy are returning slowly and my naps have been reduced to 1 or 2 per day. It's a good thing I didn't realize how debilitating this surgery would be because I might have postponed it and tried Voodoo or something.

However, it's over and my recovery is well under way. I learned:

1. I'm a horrible, impatient patient.
2. My hearing is selective (i.e., Dr. says, you can probably return to work part time after about 10 days." I hear, "You'll be working full time in a week.)
3. I'm a total optimist, except when I don't feel good and turn into a grouchy pessimist.
4. I hate being incapacitated in any way.
5. I'm going to start eating really well and exercising lots and get really healthy so my senior years won't be spent alienating all my friends with my crappy attitude.

Sorry I haven't been around blogland lately, but napping, sleeping, drugs and work have required all my energy. However, I'm going to start rectifying that tomorrow by visiting all your blogs and saying hi. Just hi for now. Since I'm so far behind, catching up is going to take a while, so please be patient with me. If you're really good, I'll post a picture of my uber attractive scar!

Hugs!
AW

Health update

Thank you to everyone who has e-mailed and commented asking about my health. I am well on the road to recovery, but it's a steeper road than usual. Normally, recovery is a quick process for me. This time it seems to be taking forever. My strength is finally returning along with my appetite, but soft foods still go down best because of the swelling in my throat. Stamina is an issue and the desire to nap several times a day is beginning to subside. Headaches, numbness and random pains plague me, but at least they aren't the same or as intense as before the surgery.

Forgive the irregular blogging and know that your thoughts and jokes have helped tremendously. I hope to be shoe shopping again soon!

Another reason being old can suck

If I'd had this surgery 20 years ago, I'd be doing cartwheels and climbing Mt. Rainier by now. My body always recovered quickly - until now!

So today, instead of taking advantage of all the sales and buying more shoes so Doreen, Polly and Robin don't overtake me, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, enjoying all the Memorial Day activities and getting on with life.......

I'm wrapped up like an Eskimo on the chaise lounge, eating toast, Campbell's regular chicken noodle soup, tea, juice, bananas and water, popping pain pills because every time I try to wean myself from them the pain returns, wearing an incredibly uncomfortable ugly white collar, wearing even uglier anti-embolism stockings and feeling sorry for my pitiful self.

What a woos!

There is some good news. I took a shower this morning - being extremely careful not to get soap on my neck - and even washed my hair. Do you know how hard it is to wash your hair when you can't bend your neck or get soap on it? Let's just say an hour's nap was required after that. I also washed the protective covering on my collar and the lovely socks. They may not be comfortable, but they're clean.

Belle has been pouting for days. Every time I open the door to let her out to poo, she gets so excited because she thinks we're going for a walk. Major disappointment = major pouting!

Anyway, I could use some cheering up. Jokes, stories - hit me with your best shots! Please!

Recovering

Still a little loopy from the anesthesia, but definitely better. No more pain in my shoulder and head. Lots of baby sitters taking good care of me. Good drugs. Appetite returning. Can't take a bath until the 24th (baby sitters will probably start deserting me pretty soon). Get to wear lovely anti-embolism stockings for next few days. Try not to be too jealous of the lovely collar.

Thanks for all the good thoughts. Much appreciated!

Difficult decisions

I was gone most of Monday and Tuesday – over in Eastern Washington for a cult meeting. I spent 7 hours in the car on Monday and 3 on Tuesday. Yes, I’m crazy!

I’ve had neck problems for a long time. Four years ago my regular doc referred me to an ortho specialist. After an MRI detailed the problem, he put me through 2 extensive rounds of physical therapy. Didn’t work.

Then we tried steroid shots in my spine. Worked fine for about 5 months. Then the pain came back even worse.

Another MRI last month revealed the problem is worse. The bone spurs are pressing on the nerve and causing major pain on my left side – just my left side. My right side is young and happy and having a great time. My left side is old and miserable and in agony. It’s the newest version of schizophrenia.

So I had another steroid shot in my spine about 2 weeks ago. It provided minor relief for a while. The drive to Eastern Washington clarified the need to find a more permanent solution. Today I called and scheduled surgery for May 20th. I figured since I would already be sad and in mourning because it’s the one year anniversary of our beloved Miss Snark going dark, being totally drugged might help get me through the day without too much trauma.

I will miss the party honoring Miss Snark at Pat Wood’s blog. I have to be at the hospital at 5:45 a.m. and since Pat, and most other normal people, will still be asleep then, I won’t be able to post and party with you all. However, I’ll try to post a tribute to the Queen of Snark before they take me away.

Yes, I’m concerned. They do the operation through the front of my neck. Do you know how much important stuff is located in your neck? But the pain outweighs the concern. I’ll try not to mention it again until it’s over. Don’t want to bore you with it. But I’m asking all my blogging buddies to think positive thoughts for me.

Hugs!