I really can't believe how quickly the two week mark has arrived! Of course, time flies when you sleep half the day. haha.
This week I had the pleasure of spending time with a number of visitors. I also got to go over and visit my grandparents. My grandpa's health has not been good, and going 10 days without seeing them was strange for me, and particularly hard on my mom, who has been helping my grandma out on a regular basis. Though visiting with people can be physically tiring, it does wonders for my spirits! I am so excited to spend more time with family and friends in the weeks to come.
Today marked a few milestones for me. First off, I managed to shave my legs. I am ridiculously proud of this. Trying to keep a completely straight back while bending over in a slippery tub to reach your ankle is not an easy trick. Later in the day, I got to take my freshly minted, hair-free legs for a walk along the Orting Trail! This was my first real "outing" since I've been home.
Mom drove me down to the trail, and we went as far as the field full of cows (for those of you who have been there) and back to the car. It took around 30 minutes, which is the longest I've walked so far! We capped off the trip with a visit to the Orting Bakery, where I got a chocolate donut. I hadn't had one in ages, and it was the most delicious thing. So good!
While I was in the hospital, Dr. Hanscom had asked me to gain about 5 pounds. He felt that it would help with the healing process. Alas, once all of the water weight from surgery escaped me, I weighed myself and found that I had actually lost about 5 pounds since surgery. So now I'm looking to gain around 10. As such, I feel that having donuts and ice cream in the same day is perfectly acceptable :)
We have been slowly backing me off of my pain meds. I was taking Oxycodone every 3 hours when I first came home, and we've eased back to every 4 and 1/2. So far, so good! I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Hanscom, at Swedish, this coming Tuesday (21st.) He will be checking my incision, asking questions about how I'm doing, helping us figure out the best timing and a way to switch to less aggressive pain meds, and who knows what else! It should be fun to go back and see everyone's reactions to how well I'm doing :)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Fifth Day Home
Hellooooo! This is Amelia. I'm back to the land of the living, and posting blog content for myself again.
First off, thank you all for your prayers. I have no doubt that my success this far was a gift from the Lord. He is good!
Yesterday and today, (Friday and Saturday, respectively) were fairly uneventful. That is to say, nothing too exciting to report, and no negatives, either. PTL!
I have settled into a routine. Or, as I should say, my mom and I have settled into a routine. She has been incredible, rarely far from my side and providing the best care I could ask for.
My days now consist of getting out of bed after morning meds, (roughly 7am,) shower, breakfast, some tv. Typically back to bed for awhile, then up for a walk, lunch, some more tv. This basically repeats all day. My mom has been up with me 3 times each night, since I am on a 3 hour pain med schedule. She is exhausted. Jacob offered to get up with me tonight, giving mom some much needed rest. So that should be interesting :)
One thing to note from Friday. Since it was one week from surgery, it was the day to remove the bandages from my incision! I would post pictures, but thought it might be best to spare the squeamish that experience. Everthing looks to be healing up well. I have a lot of "sticky" stuff left on my skin from the tape and bandages, and there are band-aid like steri-strips still covering the incision.
Mostly, this change has allowed air in and fabric to rub against the incision. It itches. Not so fun. Also, without the added padding back there, it seems like I can "feel" the hardware. Not so sure if that's my mind playing tricks on me or what, but it's tripping me out.
Today was the first day I didn't nap! I was awake from 7:30 this morning all through the day! I also sat up in bed for the first time, and changed out of my "lounge wear" into pajamas all on my own. Combine that with the waking every three hours with my mom, and I feel like I'm getting to consciously experience what it must be like to be an infant. Everyone is so excited by the littlest things you do! haha
I am thankful to be doing so well, but monotony has begun to set in already! If you want to visit, please give us a call or shoot me a text and we can arrange a good time. I am hoping to start a few books or find some other "more productive" ways to pass the time. However, nothing compares to visiting with a friend :)
First off, thank you all for your prayers. I have no doubt that my success this far was a gift from the Lord. He is good!
Yesterday and today, (Friday and Saturday, respectively) were fairly uneventful. That is to say, nothing too exciting to report, and no negatives, either. PTL!
I have settled into a routine. Or, as I should say, my mom and I have settled into a routine. She has been incredible, rarely far from my side and providing the best care I could ask for.
My days now consist of getting out of bed after morning meds, (roughly 7am,) shower, breakfast, some tv. Typically back to bed for awhile, then up for a walk, lunch, some more tv. This basically repeats all day. My mom has been up with me 3 times each night, since I am on a 3 hour pain med schedule. She is exhausted. Jacob offered to get up with me tonight, giving mom some much needed rest. So that should be interesting :)
One thing to note from Friday. Since it was one week from surgery, it was the day to remove the bandages from my incision! I would post pictures, but thought it might be best to spare the squeamish that experience. Everthing looks to be healing up well. I have a lot of "sticky" stuff left on my skin from the tape and bandages, and there are band-aid like steri-strips still covering the incision.
Mostly, this change has allowed air in and fabric to rub against the incision. It itches. Not so fun. Also, without the added padding back there, it seems like I can "feel" the hardware. Not so sure if that's my mind playing tricks on me or what, but it's tripping me out.
Today was the first day I didn't nap! I was awake from 7:30 this morning all through the day! I also sat up in bed for the first time, and changed out of my "lounge wear" into pajamas all on my own. Combine that with the waking every three hours with my mom, and I feel like I'm getting to consciously experience what it must be like to be an infant. Everyone is so excited by the littlest things you do! haha
I am thankful to be doing so well, but monotony has begun to set in already! If you want to visit, please give us a call or shoot me a text and we can arrange a good time. I am hoping to start a few books or find some other "more productive" ways to pass the time. However, nothing compares to visiting with a friend :)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Settling in !!
Ok, the blog has been black for a day but that is because we were developing a routine. Today's blog will be a combined effort of me, Amelia's dad and Elaine, Amelia's mother. Which will probably mean I will write and Elaine will edit. : - )
I have been fortunate to be able to work from home so that allows me to assist Amelia and Elaine whenever needed.
Amelia is progressing well. It is hard to believe that we are still less that 6 days from the surgery. She is spending more and more time out of bed. Sitting in the rec room, walking around. She even walked down to the mailbox to get the mail, assisted by her friend Josh. It is about a block away. I could not watch. She has developed some "puffiness" in her lower back below the incision. The nurse says this is from blood/fluid collecting. Not unusual, should absorb but we will be keeping an eye on it. Amelia had her first shower at home....was a process taking a shower sitting on a stool in the bath tub. Don't want water directly on the incision. Her pain on her left shoulder has diminished. Her body/muscles are adjusting to new alignment.
We are also monitoring what appears to be thrush in her mouth as a result of the medication.....bummer.... does not feel good, inhibits taste buds etc.....we are trying some home remedies, including introducing the ole good bacteria....hopefully, that knocks it down otherwise we would most likely be loading her up in the vehicle to make a trip to the GP for a prescription. Whatever happened to Dr. home visits. Lastly, and I am sure Amelia would not be happy that I am updating you on this but in the spirit of full disclosure, she remains ..how should we say...backed-up...the body functions are not all firing properly..... poor thing, we have tried many options with limited success....this has limited her appetite and made her nauseous. This morning she was throwing-up....try throwing up when you are standing -up without bending your back...it was quite the scene...Elaine standing behind her, with her arms wrapped around her holding a pillow to Amelia's chest(a technique Elaine remembers reading in a book about the surgery).... I was holding a bowl under Amelia's chin when she could not do so...her eyes watering as she was throwing up multiple times but it made her feel better. So we are progressing to Dulcolax and Mineral Oil this morning. Please continue to keep her in your prayers that all the above resolve itself without further complications and that an infection does not develop.
Below we have a few new pictures.
I have been fortunate to be able to work from home so that allows me to assist Amelia and Elaine whenever needed.
Amelia is progressing well. It is hard to believe that we are still less that 6 days from the surgery. She is spending more and more time out of bed. Sitting in the rec room, walking around. She even walked down to the mailbox to get the mail, assisted by her friend Josh. It is about a block away. I could not watch. She has developed some "puffiness" in her lower back below the incision. The nurse says this is from blood/fluid collecting. Not unusual, should absorb but we will be keeping an eye on it. Amelia had her first shower at home....was a process taking a shower sitting on a stool in the bath tub. Don't want water directly on the incision. Her pain on her left shoulder has diminished. Her body/muscles are adjusting to new alignment.
We are also monitoring what appears to be thrush in her mouth as a result of the medication.....bummer.... does not feel good, inhibits taste buds etc.....we are trying some home remedies, including introducing the ole good bacteria....hopefully, that knocks it down otherwise we would most likely be loading her up in the vehicle to make a trip to the GP for a prescription. Whatever happened to Dr. home visits. Lastly, and I am sure Amelia would not be happy that I am updating you on this but in the spirit of full disclosure, she remains ..how should we say...backed-up...the body functions are not all firing properly..... poor thing, we have tried many options with limited success....this has limited her appetite and made her nauseous. This morning she was throwing-up....try throwing up when you are standing -up without bending your back...it was quite the scene...Elaine standing behind her, with her arms wrapped around her holding a pillow to Amelia's chest(a technique Elaine remembers reading in a book about the surgery).... I was holding a bowl under Amelia's chin when she could not do so...her eyes watering as she was throwing up multiple times but it made her feel better. So we are progressing to Dulcolax and Mineral Oil this morning. Please continue to keep her in your prayers that all the above resolve itself without further complications and that an infection does not develop.
Hey, it's Elaine. We are hanging in there. Yesterday, Amelia was nearly in tears. As I write that, I realize how amazing it is that she has not been in tears before now. If I were in her shoes, it wouldn't be a pretty picture. Anyway, we are working on adjusting her medication schedule, so she and I will be able to get a better sleep schedule. Tough to go to bed, wake 1 1/2 hour later, then every 3 hours for the rest of the night, sometimes being up for 1/2 hour for bathroom trips, etc. She did not last the 3 hour stretch a few times because of pain in her hip when laying on her side. She cannot move herself in bed, but needs assistance. So every time she has her meds, we get her in a new position....she has quite a nest, built with many pillows, when we are through. She and I keep our cell phones nearby, so I have received a few texts in the middle of the night and daytime too.Tomorrow, 7 days from surgery, is the day we remove her last bandage covering her incision. Pray that goes well. I spoke with the surgical nurse yesterday. They are vey helpful and avilable around the clock by phone. They really emphasize doing everything you can to prevent infection, so each day is clean sheets and 6 clean pillowcases, and clean nightshirt. Thank goodness Pat has been able to be here to help, I am stretched thin . Keep us all in your prayers.
 |
| Last picture from Hospital Bed! |
 |
| Leaving hospital 6 PM Monday |
 |
| Loaded-up |
 |
| Finally my own bed at home! |
 |
| Getting caught-up on current events |
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
HOMECOMING !!
Well, everyone else in the family has made a post on Amelia's blog, so I guess it is my turn. This is Elaine, Amelia's mom, writing to let everyone know that Amelia really did come home yesterday, at about 7:00 pm!
There was lots of activity in the morning, with the last of 3 IV ports being removed, one last blood draw being done, 3 different visits from doctors, including her surgeon. We did find out that they fused 9 vertebrae from T4 to T12. They had thought the would fuse down to L1 but decided not to. He was so pleased with her progress and several of the nurses and dotors commented on how well she was doing. Her daytime nurse yesterday said there were rumors going on about Amelia.
They really pushed her from the first day to get moving and I thought, wow, do they remember she had spinal fusion surgery yesterday!! They really had her doing anything she seemed up to doing. The thing about Amelia is she is accustomed to pain and she is not a complainer. Through all her years of physical therapy, braces, both hard and soft, and the many programs and exercises she followed, she just did it all with the same tremendously sweet spirit. . The physical therapist was just amazed by her and said most 20 year olds are reporting pain at a 9 or 10. Amelia was never reporting over a 5 or 6, 10 being the worst pain. I think she is an under-reporter on the pain scale! One of the nurses said she was bragging about Amelia to her family, saying how she was the ideal patient! We told her she had youth and the power of prayer on her side.
Amelia's good friend Josh came in the morning. Pat had to run into work for a while, so Josh hung out with us. The gal came in with discharge papers and we got her medications ordered to the pharmacy and she had breakfast and lunch. All that was left was for her body to cooperate and the last bodily function to happen. We were able to get her dressed and out the door in a wheelchair by 6-ish. The good thing about the timing of it all was there was not much in the way of traffic to slow us down. She did fine on the drive home, owing to the oxycodone and the valium they gave her! Wow, you don't realize how bumpy the roads are until you are transporting someone home who has had spinal fusion!
My primary concern in bringing her home 2 days early, was how comfortable she would be in her own bed. We had a foam bed wedge and lots of pillows and she is doing great. The big advantage, in being home, is being able to get your medicine in a timely fashion, which helps you stay on top of the pain. Amelia and I were awake every 3 hours during the night, doing meds and repositioning her in bed. She needs help moving around in bed, but she is moving around really well on her own otherwise.
We will get some new pictures posted later today. I hope this all made sense, as I am operating in a sleep deprived brain fog. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have the surgery portion of this journey over and know that Amelia is doing so well!! Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy!
There was lots of activity in the morning, with the last of 3 IV ports being removed, one last blood draw being done, 3 different visits from doctors, including her surgeon. We did find out that they fused 9 vertebrae from T4 to T12. They had thought the would fuse down to L1 but decided not to. He was so pleased with her progress and several of the nurses and dotors commented on how well she was doing. Her daytime nurse yesterday said there were rumors going on about Amelia.
They really pushed her from the first day to get moving and I thought, wow, do they remember she had spinal fusion surgery yesterday!! They really had her doing anything she seemed up to doing. The thing about Amelia is she is accustomed to pain and she is not a complainer. Through all her years of physical therapy, braces, both hard and soft, and the many programs and exercises she followed, she just did it all with the same tremendously sweet spirit. . The physical therapist was just amazed by her and said most 20 year olds are reporting pain at a 9 or 10. Amelia was never reporting over a 5 or 6, 10 being the worst pain. I think she is an under-reporter on the pain scale! One of the nurses said she was bragging about Amelia to her family, saying how she was the ideal patient! We told her she had youth and the power of prayer on her side.
Amelia's good friend Josh came in the morning. Pat had to run into work for a while, so Josh hung out with us. The gal came in with discharge papers and we got her medications ordered to the pharmacy and she had breakfast and lunch. All that was left was for her body to cooperate and the last bodily function to happen. We were able to get her dressed and out the door in a wheelchair by 6-ish. The good thing about the timing of it all was there was not much in the way of traffic to slow us down. She did fine on the drive home, owing to the oxycodone and the valium they gave her! Wow, you don't realize how bumpy the roads are until you are transporting someone home who has had spinal fusion!
My primary concern in bringing her home 2 days early, was how comfortable she would be in her own bed. We had a foam bed wedge and lots of pillows and she is doing great. The big advantage, in being home, is being able to get your medicine in a timely fashion, which helps you stay on top of the pain. Amelia and I were awake every 3 hours during the night, doing meds and repositioning her in bed. She needs help moving around in bed, but she is moving around really well on her own otherwise.
We will get some new pictures posted later today. I hope this all made sense, as I am operating in a sleep deprived brain fog. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have the surgery portion of this journey over and know that Amelia is doing so well!! Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Before and After
Amelia had another good day today. She continued to progress, and was up and down a lot. Both walking around and sitting in the visitor's lounge while visiting with some old friend's, the Hanleys, in town from Chicago.
She had some new aches and pains today, however, this is nothing out of the ordinary. It is to be expected as her body adapts to being straighter. We are praying she has a restful night's sleep. The plan as of this evening is that she will be coming home sometime tomorrow afternoon.
Pictured below are the photos of Amelia's spine before and after. The difference is amazing!
She had some new aches and pains today, however, this is nothing out of the ordinary. It is to be expected as her body adapts to being straighter. We are praying she has a restful night's sleep. The plan as of this evening is that she will be coming home sometime tomorrow afternoon.
Pictured below are the photos of Amelia's spine before and after. The difference is amazing!
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
Way ahead of schedule!!
Good morning. This is Amelia's father posting this morning. I spoke to Elaine at the hospital at about (:30. It was a typical night of interruptions about every 1 1/2 -2 hrs. With the combination of medications and some Valium, Amelia was able to fall back asleep rather quickly and get some rest. Elaine has not had that benefit. Elaine has not left Amelia's side the whole time. She has been able to sleep in the room because they make a recliner or small roll-away bed available. She did go outside for about an hour yesterday when I was there to enjoy our 79 degree weather.She sounds very tired. Tested Amelia's blood and found her hematacrit was a little low so they prescribed some iron supplements. She was visited by her surgeon at 7:40 this morning. He has her get up and walk an check on a number of things and indicated...here is the great news...that she can go home tomorrow!! Praise the Lord. He said that she is doing better less that 48 hours from completion of her surgery than most on their fifth day. She is doing everything required except having a bowel movement so pray for poop people!!
Speaking of prayer, I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support. We are so blessed by family and friends and the amazing staff at Swedish from the surgeons to the nursing staff to the people who bring the food in...we are so grateful from the bottom of our hearts. Jake and I are off to church and we will be at the hospital this afternoon.
Speaking of prayer, I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support. We are so blessed by family and friends and the amazing staff at Swedish from the surgeons to the nursing staff to the people who bring the food in...we are so grateful from the bottom of our hearts. Jake and I are off to church and we will be at the hospital this afternoon.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
She is walking
Today was a day of much activity. Amelia was moved to her new room this morning, making the trip in a transport chair. She was sitting in the chair for over 30 minutes. Her physical therapist had her up and walking in the AM. She found herself with some new aches and pains as a result of the moving, however, the pain was manageable. She was switched to oral pain meds as opposed to the pain pump from yesterday. They spent some time during the day trying to get the best dosage (see plan for the day picture below).
In the afternoon, Amelia was visited by an occupational therapist who had her perfect the log roll to get out of bed. She walked back and forth in the room and down the hallway less that 28 hours after the surgery...Amazing! He had her practice getting up and down off the toilet. He also her practice taking off and on her socks.
Hopefully Amelia can get some sleep tonight, because she was not able to get much rest during the day today due regular interruptions. Therefore, she is quite tired this evening.
In the afternoon, Amelia was visited by an occupational therapist who had her perfect the log roll to get out of bed. She walked back and forth in the room and down the hallway less that 28 hours after the surgery...Amazing! He had her practice getting up and down off the toilet. He also her practice taking off and on her socks.
Hopefully Amelia can get some sleep tonight, because she was not able to get much rest during the day today due regular interruptions. Therefore, she is quite tired this evening.
An Exciting Night!
Amelia's first night was full of excitement, and thankfully, the excitement was all positive. She was able to get some sleep in 30 minute intervals. The abbreviated sleep was due primarily to the staff monitoring her on a regular basis.
In the middle of the night they had Amelia stand up for a moment and they were amazed at how much taller she seems to be. According to her she may be 2 inches taller! My Dad says that he sees a shopping spree in her future. One of Amelia's random thoughts from yesterday was that when she was at the San Diego Zoo she got to feel the head of a Beluga whale which she said, "felt squishy, like a rotten watermelon". Joke....or drugs...you decide.
During the middle of the night they showed Amelia x-rays of her back, which her and my mom were amazed by. Previously it wasn't clear whether the doctor brought her curve down to 40 degrees or had improved her curve by 40 degrees. After viewing the x-rays, Amelia thinks the latter seems to be true. This was very emotional for both Elaine and Amelia. The phrase of the morning was Amelia saying "I love my sternum".
This morning they had Amelia sitting up in a chair for 30 minutes, which you can see pictured below. She feels a little more achy today, however, the pain is definitely manageable. Praise the Lord for that!
You can see all the hefty equipment she is hooked up to in the pictures below. This includes: oxygen, blood pressure, IV's, a heart rate monitor, and a balloon like device hooked up to her legs which inflates and deflates periodically to keep blood flowing and prevents clotting. Finally, last but not least is a drain that is hooked up to a reservoir which collects blood and fluid from the surgical area of her back. They emptied right after I had arrived yesterday which caused both my dad and I some fleeting "light headedness".
She will be moving from the ICU to a regular room sometime this morning.
In the middle of the night they had Amelia stand up for a moment and they were amazed at how much taller she seems to be. According to her she may be 2 inches taller! My Dad says that he sees a shopping spree in her future. One of Amelia's random thoughts from yesterday was that when she was at the San Diego Zoo she got to feel the head of a Beluga whale which she said, "felt squishy, like a rotten watermelon". Joke....or drugs...you decide.
During the middle of the night they showed Amelia x-rays of her back, which her and my mom were amazed by. Previously it wasn't clear whether the doctor brought her curve down to 40 degrees or had improved her curve by 40 degrees. After viewing the x-rays, Amelia thinks the latter seems to be true. This was very emotional for both Elaine and Amelia. The phrase of the morning was Amelia saying "I love my sternum".
This morning they had Amelia sitting up in a chair for 30 minutes, which you can see pictured below. She feels a little more achy today, however, the pain is definitely manageable. Praise the Lord for that!
You can see all the hefty equipment she is hooked up to in the pictures below. This includes: oxygen, blood pressure, IV's, a heart rate monitor, and a balloon like device hooked up to her legs which inflates and deflates periodically to keep blood flowing and prevents clotting. Finally, last but not least is a drain that is hooked up to a reservoir which collects blood and fluid from the surgical area of her back. They emptied right after I had arrived yesterday which caused both my dad and I some fleeting "light headedness".
She will be moving from the ICU to a regular room sometime this morning.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Resting Comfortably
Amelia has been resting comfortably in the ICU since about 4 P.M.
I arrived to find her, amazingly, just as chatting as usual and quite "with it". She said she is in some slight discomfort describing her back as feeling "stiff". However, she said she was not having any serious pain. After some time the nurse hooked Amelia up to a pain pump so she could administer pain medicine whenever necessary.
She had not experience any nausea which is a minor miracle in itself. We heard many stories about post surgery nausea that were not comforting. Amelia was feeling well enough that she drank some Orange juice, and ate some french toast and canned peaches. This food seemed to sit well in her stomach and caused no issues.
The doctor came into the room at one point and told us that he was able to get her curve down to 40 degrees. This is a significant improvement.
At another time the ICU doctor came in to check on Amelia. He was extremely surprised at how well she was doing, and he even joked that the surgery she had just had was actually a sham. He suggesting that we needed to "double check" the x-rays before we left to make sure they actually put the rods in her back.
When I left, the nurse had rolled Amelia on to her side to make her more comfortable so that she could try to get some sleep. She was feeling a bit drowsy due to the pain meds. I will be praying that she can get some sleep as she will undoubtedly have a bit of a rough day tomorrow. They say that the second day you are a bit more sore than the first.
I arrived to find her, amazingly, just as chatting as usual and quite "with it". She said she is in some slight discomfort describing her back as feeling "stiff". However, she said she was not having any serious pain. After some time the nurse hooked Amelia up to a pain pump so she could administer pain medicine whenever necessary.
She had not experience any nausea which is a minor miracle in itself. We heard many stories about post surgery nausea that were not comforting. Amelia was feeling well enough that she drank some Orange juice, and ate some french toast and canned peaches. This food seemed to sit well in her stomach and caused no issues.
The doctor came into the room at one point and told us that he was able to get her curve down to 40 degrees. This is a significant improvement.
At another time the ICU doctor came in to check on Amelia. He was extremely surprised at how well she was doing, and he even joked that the surgery she had just had was actually a sham. He suggesting that we needed to "double check" the x-rays before we left to make sure they actually put the rods in her back.
When I left, the nurse had rolled Amelia on to her side to make her more comfortable so that she could try to get some sleep. She was feeling a bit drowsy due to the pain meds. I will be praying that she can get some sleep as she will undoubtedly have a bit of a rough day tomorrow. They say that the second day you are a bit more sore than the first.
Surgery Complete - All is well!
So, at long last, my parents just spoke with the doctor who has completed the surgery.
Come to find out that the delay in the surgery was actually 2 hours, instead of the originally reported 1 hour. This was due to a malfunctioning piece of equipment which had broken before the surgery started. This meant that they had to move to another room AFTER they had put Amelia out....crazy.
The doctor was very positive about the results of the surgery. He was very happy about the correction they were able to get and said that they were even able to get rid of a portion of the twist in Amelia's spine which caused part of her shoulder / ribs to protrude out. Finally, they did not have to take any bone grafts off of Amelia's hip which is a possibility in this type of surgery, this was really good news as well.
Amelia will be in the ICU tonight and will be able to have visitors in a few hours time.
So, in the end things could not have gone any better. Praise the Lord!
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep Amelia in your prayers as she begins the process of recovery.
Come to find out that the delay in the surgery was actually 2 hours, instead of the originally reported 1 hour. This was due to a malfunctioning piece of equipment which had broken before the surgery started. This meant that they had to move to another room AFTER they had put Amelia out....crazy.
The doctor was very positive about the results of the surgery. He was very happy about the correction they were able to get and said that they were even able to get rid of a portion of the twist in Amelia's spine which caused part of her shoulder / ribs to protrude out. Finally, they did not have to take any bone grafts off of Amelia's hip which is a possibility in this type of surgery, this was really good news as well.
Amelia will be in the ICU tonight and will be able to have visitors in a few hours time.
So, in the end things could not have gone any better. Praise the Lord!
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep Amelia in your prayers as she begins the process of recovery.
Surgery Update #2
We just received another update. The surgery started 1 hour late and the doctor is estimating they will take roughly 2 more hours to finish. Things are going well so far with no complications or things out of the ordinary. It sounds like the surgery will probably run about 1 hour longer than was anticipated, however, *joke* I suppose it is a good thing that the doctor, "take his time", and make sure everything is done right. This is a rather delicate procedure ;) *joke*. I will provide updates as they come, at the moment we are expecting things to finish up in the neighborhood of 2 O'clock.
Surgery Update
Hello Everyone,
This is Amelia's older brother Jacob, and I will be posting updates of Amelia's progress until she is up and running once again. The surgery was scheduled to start at 7:40, however, this surgery is taking place at a hospital, and we all know hospitals are not known for their punctuality. Therefore the surgery started late. As of 9:40 the surgery was going well and the doctor should be out to give a final report, post surgery, about 3 hours from then.
Please keep Amelia in your prayers and look for the next update at 1:00 O'clock ish.
This is Amelia's older brother Jacob, and I will be posting updates of Amelia's progress until she is up and running once again. The surgery was scheduled to start at 7:40, however, this surgery is taking place at a hospital, and we all know hospitals are not known for their punctuality. Therefore the surgery started late. As of 9:40 the surgery was going well and the doctor should be out to give a final report, post surgery, about 3 hours from then.
Please keep Amelia in your prayers and look for the next update at 1:00 O'clock ish.
Couldn't Sleep... Surprise!
I attribute my being awake to two things. First, I have been hydrating like crazy (do I need to fully explain that thought?) Second, I didn't take any Ambien tonight. I can now honestly say that without drugs to over-ride it, my back pain keeps me awake at night. My discomfort has notably increased these past few months, but I've had drugs to keep me functioning most of the time.
I so look forward to sleeping better in a few weeks time :)
Anywho, as I was laying here, I thought it would be nice to post something that gives a visual for what I'm having done tomorrow. DON'T PANIC. There are no blood or guts in this animation. It just shows how the hardware will be used. However, you should be warned that the videos surrounding it have cover images of some actual surgeries, which do have the real thing. So, be careful not to click on any of those if you're squeamish.
If you want to check it out, here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBIf4AQj5s0
In addition, this gal has a wonderfully detailed blog about her successful fusion surgery.. (Please be warned, she's very candid, and not all of it is child friendly content.) She also put up some images from her Flickr account that are great. Before/After pics and x-rays, etc.
Blog:
http://www.scoligirl.com/
Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7512920@N06/sets/72157600026049822/
If you aren't one of the 60 people who has viewed this blog in the last 10 hours, be sure to check out my post previous to this one. It has details on my surgery time, hospital stay, contacting/visiting me, etc.
Off to try this 'sleeping thing' again!
I so look forward to sleeping better in a few weeks time :)
Anywho, as I was laying here, I thought it would be nice to post something that gives a visual for what I'm having done tomorrow. DON'T PANIC. There are no blood or guts in this animation. It just shows how the hardware will be used. However, you should be warned that the videos surrounding it have cover images of some actual surgeries, which do have the real thing. So, be careful not to click on any of those if you're squeamish.
If you want to check it out, here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBIf4AQj5s0
In addition, this gal has a wonderfully detailed blog about her successful fusion surgery.. (Please be warned, she's very candid, and not all of it is child friendly content.) She also put up some images from her Flickr account that are great. Before/After pics and x-rays, etc.
Blog:
http://www.scoligirl.com/
Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7512920@N06/sets/72157600026049822/
To note: I just realized she had the exact same levels/number of vertebrae fused that I am having fused. Jazzy! She grew two inches. BUT my curves are 70 over 70 degrees, hers were 60 over 48. Translation, I am way more wacka-doo, and therefore might gain more height than that? :)
If you aren't one of the 60 people who has viewed this blog in the last 10 hours, be sure to check out my post previous to this one. It has details on my surgery time, hospital stay, contacting/visiting me, etc.
Off to try this 'sleeping thing' again!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Surgery Tomorrow
Hello family and friends!
Writing the title for this post was surprisingly easy. I feel good about the surgery. You can't say that you're truly 'ready' for something like this, but the Lord has given me an incredible peace this week.
I get to wake up at 4am tomorrow and shower with special super-strength germ killing soap. We are to be checking in at Swedish at 5:40am, and surgery is scheduled to start at 7:40am. Thank God I don't have to wait through the day. There would be far too much time for thinking, if that were the case! As is, I should be out of the operating room and into recovery around noon, definitely before 1 o'clock.
Backtracking a bit.
I had my blood banked over the past few weeks. Two separate visits to the center, two units drawn. That was a very easy process. A gal named Debbie worked with me both times, and she was a pro! To note, my mom went with me the first time, and Bethany drove me the second, which was wonderful. Illustration for you:
Tuesday my parents went with me to Swedish for pre-op appointments. X-rays, meeting with the surgeon and nurses, then a full physical. The x-rays looked good. Er, that is to say, as they were expected to look! haha. No significant changes in my curves since the ones taken in January. We got all of our questions answered by Dr. Hanscom and the nurses we chatted with. They provided lots of detail on what to expect pre and post-op. My physical went fine, I am certified disease free and ready for surgery!
My finals wrapped up well and we moved my stuff back to my parent's house. I've spent the past week visiting with friends and family. I have been so incredibly blessed by the support of everyone around me. It seems as though I've had more texts and FB posts this past week than in the last year of my life. Haha.
After I finish this post, I'll be emailing the link to people. Jacob has received his Blogspot tutorial and is ready to update y'all as needed. Thank you for your prayers and for following along!
Later this afternoon, I'm going to pack up everything I'm taking to the hospital. It strikes me that the things I'm bringing are pretty entertaining (that is to say, they're mostly for entertainment purposes. Oooh, PUN!)
Top of the list, my Winnie the Pooh coloring book, and brand new 48 pack of Crayola crayons. (I know, you're jealous.) After this are my Kindle, iPod, Bible, journal, robe, and some clothes to travel home in.
My cell phone is coming with, but I'll have it off. It's more there for the contact info it contains.
Speaking of contact; I would love to have visitors, but most likely not for the first 2 weeks. If you would like to come see me later in June, just text, FB, email, or call someone in my family, or myself, and we'll get back to you about when would be a good time. We will be posting here about how I'm feeling and when I'll be up to seeing people.
My verse of the week: Psalm 139:13-16
"For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know this full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
I also thought I would note the top 5 songs on my playlist this week. Each of these represent an emotion I've been through, or a prayer that I've prayed these past few weeks.
Bring the Rain - MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Your Love is Strong - Jon Foreman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=301S7NgAkLs
All of My Days - Alexi Murdoch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIQLha4zcQI
Beauty From Pain - Superchick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqBMYoctFZM
He Is With You - Mandisa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w
Again, thank you all so much for your prayers and support... I'll see you on the other side :)
Writing the title for this post was surprisingly easy. I feel good about the surgery. You can't say that you're truly 'ready' for something like this, but the Lord has given me an incredible peace this week.
I get to wake up at 4am tomorrow and shower with special super-strength germ killing soap. We are to be checking in at Swedish at 5:40am, and surgery is scheduled to start at 7:40am. Thank God I don't have to wait through the day. There would be far too much time for thinking, if that were the case! As is, I should be out of the operating room and into recovery around noon, definitely before 1 o'clock.
Backtracking a bit.
I had my blood banked over the past few weeks. Two separate visits to the center, two units drawn. That was a very easy process. A gal named Debbie worked with me both times, and she was a pro! To note, my mom went with me the first time, and Bethany drove me the second, which was wonderful. Illustration for you:
 |
| That's Debbie on the right. I can hardly say how much I appreciated her! |
My finals wrapped up well and we moved my stuff back to my parent's house. I've spent the past week visiting with friends and family. I have been so incredibly blessed by the support of everyone around me. It seems as though I've had more texts and FB posts this past week than in the last year of my life. Haha.
 |
This picture sums up how I've been feeling surrounded by love... Some of my Bible study ladies; Hailey, who is going to be at the hospital tomorrow, is in the black apron. Jessica is red polka-dots, and Anna is sunflowers. I love them! |
Later this afternoon, I'm going to pack up everything I'm taking to the hospital. It strikes me that the things I'm bringing are pretty entertaining (that is to say, they're mostly for entertainment purposes. Oooh, PUN!)
Top of the list, my Winnie the Pooh coloring book, and brand new 48 pack of Crayola crayons. (I know, you're jealous.) After this are my Kindle, iPod, Bible, journal, robe, and some clothes to travel home in.
My cell phone is coming with, but I'll have it off. It's more there for the contact info it contains.
Speaking of contact; I would love to have visitors, but most likely not for the first 2 weeks. If you would like to come see me later in June, just text, FB, email, or call someone in my family, or myself, and we'll get back to you about when would be a good time. We will be posting here about how I'm feeling and when I'll be up to seeing people.
My verse of the week: Psalm 139:13-16
"For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know this full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
I also thought I would note the top 5 songs on my playlist this week. Each of these represent an emotion I've been through, or a prayer that I've prayed these past few weeks.
Bring the Rain - MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Your Love is Strong - Jon Foreman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=301S7NgAkLs
All of My Days - Alexi Murdoch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIQLha4zcQI
Beauty From Pain - Superchick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqBMYoctFZM
He Is With You - Mandisa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w
Again, thank you all so much for your prayers and support... I'll see you on the other side :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)