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.
Friday, June 3, 2011
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 :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Surgery Date Set
I can hardly believe I've let so much time pass since my last post. A lot has happened since February.
In the interest of keeping this blog focused on things pertaining to surgery, I will put details on that first. My surgery has been set for Friday, June 3rd. There was some switcheroo and a day of confusion, which resulted in surgery being bumped up from the 6th to the 3rd. My pre-op appointments at Swedish will be on Tuesday, April 31st.
Pre-op appointments start with having updated x-rays taken. Following this, I will meet with my surgeon to discuss the particulars of my surgery. Then I go for a full physical and blood-work, to be sure I am fully fit and healthy.
In addition to this, I will be going twice to have my blood "banked" in the four weeks leading up to surgery. This process, technically called autologous blood donation, will make my own blood available, if I should need a transfusion. A surgery like this does involve a lot of blood loss, but in a controlled hospital setting, a transfusion is not always necessary.
As of now, I am fairly at peace about the date being set. God has shown me, already, that He is going to provide everything I need to get through the surgery and recovery.
I recently found out that I will be done with all of my finals on Tuesday, May 24th. This affords me a few more days of summer, since my last final could have been on Friday the 27th. Because of this, I will have a full week to simply enjoy summer and get my "ducks in a row" before I have to go through pre-op appointments. I am overjoyed at this fact!
Many new friends have been brought into my life, and pre-existing friendships have been strengthened, recently. I know these people were sent to help walk me through this journey. A few young women have been placed in my life who have dealt with serious health issues and surgeries, and they have shared the things they learned from their experiences. I have been blessed with wonderful listeners, a few in particular that have spoken the Lord's truth into my life and helped to get me through some pretty rough days as of late. Others have been there to simply listen, providing acceptance and loving me right where I'm at. My gratefulness to the Lord for sending these people to surround me is beyond words.
A huge blessing has been the friendship of my housemate, and dear friend, Hailey. She is an awesome young woman who has a heart and passion for the Lord that I greatly admire; she feels called to go into the missions field when she has completed her nursing degree, to work in medical missions.
Hailey had plans to go to Spain this summer to study medical Spanish. Unexpectedly, the door was shut on this opportunity for her. Rather than moping, she quickly determined that she should use the money intended for her trip to live at our house near school this summer. She intends to take part in an internship through our campus ministry group, and has offered some of her time to take care of me, which will give my mother some much needed "me" time during my recovery.
Most of all, I am thankful for Hailey's offer to be at the hospital, with my family, on the day of my surgery. I have no doubt that the way God made her, (as both an incredibly calming presence and a prayer warrior,) will be a comfort to my family. She and my brother Jake will be sharing in updating my blog during the time that I am in the hospital and during my early recovery.
A last note; my parents and I went to Arizona over spring break and had an absolute blast! It was wonderful to get some sunshine, go on some red rock hikes, and have uninterrupted time together. A few of my favorite pictures from the trip are below :) I will post again soon!
In the interest of keeping this blog focused on things pertaining to surgery, I will put details on that first. My surgery has been set for Friday, June 3rd. There was some switcheroo and a day of confusion, which resulted in surgery being bumped up from the 6th to the 3rd. My pre-op appointments at Swedish will be on Tuesday, April 31st.
Pre-op appointments start with having updated x-rays taken. Following this, I will meet with my surgeon to discuss the particulars of my surgery. Then I go for a full physical and blood-work, to be sure I am fully fit and healthy.
In addition to this, I will be going twice to have my blood "banked" in the four weeks leading up to surgery. This process, technically called autologous blood donation, will make my own blood available, if I should need a transfusion. A surgery like this does involve a lot of blood loss, but in a controlled hospital setting, a transfusion is not always necessary.
As of now, I am fairly at peace about the date being set. God has shown me, already, that He is going to provide everything I need to get through the surgery and recovery.
I recently found out that I will be done with all of my finals on Tuesday, May 24th. This affords me a few more days of summer, since my last final could have been on Friday the 27th. Because of this, I will have a full week to simply enjoy summer and get my "ducks in a row" before I have to go through pre-op appointments. I am overjoyed at this fact!
Many new friends have been brought into my life, and pre-existing friendships have been strengthened, recently. I know these people were sent to help walk me through this journey. A few young women have been placed in my life who have dealt with serious health issues and surgeries, and they have shared the things they learned from their experiences. I have been blessed with wonderful listeners, a few in particular that have spoken the Lord's truth into my life and helped to get me through some pretty rough days as of late. Others have been there to simply listen, providing acceptance and loving me right where I'm at. My gratefulness to the Lord for sending these people to surround me is beyond words.
A huge blessing has been the friendship of my housemate, and dear friend, Hailey. She is an awesome young woman who has a heart and passion for the Lord that I greatly admire; she feels called to go into the missions field when she has completed her nursing degree, to work in medical missions.
Hailey had plans to go to Spain this summer to study medical Spanish. Unexpectedly, the door was shut on this opportunity for her. Rather than moping, she quickly determined that she should use the money intended for her trip to live at our house near school this summer. She intends to take part in an internship through our campus ministry group, and has offered some of her time to take care of me, which will give my mother some much needed "me" time during my recovery.
Most of all, I am thankful for Hailey's offer to be at the hospital, with my family, on the day of my surgery. I have no doubt that the way God made her, (as both an incredibly calming presence and a prayer warrior,) will be a comfort to my family. She and my brother Jake will be sharing in updating my blog during the time that I am in the hospital and during my early recovery.
A last note; my parents and I went to Arizona over spring break and had an absolute blast! It was wonderful to get some sunshine, go on some red rock hikes, and have uninterrupted time together. A few of my favorite pictures from the trip are below :) I will post again soon!
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