Ups and Downs

This surgery experience is certainly of the roller coaster variety. Just when we think things are going good, we have another hill to climb.

It took longer than expected to get beyond the headaches. She had to have an MRI to help diagnose the problem. Seems there might have been a small leak of the spinal fluid. No matter what the cause, the treatment was the same - lie down as much as possible until the problem was gone. And that took until early Wednesday.

Wednesday was such a good day that the doctor said go home whenever she felt able. We got the ball rolling to go home Thursday morning. However, Wednesday night was not comfortable, so she opted for the more potent painkiller. By Thursday morning, her energy level was almost zero and her blood pressure would drop when she sat up or stood up. I didn't think we wanted to try to make it home like that, so we checked with the doctor. By the time he was out of surgery and came by, she was improved, so he said we could still go home if we felt like it. He said these dips are to be expected with the surgery she had.

So now we are getting ready to leave again. She is getting her dressing changed and perhaps we will make it home this time. Here's hoping....

Hospital Tales

It is Sunday evening and I am watching my taller, straighter daughter peacefully sleeping after a humdinger of a surgery.

What did we ever do before all the technology we have today? If I had been more savvy, I would have taken my computer to the hospital with me for the wait during the surgery. The hospital has wi-fi we can access with a patient password. I could have emailed updates during the day. As it was, we had to settle for hiking around to the skybridge to obtain a cell phone signal and send out brief texts during the day because we couldn't access ATT signal in the waiting room. Oh well, it was better than having to call collect from a pay phone down the hall.

When I went home today to clean up and get clothes for the rest of the stay, I grabbed my computer so I can have my entertainment and communication in the room with me. I can send updates a little faster this way....my texting is not so fast.

Amelia, as I am learning to call her, is doing well. She has a little challenge with nausea and a headache when she stands or sits, but the doctor has just ordered her to take it easy for another day or two until this passes. He said most people do not realize how difficult this surgery is. It is definitely not for wimps! Once this little hiccup passes, Amelia is ready to get on with the program. The physical therapist was amazed at how much she can already do by herself. She is determined to be able to go home in as few days as possible.