Its been awhile since I've felt up to giving you an upate on my recovery. After successful surgery and a good start to my recovery, I had a small setback last weekend. After a couple of days of stubbornly ignoring my symptoms (don't worry my wife has already chastized me), I called the doctor's answering service last Saturday night. Lori and her cousin, Peggy drove me down to the ER @ Presby to get checked out. A CT scan, MRI & blood tests plus my symptoms convinced them to keep me for observation. They determined I had aseptic meningitis which is NOT an infection and was just a reaction to the surgery. I was treated with steroids and after a second blood test to verify that there was no infection, I came home on Tuesday.
After this second hospitalization, I am more tired and easily worn out. I understand now why I need the 4 weeks to recover. On a good note, the headaches are minimal, the stitches are out and the incision is healing well. I see the surgeon on Monday for a follow-up and then the week of Easter I will begin a part-time work schedule.
Thanks again for checking in and for your thoughts and prayers. Please check in from time to time for more updates and (as I get back into a normal routine) to check out my blogs on faith, family & fun (I can do more than just write about myself!!)
Have a great day in the Lord!
Answered Prayers
God has certainly answered my prayers and the prayers of many others lifted on my behalf!
I arrived home Wednesday afternoon, one day earlier than expected because I am recovering so well. The other amazing answer is that my pain has been very minimal. At my last appointment with the surgeons, everyone was making the point of how much neck pain I would have because of the muscle being cut especially, the first two days. However, my consistent response to the doctors and nurses immediately following surgery and throughout my hospital stay has been my pain level was a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. On Monday, I had 4 different doctors check in on me following the surgery, when I gave my standard answer, the last doctor said "Wow, you are the first person to tell me that!" The strongest medicine I took was Tylenol with codeine and by Tuesday night, I cut back to just Tylenol which I continue to take. I praise God for answering my prayers! Today, I have little to no pain even when I move my head which I must do regularly to keep it from getting stiff.
The surgery, as you can tell, was very successful. Dr. Engh reported to Lori that everything went smoothly. There were numerous cysts that had to be fennestrated. They also discovered some abnormalities with the bone structure that they rectified. The surgeon said that they opened things up in there for me by taking care of the bone abnormality and that it should also help me. I will have to find out more when I follow-up with him.
My care at UPMC Presbyterian was excellent. I really appreciate the staff there. I would recommend them to anyone.
I am spending my first full day at home. I have at least 4 weeks until I can have some restrictions lifted. I am off work until that time. I am also limited in lifting, using steps, no driving among other common post-surgery restrictions. I will be spending a lot of time in the "Big Hog" which is our oversized recliner which was brought up from the basement since I am not allowed to lie flat. I intend to keep a schedule and set goals for myself each day in order to stave off the boredom. I am also doing as much as I can for myself within my limitations and making sure I get plenty of rest. I believe this is important to a successful recovery. I began doing this from the moment I was taken up to the step-down unit right after surgery when I moved myself from the gurney to the bed. I trust in the statement that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (even though that is not an excuse to be foolish!). Though, this is a difficult surgery to recover from--the nurse told me that the head is the worst place on the body to have an incision because everything you do involves the head--I am determined not to act like I am incapable of doing anything and expect my family to do everything for me. Plus, it will make life easier on them!
We are thankful for all the notes, calls and other expressions of encouragement. We are also grateful to many in our Sunday School Class & church as well as family and friends who are providing meals and other assistance in the days and weeks ahead. It will be of great help as I don't want the extra burdens placed upon Lori to place too much stress on her and cause her MS to flare up. She is doing well and was very much at my side and still is, of course!!
On March 23, I will return to the surgeon to have my stitches removed. Please pray that it will be painless as well--this is my last hurdle!
Please check back for updates and other postings as I will not always be writing just about myself!
By the way, I have a 4" incision that looks like train tracks. Lori will be glad to send you a picture on your cell, if you like that kind of stuff!
I arrived home Wednesday afternoon, one day earlier than expected because I am recovering so well. The other amazing answer is that my pain has been very minimal. At my last appointment with the surgeons, everyone was making the point of how much neck pain I would have because of the muscle being cut especially, the first two days. However, my consistent response to the doctors and nurses immediately following surgery and throughout my hospital stay has been my pain level was a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. On Monday, I had 4 different doctors check in on me following the surgery, when I gave my standard answer, the last doctor said "Wow, you are the first person to tell me that!" The strongest medicine I took was Tylenol with codeine and by Tuesday night, I cut back to just Tylenol which I continue to take. I praise God for answering my prayers! Today, I have little to no pain even when I move my head which I must do regularly to keep it from getting stiff.
The surgery, as you can tell, was very successful. Dr. Engh reported to Lori that everything went smoothly. There were numerous cysts that had to be fennestrated. They also discovered some abnormalities with the bone structure that they rectified. The surgeon said that they opened things up in there for me by taking care of the bone abnormality and that it should also help me. I will have to find out more when I follow-up with him.
My care at UPMC Presbyterian was excellent. I really appreciate the staff there. I would recommend them to anyone.
I am spending my first full day at home. I have at least 4 weeks until I can have some restrictions lifted. I am off work until that time. I am also limited in lifting, using steps, no driving among other common post-surgery restrictions. I will be spending a lot of time in the "Big Hog" which is our oversized recliner which was brought up from the basement since I am not allowed to lie flat. I intend to keep a schedule and set goals for myself each day in order to stave off the boredom. I am also doing as much as I can for myself within my limitations and making sure I get plenty of rest. I believe this is important to a successful recovery. I began doing this from the moment I was taken up to the step-down unit right after surgery when I moved myself from the gurney to the bed. I trust in the statement that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (even though that is not an excuse to be foolish!). Though, this is a difficult surgery to recover from--the nurse told me that the head is the worst place on the body to have an incision because everything you do involves the head--I am determined not to act like I am incapable of doing anything and expect my family to do everything for me. Plus, it will make life easier on them!
We are thankful for all the notes, calls and other expressions of encouragement. We are also grateful to many in our Sunday School Class & church as well as family and friends who are providing meals and other assistance in the days and weeks ahead. It will be of great help as I don't want the extra burdens placed upon Lori to place too much stress on her and cause her MS to flare up. She is doing well and was very much at my side and still is, of course!!
On March 23, I will return to the surgeon to have my stitches removed. Please pray that it will be painless as well--this is my last hurdle!
Please check back for updates and other postings as I will not always be writing just about myself!
By the way, I have a 4" incision that looks like train tracks. Lori will be glad to send you a picture on your cell, if you like that kind of stuff!
Brain Surgery
I am scheduled to have brain surgery on Monday, March 9 @ UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh to alleviate symptoms (and prevent further complications) from multiple cysts located at the rear of my brain. I will be in the hospital for a few days and then I will have about 4-6 weeks recovery at home. It will be 12 weeks until all restrictions are removed.
For those of you who know nothing of my situation allow me to quickly update you.
Around Thanksgiving 2008, I started havng some random symptoms primarily numbness and "pins & needles" feeling in my right arm & both legs and feets. I have also experienced headaches and some other random "sensations" and symptoms. I went to my family doctor who started me on a series of tests and visits to specialists. I had a stress test and cardio work-up because of my family history. I discovered that I have "exercise-induced hypertension" for which I now take a pill 1x/day. Then I had a series of neurologiacal exams, MRIs and other tests. I have known about the cysts since late December which were discovered on my MRI. I consulted with a neurosurgeon @ Allegheny General and then had a second opinion from the UPMC team where I will be having the surgery.
What I found out is that 9 out of 10 people (mostly males) who have these cysts do not need surgery because they do not have symptoms. Most only know it from a random MRI for something else. I am 1 of 10 that have symptoms which, though more on the mild side now, could progress to loss of coordination and balance. Basically, I have a larger cavity than normal at the rear of my brain--something I was born with. I don't know if my head is too big or brain too small!! Over time, cerebral-spinal fluid has built up in this area to the point that it is no longer flowing as it should. This has resulted in a thinning of my skull and pressure on my brain which is causing the symptoms that I experience.
The surgery will involve a significant incision in my neck,lower skull area; removal of a small piece of bone and "fenestrating" the cyst to get the fluid moving again. It will be about a 3 hour procedure not counting all the prep and post-op work. Endoscope or other minimally invasive procedure is not doable with my situation given that I have multiple cysts. I will have extreme neck pain especially, the first couple of days. As I said, I have extended recovery time at home following the surgery.
I don't know what to expect since my only previous "surgery" experience is minor foot surgery about 15 years ago. Please join me in prayer that my recovery will be speedy and not as painful as predicted and that I will be a good patient. Lori will be doing double duty with the kids (getting them back & forth to school and other activities) along with her part-time work and taking care of the house. Please keep her and the kids in your prayers as well. Her parents are next door and will be a big help plus we have a lot of friends to call on when needed. My oldest sister will be coming out next week to watch the kdis while I am in the hospital.
As for my ministry at the church, I have a great leadership team that will keep the youth ministry going on Wednesday nights and take the youth on the Spring Retreat. I am not at all worried about the church ministry as we are blessed with a lot of great leaders who will keep things running without me. In fact, they will find out just how replaceable I am!!
Well, that is all for now. I will post updates as soon as I feel up to banging away on a computer. Until then, keep praying for the family and I. I am relying on His promise of strength and I know He will lead me through this "storm" in my life.
We appreciate your love, support and your presence in our life!!
To God be the glory!!
For those of you who know nothing of my situation allow me to quickly update you.
Around Thanksgiving 2008, I started havng some random symptoms primarily numbness and "pins & needles" feeling in my right arm & both legs and feets. I have also experienced headaches and some other random "sensations" and symptoms. I went to my family doctor who started me on a series of tests and visits to specialists. I had a stress test and cardio work-up because of my family history. I discovered that I have "exercise-induced hypertension" for which I now take a pill 1x/day. Then I had a series of neurologiacal exams, MRIs and other tests. I have known about the cysts since late December which were discovered on my MRI. I consulted with a neurosurgeon @ Allegheny General and then had a second opinion from the UPMC team where I will be having the surgery.
What I found out is that 9 out of 10 people (mostly males) who have these cysts do not need surgery because they do not have symptoms. Most only know it from a random MRI for something else. I am 1 of 10 that have symptoms which, though more on the mild side now, could progress to loss of coordination and balance. Basically, I have a larger cavity than normal at the rear of my brain--something I was born with. I don't know if my head is too big or brain too small!! Over time, cerebral-spinal fluid has built up in this area to the point that it is no longer flowing as it should. This has resulted in a thinning of my skull and pressure on my brain which is causing the symptoms that I experience.
The surgery will involve a significant incision in my neck,lower skull area; removal of a small piece of bone and "fenestrating" the cyst to get the fluid moving again. It will be about a 3 hour procedure not counting all the prep and post-op work. Endoscope or other minimally invasive procedure is not doable with my situation given that I have multiple cysts. I will have extreme neck pain especially, the first couple of days. As I said, I have extended recovery time at home following the surgery.
I don't know what to expect since my only previous "surgery" experience is minor foot surgery about 15 years ago. Please join me in prayer that my recovery will be speedy and not as painful as predicted and that I will be a good patient. Lori will be doing double duty with the kids (getting them back & forth to school and other activities) along with her part-time work and taking care of the house. Please keep her and the kids in your prayers as well. Her parents are next door and will be a big help plus we have a lot of friends to call on when needed. My oldest sister will be coming out next week to watch the kdis while I am in the hospital.
As for my ministry at the church, I have a great leadership team that will keep the youth ministry going on Wednesday nights and take the youth on the Spring Retreat. I am not at all worried about the church ministry as we are blessed with a lot of great leaders who will keep things running without me. In fact, they will find out just how replaceable I am!!
Well, that is all for now. I will post updates as soon as I feel up to banging away on a computer. Until then, keep praying for the family and I. I am relying on His promise of strength and I know He will lead me through this "storm" in my life.
We appreciate your love, support and your presence in our life!!
To God be the glory!!
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