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!