Post Surgery

After deciding I would have a nervous breakdown from my constant pain if I didn't do something drastic - I was lucky enough to be squeezed in for surgery.

It would mean:
5 weeks off work
No driving for several weeks
My mom would have to be my nurse and live with us for 5-6 weeks.
I would not be able to lift anything, or do any housework or laundry for weeks.
I will not be able to really lift anything or exercise for anything for up to 6 months.

BUT....

If it worked, it would mean I would be pain free.

The doctor informed me on a Wednesday they could do it the following Tuesday (April 19).  Of course, Phil is gone, but mom came up during the weekend and planned to stay long-term.  My work friends assured me all would be well.  I was able to clean the last of my office "just in case" I didn't make it back, and everything just fell into place.

I woke up after the surgery with no more nerve pain.  After 6 months of constant pain I can't even describe how good it felt.

Now, less then two weeks after surgery and just three weeks away from moving, I feel like a new person.  I am finally sleeping again, my appetite is starting to come back, I can move without numbing, constant pain.  It feels WONDERFUL!  I miss school - I miss my colleagues, I miss my kids, I miss being busy.  But after being out for 90 minutes at church today, I came home exhausted.  Apparently I am not ready to get back on my regular, normal schedule - it would seem the doctors know what they are talking about!

And except for the texts I sent to several people after the surgery that are unintelligible, I came out unscathed.  I should have a minimal scar on my neck that will fade into "nothingness."

Google it and see how it works: 

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)