Well I bet we both heard just about the same thing. I didn't get to see the surgeon but saw his PA which she has always assisted with the surgeries I have had so no big deal. I had my x-rays first and she said she thought they really looked good and she could see some slight fusion which excited both me and her.
She said now I want to know how do you really feel??? I told her about my toes on the right foot are nurab--she said that was not unusual. I told her my left foot sometimes gets very weak if on it for very long and I feel like I am dragging it----she said that is not unusual. I told her sometimes I feel like someone is stabbing a knife in my lower back---she said that was not unusual. I told her that it seems like all my nerve endings are acting up at the same time--right arm from previous surgery for ulnar entrapment, left hand for carpal tunnel (no surgery yet) and ulnar entrapment on that elbow also, and pain in left shoulder from neck surgery which has permanent nerve damage and she said that is Not unusual because all nerves are connected and it seems when one flares they all want to flare. I told her I just don't have the energy that I would like to have and she said---(bet you know what I am going to say)---that is not unusual.
Seriously she said everything that I am experiencing is possible following this surgery. She said you were in terrible shape before surgery so it will take time and I should not get discouraged. I talked to her about water aerobics and she was thrilled about that because she said that is so much better then walking on concrete or asphalt because of the impact. I started doing some light exercising in our pool tonight but I think I am going to check into some classes at a gym. She said take your time and if it hurts then don't do it. She told me to remeraber what my surgeon always says and that is---"it can take up to 18-24 months for healing so don't get discouraged". Well I guess that is easier said then done but I am glad to know that there is some fusion and that everything I am experiencing is NORMAL.
Well I don't go back until 6 months so I guess that is a good sign. She said if something happens then get back with them.
I think that just about covers my trip how about you? We left our house at 7:00 this morning and not home until 4:00 p.m. and I was also pooped. I told her not to ask how I was doing today because when they made me lay down on that HARD x-ray table I was hurting really bad and the trip didn't help. I am sure glad I didn't have to drive. I told her I wish I felt as good as everyone says I look and she said she knew how that felt.
Hope you get some rest and give me a full report on your visit also. When do you go back?
Take care
Linda
