Ordered to Hospital. (22 month Post-Op UDATE)

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grumpy

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 25, 2012
Messages
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Location
plattsburg, missouri
Most folks know...I'm NOT real good at being told what to do...
My doctor learned this first-hand on April 9th. I'd just had an
MRI on my upper neck, trying to find the reason for the nearly complete
loss of feelings in both hands and arms. SO BAD... I cannot separate
two pages in a book, nor pick up a dime that I've dropped.

The specialist that read the MRI voiced extreme concern over the
possible collapse of my entire upper spinal column. Meaning either
total paralysis .......or instant death. I told my doctor that, "I don't JUMP
for anyone....you included." I was shocked and certainly worried...
but considering my age and the fact that I'd not had an accident, nor
involved in a car wreck.. it was easy for me to assume "OLD-AGE" had
played a major role in my problem. I realized my condition was serious.
But not to the point of placing my well-being in the hands of any
saw-bones I knew nothing about. I began my research and fact gathering.

I located one of the top neurosurgeons in the Mid-west, who happens to
practice at a premier medical facility. I contacted my Drs. office and told
them "WHO'' to contact and at which hospital. NOW....came the wait. It's
not easy to see this man, he's booked up so far in advance. But given my
issues (as they were told to him) he placed me on a fast-track list.. It still
had me scheduled for May 9th. I was without question worried as each day
passed... fearing some small 'bump' would be the end of me.

I did luck out and got called in last Friday to see him.. Imagine my relief
when he explained that I did not have nearly the severe issues people said
I did.
YES...I've got one place that is serious... but nothing more. An hour
and a half surgery (painful) and a short time recuperation, I'll be good
to go. My loss of feelings in my hands and arms will ''mostly'' return over
time, but not completely. I can live with this considering the fact I didn't
honestly expect to survive the initial surgery. I'll take what I've been given
and thank the Almighty for his grace.

My recovery came to a sudden halt not a month after the above post. Unfortunately, I'm left with a 20% sensitivity in right hand... and a little better in the left with 25% sensitivity returning. And that's been the extent of it. I had another MRI done several months ago thinking something was starting to cause more discomfort. The doctor assured me that nothing untoward could be noted... BUT. He gently spoke, "Unfortunately, the spinal cord is a very unforgiving organ and that what I 'had' was most likely ''all'' I would ever regain."
I'm left ''as-is'' praying the doctor was wrong. smh.. Thus far he's been 100% correct. I've nearly closed down the rabbitry with only a few select does being held onto in the hopes that '''something''' positive will allow me to continue.
Have a good evening, Folks..
This has been a truly rough trip.

Grumpy

Hello.!!
I'll be back, once I get the hang of the new website. :) :)
Be well.
Grumpy.
 
Last edited:
grumpy":1dcirhqe said:
.... An hour and a half surgery (painful) and a short time recuperation, I'll be good
to go. My loss of feelings in my hands and arms will ''mostly'' return over
time, but not completely. I can live with this considering the fact I didn't
honestly expect to survive the initial surgery. I'll take what I've been given
and thank the Almighty for his grace.
Grumpy

That's great news! I can relate to much of what you're dealing with. Since my back surgery, I've never regained all of the feeling in my left foot - but I can still walk and do most of what I want/need to. And like you said, a minimal amount of surgery, good recovery and you're good to go. Lastly, good health is truly a gift from God. We should all learn to appreciate it. Keep us posted and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
 
I'm sorry to hear about your health issues, but glad they are getting you the help you need. Let me know if you need anything. I'm only an hour away.

Get better soon. And please listen to the therapist. I know they're pushy and unpleasant but try. :lol:
 
Oh my goodness, Grumpy, my heart was in my mouth when I started to read your post. Thank God it did not turn out to be as serious as you had at first been told.

You take care of yourself, my friend, and I hope you'll be around for a long, long time. Keep us up to date on how things are going for you. We care.
 
I am so so glad you followed your gut and got another opinion.

You will be in my prayers. Wishing you a successful surgery, speedy recovery and years to come with family and friends.
 
MaggieJ":1e19uc4o said:
Oh my goodness, Grumpy, my heart was in my mouth when I started to read your post.
Same here! :eek:

I'm so glad you've found a good surgeon and that the news isn't as bad as initially thought! You're in my prayers. And yes, please do keep us updated as you can!
 
SuburbanHomesteader":30iocjbj said:
Take care, Grumpy.

Know that many of us here will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Do you have the surgery scheduled yet?


LOL.....Yeah.! I forgot to mention that part. It's on May 31st @ 10:00 a.m.

Grumpy.
 
Rabbitdog":kkaz0ibr said:
grumpy":kkaz0ibr said:
.... An hour and a half surgery (painful) and a short time recuperation, I'll be good
to go. My loss of feelings in my hands and arms will ''mostly'' return over
time, but not completely. I can live with this considering the fact I didn't
honestly expect to survive the initial surgery. I'll take what I've been given
and thank the Almighty for his grace.
Grumpy

That's great news! I can relate to much of what you're dealing with. Since my back surgery, I've never regained all of the feeling in my left foot - but I can still walk and do most of what I want/need to. And like you said, a minimal amount of surgery, good recovery and you're good to go. Lastly, good health is truly a gift from God. We should all learn to appreciate it. Keep us posted and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Mentioning back surgery and feet---- In 1963 I was in a car wreck that separated
my spine. Thus began a life-long issue with chronic back pain, finally getting so bad
I lost the use of my right leg in 1975.. It was a bleak situation for a young man looking
forward to a lifetime in a wheel chair. I spent a week in traction at the hospital and
finally got myself upright and walking somewhat. The doctors could not find a thing.!!!
I asked about a prognosis, and was told 2-3 times a year I'd be back for more traction.

My reply was. "B)*& $*@+...!!! Sharpen you knives!" 6.5 hours of surgery.. two
double rows of bone pieces down both sides of my spine... (FIXED) what couldn't
be seen... a completely unstable lower spine. All the tests were taken with me
laying down... and my spine relaxed to appear normal. It wasn't.. LOL. I was not
allowed to move myself for the next 11 days.
Only the nurses were allowed to
do so. Going home, I spent the next 64 days in bed.. only allowed to go potty
when needed and have a bath once a week. I returned to the steel mill 9 months
to the day after surgery. BUT...my right leg has lost so much feeling I have
no reflexive motion when hit with those funny rubber mallets the doctors use.

I walk ''funny'' and a bit bent.... but I walk. :x
 
I am glad you're not as bad off as you could be... and sad that it's not as good as you should be!! Get well as best you can and keep us posted! I hope your boys are taking great care of the rabbits, if you need to sell some I'm sure you could post here on RT and we'd all flock to you!!!
 
while I am sorry for the stress you had to endure about your diagnosis, I am glad your second opinion, (highly recommended) was so much better.
At our ages, the best we can hope for sometimes, is it can be fixed or treated. Be patient with your recovery, I know it will be hard, but hopefully after about 6 months your arms and hand will be much Improved.
 
Oh, that was a hard read.

It's amazing how we've never met, but I feel from reading your posts, that I know you, and I am concerned for your well being. I'm wiping a tear and trying not to to be a sap, but I will be in prayer for the success of the surgery and your recovery.
 
All the best Grumpy :) prayers being said for you. All the best for a speedy recovery.. Hope you have lots of popples to cuddle while you recoperate.
 
Thinking about you, Grumpy (yes, even though it's the middle of the night) and wishing you a successful surgery and excellent recovery. Could Mrs. Grumpy possibly post an update to let us know how you are doing?

Hurry back, my friend!

:clover: :clover: :clover:
 
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