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

[grumpy]

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

 

[MaggieJ]

Dear Grumpy,

I'm so very sorry you have had such a horrendous time and such a limited outlook for improvement in the future. I know you've been struggling with these issues for a long time and I had hoped that by now they had resolved themselves at least to a reasonable degree.

It must be especially difficult for someone who has so many hands-on interests: the rabbits and your beautiful woodworking especially. Your contributions to RabbitTalk alone have been outstanding -- we have all benefitted -- and continue to benefit -- from your generous sharing of knowledge in your many posts.

I've had to give up a lot of my interests as well due to mobility issues. The silver lining for both of us lies in our writing -- at least we can still do that. I hope for you, as for me, it is the most rewarding one of all.

Life is so hard on the strong. You get to our point in life and expect it to be smooth sailing into the sunset. It doesn't seem to happen that way. All we can do is make the most of what we do have -- and make each day count for something.
Oh, yeah ... and not give up hope. Doctors can be wrong.

Take care and stay in touch.

~ Maggie