Update…19 days post-op
I am sure most of you are aware of my surgery, the outcome, etc. Being bored out of my gourd, I decided to post to the blog.
On November 13, I had spinal surgery in an attempt to get out from under the crippling pain I have had for nearly 2 years. Doctor Cubbage had told us the surgery would take about 4 hours, beginning at 7:30AM at Willowbrook Methodist Hospital. It was to be an anterior-posterior fusion of L4 to L5 to S1. The hospital is about 4 miles from our home so it was very convenient. Besides, that is where the doctor was, which made it more convenient.
The surgery actually took about 7 hours. They began on my abdomen through an incision about 6 inches long. Dr. Cubbage did the anterior (front part) of the fusion. I was then rolled over and through an incision about 8” or so, he did the posterior portion. A normal fusion is one or the other but he said my entire lumbar spine had collapsed and was putting a lot of pressure on the sciatic nerve causing my pain. A structure called a cage is holding the graft in place. Dr. Cubbage said my spine is now stronger than a normal spine.
While he was in there, he straightened out the scoliosis which is a curvature of the spine. On X-ray, my spine looked like an S and ½. He straightened the S part of it. He tells me I came out about 1/2” to ¾” taller than I went in. I guess that makes me taller than Tony now.
I was in the ICU for 3 ½ days then moved to a room on the orthopedic ward. They had me up and walking about the second day.
I am to be fitted for a brace on Monday that I will wear most of the time until the fusion fills in. My only therapy is walking. I have to walk at least 30 minutes per day. I am doing about a mile to a mile and ½. The miracle of the whole thing is that after being in so much pain for so long, now, I have none. Every time I put my foot to the floor, I expect it to hurt. It doesn’t.
I went to the doctor on Tuesday and he removed the stitches. Actually, there were only 2 or 3. He used surgical glue to close the incisions. I had an extra mystery incision, very small, close to the long one in front. When I asked the doctor what it was for, he said he drew bone marrow from my pelvis. Research on the web tells me they mix this in with the synthetic material they use for the graft.
We have been getting along pretty well here at home. Fortunately, Joyce’s back problems have eased considerably. I am now allowed to drive, but no bending or twisting. So far, my worst problem has been keeping Bobby (the smaller of our 2 poodles) from jumping on the area of the incision. My lap is where he resides most of the time but if he hears something or thinks he hears something, he launches himself and takes off. Man, that hurts.
I appreciate the thoughts and prayers of all of you. Thanks you very much.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Here we go again
Here we go again…
On Monday, November 13, I will be going into Methodist Hospital Willowbrook (about 4 miles from our house) for surgery. This time it is for spinal surgery. The surgery is scheduled for 7:30AM and will take approximately 4 hours.
My sciatica has gotten so bad that I can only walk about 30 feet without incurring severe pain. The pain is worse than any kidney stones I have had. The doctor is going to fuse L4, L5, S1 together. This is called a multi level fusion. It will involve using bone from the bone bank (Unless he changes his mind, because there is a synthetic material they can use.). The bone grafts will be held in place by a cage. I suppose it will limit my range of motion somewhat but if it gets rid of the pain, it will be worth it. If it doesn’t ease the pain, I don’t even want to think about what I will do.
I will be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday. If it were only a single level, they would do it as day surgery but multilevel they have to be more careful. The doctor said he will do anterior and posterior incisions. This means I will have an incision in the front and back.
I would ask that everyone pray for me and particularly for Joyce since she will have to care for me at home and she has back problems of her own.
On Monday, November 13, I will be going into Methodist Hospital Willowbrook (about 4 miles from our house) for surgery. This time it is for spinal surgery. The surgery is scheduled for 7:30AM and will take approximately 4 hours.
My sciatica has gotten so bad that I can only walk about 30 feet without incurring severe pain. The pain is worse than any kidney stones I have had. The doctor is going to fuse L4, L5, S1 together. This is called a multi level fusion. It will involve using bone from the bone bank (Unless he changes his mind, because there is a synthetic material they can use.). The bone grafts will be held in place by a cage. I suppose it will limit my range of motion somewhat but if it gets rid of the pain, it will be worth it. If it doesn’t ease the pain, I don’t even want to think about what I will do.
I will be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday. If it were only a single level, they would do it as day surgery but multilevel they have to be more careful. The doctor said he will do anterior and posterior incisions. This means I will have an incision in the front and back.
I would ask that everyone pray for me and particularly for Joyce since she will have to care for me at home and she has back problems of her own.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Amazing Medical Fact
Amazing Medical Fact Revealed!!
It has just been revealed in Tomball, Texas that a torn rotator cuff can be transmitted from one person to another.
It was discovered that a torn rotator cuff suffered by Richard Blackmon (Tomball resident) was transmitted to Ms. Joyce Blackmon, spouse of the aforementioned Richard Blackmon.
What is significant is that Richard’s first tear (He has had two this year.) wasn’t transmitted to Ms. Blackmon. The second one was after a period of three months. Doctors are now studying whether it is a cumulative effect and requires more than one.
Local veterinarians are anxious to see whether it can be transmitted between species to either or both of their poodles.
As a sidelight, Ms. Blackmon will be having her cuff repaired on August 9. Colin Blackmon has volunteered to care for her during the month of August and Ms. Nancy Stevenson-Dimascio will assume the responsibility for September. No arrangements have been made for continuing care beyond the September timeframe as of press time.
It has just been revealed in Tomball, Texas that a torn rotator cuff can be transmitted from one person to another.
It was discovered that a torn rotator cuff suffered by Richard Blackmon (Tomball resident) was transmitted to Ms. Joyce Blackmon, spouse of the aforementioned Richard Blackmon.
What is significant is that Richard’s first tear (He has had two this year.) wasn’t transmitted to Ms. Blackmon. The second one was after a period of three months. Doctors are now studying whether it is a cumulative effect and requires more than one.
Local veterinarians are anxious to see whether it can be transmitted between species to either or both of their poodles.
As a sidelight, Ms. Blackmon will be having her cuff repaired on August 9. Colin Blackmon has volunteered to care for her during the month of August and Ms. Nancy Stevenson-Dimascio will assume the responsibility for September. No arrangements have been made for continuing care beyond the September timeframe as of press time.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The Road To Recovery
The Road To Recovery
It has been 7 weeks and 3 days since the surgery on my right surgery. The recovery has gone well, just as the one on my left shoulder did. I went to the doctor on Monday (June 12). He as well as his nurse, told me I had more flexibility than any of his other patients. They both said it was because of the diligence with which I did my therapy exercises. I am still doing daily exercises on my left shoulder and continue to exercise my right shoulder twice daily. Concerning the seriousness of the tear on the right, I have done remarkably well. I have 100% range of motion back. There are times when things get a bit pinchy but a little exercise or an ice pack take care of that.
Your mother and I are going to join a group at the Texas Sports Medicine facility for exercise. They have a lap pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. They have both an indoor track and an outdoor track, as well as a gymnasium. They also have all of the weight machines as well as free weights. They have every type of class imaginable from Yoga to kickboxing. There are also cardio classes, classes for diabetics. My main interest is going to be to increase the strength in my shoulders. I am also hoping to strengthen my abdominable muscles and my back muscles. Hopefully, this will help ease some of the back problems I have. I have lost about 8 pounds in the past 2 months. Your mother is hoping for some back relief as well as losing some weight.
I am thinking about getting a divorce! You are aware that Shelley’s son, Sean and his wife have a new baby? That makes your mother a great-grandmother. I am simply too young to be married to a great-grandmother. Her being a grandma was enough.
By the way, would all of you please say a prayer for Jeff and Debbie? Jeff continues to have major problems with his balance and the doctors apparently don’t have a clue. Jeff is unable to drive and has trouble walking straight. Debbie has her hands full. Of course, he is very frustrated because he is unable to go to work. I am sure they will appreciate your prayers.
Thanks to all of you. I love you very much.
Call your mother!!!
It has been 7 weeks and 3 days since the surgery on my right surgery. The recovery has gone well, just as the one on my left shoulder did. I went to the doctor on Monday (June 12). He as well as his nurse, told me I had more flexibility than any of his other patients. They both said it was because of the diligence with which I did my therapy exercises. I am still doing daily exercises on my left shoulder and continue to exercise my right shoulder twice daily. Concerning the seriousness of the tear on the right, I have done remarkably well. I have 100% range of motion back. There are times when things get a bit pinchy but a little exercise or an ice pack take care of that.
Your mother and I are going to join a group at the Texas Sports Medicine facility for exercise. They have a lap pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. They have both an indoor track and an outdoor track, as well as a gymnasium. They also have all of the weight machines as well as free weights. They have every type of class imaginable from Yoga to kickboxing. There are also cardio classes, classes for diabetics. My main interest is going to be to increase the strength in my shoulders. I am also hoping to strengthen my abdominable muscles and my back muscles. Hopefully, this will help ease some of the back problems I have. I have lost about 8 pounds in the past 2 months. Your mother is hoping for some back relief as well as losing some weight.
I am thinking about getting a divorce! You are aware that Shelley’s son, Sean and his wife have a new baby? That makes your mother a great-grandmother. I am simply too young to be married to a great-grandmother. Her being a grandma was enough.
By the way, would all of you please say a prayer for Jeff and Debbie? Jeff continues to have major problems with his balance and the doctors apparently don’t have a clue. Jeff is unable to drive and has trouble walking straight. Debbie has her hands full. Of course, he is very frustrated because he is unable to go to work. I am sure they will appreciate your prayers.
Thanks to all of you. I love you very much.
Call your mother!!!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Shoulder Surgery 2
Shoulder Surgery #2
A visit to the doctor after the most recent MRI confirmed I had a tear in the rotator cuff in my right shoulder. I decided to go ahead and get it repaired rather than endure the severe pain. (Easy decision!)
I had the surgery on April 24 at Tomball Hospital. Again it was day surgery. The doctor spoke to Joyce, I was still asleep when he left. The surgery went well. I had a major large tear in the cuff which the doctor decided was too large to repair through the arthroscope so he did an open surgery. The labrum was shredded and this was cleaned up through the scope. I also had a very large bone spur and a good bit of arthritis damage. These were cleaned up. He also did a subacromial decompression to give things room to move around without bumping into each other.
When I started to go home, I had considerable discomfort around the waist area and found that I couldn’t straighten up (being bent at the waist). We called the doctor and he said it should go away. The next morning, we went in to see him. I had decided it was a bad attack of sciatica, probably from the position they had me in during the surgery. They called it the “beach chair position” where you are bent at the waist. Dr. Hyatt contacted the spinal surgeon I had been seeing and arranged for him to see me that day. By then, I looked like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dr. Cubbage took an x-ray and saw no changes from the last one and prescribed a course of steroids (mederol Dospak). I started them the same day and by noon next day, things were back to normal.
I have a 1:00PM meeting with the physical therapist today for evaluation and treatment. It will be the same thing I went through on the left shoulder (and am still going through). It is not comfortable but it is necessary and I look forward to getting my arm back.
That is it for now. We’ll see you on down the road.
A visit to the doctor after the most recent MRI confirmed I had a tear in the rotator cuff in my right shoulder. I decided to go ahead and get it repaired rather than endure the severe pain. (Easy decision!)
I had the surgery on April 24 at Tomball Hospital. Again it was day surgery. The doctor spoke to Joyce, I was still asleep when he left. The surgery went well. I had a major large tear in the cuff which the doctor decided was too large to repair through the arthroscope so he did an open surgery. The labrum was shredded and this was cleaned up through the scope. I also had a very large bone spur and a good bit of arthritis damage. These were cleaned up. He also did a subacromial decompression to give things room to move around without bumping into each other.
When I started to go home, I had considerable discomfort around the waist area and found that I couldn’t straighten up (being bent at the waist). We called the doctor and he said it should go away. The next morning, we went in to see him. I had decided it was a bad attack of sciatica, probably from the position they had me in during the surgery. They called it the “beach chair position” where you are bent at the waist. Dr. Hyatt contacted the spinal surgeon I had been seeing and arranged for him to see me that day. By then, I looked like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dr. Cubbage took an x-ray and saw no changes from the last one and prescribed a course of steroids (mederol Dospak). I started them the same day and by noon next day, things were back to normal.
I have a 1:00PM meeting with the physical therapist today for evaluation and treatment. It will be the same thing I went through on the left shoulder (and am still going through). It is not comfortable but it is necessary and I look forward to getting my arm back.
That is it for now. We’ll see you on down the road.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Shoulder Surgery Redux
I went to the orthopedist this morning to get the results of my MRI. There was bad news and more bad news. I have 2 tears in this shoulder, the larger one is larger than the one I had in my left shoulder. The other is in the labrum: (The labrum is a thin matrix of collagen seated between the head of the humerus (bone of the upper arm) and the glenoid fossa (the shallow depression where the humerus fits). It functions both as a shock absorber, cushioning the blow when the bones in the shoulder collide, and as part of the joint's connective structure. The kinetic forces required to throw a baseball—a major-league pitcher's arm moves at 23 rotations per second—routinely rip apart the structures designed to keep the shoulder together. The most common variety of labrum tear is a SLAP—superior lesion, anterior to posterior. The SLAP tear feels like a "catch", a slight click or pop in the normal overhand motion.)
It is said to be the injury that ends a baseball pitcher’s career. At any rate, I am going to have surgery next Monday morning. Pray for me and also for Joyce. She will bear the burden of the passive motion of early rehab. She did this on the left shoulder. I don’t know when she will say enough is enough.
It is said to be the injury that ends a baseball pitcher’s career. At any rate, I am going to have surgery next Monday morning. Pray for me and also for Joyce. She will bear the burden of the passive motion of early rehab. She did this on the left shoulder. I don’t know when she will say enough is enough.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Shoulder Surgery Day +4
Shoulder Surgery Day +4
Less soreness today and I finally got a bit more sleep last night. I have begun doing a simple pendulum exercise with my left arm and shoulder. Tomorrow, I go to the ohysical therapist for my first session there.
I will tell you, I am tired of having to be waited on hand and foot. I am typing this using both hands. It is a lot easier than with just one.
It dawned on me this morning, I should have waited a couple of weeks for this. Yesterday (Saturday, February 4, was Joyce’s birthday. She sure didn’t have very much fun taking care of me. Not that I am an ungrateful wretch, it just isn’t the way one would normally choose to celebrate one’s 71st birthday. I will have to make it up to her.
I don’t have very much to say tonight so I will end it . Take care everyone.
Less soreness today and I finally got a bit more sleep last night. I have begun doing a simple pendulum exercise with my left arm and shoulder. Tomorrow, I go to the ohysical therapist for my first session there.
I will tell you, I am tired of having to be waited on hand and foot. I am typing this using both hands. It is a lot easier than with just one.
It dawned on me this morning, I should have waited a couple of weeks for this. Yesterday (Saturday, February 4, was Joyce’s birthday. She sure didn’t have very much fun taking care of me. Not that I am an ungrateful wretch, it just isn’t the way one would normally choose to celebrate one’s 71st birthday. I will have to make it up to her.
I don’t have very much to say tonight so I will end it . Take care everyone.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Inside My Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Surgery Day +1
An update to the surgery from Wednesday to Day 1.
As you know I had surgery yesterday to repair a torn rotator cuff. I went back to the doctor today and he removed the dressing and replaced them with bandaids. There were three incisions…One about 2 inches long and two much smaller ones. He removed the bursa, repaired the rotator cuff and did an acromial decompression. (He made a little more room to cut down rubbing. He also trimmed a small bit off the clavicle (Shoulder blade). There were several spurs, one of which was sharp and significantly large. He removed those and the last thing was to remove some debris from arthritis damage. They used two anesthesia procedures: one as a regional (nerve block) and the other was a general.
The block numbed my shoulder, arm, hand and fingers. It wore off about 6:00AM this morning. And then it started to hurt and continues to do so. It should be better tomorrow. I have to wear a huge sling for two weeks. It has a wedge to keep my arm away from my body. I also can’t raise my arm above my head for 6 weeks. I will start physical torture errr therapy on Monday.
An interesting thing they do is take pictures through the arthroscope to show the patient. I am including a picture of 4 snapshots from inside my shoulder. Just what you always wanted to see, huh?
You guys take care…See you on down the road. We love you.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Hi Ho Hi Ho Off to surgery we go.
Hi Ho! Hi Ho! Its Off To Surgery We Go!
It is about 8:45AM, Wednesday, February 1, 2006, and in about an hour we will be leaving for the Sterling Ridge Day Surgery Center. There, Dr. Jerry Hyatt will attempt to repair my torn rotator cuff via arthroscopic surgery. This is the same surgery Joyce had before her trip to visit Nancy last fall. When she had it, it was minor surgery. When I have it, it will be Major. I once read there is no minor surgery, only minor surgeons. Dr. Hyatt has replaced both Joyce’s knees and repaired her shoulder, so I guess we can concede he is no minor surgeon, but listen to this…He is afraid of needles!!
I would imagine we will be home around 5 or 6 tonight. The surgery center is about 20 to 25 miles from here. I am hungry now since I couldn’t have anything to drink after midnight and I was asleep at midnight. I will need to stop at What-A-Burger on the way home.
Right now, it is my plan to go back to work on Feb. 12. I would like to not have to go back but we can use the cash.
You guys take care. I love all of you and so ask for your prayers.
It is about 8:45AM, Wednesday, February 1, 2006, and in about an hour we will be leaving for the Sterling Ridge Day Surgery Center. There, Dr. Jerry Hyatt will attempt to repair my torn rotator cuff via arthroscopic surgery. This is the same surgery Joyce had before her trip to visit Nancy last fall. When she had it, it was minor surgery. When I have it, it will be Major. I once read there is no minor surgery, only minor surgeons. Dr. Hyatt has replaced both Joyce’s knees and repaired her shoulder, so I guess we can concede he is no minor surgeon, but listen to this…He is afraid of needles!!
I would imagine we will be home around 5 or 6 tonight. The surgery center is about 20 to 25 miles from here. I am hungry now since I couldn’t have anything to drink after midnight and I was asleep at midnight. I will need to stop at What-A-Burger on the way home.
Right now, it is my plan to go back to work on Feb. 12. I would like to not have to go back but we can use the cash.
You guys take care. I love all of you and so ask for your prayers.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
My Shoulder Problems.
Update January 24, 2006
Time to let the world know what is going on once again. If you have noticed in the recent updates, I have been having shoulder problems caused by a fall while visiting Colin, Tam and the kids. An MRI indicated a torn rotator cuff. I went to the same orthopedist that did Joyce’s knees and her shoulder, Dr. Hyatt. He had prescribed a heavy duty anti-inflammant medication. It has not helped much. The exercises helped a good bit but there was still a great deal of discomfort. I went back today and we decided I will have shoulder surgery, probably on February 1.
It will be done as out patient at the same center where they did Joyce’s shoulder surgery. It makes me uncomfortable thinking about it but the pain I am having now makes me more uncomfortable. Joyce’s pain bothered me because I hate(d) to see her hurt. It is different when it is your own.
We shall overcome. Light a candle for me. We love you all.
Time to let the world know what is going on once again. If you have noticed in the recent updates, I have been having shoulder problems caused by a fall while visiting Colin, Tam and the kids. An MRI indicated a torn rotator cuff. I went to the same orthopedist that did Joyce’s knees and her shoulder, Dr. Hyatt. He had prescribed a heavy duty anti-inflammant medication. It has not helped much. The exercises helped a good bit but there was still a great deal of discomfort. I went back today and we decided I will have shoulder surgery, probably on February 1.
It will be done as out patient at the same center where they did Joyce’s shoulder surgery. It makes me uncomfortable thinking about it but the pain I am having now makes me more uncomfortable. Joyce’s pain bothered me because I hate(d) to see her hurt. It is different when it is your own.
We shall overcome. Light a candle for me. We love you all.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Post Holiday Update
January 8, 2006
Well, here is the latest update after a very busy holiday season….
We started the season by attending the renewal of Sherry and Tom Landry’s wedding vows on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. It was a nice ceremony and occasion, but the Blues Brothers dancing sure made me tired. (I watched, didn’t dance.)
Next, we went to the wedding of John Robertson and Dani Low in Galveston. John is the son of Carl and Gloria Robertson of Galveston. John is with the US Department of State and met Dani while on assignment in Sydney, Australia.
The next day we went to Flower Mound to spend Christmas with Colin, Tammy, Rowdy, Savanah, and Asa. It is always nice to visit the grandkids and to witness the feeding frenzy that is the opening of Christmas gifts.
Back to Houston and the poodles and then Joyce’s brother, Robert, his wife Lynnette and their daughter Bailee can down for a brief visit. We had a small reunion at Sherry and Tom’s. Unfortunately, Milton (Joyce and Rob’s brother, Sherry’s dad) was unable to attend due to the effects of chemo therapy.
Things have somewhat returned to NORMAL. My shoulder still hurts (An MRI shows a tear in the rotator cuff.) and my sciatica still hurts. Getting old surely is not for the weak!!
Nancy and Shelley are both doing well in their road to recuperation from surgery and Joyce still has her arthritis problems in her back. The poodles are fine and everyone falls in love with Bobby. Hands off!!!! He is my dog.
Take care. We love you all.
Well, here is the latest update after a very busy holiday season….
We started the season by attending the renewal of Sherry and Tom Landry’s wedding vows on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. It was a nice ceremony and occasion, but the Blues Brothers dancing sure made me tired. (I watched, didn’t dance.)
Next, we went to the wedding of John Robertson and Dani Low in Galveston. John is the son of Carl and Gloria Robertson of Galveston. John is with the US Department of State and met Dani while on assignment in Sydney, Australia.
The next day we went to Flower Mound to spend Christmas with Colin, Tammy, Rowdy, Savanah, and Asa. It is always nice to visit the grandkids and to witness the feeding frenzy that is the opening of Christmas gifts.
Back to Houston and the poodles and then Joyce’s brother, Robert, his wife Lynnette and their daughter Bailee can down for a brief visit. We had a small reunion at Sherry and Tom’s. Unfortunately, Milton (Joyce and Rob’s brother, Sherry’s dad) was unable to attend due to the effects of chemo therapy.
Things have somewhat returned to NORMAL. My shoulder still hurts (An MRI shows a tear in the rotator cuff.) and my sciatica still hurts. Getting old surely is not for the weak!!
Nancy and Shelley are both doing well in their road to recuperation from surgery and Joyce still has her arthritis problems in her back. The poodles are fine and everyone falls in love with Bobby. Hands off!!!! He is my dog.
Take care. We love you all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
