Recovering... slowly

Hi dear friends and family!  So, I made it through surgery #2.  I'd like to say it was uneventful and no complications but alas, it wouldn't be me without some hiccups.  

Wednesday morning we got to the hospital by 5:30 am and had a non-rushed atmosphere in pre-op unlike last time where it all seemed to be happening very fast.  By 7:15, the team arrived to talk to us and Dr. Masnyk marked with me his pen.  He also asked to film me for a talk he was giving and I, of course being the modest flower I am, asked if I'd get paid.  They told me they weren't but I could have 20% of what they got... very generous.

Then we were off.  Next thing I remember was the surgery room and moving onto the table but being sooooo out of it!  I couldn't open my eyes and I felt horrible!  Somehow they managed to get readings but I wasn't cooperating with any sort of alertness and the left side of my face was drooping and I couldn't open my eye without a long delay.  They made the decision to suspend surgery and take me for a CT Scan to check for placement and bleeds on the brain.  After that they would allow me to "sleep it off" in recovery and go back to finish the surgery later in the afternoon.  As you can imagine, we were all relieved to find the CT scan showed everything was where it needed to be.  Dr. Masnyk said there was a little air in the brain, but nothing unusual that wouldn't wear off.  Now I realize I've left myself open to a bevy a jokes.  However, I would ask that if any of you are without sin, you may cast the first...hm...what is it...what do you call it?  You know the hard thingy?  

After sleeping deeply for 3 hours I woke up to a great nurse who let Steve back into recovery.  Unfortunately Steve had a work emergency and needed to take care of it.  Cathy got the kids home from school and situated and came to be with me for the 2nd surgery.  When it was all done, it was 9pm at night.  I came through the implant stage well and must say it's placed in a much more comfortable space.  Amazingly I got to go home the next day.  Praise the Lord for medical science and wonderful doctors.  

I've taken the last few days easy and have slept a lot.  Yesterday I had the VERY unfortunate experience of having a tooth crack in 1/2 around a root canal.  Never a dull moment, I had to be put back on an antibiotic right away.  There's no more vulnerable place than a tooth infection to spread quickly to something like an implanted device.  Because it was Sunday, I've had to put up with a dull ache til tomorrow when I'll have oral surgery to remove the tooth.  yippee.  Now that's how I want to begin my brain surgery recuperation - having a tooth pulled.

So, in the meanwhile I've watched 23 episodes of "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera" on Netflix.  Only 31 more to go.  So far my favorite is the episode with the Wizzard of Oz theme.  Although it's a contender with the Swamp theme.  All I can say is Cath, should the day come, I'm ready!!!

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.  There is nothing more amazing to see hundreds of responses on facebook to anything relating to me.  I have an amazing family and a wonderful set of friends!

Love,

C

Surgery #2!!!

So, it's here.  I'm buzzed and ready.  Wait, that didn't sound quite right.  I'm buzzed but not that buzzed. Hair buzzed.  Ready to go and buzzed to... well, you get it.  In 1 day I'll be having surgery #2.  I'm ready!  Did I say that?

It's Monday p.m. and I've been given the green light to go ahead with surgery on Wednesday a.m.  Last week, after my blood work, they discovered I had an infection.  They put me on antibiotics right away and we prayed they'd work in time.  I took another test on Saturday and was all cleared.

So, Wednesday.  5:30 a.m.  I'll have Steve post a note to let you guys know everything went ok and I'm still in my right, or is it left mind.  :)

I covet your prayers for not only myself, but for Steve and the kids and the rest of my family.  We're almost done with the surgeries!  Thank you for your encouragement and prayers!

Love,

C

Here We Go Again!

Good beautiful Sunday morning!  So hopefully by now most of you have seen my amazing video (if I do say myself) of what happened after my DBS was turned on.  Soooo exciting!

I can't tell you how amazing it is to be somewhat relieved of those tremors, but more so, how EXCITED I am to proceed with the other side and experience all I've missed for the last 10 years.  Perhaps I'll go back to medical school and pursue my dream of becoming a plastic surgeon!  What?  Don't believe that? Ok, perhaps I'll just apply at Starbucks and test out my new skills as a Barista.  (Anyone know what a Barista is?)  

So, I have been given the go ahead to have my second surgery on the other side of the brain.  Many of you have been surprised by this but all along this was the plan.  To prevent trauma on the brain, only 1 side can be done at a time.  Because our individual sides, i.e. right hand, legs, and so forth, are controlled by the opposite side of the brain, I had the left side of my brain operated so I would receive relief on my right side; I'm right handed.  

One week from Wednesday, on March 13, I will undergo the same exact surgery.  That means my head will be shaved down again and I'll head to the hospital at 5 am for another 7 hour surgery.  I can't really describe the feelings I have on finally getting relief on the left side of my body.  That tremor has been with me for over 10 years.  I don't think I truly appreciated what this surgery could do for me until this last week.  It's been an wonderful week of exploring new movements, or long last ones, and seeing old abilities return.

Please continue to pray as my family prepares for this rigamarole all over!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate the continued support of you all and look forward to sharing what your prayers and support bring about!

Love,

C