Now I really did it :((

[missy]

Hi Missy

I am new to the thread-but I just want to wish you good luck tomorrow. You are such a sweet person-I can tell from your many thoughtful posts. You are always so positive, cheerful, and kind. I am sorry that you are going through this and I hope you have a speedy recovery-I will be sending you tons of PS dust tomorrow take care!

Thank you so much kasey. I appreciate your good luck wishes and PS dust and also thank you for those lovely comments. Very kind and much appreciated.

One final wish of a good nights sleep and prayers for you tomorrow, Missy. My #3 son had an injury similar to yours at 16. He was riding a mini bike and was hit by a car. He had a broken ankle on one leg and a broken tib/fib on the other. He had a handful of screws in the ankle and a plate and screws on the tib/fib. He had surgery at Loma Linda hospital and he is completely mobil now. A year after the first surgery he went back in and had all the hardware removed. At the time he was thinking of going in the military, so that was why we removed it. He was in a cast to his hips and in bed for three months and then had to learn to walk all over again. If he can do it, so can you. I have no doubt you will get through this and be fine. I can hear the want to in your writing. You have the will and that is a huge part of the battle. The determination to keep going with it even when it's hard.

My thoughts and prayers are with you tomorrow!

Oh my gosh luv2sparkle, how awful. And how amazing that your son is as good as ever! That is happy news! A cast to his hips oy that had to be torture I am sure. So glad you guys are past that terrible time and that your son is doing well. Thank you for sharing that with me and thank you for all your support and good wishes. (((Hugs))).

 

[missy]

Big hugs and best of luck tomorrow!!!

Thank you so much Tourmaline. I appreciate that and big (((hugs))) to you too!

Missy, you're going to do great! You can come here to say what you need to right in the moment we understand.

GO GET 'EM!!!

(Or make 'em come to you, either way )

Dear azstonie, thank you for all you have done for me here. Rejoining to support me and give me important info I would have otherwise not have. I cannot express my gratitude enough except to say thank you so much and tell you how much I appreciate what you have done.

 

[missy]

Thank you Marcy. Hugs to you too. Hope all is well with you!

Thanks! I am doing okay. PS Dust coming your way tomorrow. Keep us posted.

I am so glad you are doing well and thank you again Marcy. I will keep you guys posted if it is physically and technologically possible while I am in the hospital. And if I cannot perhaps I will ask my dh to post an update while I am in the hospital. I know he would love having more chores to do for me. Hahaha.

Best wishes on your surgery tomorrow! I think that when it's over your pain will be kept under control during your hospital stay.
I really think they will manage it much better there for you, just don't be afraid to be your own advocate. If you need help, tell your nurse. Please let us know how things are going when you feel up to it.

Thank you woofmama. The pain is definitely challenging for me and I do have a high threshold to pain but well I think it is the almost constant aspect of dealing with it especially in the beginning that makes it more difficult. At least I hope it is just in the beginning and that the pain keeps on lessening in intensity as the time goes on and the healing increases.

I have a little bit of a fear of pain meds because a good friend's son became hooked on them during his back surgery and recovery and well to this day approximately 10 years later his life is ruled by his addiction. In and out of rehab in and out of recovery and well his poor parents. In their 70's and dealing with their own health issues (my friend was diagnosed with Parkinson's 2 years ago ) and dealing with their son who is struggling with this horrible addiction.

I know that we are different people and that our circumstances are not the same. But, well, I have seen how much my dear friend and her dh have gone through with her son's addiction and my heart goes out to them and cries for them and there is nothing that can take away their pain regarding this. Sorry for threadjacking my own thread but I speak with her often and so it is sort of up close and personal.

Back to what you said-I will take whatever I need to in order to get better and be in a minimum of pain. I am the furthest thing from a masochist as possible believe me so if I am in a good deal of pain I will let them know and advocate for myself as best I can. I am hoping I won't have too much of a struggle on my hands involving these issues and that I can just concentrate on getting better and doing whatever is necessary to ensure I do.

Dust, prayers, and love!!

Thank you my dear Rosebloom. I always smile when I see your name. Firstly because it brings up visions of lovely roses in bloom and who doesn't love that. And secondly because you are such a kind and sweet person and your name fits you well. Thank you for your dust, prayers and love and sending much love back your way.

 

[misskittycat]

Missy - am just catching up with the news of your horrible injury! You poor thing - I wish you all the very best for your surgery and hope your recovery is speedy and relatively pain free.

In terms of TV shows, I recommend (if you haven't already seen them):
- Downton Abbey
- The Paradise
- Call the Midwife
- Orange is the new Black
- Breaking Bad
- Luther (Idris Elba is so hot)
- Top of the Lake
- House of Cards

We also just finished re-watching The West Wing (for the eleventy millionth time). Still brilliant.

As for books, I can't really help. I have, amongst my circle, renowned appalling taste in literature (for a reasonably well educated woman, I have an alarming fetish for bodice rippers and escapist Regency romance). But if you haven't read any of Diana Gabaldon's books, I can highly recommend them - well written, beautiful stories. Start with Outlander (also called Cross Stitch) and work from there. Should kill a few weeks!

Big hugs!!

 

[chemgirl]

Will be thinking of you today Missy. Goodluck!

As far as internet in the hospital, what about one of those data sticks? I've never used one, but I think you can get them from your cell provider. You should have internet as long as there is cellular signal. Another errend for your DH.

 

[TooPatient]

Big hugs! Sending lots of dust and healthy thoughts your way. I hope the surgery is quick so you can get to healing

 

[AGBF]

When you are well enough to start reading Pricescope again, missy, I just want you to know that we are here at your bedside.

Love you!
Deb

 

[rosetta]

Thinking of you missy x

I brought my extra special healing dust with me *DUST*

 

[Sparklelu]

Thinking of you today Missy. Hope all is going spectacularly!! Here's to a relatively pain free recovery!!

 

[MMtwo]

Wishing you a good surgery and happy results.
You had mentioned this:

I have a little bit of a fear of pain meds because a good friend's son became hooked on them during his back surgery and recovery and well to this day approximately 10 years later his life is ruled by his addiction. In and out of rehab in and out of recovery and well his poor parents. In their 70's and dealing with their own health issues (my friend was diagnosed with Parkinson's 2 years ago ) and dealing with their son who is struggling with this horrible addiction.[/quote]

I hear you with the worries! Some people do have a terrible time with them.It's terrible for your friend's son. On the flip side my daughter had to take percocet for a couple of months after her broken back and spinal fusion. She did not have any addiction issues or needs past actual pain control. We only refilled her bottle once. I think if used sparingly and with healthy respect they can be managed okay.

Healing dust your way!!!

 

[azstonie]

Hi Missy!

I'm guessing your surgery is done now, if everything before you was timely for the surgeon.

TOILET RAILS: I had a big benefit from having my DH install handicapped rails on the potty. Really kept me steady and balanced sitting down/getting up. Everyone's toilet is different but the ones I liked had a plate that screwed onto the seat screw thingies and the arms went all the way down to the floor.

PAIN: The pain specialists and ortho surgeons say that the way to go is to *manage* the pain (get on on top of it IMMEDIATELY, do not wait to see how bad it gets or how little meds you can play with) as opposed to letting it get out of control, at which point you can hardly manage IT. So take your pain meds as directed/as needed. The addictive process comes with time; you most likely won't be using LOTS of narcotics over a long period of time so don't let the pain rage.

 

[azstonie]

I was thinking about pain and NSAIDs with fractured bones.

Did some more reading after being prompted by one of the ortho surgeons at work today.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259713/

Read this link. I'm glad I didn't go the NSAID routine while getting my fractures healed. I wonder if my fractures healed as well as quick as they did because I took no NSAIDs.

Percocet is oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) so it would be an acceptable choice for pain control as it would not impede fracture healing.

Anyway, here is a list of NSAIDs for you.
Salicylates[edit]
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Diflunisal(Dolobid™)
Salsalate(Disalcid™)
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate(Trilisate™)
Propionic acid derivatives[edit]Ibuprofen[56]
Dexibuprofen
Naproxen
Fenoprofen
Ketoprofen
Dexketoprofen
Flurbiprofen
Oxaprozin
Loxoprofen
Acetic acid derivatives[edit]Indomethacin
Tolmetin
Sulindac
Etodolac
Ketorolac
Diclofenac (Safety alert by FDA[57])
Aceclofenac
Nabumetone (drug itself is non-acidic but the active, principal metabolite has a carboxylic acid group)
Enolic acid (Oxicam) derivatives[edit]Piroxicam
Meloxicam
Tenoxicam
Droxicam
Lornoxicam
Isoxicam
Anthranilic acid derivatives (Fenamates )[edit]Mefenamic acid
Meclofenamic acid
Flufenamic acid
Tolfenamic acid
Selective COX-2 inhibitors (Coxibs)[edit]Celecoxib (FDA alert[58])
Rofecoxib (withdrawn from market[59])
Valdecoxib (withdrawn from market[60])
Parecoxib FDA withdrawn, licenced in the EU
Lumiracoxib TGA cancelled registration
Etoricoxib not FDA approved, licenced in the EU
Firocoxib used in dogs and horses
Sulfonanilides[edit]Nimesulide (systemic preparations are banned by several countries for the potential risk of hepatotoxicity)
Others[edit]Licofelone acts by inhibiting LOX (lipooxygenase) & COX and hence known as 5-LOX/COX inhibitor
Natural[edit]H-harpagide in Figwort[61] or Devil's Claw[62]
Lysine clonixinate

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thinking of you today, Missy, and hope everything went great!

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Missy, As you can see we are all waiting to hear that your surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery. I hope you are resting comfortably and your pain has been tolerable. I'm so looking forward to your next post. In no time at all you'll be feeling better every day and back at home with your babies. Sending lots of dust and good wishes to you! We all miss you Missy!

 

[lyra]

Wishing you the best for your surgery and recovery! Take care and heal.

 

[arkieb1]

We are all thinking of you, hoping everything goes well, and sending our positive vibes and wishes!!!!

 

[makemepretty]

Sending positive healing vibes .....

 

[MissGotRocks]

Thinking of you Missy and sending our best wishes!!

 

[Sakuracherry]

I hope everything went well. Please take a good rest.

 

[JewelFreak]

I thought of you all day today, Missy -- picturing you relieved (tomorrow, maybe, not today!) that this part is done & the worst of the pain taken care of. Hope you can rest & maybe enjoy being taken care of without guilt. Dust and much love & wishes that I could do more to help.

--- Laurie

 

[Sky56]

I thought of you all day today!! Sending good thoughts your way, missy!!

 

[mary poppins]

Thanking about you on surgery day. I hope you're already tarting to feel better.

 

[texaskj]

Hoping everything went well today and you're home soon.

 

[AGBF]

It's now almost 10:00 PM on Monday, the day of your surgery. I just got back from visiting my best friend in the nursing home where she is still recuperating from her knee replacement. She told me that her surgery was almost a month ago. I am sorry to say that she still has pain, but she is walking like a hiker now. She can go up and down more than one hall at a time! And this was a woman who couldn't walk at all prior to her spinal surgery last year and then her knee surgery this year! So you, who were young and vital, will be dancing rings around all the other rehab patients!

Thinking of you and praying for you!

Love,
Deb

 

[baby nurse]

I wish I could add something original, Missy. Just the same, I wanted to let you know how often I've thought of you these last few days and especially today. I prayed for you and really hope you get some relief knowing that the scariest part is over. You are such a sweet person-- sending you virtual hugs and healing dust.

 

[missy]

Hi guys, thank you so much for all those PS healing vibes, dust and good wishes and thoughts. And thank you for posting so many good thoughts while I was in admitting, surgery and then the recovery area... misskittycat, chemgirl, TooPatient, Deb, rosetta, Sparklelu, moneymeister, azstonie, diamondseeker, Callie, lyra, arkieb, makemepretty, MissGotRocks, Sakuracherry, Laurie, Sky, mary poppins,texasj and babynurse!

I got to the hospital at 8:10 AM (my birthday time so I took that as a good sign, I think LOL) and my dh and I went to a big family waiting area. At 9AM I was put in a room to change and have some pre-op stuff done. IV line. blood, and basically repeat info to many different staff personnel. During which time my parents got there and waited with us. Then the anesthesiologist came in to talk with me and he was very warm and reassuring. Made me feel comfortable. And then finally the surgeon came in and we were ready to go. Those 4 hours waiting simply flew by.

They wheeled me in for surgery around 12:15 pm and I woke up in the surgery area at 4:30 and was taken to recovery at that time. Where I stayed until till around 8:45 or so (they have these big ole clocks on the walls so the time is right in my face so I'm not being obsessive with the time or anything it's right there for me to remember- can't forget what time it is here LOL).

Some more of my family came but well not sure if all hospitals are like this but the one at at a time for 15 min max and only one 15 min visit every 2 hours while in recovery sort of sucks. I mean they are really strict about that and had this petite blond staff member come by every couple of minutes making sure we didn't sneak anyone in.

I was numb from my waist down until about 7:30 pm when some feeling started coming back. Took another hour for me to regain most of my feeling and yup, you guessed it. The pain came back. I have a morphine hookup but right now still in a lot of pain. 8.5 so the nurse came in and gave me my hydrocodone with tylenol. 10 mg (with 650 tylenol since she gave me 2 5 mg pills). That was about half an hour ago. Pain still intense but at least I am all hooked up to PS now so happily occupying my mind and trying to not think of the pain.

Dr Wellman didn't come by after surgery but he did tell me right before they wheeled me out that it went well. I found out later from my dh and parents that he said it went great and that everything fit together perfectly. Like it when things fit together perfectly! He had to make 2 big incisions (one larger than the other) but that's OK with me. I don't care how many physical scars I have as long as I can recover my physical ability and the emotional scars are always harder to deal with anyway and thankfully I don't think I have many of those (right now at least...let's keep those at a minimum please ).

Thoughts so far:

Staff here is lovely (at least the people I have met up to now-love my night nurse) and well they are all laughing at my jokes so you know I am enjoying their company.

Hospital seems very clean and very luxurious and just very nice all around. And my room rocks especially for being just a regular room. I have a great view of the East River and it is a very spacious despite having a roomie who is not chatting right now plus I am far from her with the way the room is set up and she has a privacy curtain around her area. So haven't even seen her yet.

But man, the room is so pretty. I like it. Phone next to bed, tv above and room for visitors. And lots of drawers for my personal belongings. I hope they let me get dressed tomorrow because I feel better if I am dressed even while laying around. Nightclothes are for sleeping (or not sleeping as my case may be but at least for sleeping time )

And I haven't had the opportunity to check out the bathroom in detail but when I was wheeled in I saw it in passing and it seems very nice. There is a wash area outside of the toilet area and it is set up like some hotels I have stayed in. But I guess with what they charge let's just say it is not far off from what these nice hotels cost so at least it is somewhat on par with the price!

First criticism- I think some of this hospital's rules are too extreme especially the recovery room time and number visitor limit. I understand the reasons behind it and even agree. But how about 15 min every hour and allow 2 people at a time. The setup there makes that more than reasonable IMO. I mean one visitor every 2 hours for 15 minutes is not constructive. It is healthier for patients to have some love around when right out of surgery as long as no other patients are being disturbed. And the area is large enough to make this a not difficult option.

My dh is awesome. But I already know that. He waited the whole time till I got my room and then even though it was after hospital visiting hours (11am-9pm) the nurses allowed him to come and visit and set me up. I have my computer and phone and chargers all set up. Plus my snacks and drinks and tea kettle and personal items that well I am not sure I will be making much use of. Brushing teeth, washing face not happening tonight. And I'm OK with that though not thrilled. But the pain is intense enough that I just don't want to try getting out of bed. And while I am not loving the thought of having a catheter in the convenience cannot be beat. Though I am slightly weirded out at not feeling when I need to pee or peeing itself if you kwim. I am just not going to think about it that's all.

OK I am sure I am forgetting many of my thoughts. First from being doped up on pain killers (morphine every 10 minutes straight to my veins and hydrocodone 10 mg about a bit less than an hour ago now I believe) and secondly from just being me. I mean much of the time I think I should have been born blonde (jk) or at the very least think of me as Lucy Ricardo. Lots of thoughts and crazy ideas all the time but sometimes a bit scattered because of all the stuff swimming my brain. LOL.

But I will not forget the main reason for this post. A heartfelt thanks to all of you for allowing me to lean on you and vent and cry and for all the amazing useful and practical info and help more valuable than diamonds to me. Truly. And I am sending the biggest hugs and much love to each and everyone of you.
(((Hugs))) and love being sent your way.

Missy

 

[missy]

It's now almost 10:00 PM on Monday, the day of your surgery. I just got back from visiting my best friend in the nursing home where she is still recuperating from her knee replacement. She told me that her surgery was almost a month ago. I am sorry to say that she still has pain, but she is walking like a hiker now. She can go up and down more than one hall at a time! And this was a woman who couldn't walk at all prior to her spinal surgery last year and then her knee surgery this year! So you, who were young and vital, will be dancing rings around all the other rehab patients!

Thinking of you and praying for you!

Love,
Deb

Thank you so much Deb for sharing that wonderful news about your dear friend! So happy for her! Please send her my best wishes for her recovery though she doesn't know who I am. I find just knowing others are sending good wishes and rooting for you immensely helpful it that makes sense. And big big (((hugs))) to you for all your help.

Love,
Missy

I wish I could add something original, Missy. Just the same, I wanted to let you know how often I've thought of you these last few days and especially today. I prayed for you and really hope you get some relief knowing that the scariest part is over. You are such a sweet person-- sending you virtual hugs and healing dust.

That is so kind of you to say and think baby nurse. Thank you! I know all the wonderful thoughts and prayers from all of you are helping me. And I don't feel so alone though I am in the hospital without my loved ones. I still have my fellow PSers with me and I appreciate that! Big (((Hugs))) to you!

 

[yennyfire]

Missy! So glad to hear that the surgery went well and that you're settled in your room. Hope you are able to stay on top of the pain and that tomorrow is better than today....

Many hugs to you!

 

[missy]

Hi Missy!

I'm guessing your surgery is done now, if everything before you was timely for the surgeon.

TOILET RAILS: I had a big benefit from having my DH install handicapped rails on the potty. Really kept me steady and balanced sitting down/getting up. Everyone's toilet is different but the ones I liked had a plate that screwed onto the seat screw thingies and the arms went all the way down to the floor.

PAIN: The pain specialists and ortho surgeons say that the way to go is to *manage* the pain (get on on top of it IMMEDIATELY, do not wait to see how bad it gets or how little meds you can play with) as opposed to letting it get out of control, at which point you can hardly manage IT. So take your pain meds as directed/as needed. The addictive process comes with time; you most likely won't be using LOTS of narcotics over a long period of time so don't let the pain rage.

I was thinking about pain and NSAIDs with fractured bones.

Did some more reading after being prompted by one of the ortho surgeons at work today.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259713/

Read this link. I'm glad I didn't go the NSAID routine while getting my fractures healed. I wonder if my fractures healed as well as quick as they did because I took no NSAIDs.

Percocet is oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) so it would be an acceptable choice for pain control as it would not impede fracture healing.

Anyway, here is a list of NSAIDs for you.
Salicylates[edit]
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Diflunisal(Dolobid™)
Salsalate(Disalcid™)
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate(Trilisate™)
Propionic acid derivatives[edit]Ibuprofen[56]
Dexibuprofen
Naproxen
Fenoprofen
Ketoprofen
Dexketoprofen
Flurbiprofen
Oxaprozin
Loxoprofen
Acetic acid derivatives[edit]Indomethacin
Tolmetin
Sulindac
Etodolac
Ketorolac
Diclofenac (Safety alert by FDA[57])
Aceclofenac
Nabumetone (drug itself is non-acidic but the active, principal metabolite has a carboxylic acid group)
Enolic acid (Oxicam) derivatives[edit]Piroxicam
Meloxicam
Tenoxicam
Droxicam
Lornoxicam
Isoxicam
Anthranilic acid derivatives (Fenamates )[edit]Mefenamic acid
Meclofenamic acid
Flufenamic acid
Tolfenamic acid
Selective COX-2 inhibitors (Coxibs)[edit]Celecoxib (FDA alert[58])
Rofecoxib (withdrawn from market[59])
Valdecoxib (withdrawn from market[60])
Parecoxib FDA withdrawn, licenced in the EU
Lumiracoxib TGA cancelled registration
Etoricoxib not FDA approved, licenced in the EU
Firocoxib used in dogs and horses
Sulfonanilides[edit]Nimesulide (systemic preparations are banned by several countries for the potential risk of hepatotoxicity)
Others[edit]Licofelone acts by inhibiting LOX (lipooxygenase) & COX and hence known as 5-LOX/COX inhibitor
Natural[edit]H-harpagide in Figwort[61] or Devil's Claw[62]
Lysine clonixinate

Thank you! Quite the list. I will read it carefully tomorrow when my brain is not as foggy and confused as it is right now. I am not thinking clearly at all. Exhaustion and pain meds are not a great combo for exercising acute mental ability. (Though that doesn't stop everyone lol.)

Missy! So glad to hear that the surgery went well and that you're settled in your room. Hope you are able to stay on top of the pain and that tomorrow is better than today....

Many hugs to you!

Thank you dear Yenny! And many hugs back to you as well. Hope you and your family are enjoying the summer.

 

[Kelinas]

Yay! Glad to hear your surgery went fine and everything "fit!"

Thought about you all day. I really hope they can get your pain under control!

And the visitation rules seem very..
Not normal.