July 21, 2010

Well what do you know? Time flies when you’re not in a halo! It’s been over 5 weeks since my last post. I’ve seen both doctors, started Physical Therapy (PT), and flew to the moon since I last posted.

It’s been 7 weeks since the halo came off and I’m still sporting the Miami J collar. Wore it solid for the first 3 weeks. After that, Dr. Hardaker set up a schedule to wean me gently out of it. Fourth week slept without it. Fifth week didn’t put it on until noon. 3 pm on the sixth week. This week it only goes on after 6pm until bed time. It sure would of been nice to be without it a lot sooner. I have to admit though, that when it comes time to put on the collar, my neck doesn’t hurt from not having it. So the weaning process has been successful so far. I was thinking yesterday that I didn’t need the thing at all anymore. I am only wearing it for a few hours even though my neck feels fine. Then the smarter part of my brain chimed in and said, “It’s a reminder.” Indeed, in the very least it slows me down. Which I need, because I am raring to go! Saturday is the last day for the collar.

No brace! Until 6

I can turn to the left too

So what about that left arm and the new left side tingling? Still present. What did the Doctors think? “You’re healing very well. Remarkable recovery over the last 3 months.”

But I can make my left side tingle by looking down?

“Try not to do that.”

Don’t we need some tests? Don’t you want to see what’s going on?

“Only if we are going to operate.”

Oh. Well that’s good.

Here’s where it all stands right now. Surgery is not off the table, but its teetering on the edge. The doctors are very pleased with the progress of my recovery. My bones continue to heal, become strong. My neck muscles are back to work. My paresthesias (mild abnormal nerve sensations such as pins-and-needles, tingling, burning, prickling, itchy, etc) in the left arm and hand continue to slowly dissipate. And the left side tingling is probably caused by that bone, which over time should wear away and yield the space back to the spinal column. The doctors reminded me that my bruised spinal cord and nerves take time to regenerate and heal; 6, 9, 12 months maybe even 2yrs. It’s been 4 months. The bottom line here is that it would be crazy to operate near my spinal cord to fix two issues that will probably correct themselves with the aid of time.

I have good strength in my left arm. Starting to get back some tactile feelings in my fingers as they don’t feel like blocks anymore. I can pick my nose again! So I am feeling good about the prognosis and I just repeat my mantra, “In due time. In due time.”

I’ll see Dr. Hardaker next week and Dr. Turner September first. There’s a lot more time between visits now. Another good sign.

I’ve had 4 rounds of PT as I see Jeff once a week. We don’t seem to do much but talk and go over a few exercises. It’s been easy and relatively painless. In fact I am not supposed to do things that hurt. So what do I do? Isometric exercises, range of motion, neck traction (have somebody very, very gently pull on my head), walking, trunk twists, leg raises, and shoulder shrugs. I do all of those things each day on my own. I am determined to take advantage of my time and this period where PT is most beneficial. I think I have been showing progress too. This week Jeff introduced a big rubber stretchy tube to do all sorts of resistance exercises. Just 3 to 5 reps. Doesn’t sound like much, but I guess it is enough. He warns me about over doing it, “red lining” and the consequences. If I over do it, I may not know immediately, maybe 6 hours later, 12 or the next day. But when I do, I pay with my energy and feeling good. I ache and am tired. I am going to get those days. They usually come after a day when I felt great. I am still learning to find the sweet spot and ride it. The thing is, as I get better, the sweet spot is always changing.

I still can’t go running. It’s too jarring. I still can’t pick heavy stuff up. I still can’t do pull ups. No soccer or tennis. Not suppose to swim or roller blade. No tree climbing. But I can breathe, move around and interact with the world. I am still feeling very fortunate and thankful for my life. I’m still overwhelmed by emotion as I think about all wonderful people who make me who I am. Thank you.

Speaking of those people, I’ve got 3 more in my life. Congratulations to Kristen & Mark who now have a little boy, Eli! Congratulations to Jill & Chris who now have a little girl, Ava! And congratulations to Susan & Billy who now have their second boy, Henry! Thankfully, everybody is home and healthy.

For the most part, I have my autonomy back. I’m at 79 mph out of 100. I take care of myself again and I am starting to slowly ease back into my work. Huge thanks to all of my clients who have been patient and understanding. I can drive myself around again. Today I’m going to visit my Mom, play some disc golf in the 96 degree heat and juggle a soccer ball. I sure am lucky.