Surgery, My Scars Are Healing

March 6

March 12

March 15

March 17

March 20

More Post Surgery Update

From: Cheryl Ann [mailto:cinberry@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 1:21 PM
To: Gamble, Gloria
Cc: Boles, Larry; Fitzgerald, Catherine
Subject: CAK Update

I had my post op visit today. The incision is healing very well. My blood pressure is fine. The pain meds (and the diclofenac and gabapentin) were what was causing it to dip a bit. It's in a normal range now so nothing to worry about. 

I asked about the fatigue and that too is normal for recovering from surgery. 

I did ask if I could go off the gabapentin. I don't like taking it because it blurs my vision. We did make a plan to ween myself off it. 

I have been cleared to return to work on Monday, part time hours for 2 weeks. I was surprised by that. I did get a little lecture - while the incision is healing well, the muscles need time to mend too. 

Post Surgery Update

-----Original Message-----
From: Gloria
To: Cheryl Ann
Cc: Larry; Cathy 
Sent: Fri, Mar 13, 2015 10:06 pm
Subject: Re: Hello

Wow that is a lot.  It is amazing how bad not doing much can make you feel and the drugs play havoc on your mind and body.  The blood pressure issue is a little worrisome though.  At least the pain has subsided.  Take care and take it easy and keep us posted.  We'll be glad to send you some work if you get bored with all that other stuff!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 13, 2015, at 12:07 PM, "Cheryl Ann" <cinberry@aol.com> wrote:

It's been more than a week since I came home from the hospital. 

As far as I know, the surgery went well. At least that's what Dr. Hnilica told my family. Lol. He updated them that the herniation in the L5 lumbar was worse than originally thought. This is what was causing the, at times, severe pain down my left leg/foot. The cartilage between the L4 and L5 discs had "exploded" and was "squeezed" against the nerve. He removed the cartilage and "spot-welded" the rest of the disc together. Again, that's what he told my family. I saw him for 5 minutes in the holding room, as he drew dots on my back. I was in the OR for less than 2 minutes before I was out.

I did stay overnight. Ruth, Tamara, Marcia and Johnetta took very good care of me. It was difficult to sleep with the leg compression thingamajiggs squeezing and the IV machine beeping. I think I slept all of 3 total hours! I mostly flipped TV channels as I didn't think to bring a book. 

Allan and Cade brought me.home around noon on Wednesday and I went straight to bed and slept the rest of the day, aided by my good friend Oxycodone.

On Thursday, my mom came over and made beef stew. I did a couple of very slow laps around the inside of my house, took my Oxycodone and again mostly slept. Oh yea, and Mom taught Cade and I how to knit hats on a knitting loom. 

On Friday Mom came over again and brought a blood pressure cuff. She was worried because I still looked really pale. She also changed my bandage. I wasn't feeling the greatest as she was peeling off the super duper suran wrapping they put on me in the hospital. Since I can't really see the incision, I asked her to take a photo of it. She bandaged me up, I looked at the pic (a small angry looking scar) and then we continued to talk for about 10 minutes. After that I got really light headed and asked her to walk with me to my room so I could lay down. Apparantly, as I got to the side of my bed, I passed out. Luckily I face-planted right in the middle of my bed. Now, I am puny when it comes to blood, scars, and all that icky stuff, so it's quite possible I passed out due to seeing my own incision. (And on an iPhone no less!) It's also possible I passed out due to low blood pressure. 

I've been tracking my blood pressure ever since and it has been low for me. I'm experiencing dizziness and blurred vision, which may be from low blood pressure. It can also be from the gabapentin. According to Marcia, narcotics (Oxycodone) can also cause low blood pressure. But I was taking the gabapentin and oxycodone before surgery and my blood pressure was normal during my pre-op. I haven't been taking the oxycodone much this week, mostly at night so it won't hurt as much when I turn over.

I've read 3 books, knitted 4 hats, played tons of games of Trivia Crack and am on Season 2 of House of Cards. I'm trying to stay up, either sitting in a chair or walking my house, but I do get tired easy. I also can't twist, bend over or lift anything over 10 lbs. (Fun fact, a gallon of milk is 10 lbs.) Also, I'm just not feeling "right." Yes, the pain in my leg is gone (whoo! hoo!) but I still feel off somehow. This and my low blood pressure are on my list to discuss with Dr. Hnilica during my post-op. It's currently scheduled for 10:30 on 3/20, though I'm on the list to call if something comes available sooner. I originally thought I'd be able to return to work on Monday, but I have to wait until after my post-op visit.

Cheryl Ann

-----Original Message-----
From: Gloria
To: Cheryl Ann
Sent: Tue, Mar 10, 2015 4:09 pm
Subject: Hello

How are you doing?  

Surgery, Slow Recovery

I've been tracking my blood pressure ever since last Friday and it has been low for me. I'm experiencing dizziness and blurred vision, which may be from low blood pressure. It can also be from the gabapentin. According to Marcia (one of my post surgery nurses), narcotics (Oxycodone) can also cause low blood pressure. But I was taking the gabapentin and oxycodone before surgery and my blood pressure was normal during my pre-op. I haven't been taking the oxycodone much this week, mostly at night so it won't hurt as much when I turn over.

I've read 3 books, knitted 4 hats, played tons of games of Trivia Crack and am on Season 2 of House of Cards. I'm trying to stay up, either sitting in a chair or walking my house, but I do get tired easy. I also can't twist, bend over or lift anything over 10 lbs. (Fun fact, a gallon of milk is 10 lbs.) Also, I'm just not feeling "right." Yes, the pain in my leg is gone (whoo! hoo!) but I still feel off somehow. This and my low blood pressure are on my list to discuss with Dr. Hnilica during my post-op. It's currently scheduled for 10:30 on 3/20.

While still a little angry looking, my scar is healing. I'm able to view the picture without passing out!

Back Surgery Get Well Cards

 

  

 

Book Review, Scar Girl

I read The Scar Boys because a friend of mine, the drama teacher for Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC was working with his Advance Theatre class on adapting the book for the stage. Len saw the show and provided the cast and crew with advanced copies of Scar Girl. I liked both the book and the show and asked if I could borrow an advanced copy.

First off, the title is misleading. It's not Cheyenne's story, it's all their stories. It's more a sequel of the first book. Cheyenne's arc, which I predicted at the end of The Scar Boys, angered me. I'd have loved for Len to pen a more realistic "resolution" than taking the lazy way out.

The interview concept and format just didn't work. There are interview questions at the beginning of each "part" (i.e. Who do you admire?) then a picture of headphones. The text after the headphones is the contiuing saga of Harry, Richie, Cheyenne and Johnny as told in each point of view, save one. To make sure you know which character is talking, their names preceed their paragraphs. Helpful, yes, but it definitely interrupts the flow of the book.

None of the characters are likeable. Wait. I take that back. Richie is the only likeable character, but he's more of a fringe/comic relief character. We are never really introduced to his story, only how he reacts to Harry's, Cheyenne's and Johnny's arcs.

It doesn't take long to figure out where the story is heading and honestly, I wanted to give up on the book multiple times. I wanted to like this book. Len is such a great guy and The Scar Boys was a good book. But, for me, this book was one big cop-out.

Since I've a geat deal of time on my hands while I recuperate from back surgery, Mom taught me how to loom hats.

Here's my first customer.

Isn't he a cutie?

Surgery Scar

As far as I know, the surgery went well. At least that's what Dr. Hnilica told Allan and my family. He updated them that the herniation in the L5 lumbar was worse than originally thought. This is what was causing the, at times, severe pain down my left leg/foot. The cartilage between the L4 and L5 discs had "exploded" and was "squeezed" against the nerve. He removed the cartilage and "spot-welded" the rest of the disc together. Again, that's what he told Allan. I saw him for 5 minutes in the holding room, as he drew dots on my back. I was in the OR for less than 2 minutes before I was out.

I did stay overnight. Ruth, Tamara, Marcia and Johnetta took very good care of me. It was difficult to sleep with the leg compression thingamajiggs squeezing and the IV machine beeping. I think I slept all of 3 total hours! I mostly flipped TV channels as I didn't think to bring a book. 

Allan and Cade brought me home around noon on Wednesday and I went straight to bed and slept the rest of the day, aided by my good friend Oxycodone.

On Thursday, my mom came over and made beef stew. I did a couple of very slow laps around the inside of my house, took my Oxycodone and again mostly slept. Mom taught Cade and I how to knit hats on a knitting loom. 

Mom came over again today and brought a blood pressure cuff. She was worried because I still looked really pale. She also changed my bandage. I wasn't feeling the greatest as she was peeling off the super duper suran wrapping they put on me in the hospital. Since I can't really see the incision, I asked her to take a photo of it. 

I looked at the picture and tried not to be too grossed out. Mom and I continued to talk while she bandaged me anew. Still thinking of the picture of my scar, I got really light headed and asked her to walk with me to my room so I could lay down. Apparently, as I got to the side of my bed, I passed out. Luckily I face-planted right in the middle of my bed. Now, I am puny when it comes to blood, scars, and all that icky stuff, so that's probably why I passed out. It's also possible I passed out due to low blood pressure, which is why Mom brought over the BP cuff. 

Pre Op

Today was my pre op appointment. This is what the nurse did to my arm when attempting to draw blood. I am hoping and praying the surgery goes better than this did.

A Movie Watching Afternoon

Happy Chinese New Year

Laminotomy, Discectomy

Once again I couldn't go back to sleep after making Cade's lunch and sending him off to school. In this case it was a good thing. Forsyth Brain and Spine called to reschedule my appointment. After asking when the first available appointment was, I held my breath. Due to a cancellation, 9:20a today was available. I was in the office within 15 minutes from the time she called me!

Dr. Hnilica and I talked briefly about the pain I was experiencing. He then took me back to his office to go over the results of the MRI. 

There has been some further deterioration of my L5 vertebrae and due to the herniation, it is poking into my S1 nerve. Since the pain shots are no longer working, plan B, and his recommendation, was surgery. He went over the benefits and we spent a great deal of time going over the risks.

Now, I've been petrified of surgery. I was terribly afraid something would go wrong and I'd be paralyzed for the rest of my life. I saw Dr. Hnilica's PA back in December and he addressed some of my fears. The surgery I would need is very routine. It requires a small incision in my back (as opposed to having my entire spine exposed, like in my worst nightmares). He also told me that Dr. Hnilica had done the same surgery on him. The fact that he was walking and talking went a long way to allay my fears.

I've been in chronic pain since mid-November and I absolutely suck at dealing with it. Pain shots are no longer working (or as in the most recent case, are exacerbating the problem). I've been out of work for 2 weeks during a very busy time and I feel I'm letting my manager and coworkers down. And Cade. I feel like I let him down every single day. Chronic pain + poor emotional state = facing surgery fears. 

So, on Tuesday, March 3, I'll have a laminotomy, discectomy on my left lumbar L4/5.

I'll be in the hospital for one night and then spend up to two weeks recovering. My mom will be coming in from Key West to help.

I'm relieved that it's been scheduled. Don't misunderstand, I'm still nervous. But, for now, the idea of being pain-free is greater.

So, I got a call from Forsyth Brain and Spine. (Actually, the call went to voicemail. The meds really knock me out and my phone buzzed way too early this morning.) 

My appointment for Friday, the first available appointment when I called back in mid-November, the one I've been desperately awaiting since then, has been cancelled. 

That's right, folks. C.A.N.C.E.L.L.E.D.

I haven't returned a call to them as of yet. I'm afraid they'll tell me the first available appointment won't be until May. And I'm not sure I can last until then.

I'm having a very difficult time keeping things together. 

Tonight's Feature

Usually the books are better than the movie. Usually. Life of Pi was an exception.

Don't get me wrong, it's still the same long, labourous and boring story. The difference is the movie is beautifully filmed. The colors of India simply popped, some of the ocenic special effects (the whale, the jellyfish) were gorgeous and I loved the floating green island.

Having seen the movie, I wished I had skipped reading the book!

A Book Review, "Life of Pi"

For the past few years, I've had a goal to read X number of books from the BBC Book list. I've never achieved this goal, which is why I didn't add it to this year's goals.

As I opened the DVD envelope from my Netflix queue, I had to laugh. You guessed it, it was Life of Pi. I took that as a sign that I should finally read the book.

This was actually the second time with the book. The first time I just could not get into it. This time around wasn't much better but I forced myself to persevere. There were some nice moments and even some exciting things happened (green floating island, the "real" story). Ultimately it was long, labourous and just this side of completely boring. I was really hoping Richard Parker would just eat him so the book could conclude.

A Book Report, "Ask The Dark"

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a 46 year young woman who loves to read YA novels. I think it's partly so I can keep up with what my teenagers are reading, though a lot of the books are extremely engaging. This was the case with Ask The Dark.

I was sucked in by the description: "A compelling tale of redemption and tour-de-force YA debut, Ask the Dark is an absorbing first-person thriller about Billy Zeets, a 14-year-old semi-delinquent in a deadly tango with a killer."

I was both saddened and amazed by Billy's fortitude. He's had a rough life which has led to some poor choices and he is very street smart. It's those keen observations that gets him involved in a string of murders in his hometown.

It's a very engaging book and an easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

I received this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I Love This!

Goodreads Voice: Little Free Library

By Goodreads Staff | Published Feb 03, 2015 01:35PM

Painted red and shaped like a miniature one-room schoolhouse, the first Little Free Library—built by Todd Bol in Hudson, Wisconsin, in 2009—launched what would become a worldwide movement in just a few years. Now more than 23,000 mini libraries exist in the United States, Canada, and other countries, including Haiti, Ghana, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Italy. Often custom painted by local artists, these tiny book collections are outfitted with the cheerful motto "Take a book, return a book!"

Believing that no one should have to live in a book desert, the nonprofit Little Free Library needs donations to keep the movement going. Find out how you can help place a Little Free Library in your hometown and in cities across the globe. You can also get involved by becoming the "steward" of your own library by ordering one ready-made or designing your own!

I saw this in a magazine several years ago and thought it was very good advice.

Lessons Learned from Dogs

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure extasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stip to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Enjoy every moment of every day!

An Afternoon At The Movies, "Gone Girl"

I definitely wanted to see this at the theater. Luckily Chad and I were able to catch it today, and at the $2.50 theater!

I'd already read the book, so the movie wasn't as suspenseful for me. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike both turned in great performances.

Poor, poor Neil Patrick Harris!

2015

This Just Makes Me Smile

Christmas Cards

Cade's Christmas Card to the Family

Cade's 6th Grade Holiday Chorus concert.

This is Cade's Christmas List. I think Santa, his Elves, and his Reindeer will need to work quite a bit of overtime!

I missed Jake Gyllenhaal in his Broadway debut. I will not miss this opportunity to see him on stage.

This is a 13-week engagement. Previews begin on December 16 and the show opens January 13.

I WILL NOT miss him again!

Self Selfie Portrait

A Night At The Movies, "Of Mice And Men"

Last night Chad and I headed to The Grand Theatre to see the Broadway production of Of Mice and Men that was filmed during their final performance. I was really bummed I missed it on Broadway, so this was a very nice means of seeing the show.

The set was absolutely outstanding, as were the lights. Ususally if I notice the lighting it doesn't bode well for the performances. This was not the case with this show at all. The entire production, from start to finish, was amazing and wonderful.

Chris O'Dowd received a Tony nomination and many other accolades for his rendition of Lenny, and deservedly so. He played Lenny with strength, vulnerability and precious heart. While Chad felt there were a few times Chris' accent bled through, I thought he was spot on.

I was pleasantly surprised by James Franco's performance. I really hate that his characterization of George didn't get the buzz that Chris' performance did. There were many times that as good as Chris was, James was even better. His George started out a bit too angry during the opening scene, but the deeper we got into the story, the more rounded his George became. He brought such glorious layers to George!

After seeing the production, I really do wish I had seen it in person. Still, I can console myself with the fact that seeing the movie version allowed for detailed close-ups that I would have missed on Broadway.

A Book Report, "Dark Prayer"

Sometimes I get sucked in by a book's cover. Sometimes it's the book's description. For Dark Prayer it was both.

Eloise Blake is on the run from a life she can no longer remember. And from a killer who will stop at nothing, to protect a secret as old as time. From the award-winning author of SEASON OF THE WITCH, comes a thriller about memory, identity and the murderous consequences of a quest gone wrong.

On the cover it looks like two different people, and really it is. Jenilee Gray discovers startling news which triggers a fugue state. Now she is Eloise Blake. Eloise is an entirely different person that who she was when she was Jenilee. For me that was the most fascinating part of the story - memory manipulation. We are who we are due, in part, to our memories. If those memories are manipulated, can we become someone entirely different?

For me this was more of a psychologically exciting book than it was a thriller. The murder mystery wasn't all that interesting since one could figure out "whodunit" fairly early. Still it's a rich story and I'd love for Mostert to write a prequel or even a sequel to this.

(I received an advanced reader's copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

2014 Goals - October Update

Nothing new to report. Jeez...

See a minimum of 5 Broadway shows  (completed June)

1. If/Then (June 12)
2. B ullets Over Broadway (June 13)
3. A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (June 14)
4. Violet (June 14)
5. Aladdin (June 15)
6. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (June 15)
7. Heathers: The Musical (June 16)

Read 60 books for my Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge (completed August)

Read 3 books off the BBC Reading List
- Gah!

Attend 3 Festivals (completed July)

1. North Carolina Wine Festival (May 24, Clemmons)
2. North Carolina Blueberry Festival (June 21, Burgaw)
3. North Carolina Blackberry Festival (July 12, Lenoir)

Travel somewhere I've never been
- I need to get hopping on this one.