So surgery was Tuesday, January 8, 2008, check-in time at 3:00 pm. I received a call at 1:00 pm asking if I wanted to come in early, I did and could. So same date, check-in time now at 1:30 pm.

I was checked in, informed of my pending sleepover, called everyone to know about my pending sleepover, and taken back by 2:30-3:00 pm. After a couple of hours I was in the recovery/post-op area. After feeling became the norm and grogginess wore off, the new information being provided to me was that the hospital was full and that I would not be receiving a bed upstairs. Nope, instead I would be staying right where I was and enduring an uncertain night in an uncomfortable bed. (I think that is one reason I was granted up to 8 pillows by the time all was said and done.)

The uncertain night became clearer as time wore on. The bed might have been uncomfortable but my back hurt so badly that my tears and cries for strong medications and requests for those strong medications to come sooner than the 4 hour wait time overshadowed the bed issue.

At one point I asked my nurse for dulaited in between doses of Norco x2. She obliged. It is understandable but still quite astonishing that my back hurts SO much. However, they cut directly over previous, already sensitive, incisions and pulled, threaded and tied into place a new lead.

I must say though that this time seems to have hit the magic spot. In their short programming adjustment I have my right knee covered and when I turn my stimulator up my right leg gets buzzed and then moves over to my left leg. Unlike before where it was my hip, abdomen, back, and left leg long before my right leg, and specifically my right knee. Then after pulling my lead it was 10x worse and the lead was poking into my left hip muscle.

As for my bedridden days. I have gotten out of my bed long enough to walk to the kitchen to see what I want and immediately, but slowly, walk right back to bed. I don't bend. I don't twist. I don't put my hands up high. I don't even lift my own computer if it is too far from me. In two days, I already hear my son going uggg, coming. It's cute, because when I say sorry, he still says it's no problem.

I found out today that I can get an Access Pass for disabled people to the National Parks. Currently you have to pay the park usage fee and place a placard in your window showing you paid, otherwise you receive a ticket. Well, National Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and other State or Government Agencies offer disabled people access to these wonderful natural locations without having to worry about tickets or tags. I am going to look into getting one for my car. Soon to be Patricks car cause he only has 5 more DUI classes from a DUI back in 2000. His teacher gave him tonight off to take care of me. Very nice of her.

On a more personal note: I have a slight rash on my face. Kirsty says it's all stress. All I can think is great. At least I don't go out and do anything important, ya know?? I have also started trying MiraLax. Hopefully it is everything they claim it to be

Since my stay in the hospital, my son acquired a Ball Python baby snake. We have a pretty huge tank for it already. We thank his Uncle Martin for both

All right so I am done. This week I have met my resolution goal. Post more blogs. However, how many is too much? How many is not enough? Please comment and let me know your opinion on how many blogs are enough to keep you properly updated, or to keep my New Year's Resolution Goal of More Blogging.

Pain Free Air Hugs (cause my back hurts too much to receive real ones right now) to All,
-Christine



Previously posted @ MySpace:

Alive and good Went in yesterday @ 1:30, came home today @ 4:30. I had a very nice stay. If you start off treating the hospital staff with MOUNDS of respect, you will get MOUNDS of respect. By the time I left I had a total of 8, yes 8, pillows. I think the most you can have is 2 or 3. But everytime I said I need one for my knee or my back, instead of just rearranging the ones I had, they went and got me another one.