My DM is having major back surgery

[antkim]

This coming Tuesday she is having some major work done on her back.The surgeon said it was going to take about 6 hours.She has suffered from psiatica(NO IDEA HOW TO SPELL ANY OF HER CONDITIONS!!!!)for about 15 years.She also has major deterioration of her spine.They will be doing a spinal fusion,scraping her hip bones to use in her back and inserting screws.She can barely walk at this point without being in excrusiating pain.She is 62.
I have never asked this but if anyone would be willing to send a card I know it would lift her spirits!She will be out of commission for AT LEAST 6 weeks probably 8 so reading some nice cards will help her emotionally.Please PM me or email me if you would like the address to send it to.
Thanks so much everyone for all your support!
Kim

 

[LindaR]

Hey! I had the same surgery in Jan 2002. Believe me, it is much better than the pain she is going thru right now. Recovery is slow and a little painful, but she will eventually be the human being that she once was. Might even see some smiles from her!

 

[Dan Murphy]

My very best for your mom, Kim. Hoping all goes well, I am sure it will. It will all be worth it to be without pain soon. And sure, send an address, Kim, I would love to.

Dan

 

[antkim]

That makes me feel so much better!Thank you.She almost didn't go to WDW with us this past Dec.because she couldn't stand the thought of walking.She ended up getting a cortizone shot right before we left and rented one of the scooters for her and she did O.K. but I would love to go back with her and have her REALLY enjoy herself.She doesn't complain much so I know she was didn't really tell us how she was feeling.I really hope this is the anwer for her.
Thank you again-you lifted my spirits!
Kim

 

[browneyes]

Good luck to your mom.

 

[LindaR]

Hey Kim, I am taking my first WDW trip since my back surgery. I am prepared for every possibility. I have residual nerve damage on my right side from damage to my spinal cord and have a hard time walking for long lengths of time or standing for long, but HEY I am walking upright, not bent over to one side like I used to be!

It is a tough surgery, but you have no idea of the pain that DM is going thru. I am 41 now. I have a "friend" (receptionist at orthodontist office) who is 62 and had the same surgery last August. We always compare notes when my daughter goes in for her monthly appt. We are now happy people!

 

[antkim]

Great to hear Linda and have a wonderful trip!You described my mom exactly-bent over!She'll be O.K. These are the times when I wish she wasn't "alone" though.My parents are divorced so she has no one at home with her.My brother and I only live about 2 miles from her though and my grandmother lives in the same building as her(which is good and bad!!).We will all take turns with her though and I'm sure she will have lots of people in the building checking on her.We will all cook for her also.She'll do great!
Kim

 

[antkim]

bumping this in hopes of getting some replies on sending her cards!

 

[mamajoan]

Hope your mom does well with her surgery.. I have had many patients pre and post this surgery.. almost all do very well. The pain relief is the best result.

I have a suggestion since your mom lives alone. You may have already done this but I will suggest anyway.

Check to see if the doc and her insurance carrier will ok HOME HEALTH for PT, OT and possibly a home health nurses aide for a couple of weeks after the surgery. It can be of great benefit.
If the it is ok'd then you can make sure it is set up before her discharge from the hospital.
Best wishes,
Joan

 

[antkim]

Thanks Joan,
I'm not sure if this has already been arranged but my Mom did say she would be willing to have someone come to her house if necessary.I will ask her about this when I speak to her tonight.She can be a little timid when it comes to those things so maybe I will look into it myself!
Kim

 

[antkim]

Joan,
I just got off the phone with DM and she told me that the NP today told her that they will make arrangements to have someone come in to help her with her needs.So glad to hear that.I know she is also.
Thank you again,
Kim

 

[helenabear]

Wishing your mom all the best as she goes through surgery and recovery. I'd be more than happy to send her a card. Just send me the address

 

[antkim]

I will PM you now!
Thank you all for responding!She will REALLY appreciate it!
Kim