A "Sober" Version of My Surgery and Recovery!

So, the last time I posted about my surgery, I was feeling like crap and I paid for it in pain for the rest of the day. I am feeling much stronger and can think much clearer now. I wrote an email to my facutly at school. There is a short version and a long version....take your pick at which version you want to read. I have also posted some current pictures of my wounds for the sickos who want to see them...

Here is the short version:
It has been a month since I had my surgery and I am doing well. I just went to my follow-up appointment today and everything is healing as it should. I have about 75% of my strength and endurance back. So don't picture me laying in bed all day, cut up and in agony. I am up and around but moving a much slower pace. My plan is to come back for two days (4 hours each day) right before Christmas break to get myself acclimated back to the real world. I miss all of you and will never complain about having too much to do ever again....this past month has been trying in many ways, but not being able to do much but rest has been a challenge.

If you want to read the long version, keep reading............if not, you can stop here.......don't worry, I will never know which version you chose........

Long Version:
Surgery:
On Oct. 22nd, I went in for surgery and never anticipated what would follow. This is the first surgery I have ever had and so I had no expectations, just fear. It is sort of one of those situations that you don't know the right questions to ask until after. When I woke up from my 8 hour surgery, I was confused...sadly my first thought was am I at school...go figure! It didn't take me long (a few seconds) to feel the excruciating pain in my head and neck. The pain was so bad, I couldn't have even imagined it if someone tried to describe it to me prior to the surgery. During surgery, they took about 3 cm off the base of my skull and shave down my first vertebrae. The also made and incision in my leg and took a piece of skin from above my muscle to graft into the thin lining that covers my brain. After this, they noticed a small area on the left side of my head where spinal fluid was leaking and so they took more skin from my leg to patch that. Next, they put two needles in my lower back to drain off some excess spinal fluid. They sewed me all back up with several layers of dissolvable stitches (internally) on my leg and several layers on my neck/head. On the outside of my neck/head, I had sutures that I had removed on day 8 and my leg had surgical tape over the top that was supposed to fall off...I had to help them come off after two weeks...I had had enough!

Recovery:
The first two weeks of recover was pure torture. Even with the heavy doses of Morphine and Valium I was on in the hospital, the pain never really went away. I was in the hospital from Thursday until Monday (so 5 days) and I had to lay on either my right or left side. I literally flipped like a pancake from side to side for many days after surgery. I was trying to get comfortable so the pain was manageable and that was the only thing I could do to try. I was so weak that I needed help every time I moved and so it was a big job for the nurses and my husband. While I was in the hospital, I had so many tubes coming out of me and I looked just awful! I had to get blood thinning shots...in my stomach...every 12 hours, blood take every 12 hours, new IV's as my existing ones went bad, I had a tube in my wrist that constantly measured my heartbeat...I was a mess. It wasn't until the Sunday night or early Monday morning that they MADE me get up and walk. I was scared and weak, but I did it. After that point, I was ready to go home and so I did whatever I had to do to get out of there.
After being home, my recovery has gone by in weeks rather than days. After week 2, so 14 days, the extreme headache pains went away, but I was left with no strength in my neck and limited movement as well. Sleeping was still very difficult...I could never get comfortable. My leg was starting to bug me more, I think I just started to notice it more as the pain in my head lessened. I ended up taking off the surgical tape with Q-tip and rubbing alcohol and boy did that feel good!! I got off all of my prescription pain meds and just used Tylenol and Motrin. After week 3, I still had limited movement, and strength in my head, but it did improve from the week before. I was sleeping much better when I could actually fall to sleep and my leg was just achy, not really in pain. Now, after 4 weeks, I am feeling pretty good. I have much more movement in my neck. I can look over my left shoulder, but not my right one yet, so driving is still not an option for me unless someone is brave enough to come with me and help me change lanes........:-) My leg is healing well. I don't have much feeling on or around my incision, but hopefully that will not be permanent. It still aches, but mostly when it is touched or at the end of the day after walking on it. I get random headaches, but that is only if I try to do too much in a day or I haven't slept well...they mostly ache at the base of my head where I am still healing.

So, life for me right now is at a snails pace which I am alright with for the time being. I am just thankful I am able to be up moving around with minimal pain.

I appreciate all of you for the cards, flowers, candy, bread, emails, thoughts, prayers, and concern you have sent my way. Each and every act in my behalf has gotten me to where I am today. Without the love and care from family and friends, this type of surgery could take a person to a dark place pretty easily. The love and encouragement from all has been my saving grace that has kept me going each and everyday. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Leg after 4 weeks

Head after 4 weeks.

Almost 2 Weeks...from Kelly's Point of View

I am actually sitting here at the computer ready for my first update on my recent Decompression Surgery! As I sit here I am a bit shakey and it takes much concentration to hold my head up, but I am just thankful I am here and not where I was 13 days ago! When I up from the 7+ hour surgery I was completely confused! I couldn't figure out where I was or what was happening. This feeling didn't last long until I felt the severe amount of pain coming from my neck and head. The pain was so severe I can't really describe it in words...all I could do was cry! I was being wheeled into the ICU where I met Bruce, my nurse. I absolutely loved that man and he will always have a special place in my heart. He would do whatever I needed to just tolerate the pain which meant moving from side to side about every 5 minutes. I was grateful to him that he put me, his patient, and my comfort at the top of his list. I was so thankful when they finally let Loren come back and see me. All I could do was cry and so he joined in. It's funny how the little things make a difference in life...I knew Loren was there and I new he was suffering with me and that brought me a huge amount of comfort. Loren as well as my parents and his parents stayed with me until I could let them go. They had been through a lot that day and just seeing each one of their faces that evening brought me such love and comfort I can't thank them enough. So everyone else was allowed to leave but Loren and he stayed with me on a very small chair the entire night!!! Okay, so I don't want to go minute by minute because that would take me too long......
For the next week the pain was extreme, made me weak, and took my body over. Moving took every ounce of energy I had. I had many visitors, gifts, prayers, cards, and thoughts sent my way and I am so grateful for the out pouring of love I felt from everyone! I know for a fact each and every thought and prayer got me through the pain I was in and the progression I made.
So now I sit here almost two weeks later and still have a LONG way to go for recovery, but I am thankful to be off all perscription pain meds and only taking Tylenol and Motrin when needed. I struggle each day feeling like I should be doing more and feeling a bit like I don't have a purpose in life at the moment, but I fight that feeling each day and do the little that I can. It's funny how Heavenly Father gives us the lessons we need and in ways that we never could have dreamed of. I would always grumble how busy I was and how I needed to slow down.....boo..hoo.... What I would give to have that all back......it will be here soon and if you ever hear me complain, slap me!
So here is a bit of trivia for you all and I hope you will all just take my word for it and not actually test it out for yourself, but did you know that you use your neck muscles:

• when holding up your head every single minute of everyday
• when lifting your arms over you head to wash and brush your hair, reach for something in the cabinet, give a hug, scratch your head...etc.
• when you sneeze...........OUCH!
• when you cough
• sleeping.............not much rest going on here!
• looking left, looking right, looking up, looking down...
• when opening your mouth to talk, eat, yawn
• when you lean on your hand to hold up your head
• to read, to talk, to watch TV
• when using the restroom.......................................no more said............

So I will be back for more on this "beautiful opportunity" I have been given later (see how grateful I am)....................

Day 5 - We Come Home!!!

What a great feeling to be able to bring your wife home, and reunite the family under one roof!! Kelly got her discharge papers signed by the docs.....and we were ready to come home! My dad and mom came down to help me get Kelly home. It was a long ride for her - but we made it up the stairs and into the bed! She was exhausted - but I was looking forward to the kids seeing her too.

Since the hospital had implemented "Swine Flu" precautions - no visitors under 14 where supposed to come into the hospital. Our good nurse on Friday evening let them sneak in anyways for a few minutes....which was sweet. The kids brought some homemade get-well cards for mom - very nice kids! But....they needed to see her again!!

So along the way....my family and I have been taken care of quite nicely by so many good friends! There has been so much - I needed to share some of the generosity to my blog followers.

1. Thursday Noon - Cookies n Cream Shake for Loren (delivered to the surgical waiting room by Todd and Lisa Handy). The shake hit the spot, but the hug from each of them was more treasured!!


2. Thursday Night - The Maples brought in dinner (tasty bowtie spaghetti w/meatballs, salad, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream) for my kids and my sister Lindsey (thanks Linz for fillin in on a whim)!


3. Sunday Night - Plium's brought in dinner (Chicken and Rice, Salad, Corn Muffins....the kid's gobbled it up)!


4. Tuesday Night - The Esplins brought over a Chicken Casserole Bake,Green Salad, Croissants, Banana Bread, and the most delish pnut butter cookies.


5. Wednesday Noon - Maureen Laser brings in four huge bags of frozen meals to stuff in the freezer. I know that sweet KT Roundy had something to do with this visit to!! :-) KT is my sister-in-law who moved her whole family from Layton to New Mexico, so her husband (my bro) could be a Special Agent in the FBI! Maureen is KT's mother!
   


6. Wednesday Afternoon - package arrives from UPS. A box filled with wrapped gifts for each person in my family from Lacy, Matt, Reagan, Nolan. Lacy....i loved the Kashi bars!! :-)


7. Wednesday Night - the doorbell rings at 5:50pm. Lisa Handy brings in dishes, cartons & bags of goodies and food for the family. What a treat....stuffed shells, caesar salad, sourdough bread, the BIGGEST frickin cupcakes you've ever seen - and a bag of gifts for the three kiddies. Thanks Lisa, Todd, and girls!


8. Thursday Noon - Andrea Paxman brings over Madbrook sandwiches for lunch....and delivers some banana bread from Linda Harrison.


9. Thursday Evening - Jody Schaap stops in to see Kelly and brings a beautiful gift from her recent trip to DC (where she was awarded Utah's Distinguished Principal of the Year)!!


10. Thursday Night - Sister Edwards and Madison bring over a spread for dinner...mucho yummy! Parmesan Chicken, Cheesy Potatoes, Sweet Buttered Carrots, Pistachio Jello Salad, Banana Bread Cake!!

As you can see......we feel blessed to be surrounded by such friends. We love and appreciate all their hard work in preparing these special gifts for us!! I know Sister Ferguson has been orchestrating so much detail behind the scenes - and I love and thank her for all she has (and continues) to do for us!

(So I just found this post in draft form and wanted to publish it....I thought it was too sweet to just sit here as a draft!)

Brain Surgery - Day 3 & 4

Saturday and Sunday for Kelly pretty much consisted of taking her Lortab, Valium, and Morphine to try and control the pain - and sleeping as much as she could. She had wonderful meals from the hospital nutrition staff - which she could not muster the appetite or energy to eat yet. She was drinking on her own mostly, with just a little help from IV fluids. Her beverage of choice following her surgery was Apple Juice, which she drank as often as she could. We stayed in scenic room 3121 of the NACU during these days. I spent most of my days helping Kelly shift from hip to hip on her bed - which caused her much pain to do, and watching TV as I dosed in and out of sleep myself. When I wasn't doing one or the other - I was relishing the hospital cafeteria (which was surprisingly quite good). Thank goodness the cafeteria had a Diet Coke fountain....but no free refills. I think I spent a couple hundred bones on drinks alone!!

At home, Sally was taking care of the kids on Saturday. Lindsey filled in and coached Max's last soccer game for me (thanks again little sis - i owe you)! And Saturday night, the kids spent the night at Grandpa and Grandma Roundy's house so they could go to church on Sunday morning with them (thanks mom and dad)!!

Sunday was a quiet day at the Hospy. The halls seemed empty, the hustle and bustle down stairs was non existent. But we had a knock at the door from a young couple who asked if we would like to have the sacrament blessed and provided for us. What a sweet moment it was to have this service brought to Kelly's room for us personally.

We had visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Lindsey Wright, Landen & Caitlyn Roundy, Loni Roundy, Todd and Lisa Handy, Mike & Pam Petroff, Dave Thal and John Combe, Robin & Mary Marble. All stopped by to wish their best to Kelly. Kelly felt bad that she was not able to visit much at all with those who stopped - but I want you all to know it meant MUCH for you to come down and poke your heads in!! Kelly knew that each of you were there!

I also want to thank Melanie Fairchild, Sherry Liegert, and Andrea Paxman. These three ladies were keeping all of Kelly's sweet friends at Antelope appraised of her surgery on Thursday. Ashlee was at school that day - and was calling me at all her recesses and breaks to get an update on mom. By the afternoon, when Kelly was not out of surgery, I could tell that Ashlee was getting stressed. Finally, about 3pm she called me - and just broke down. Ash lost it, Dad lost it - we just bawled with one another for a minute over the phone. We found out that Kel was okay about ten minutes after Ash and I spoke - and I called Sherry with the news. Sherry went down to Ashlee's classroom, pulled her out, gave her a hug, and said that her mom was okay. I am indebted to you Sherry for looking after my little Ashlee like that! :-)

Alyssa...bless her heart - called me during the day also from her school. She is such a strong girl, and she kept my spirits up each time we spoke on the phone. She is a leader....a true leader who will do great things throughout her life!! I love all three of my kids above all else....Aly, Ash & Max!!

Brain Surgery - Day 2

Thursday night was a tough night for Kelly. The pain kept her from gathering more than a few moments of sleep at a time. The ICU nurses kept a constant eye on her and she was hooked up to a ton of equipment so it was great for us to hear on Friday afternoon that she would be moved to the Neuro Acute Care Unit - which meant she would be moved to a room with more privacy, less machines, and that her condition was generally improving. Our room in the NACU was very nice, with a window facing west - I can watch inbound helicopters land on the roof of Primary Children's, see the sunsets, and just look at the Fall colors throughout the valley. I went home Friday morning to snag a quick shower, and my mom and I stayed with Kelly throughout the day. She was able to start eating ice chips and drinking a little. The pain became somewhat manageable and Kelly was able to rest for longer periods of time today, which was a blessing to see.

I have to take a few minutes and share some thoughts about this experience that I feel compelled to make mention of. There have been some pretty special moments for Kelly and I (and our family) throughout the time leading up to this surgery.....even until now. I can't say enough about the quality of the University Hospital. The doctors, staff, facilities, and overall care are nothing less than first-class. I feel blessed to live in a time, and a place, where such care can be provided. Second, what a comfort it has been to have the Gospel in our lives. We have sought the counsel and guidance of our Heavenly Father often - and know that He has listened to our prayers....every one of them.

I know it is cliche to say that life is all about family and friends, but my heart is full of love from the support we have received from our family and friends. I know that Kelly is loved by many, but I have still yet been surprised by the overwhelming outpouring of support that has been offered to Kelly, myself, and our three beautiful children. We had phone calls of support even up to late Wednesday evening from neighbors, brothers, sisters, and ward members. I received phone calls, emails, and text messages all day Thursday from Kelly's dear friends at Antelope Elementary, from all over the country from my dear Glantz family, from every one of my siblings....Lance, Lacy, Landen, Lindsey, and Loni (and their respective families). I had messages and visits from my dear cycling brothers (and their spouses)!! Comfort from my mother and father. I can truly say that I am blessed to know and associate with so many loving people!!

Friday evening.....Kelly had improved enough to be moved from the NICU to the NACU. This was basically a step -down from the ICU care she was receiving immediately following her surgery. Kel was still in a lot of pain....but she was sleeping better and the doc's felt she was ready to move!!

Many have asked about Kelly's scars....many wanting to see the wounds she bears. So I did snap a few pics on Friday to share. They are posted below for all you sick and twisted people to see!! :-)

6" Incision on Back of Head & Neck

10" Incision/Graft Section from Left Thigh

Brain Surgery - Day 1

This morning I am sitting inside the Neuro Acute Care Unit at University Hospital, looking out the window west, down onto the Salt Lake valley. Sitting next to me on a gurney-bed is my sweet wife Kelly, and she is quietly resting now for her third day in the hospital. So let me back up a bit......a couple years ago Kelly started experiencing some random, inconsistent pain throughout areas of her head, and left-side of her body. Being the trooper she is, she didn't pay much attention to the pain, and just lived her life taking care of her family and the good people at Antelope Elementary. The pain never went away, and soon later became a concern to her and me. Initially, we were working with Dr.'s from the Layton-Ogden area - and early concerns included MS. While I am leaving out much detail......almost a year later we were able to get referred to the University of Utah NeuroSciences team. These folks are remarkable to say the least, and quickly were able to dial in on where the pain and discomfort was coming from. Turns out she has a condition called a Chiari Malformation. Big words for sure, and nothing we had ever heard of - and I can write a book trying to describe it, but it is basically an abnormality in the lower part of the brain, known as the cerebellum. Mild cases usually do not produce pain, or quality of life issues, and patients can live normal, healthy lives without effect. In mild and severe cases, the only treatment is a surgical procedure known as a Posterior Fossa Decompression Surgery. In simple terms, the surgeon removes small pieces of the skull bones to make more room for the lower brain and tonsils to rest.

Kelly and I met with Dr. Couldwell in September of this year to discuss the benefits, risks, and procedures of the surgery. As with any surgery around the brain, brain stem, and spinal chord - there are inherent risks and a high level of unpredictability. Dr. Couldwell said that the surgery would likely produce some relief to certain symptoms - but some others he could not guarantee. So we went home and counseled with the Lord as to what the right thing was for Kelly to do. We spent a couple weeks pondering the promptings of the Spirit - and felt it was right for Kelly to proceed with the surgery. So it was scheduled for October 22nd!

On Wednesday, Kelly's mom (Sally) flew up from San Diego to help us with the kids for the month following the surgery. And Wednesday evening, we learned that we needed to be up a the hospital at 6am on Thursday. We arrived right on time, got checked in and was up in the pre-op room by 6:30am. We met with several nurses, both anesthesiologists who would work on Kelly, and one of the surgeons who would be present during the surgery. My mom (Julie) arrived at the hospital about 7am and came back to sit with us for a few minutes, then it was off to the OR! The OR nurse called me about 8:30am saying the surgery was underway. Sally got the kids off to school and joined us in the waiting room, and Kelly's dad, Denis, took the day off school and joined us too. I had an update at 10:45am saying things were going well inside the OR and she would give me another update if the surgery lasted more than two more hours. So by 1pm....we were thinking, "Okay, anytime now"! By 1:30pm - we were thinking..."Okay, REALLY, anytime now"! By 3pm.....I was getting pretty nervous, but shortly thereafter a nurse came out and said they were getting the surgery wrapped up and Kelly would be finished shortly. What a relief!!

About 4pm I got to go back and see Kelly in the Neuro ICU unit. Her ICU nurse, Bruce - met me at the entrance and shared with me that Kelly is in a lot of pain - and they are doing all they can to help her, but the pain will be pretty much unbearable for the first 12-24 hours (even with morphine and Valium). I didn't care, I just wanted to see Kelly and to know that she was okay.

We were able to bring back one person at a time with me to see Kelly - so her dad, mom, my mom and dad all came back and gave her a sweet rub on the shoulder and kiss on the forehead. I stayed with her that night and Sally went home that night to stay with the kids.

Everything is Bigger in Texas!!!

So this past week I worked in Dallas, TX. I travel pretty frequently to our Dallas branch - and I am still amazed at how big the state is - and how flat it is in that area too!! So a couple things about TX that are big:

1. The annual State Fair - holy smokes, I thought the Del Mar Fair in Cali was big. No way - ain't got nuthin on Texas!!
2. Cowboy Stadium - for reals, Jerry's house is larger than life. I have never seen anything like it before. And they ain't making much to do about nothing when they say that screen is huge. Standing 100 yards away (from the party sections at each end) it is like watching your big screen at home from 6' away......and the baby is hi-def!!
3. BBQ....nuff said, best I have tasted!!
4. DFW Airport. Friggin airport is so big, DFW is actually a city (or something like that) in Texas. There is a north and south entrance. However, the way it is organized - you get dropped off and picked up like right near your gate. But seriously, the airport sits on about a gazillion square miles.

So there are a few things....not really any good pics this week. Too busy working to snap some quick pics - but I am heading to NY/NJ this week - so I will do better.

Zo