Category: My Life

First thing on Monday I called our oil provider and asked for a delivery. We were down to a quarter of a tank, and we have an ice storm arriving tonight. Our driveway is 500+ feet downhill, with our house at the bottom. An oil truck trying to get down has no problem, but on a slippery surface, those trucks really have a tough time getting out. As soon as they knew it was for us, they made sure we got oil today, as their drivers really hate our driveway.

Later, I had a list of things I needed to do, and I asked for help with all the driving. So just after noon today we set off to the Pharmacy for cough drops, the grocery store for their great sales on Brussel Sprouts, Eggplant, Liverwurst and soups, the bank to order more checks, and the Post Office for the mail. By the time we got back, I was a little tired, but still had two things on my list. Dinner and laundry.

I had two loads of tough stained laundry, but this wonderful washing machine cleaned them right up with their soak and second rinse cycle. Sweet!!!

Dinner is Unstuffed Cabbage, which is cooking in the oven right now in my Dutch Oven. It smells amazing! After dinner, I just need to do the clean up and then collapse in bed! But I did get a lot done.

Tomorrow I plan to watch movies and enjoy the weather. Since it is supposed to be a combination of ice and snow, I plan to go no where! Quite happily so!

I have decided to go back to being a strict Weight Watcher. Since I have 6 weeks until my surgery, there is nothing that says I cannot go to class and count points and hopefully get a few pounds off.

I’m not happy being overweight and this is the time to start a new game plan. I’m going to suggest to Hubby that we go shopping today, and get the things I need to make the program a success.

In the past I have used the New Year to start WW and always resolve to lose all the weight in one go. This time, I simply want to learn how to eat, so that I can drop the weight, and then keep it off.

I don’t mind being 58. It’s a good age. But I really dislike the fact that my metabolism has slowed to a snails pace, and that even one or two cookies, magically turn into 2-3 pounds!

So this is the plan. I admit, it will be nice to go to class and see everyone again. I’ve certainly missed them all. I think it will be good for me.

It’ll be a good start for 2017

I heard from my surgeon in Boston that surgery on my cervical spine will take place February 16th. They have decided to remove all the hardware that has been inserted, and then also remove the bone graft (as it has not grown) and then redo the fusion between C6-C7 and also fuse C5-C6 with my own bone. Apparently the C5-C6 fusion has needed to be done since the start of this problem (November of 2015).

One might think I would be a mass of nerves about this surgery, but actually I am quite calm. You see, I knew I had pain, and I was concerned that I was overreacting. To have confirmation that I actually have major problems, makes me feel vindicated.

No, the surgery will not be easy, but quite frankly, after everything I have been through, I’m ready. I now have 6 weeks to get the house in order, do some meal cooking and freezing, and buy Hubby a new book to read. He will need it for when he is in the waiting room. This surgery will last three and a half to five hours. I sure hope that they also have TV in there too. Maybe it’s time to teach him how to use my cell phone.

So my friends, life goes on, and I am hopeful that this surgery will be the last and provide the pain relief I have been searching for.

My appointment yesterday with Dr. G. went very well. He is a kind man, who I believe is very brilliant. He did my exam, took a full medical history and then went through my MRI’s and x-rays, frame by frame, showing Hubby and I where the problems were.
I knew that the disc from C5-C6 was bulging, but the other doctor told me it was not pressing on anything. Dr. G. showed me that in fact, that disc is pressing against the spinal cord and is causing much of my pain.
He also looked at the C6-C7 area, where the other doctor had operated twice, and said it will all need to be redone and I will need a major repair done, as that screw is pressing on nerve endings in my spine.
He wanted me to get a CAT Scan before I left and today he will call and give me the results. But he expects to operate very soon, probably in February.
He was very agreeable and arranged for me to have the CAT Scan right after I saw him. I was given the scan on one of their newest machines a 128 bit CAT Scan machine and the test took just 6 minutes.
Anyway, the weather yesterday was terrible. Heavy rain, dense fog, and also heavy traffic. Poor Hubby was exhausted when we got home at 7:45 PM!
So, that is the news from New Hampshire. Although I need more surgery, I also feel postive about things. Dr. G. is the top Neurosurgeon in Boston. I believe he can help me get well once again.

So today I am off to see the Neurosurgeon/Spinal Specialist down at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  I admit to being a little nervous, but I am also filled with hope that this doctor, at one of the finest hospitals in the country, will be able to figure out what is happening and help to relieve my pain.

On Tuesday I got all my records, discs with my MRI’s and x-rays and put them in a brief case, along with the GPS, cell phone, and charging cords. Hubby is driving me and once again, we are presented with inclement weather. Oh well, nothing can be done about that, but to soldier on!

Our house/dog sitter is coming to be with the pooches, and I told her to pack a bag and stay the night if it looks dicey.

But I have hope, and this is so important.

It’s a pretty day today. Cold, and we have about 8 inches of snow from the storm yesterday, but I think that the blue skies and sunshine are lovely.

As I sit here waiting for the next chapter of my life to begin, I am trying very hard to remain positive and happy.

You see, the surgery in November was a failure. I’m actually in more pain now, than I was before the very first one a year ago. I sort of live on Tylenol and Motrin, as I wait for an appointment with a new surgeon down in Boston.

Yes, I will need another surgery. I expect it will be a big deal, in order for me to get my spine not only fixed, but back in alignment.

I try not to dwell, but I would be lying if I said I am not furious that the surgeon not only blew the operation, but then tried to tell me I have brittle bones. Which I know is crap because I had a bone density test a few years back and I was told that I had the bones of a 20 year old.

But, it’s the Christmas Season and I am watching all sorts of Christmas movies, that help remind me of the reason for the season, and also put me in a better mood. My favorite being “It’s A Wonderful Life”. Yes, that movie speaks to me deeply.

My life has not been perfect, it has not been pain free, but when I look at those around me, and see the beauty and love of my family, I realize that it is, indeed, a very good life.

As my mind and soul begin to heal, I am really working on my state of mind. I have been rather depressed since the first cervical spine surgery (December 17, 2015), and even though this surgery is a failure, I’ve decided that life could be a lot worse and I need to rearrange my thought process.

Yes, it is time to hold positive thoughts, and work very hard to turn my self into a more positive person.

I admit to being a bit over dramatic, and of course this leads to depression. That is not at all helpful right now, so it is time to suck it up and think positively!

Since the second surgery was a disaster, I just have to adjust my head, that a third surgery will be forthcoming, and this time it will all go correctly!

It is marvelous to be home, with my doggies, and Hubby has been great cooking and cleaning. He seems to watch and sense when the pain gets bad and encourages me to recline.

Happy, Cheery Thoughts!

It seems like forever since I have written. Trying to blog on a cell phone stinks. I am definitely a keyboard girl!

So much has happened since my surgery and I am unhappy to report that this surgery not only failed, but has caused further problems with my spine. Currently, Hubby and I are trying to find a really good Neurosurgeon  to fix what this other surgeon has so badly messed up.

I was down with Mandy and Matt and the kids, where I could just be quiet and do nothing. I needed this quiet time. It was also wonderful to see my darling grandchildren. That gives you strength.

I also had a bad reaction to the pain medication. I swear to God, that Oxycontin, is the devils brew. It caused me more illness than I needed. I stopped using it pretty quickly after the surgery, and switched to Tylenol and Motrin, which took the edge off.

Oddly, the pain stayed with me, and then on Tuesday I learned that the surgery had failed and I have a screw and bone sitting directly on nerves!My greatest comfort now is feeling emotionally well enough to be home with Hubby and the dogs.

Arnie, never leaves my side and Anneliese and Greta cuddle me all night long. Lili follows me everywhere. I swear she thinks she is Lassie and if anything happens to me, she will run for help.

So, as the season of joy and celebration of Christ’s birth comes in our direction, I am grateful for so much. For my wonderfully family, daughter, Mandy and Matt, grandchildren, Savannah and grandson Quinn and my dearest cousins Janet and Dave. Also for Hubby who has been spending copious amounts of time researching. These people made the first month bearable!

Now I am home Hubby is doing all the cooking and cleaning and making sure I get the nutrients I need. He also takes me out each day for short walks at the grocery store, so I can work on my strength. And my baby dogs? Well, it is great to be with them.

Tomorrow is Arnie and Anneliese’s 10th Birthday! I am so happy to be here!  

This year I was totally unable to take care of myself,  or to cook  a traditional meal.

Mandy, Matt and the kids headed off to see all of Matt’s family, so that everyone could meet our darling Quinn

My cousin Janet and her husband, Dave, collected me, brought me to their home and took care of me.

Turkey was cooked along with all the wonderful side dishess! My plate was filled and I ate what I could, and I was so full of gatitude.

Then their grandson arrived and we did Wii Beatles singing, and played Cards Against Humanity. I had never played and I must tell you that it’s one of the best card games ever.

We laughed and laughed and really had a good time.

It was a tough time for me, as my health is still bad and I discovered that this surgery really took a lot out of me.

I am so grateful to Janet and Dave,for making Thanksgiving for me.

And I am so thankful to Mandy and Matt for letting me recover here.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤