Hubby had a microdiscectopy on his lower back last Wednesday. Dr Zellum cut a small 2" incision on Rick's back and with the help of tiny surgical tools, shaved off the protruding part of the disc pressing on the nerve in his back. The surgery took a little longer than expected but the doctor said it's likely due to the length of time it took to get the surgery scheduled and approved by the insurance company. The outlook is cautiously positive. Of course we're all hoping for full recovery without any nerve damage but it'll be a week or so before we'll know for certain. Right now healing from the surgery is priority number one.
The post surgical pain has slightly improved over the past few days but we were hoping for a bigger improvement by now. Rick does everything in short bursts. Sitting. Standing. Walking. Lying down. He avoids stairs, driving, and lifting anything over 15 pounds. His appetite isn't as robust as it was prior to surgery but the meds may have something to do with that.
My two step sons are in town from Indianna so this has put a slight damper on their time with dad. All four boys are cautioned to be careful around dad. No sudden movements around him. All it takes is one careless elbow in the back or him tripping over one of their toys to set back his recovery. All things considered, the kids have done well. They help around the house with laundry, dishes, and other various chores. Shockingly, griping and complaining is at an all time minimum! Of course, boys will be boys so when tempers flair they're sent to their corners to cool off. Then it's off for more play time. ;) It's been quite tough on all of us helping Rick covalesce but the kids have been fabulous through doctor's visits, the four hour surgery, and the long road trips.
Rick's post surgical follow up appointment is this Thursday. Yet another 150 mile trip to Fargo. J-Man has swimming classes this week and next so the jury's still out on staying overnight in Fargo or if we'll drive the 150 miles back home immediately after the doctor's visit. I suppose it'll depend on how hubby's doing. Every time we've gone to the doctor in Fargo, we've had to stay overnight because of the length of the drive plus the pullin and poking during the exam leaves him extremely sore.
For now, we're looking at the sunny side of life. The kids are healthy, surgery went well, Rick's recovering, my garden's looking good, the weather is heating up after a cool snap and we just came off the Spongebob Bash weekend! (Hard to believe the little yellow sponge has been around 10 YEARS!!!)
2 Smart Sayings:
Hope he is feeling 100% very soon!! ;-)
Hope he's doing well by now.
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