It's been ten weeks since I had the spinal fusion. In two weeks I will be in the operating room again. The surgery I'm told will be extensive, time consuming and a little unpredictable. I am going to go into this next surgery as prepared as I can possibly be for a good outcome. I have walked almost every day. My legs are stronger and with still two weeks to go I can still build on what I have.
I learned today that my red blood count is low. Not optimal for the surgery, so when educated about the need for it, I opted for what they were offering. It is called E.P.O. Or if you're familiar with Lance Armstrong; it is what he was doing to increase the benefits of more red blood cells which gives more oxygen to the muscles. More oxygen to the muscles for an athlete is like delivering fuel to keep him going. In my case I should see increased energy, and a better sense of well being. Sounds great but the downside is it can give flulike symptoms as a side effect.
Wednesday was my pre admission date at Toronto Western. It was a very long day. Let me recount some of what happened.
It started by meeting with administration and filling out paper work: then onto the pharmacist to go over in great detail medications, onto the lab where I had many vitals of blood taken and an ECG. Back to the waiting room once again to meet with a nurse who swabs you for contract- able illnesses and does blood pressure, complete medical history and a list of precautions then information to take home. The next stop is the anesthesiologist, where we go over the last two surgeries and he decided to pre book the ICU for me immediately following the surgery. A good decision we all agree. Who knew, you could pre book the ICU? I guess considering I spent five days there last time, they want to be ready.
Finally I had a Catscan. I meet a woman there from Bridge Point, the rehab I was in for five weeks. She and I had a brief discussion before I am called for my test. It was at the end of five and a half hours, I was tired and sore. I could not for the life of me get up off that table when it was done. A technician offered help, then got help for herself and the three of us got me off the table. I was done!
We met Jerri for dinner in a cute little Italian place across from Sick Kids. So great to see her and hear all about her job and the adventures it brings. The day behind me I felt a little lighter though it didn't take long for the fatigue to set in. We headed back through heavy traffic to Barrie to spend the night with Margie and Dave. What a sanctuary! And what a blessing to have them in my life. We rested well and headed for home in the morning.
I want to enjoy the two weeks we have before us.
Tonight the house will fill with the vitality of youth and family. Our boy Taka and a friend of his Skinako will arrive late and Meghan will be here to join them.
Here's to another week end of fun and not over doing it.
I learned today that my red blood count is low. Not optimal for the surgery, so when educated about the need for it, I opted for what they were offering. It is called E.P.O. Or if you're familiar with Lance Armstrong; it is what he was doing to increase the benefits of more red blood cells which gives more oxygen to the muscles. More oxygen to the muscles for an athlete is like delivering fuel to keep him going. In my case I should see increased energy, and a better sense of well being. Sounds great but the downside is it can give flulike symptoms as a side effect.
Wednesday was my pre admission date at Toronto Western. It was a very long day. Let me recount some of what happened.
It started by meeting with administration and filling out paper work: then onto the pharmacist to go over in great detail medications, onto the lab where I had many vitals of blood taken and an ECG. Back to the waiting room once again to meet with a nurse who swabs you for contract- able illnesses and does blood pressure, complete medical history and a list of precautions then information to take home. The next stop is the anesthesiologist, where we go over the last two surgeries and he decided to pre book the ICU for me immediately following the surgery. A good decision we all agree. Who knew, you could pre book the ICU? I guess considering I spent five days there last time, they want to be ready.
Finally I had a Catscan. I meet a woman there from Bridge Point, the rehab I was in for five weeks. She and I had a brief discussion before I am called for my test. It was at the end of five and a half hours, I was tired and sore. I could not for the life of me get up off that table when it was done. A technician offered help, then got help for herself and the three of us got me off the table. I was done!
We met Jerri for dinner in a cute little Italian place across from Sick Kids. So great to see her and hear all about her job and the adventures it brings. The day behind me I felt a little lighter though it didn't take long for the fatigue to set in. We headed back through heavy traffic to Barrie to spend the night with Margie and Dave. What a sanctuary! And what a blessing to have them in my life. We rested well and headed for home in the morning.
I want to enjoy the two weeks we have before us.
Tonight the house will fill with the vitality of youth and family. Our boy Taka and a friend of his Skinako will arrive late and Meghan will be here to join them.
Here's to another week end of fun and not over doing it.
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