A Memorable Week

It was a week ago today that I entered Virginia Mason Medical Center and underwent spinal laminectomy and fusion.

And then the fun began.  While my city around me was gearing up for the big game, I was dealing with two long nights in the hospital, but at the same time I was quite pleased with my progress.  I felt pretty good and regained mobility quickly, so I was released early, to come home on Sunday in time to watch the Super Bowl with my family.

The game is now history, old news.  Seattle won!  And I do remember the thrill of victory, even if it was muted by feeling just plain awful.

Monday I went back to the hospital emergency service to get help with my nausea and constipation.  I was in pain and mostly not from my back.

Tuesday, with the nausea under control but with no other improvement, I was on the phone with the Group Health consulting nurse, and found out I had eaten all the wrong foods from the beginning.  There was a lot to undo.  I went off the oxycondone.  

Wednesday Seattle threw a giant party.

700,000 people attended.  That included Jill and Isaac, and Jill was able to take a few photos before her phone died in the swarm of cell phone use.

 It was a beautiful day, but cold, below freezing.  They hung out at their soccer bar and watched on TV as the parade very slowly worked its way toward them through the mass of people.

 Isaac got a boosted view.

We had Irene with us and we watched on TV for hours.  Jill had managed to get a sub and pulled the kids out of school for the day.  Thousands of others did the same.

Yesterday my digestive system finally began to work.  I still have intense gas pain and pressure, but that too will eventually pass.  Without pain meds except for Tylenol it is hard to find a comfortable position. My back hurts and it's getting harder to stay in bed and get sleep.  I didn't like the lightheadedness caused by the muscle relaxer and stopped that too yesterday.  That may have been a mistake.  I'll take it again tonight.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon watching the Super Bowl over again, this time really seeing it. In the evening we sat and watched the Olympics.  Opening Ceremonies are today and I've been getting a sneak preview from Canadian TV. Expect ballet.

Yes, it has been a memorable week.  Some things I will want to forget, and some have been wonderful.  That's life, a mixed bag.

I'll need another week to get my life back to more normal activity and weeks after that until I have full movement.  But I'm on my way.