First time surgery

Tomorrow I am taking the first step to improve my life. In the morning I will check into Kaiser Permanente Medical Hospital for spine surgery. I have lived with the tingling, numbness in my legs for over 20 years. Last fall it made its way down to my feet. I have complained repeatedly, and was told that there was nothing that could be done. It has affected my ability to stand in place the most. When out taking photographs I look for a place to sit and recover. Funny, standing in place is most painful, and this affects me when I am in a group socializing.

Some suggested I should try alternative methods.

Well after my dog Libby had her MRI, my doctor set me up with one. The MRI showed definite lumbar spinal stenosis. One look at the many x-rays and the MRI, and the spine specialist referred me to a surgeon. Tomorrow I hope will be the beginning of a more mobile, comfortable life. Getting a bit ahead of myself. Keeping optimistic!

There is the surgery first. I’m almost 70 and this is my first time going under “the knife”. Actually, this is the first time I will be a patient since I had my kids.

My husband and son are ready to help me. There is a 6 week recovery. This means no lifting, no bending, and no twisting. Chubby Checker will have to wait.

I can’t believe it is March already. I have been busy taking care of Libby. She is her happy self. I think her left back leg is getting stronger, her right remains about the same. She carefully walks on our flooring without splaying, or she keeps to the carpet runners. When we walk outside I protect her paw with something called “PawZ”. It looks like a balloon, and she doesn’t mind me dressing her because she knows she is going for a short walk. I guess she will be a bit of a homebody while I recuperate. Though, I watched the doctor recommended videos and walking is encouraged.

I assume that I will be able to remain connected. But I am going to do all I need to do to get back in shape. My husband will be helping me with household tasks. Giving up doing the laundry, and cleaning. This may be hard to do. I made a big pot of butternut squash soup which goes well with salad and sandwiches. The weather has been quite wet lately, and soup fits perfectly with the season. My son is coming from the Richmond, Ca. for a couple of days and plans to cook for us. It will be good to spend some time with him.

Well I hope my doctor, nurses and everyone else gets a good night sleep, has a calm morning and will take good care of me when I check in at 9:45 a.m.

Until I am up and blogging keep good thoughts!