On the mend
 

Well, had my surgery last Thursday. Amazing how I did not have tingly or numb hands when I was awake enough to realize what was going on! The only problem I am having now is that I cannot talk. While being prepped for surgery, 3 people had to look down my throat. I assume that was to check for the space for the breathing tube. Well, they must have used the biggest one they could. It is bad enough that I am confined to the house, but no talking either??!!! This is too much. I got internal stitches and dermabond which will eventually wash off with showering. I don't go back for follow-up until 6/27 then again on 8/12. I am shooting for a return to work date of 7/7. I just want to make sure that I don't do anything too soon, as I don't want this surgery to be for nothing. Will have to have another MRI or something on my follow-up...to make sure everything is still in place? I am wearing my soft collar as much as I can, but with it being 90+ degrees...it gets kind of warm at times. I just make sure that I am not moving when I have it off. I am swimming in the things that my husband is doing for me. I feel bad that he has to take care of me and clean the house...but then again....this will be the only time he does this for me, so I better enjoy it while I can!

Glad your surgery went well, Dawn.

Keep that hubby busy! Glad he loves you! :hug:

When I had my wisdom teeth removed, I had a bad sore throat from the breathing tube that they put in.

My mom made me a honey and lemon drink which I found to be quite soothing even though you would think lemon would make it sting!

Sore and tender throats from the tube can last about a couple of days. Mine may have lasted slightly longer but no more than 3 days. I think it depends on who does it because some can be rough which could scratch the throat in the process.

I am not sure about the part where you cannot talk now though. Do you mean that your throat is so sore you cannot talk? If it persists I would perhaps recommend that you speak to someone like your doctor/GP as they may be able to help you.

Good to hear that your surgery went well. :)

almost 3 months
 

It has been almost 3 months since my surgery...I was kind of concerned the first week I was back to work....Had horrible pain right between my shoulder blades and it made my arms numb. Thought we should have done MRI further down and kept thinking about how long it will be before I can take more disability from work for another surgery. I guess I just went back to work too early. After 2 weeks of fright...I was fine. Good as gold now! Still on a 30lb limit and find if I lift a bunch of stuff at 20lb during the day it wears on me. Amazing how I can still over do things. Happy that I only have to pay $233, after my insurance kicked in...or else it would have cost me almost $17,000. This was the best thing I have ever done. People tell me how much better I am moving and I cannot believe how much better I am feeling. I went a full 6 weeks with no voice...amazing how it came back the day before I was scheduled to go back to work!! My vocal fold (right) is still sluggish, but on the mend. Scar looks great!!! If you really look for it, you can see inscision mark, but no discoloration or lumpy scar tissue. I massaged my scar every day (after the dermabond came off) with vitamin E. If I ever have any other problems with my spine...I will surely see the same doctor. He is busy for appointments, but right there for the surgery and right there when it is time to get you home.