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Post by karen on Mar 8, 2014 20:19:36 GMT -6
The real countdown has begun. . . I am headed to surgery this Tuesday, the 11th. Not sure of the time yet, but likely first thing in the morning.
It was a pretty rough week, particularly working in the hospital. I have been tearful, terrified, short tempered and doubtful of my decision. But, I know I did my fact checking and thought long and hard about this decision. The waiting is torture but I know that (for me and my situation) having surgery despite being asymptomatic is the right decision.
I am most dreading the 12 hours or so leading up to surgery. . . trying to sleep that night, getting up in the dark and heading to the hospital. I truly dread the time laying in the hospital bed waiting to be taken back.
I am lucky to have so much support (including this board!), access to excellent healthcare and no pain or knowledge that anything is lurking if it wasn't for this follow up MRI. (If anyone is reading this and wants to hear my story, it is unfolds below as "10 years symptom free, MRI has me nervous").
I appreciate all the warm thoughts and words. . .
Karen
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Post by leks on Mar 9, 2014 12:14:16 GMT -6
good luck for the upcoming surgery!! I'll be sure to say a prayer for you come Tuesday...
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Post by landofconfusion on Mar 9, 2014 12:36:21 GMT -6
Wishing you surgical success & a speedy recovery with absolutely no complications!! I'll be eager to see your updates because my tumor is in almost the same area as yours (mine is at L5-S1) and I've been in watch & wait mode for 3.5 years.
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Post by lw on Mar 10, 2014 2:19:00 GMT -6
Karen,
Just thought I'd drop in to wish you the very best of luck with your operation tomorrow. I found the day before went very quickly, as did the day of the surgery. This was helpful as it didn't give me time to think. You will be in the best hands and it will all be over in a few hours; then you can focus on recovery. Your first surgery was a success and no doubt you were terrified then. I shall be thinking of you tomorrow. Keep your chin up and stay strong.
Leah
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Post by samuridude on Mar 10, 2014 8:51:34 GMT -6
I'm praying for you.
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Post by Christina L on Mar 10, 2014 11:04:33 GMT -6
Karen, Good luck with your surgery!! Prayers for a full and speedy recovery!
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Post by dolphintale on Mar 12, 2014 10:31:40 GMT -6
Thinking of you.....prayers for a speedy recovery!!
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Post by karen on Mar 14, 2014 13:02:23 GMT -6
An update from Portland! Surgery is over, entire tumor was removed. It was starting to get a little stuck to the L5 nerve root but surgeon was able to wiggle it off. He did say L5 looked a little irritated from it all, but I don't have any pain or numbness/tingling and he felt it was good I did the surgery now rather than wait. I have fairly mild pain now at the incision itself, Wednesday was a really bad day of pain and discomfort. Pathology in the OR indicates ependymoma, won't know for a few days the real diagnosis.
I'm still in the hospital with my primary complaint being difficulty peeing. Catheter came out yesterday around noon. . . have been straight cath'd two times. I can pee but it involves a lot of straining, minimal output and bladder scan shows that I am not emptying my bladder. Doc thinks this is due more to the narcotics than the surgery, so I'm hoping it continues to get better.
I'll keep you all posted, thank you for all the warm thoughts.
Karen
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Post by jewlsmurray on Mar 15, 2014 14:33:43 GMT -6
Karen,
So happy to hear that your surgery went well at OHSU. Hope the bladder difficulty is better. I had issues after surgery with that too. I found that when trying to go pee, if I stood up and moved my hips in a circle a few times and then tried again I could empty my bladder more. Take care.
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Post by karen on Mar 19, 2014 11:04:31 GMT -6
Since everyone needs to hear happy outcomes, I'm writing to report that I feel like I have turned a corner over the last couple of days. I was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, unfortunately ended up in the ER on Sunday with a very full and distended bladder. After much debate (and several hours) I was convinced it was the pain meds that were making it difficult for me to urinate. Sure enough, once I started taking Tylenol only for pain I have been back to normal. Of course Tylenol only had its own emotional and physical consequences, I am now walking around fairly comfortably, taking care of myself, pain is really fairly minimal.
I am feeling very lucky and enjoying spring time in Oregon, feeling as though I will be back to my normal life soon without too much production. Appreciative of all the kind thoughts and energy of this board!
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