Going Home

After a little cat nap, I woke to the joyous sound of "Hi Mommy!" from my sweet Caterpillar! Hubby and Caterpillar had returned from lunch. Oh the tears of joy it brought to my eyes to be surrounded by my family! As the afternoon went by, I dozed and visited with them. We are rejoicing that the surgery went well and is over.

I didn't have alot of pain at first, as they had already given me everything imaginable! I began to notice some pain and discomfort increasing as the evening hours came. Praise the Lord for a pain management pump they had hooked to my IV! Between the hours of 6 and 10 pm were probably the toughest. I was able to eat a little supper, though it was difficult to swallow. I needed help to cut my food and eat. The nurses came in often to check my vitals, give me medications and just to see if I needed anything. Everyone was so kind and caring.

Hubby and Caterpillar left after I ate, so they too could get home for dinner and bed at a reasonable hour. Maman stayed with me until visiting hours were over. She wanted to see the night nurse, and make sure I would be taken well care of! As the night went on, the nurses checked on me often. I was even able to get up and walk to the restroom with assistance. I was able to doze a couple hours at a time through the night.

The next morning, April 14th, 2009, Maman was there early. The neurosurgeon came in around 10 am. He explained to me that everything went very well with my surgery. I have been feeling nervous about the c-collar, and whether it is on tight enough, and what movement I can and cannot have. He gave me directions as to what I am and am not allowed to do. He promised I was put together tightly, and would not self-destruct! LOL! He also said that my bones were a little softer than they should be for my age. He wants me to have a bone density test done once I recover, as well as to start taking Vitamin D and Calcium. He wrote up the discharge orders and said he would see me in three and a half weeks. My follow-up appointment is on May 7th, 2009.

Hubby and Caterpillar arrived soon after, and were anxious to take me home. Once all the orders and discharge paperwork was complete, we were free to go. I thanked the nurses for their great care! I was all packed up, and rolled to the front entrance in the wheelchair. I was nervous about the ride. Once Caterpillar was buckled up in the back, Hubby helped me in. With a nice fluffy, yet supportive pillow, I reclined a bit to try and get as comfortable as possible. Hooray! We are going home!