The neurosurgeon will be doing an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with level two fusion. You may click on this link to see an animated version of how the surgery is performed. I will be having two ruptured discs removed and three vertebrae, C5-C7 fused together. The vertebrae will be secured together with screws and a titanium plate.
We arrive at the hospital at 8:00 am. I am surrounded with my precious loved ones... my husband, my son and my maman. Having already filled out tons of paperwork and lab work being completed, the check in process was quick and smooth. Within a few minutes they called my name and we went to the surgical floor for prep!
I change into the fashionable surgical gown. Amazing how being covered in something like that can make you feel even more naked! I did get to wear grey hospital socks... with non-skid soles! They must have thought I was going to somehow get off the surgical table and walk off! FUNNY! The IV is started, and preparations for surgery have begun. They take more blood. How much do they need?!
In the past I have had a few other minimally invasive surgeries. General anesthesia and my tummy have had let's say... a love/hate relationship. I have usually awakened to find myself grasping for the pink basin. However, facing this major surgery, the thoughts of awakening to my tummy convulsing and spewing things you would think were long gone, has left me a little anxious to say the least. And then there are the dry heaves! How will I possibly be able to sit up and aim when I am in the c-collar?! Seriously! My vivid imagination was getting the best of me. Thus, every administrator, tech, nurse or doctor that walked into the room has been made perfectly and clearly aware of my dilema! THEN... I met the Anesthesiologist himself. He assures me he will do everything he could to prevent this from happening. They even put a patch behind my left ear to help with nausea and my vertigo.
One of the pastors from our church comes to visit about 9:00 am. We talk about the surgery itself, the blessings that have already begun with meals scheduled, testing being completed, and the abundance of family and friends praying. He asks how I am really feeling inside. I share my concerned thoughts and vivid imagination of the anesthesia and waking up. I share how I know God is in control, and how thankful I am for my family. Then he opens his Bible to share some scripture that has come to mind as we have spoken.
"All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:27-30
On March 28th I had attended a Women's Seminar at our church titled "When Life Happens". We studied these exact verses! Monday, March 30th is when the pain began going down my left arm. God was preparing and equipping me. I was being filled with His love and mercy, knowing regardless of my circumstances He wants me to turn to Him and find rest! AMEN! God is so providential and sovereign! I was just amazed that our youth pastor was now reading these SAME verses! God is SO big! I felt an immense peace come over me as we prayed. Thank you dear Heavenly Father!
My neurosurgeon comes in. He is a wonderful doctor and surgeon. We talked for a few minutes about the procedure. He then gently takes my hand and says, "Have you said your prayers yet?" I replied to him with a smile, "Yes sir, I have! God is awesome and in control!" He responds to me with a big smile, "Then we're ready!"
It is now 9:45 am. I am all prepped, even down to the lovely, shiny silver cap on my noggin'! My husband, mother and Caterpillar give me kisses as they start to roll me off to surgery. Caterpillar begins to cry and doesn't want me to leave. I remind him that it is just like Mommy going to an appointment or something for a few hours and he will see me again in my room upstairs. I give him another kiss, remind him to be strong and trust in the Lord, and I love him with all my heart!
Off I go, rolling, rolling, rolling. We were passing countless ceiling tiles, then bump and through the elevator. I was starting to feel more relaxed. We arrive in another room. Several nurses are now standing over me, asking if I am comfortable, feeling ok, etc. I see lots of bright lights and ask if this is the operating room. The nurse says, "Yes, it is." A mask is placed over my face and I am told to take several deep breaths. I remember taking three.
I open my eyes. I immediately place my hand on my tummy. I wait a moment. I see the head of someone near my feet. I somehow managed to mutter, "Nurse..." She turns and smiles at me. "You are all done. The surgery is finished and you did very well. You are in the recovery room now," she said. I wait another moment. Surely I was dreaming. I close my eyes and open them again. "We will be taking you up to your room shortly, once you wake up a bit more," the nurse smiled. I was amazed. I felt groggy, and my throat was very dry and sore. I try to swallow to wet my throat. I am starting be more aware, and realize it really is over. I do not feel sick or nauseous. And NO PINK BASIN! The surgery went well! I gently raise both of my hands and can feel and move everything! WOO HOO! I close my eyes and say outloud, "Thank you Jesus!"
Off we go rolling, rolling, rolling again! I arrive in room 507. The nurse raises the bed a bit so I can see better. She asks how I am feeling, and to let her know if I need anything. She gets me a little more comfortable with the pillows. My Maman walks in and gives me a big kiss. She says the surgeon told them the surgery went very well. Hubby and Caterpillar had gone for a bite to eat and would be there shortly. I smile and say, "I love you, Maman." I close my eyes and doze for a bit.
Thank you Lord for answering our prayers! Your grace is sufficient!
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