Once Monday, March 4's successful surgery was behind me, it was time for a briefer follow-up surgery on the morning of Thursday, March 7.
I would be anaethetized for this one, when the surgeons installed my power pack snugly just under my collarbone on my right side and slipped the wires under my skin up my neck and connected with electrodes at the best sites in my brain selected to reduce my PD symptoms.
It took about 2 1/2 hours and all went well. I was soon back in my room -- I actually had a room after three nights without camped in various spots around the hospital.
I was very encouraged by the testing that was done on me between the first and second surgery by the surgical team's nurse. Using a small hand-held power pack, she tried connecting to the various wires sticking out of my head. She tried a variety of combinations and power levels; some of them were quite successful at stopping tremors and dyskinesia, including my neck, and smoothing out my walking. I felt great!
I was told that I wasn't going to get to have my own power pack turned on until after Easter, when swelling had abated and my brain was functioning normally. Another chapter in the hurry up and wait story of this medical condition.
I was released from hospital Friday, March 8. My recovery continues at home, where I can rest when I want and feed a healthy appetite. It's going to take a little while to feel 'normal' again. I've resumed taking my PD meds and my neck is telling me it's overdue for a botox injection, but that may be a thing of the past once I'm 'switched on.'
Many thanks to Vicki for her special care and to all of you who sent cards, flowers, fruit and e-mails. I'm truly humbled by your care and concern.
Next time, we'll talk about turning on my hardware. I can't wait.
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