My Life Story My Way Day 57

With my neck surgery accomplished, I was on my way to healing. I had to wait at least 6 months for the next surgery, which was the lower lumbar. I was glad of that because this neck surgery was a tough one!

The first week I pretty well stayed in bed as much as I could. Luckily I had that lift bed so I wouldn’t strain my neck getting up. I couldn’t move my head and had to keep it straight as possible for the discs to heal the the rebuild to set in place.

There was no looking up or down, side to side, or anything! And if I accidentally did, boy did I ever feel it! I depended on my family and especially my husband so much and felt bad I could not help them. I know they got a bit frustrated with me as well. I appreciated and will forever appreciate their love for me!

After this surgery, I was not able to put my own shoes on, put my clothes on or take them off by myself, use the restroom as I had before or even wipe properly without help, nor even bend the head to see where the fork is to pick up my food. I was totally at my family’s mercy!

The anesthesia from surgery made me sick and I was throwing up for a couple of days and it also caused my pipes to plug up. I was so constipated and miserable from that and the pain meds. I even got thrush of all things!

Thrush is basically a yeast infection of the mouth. Well, that is how one Dr. explained it to me. It is mostly an infant fungus but adults also get it from medicine changes, low immunity, illnesses, and things of this nature. My body was traumatized and the meds I was on aided in this thrush. I was not a happy person.

I had a hard time concentrating on our Lord that first couple of weeks and one day I stopped in the middle of feeling sorry for myself and began praying more to Jesus. My mind was not functioning with everything going on and He is the one thing I should have been thinking about!

Things began to improve and I felt so much better as I healed, but I hit another obstacle! I had to face the reality that I was now limited with this piece of titanium in my neck! I would eventually try to help around the house and plant our garden, but I found bending over made me feel someone had their hands around my throat choking me.

For a month I was not allowed even to ride in a car or go anywhere. I was eventually allowed to bend my neck past a certain angle and was limited. I really thought once I felt better that all would be back to normal for the most part. Oh was I wrong! I had to mentally and physically adjust to life changes. My emotions were challenged and I thought about those before me and who had disabilities and my mind set at ease.

As the summer went by and my next surgery approached, I had a better understanding what to expect. I began making preparations ahead of time and used my experiences to guide me on what I should have ready before this next one. I prayed harder that God would allow me to do well and handle changes ahead of me!