Dear Friends and Family,

It is seven weeks now. I had my post-op visit with neurosurgeon, Dr. Jallo at the end of this past week. Again, it was a telehealth visit. While I would have liked to had an in person appt., it was nice seeing his face for the first time! I remember thinking, how now the little things strike me. Six weeks....... normally feels like the blink of an eye.   Yet, on this side of surgery, it feels like somebody changed the vinyl record from 78 to 33 rpms. 😂  I think I “mostly”🤪 now accept how long this recovery is going to be. 

The visit was mostly positive, with a few hiccups. First the good news: He has given me the okay to bend as tolerated. Woo Hoo! Really, Woo Hoo!! I am loving this accomplishment. He was pleased I am using a cane. Still, I am cautious, trying not to over do and adjusting to what is my new reality. I am not lifting anything heavy of course. My upper body strength has gone out the window. For this, he has given my the okay now to start outpatient Physical Therapy. ✅ Good milestone. I am hoping I can drive soon. We’ll see-

Hiccup.... I have had swelling in the back of my head along both sides of the incision. At first, we attributed it to normal post op swelling. I have been icing my head on and off since surgery. No longer effective. Feels like a pillow when you push on my scalp. Headaches come and go... Believe it or not, mostly with the weather. ☀️🌧🌬☔ My preop symptoms remain in varying degrees. My left arm is numb most of the time. Fingers, feet and toes vary from day to day.  My handwriting is still out the window.  Though, I can now lift my left arm more than I could before. 🎉

Dr. Jallo has requested I get another MRI in the next few weeks -just to make sure the flow of Spinal Fluid is as it should be. I’m choosing to believe this isn’t a setback but rather, due diligence in follow up care.  

I had hoped/planned,  to return to working sometime in early June. He squashed that. He told me that I have another at least another 4-6 weeks of recovery before returning to work full time.  Those I work with have just been incredible throughout this journey. Eric and Dayne, you guys are the best!!! Mary, I’m continuing with the desensitizing of that darn L hand so I can type a little faster....✋ No 60 words a minute for me anymore!🤫 But, soon baby, soon......

 If I can, I’m going to try a little work at home on the computer. I want to be more productive and see what this girl is capable of...😂 Going to try increasing my activity.... lost 25lbs Woo Hoo!     Wouldn’t I just love to keep that off. 🤣 🤣🤪. Might even try getting a haircut that doesn’t look like I’ve been shot out of a wood chipper!

So, that is the news for now. I will update in a month or if there are changes. (Good or not so) In the meantime, I am plugging away at moving in a upwardly positive direction. Trying not to get frustrated on those down days.

Once again, thank you all for the support, love, prayers, notes and calls. Knowing I have you in my corner, has been indescribable. I recognize without those I love, I would be lost.  God is good and the one who Sustains me. Ever present.  I am truly grateful and always Blessed.

Hugs, 

Jan