Journal entry by John Robinson —
It's been one week since my surgery and everything is going really well. I feel great in all aspects of myself and have enjoyed the time in recovery. Generally, I spend my days at home, mostly practicing sign language, writing, and resting. I continue to have in-home visits from my therapists and social worker, who each bring positive energy into my days. Occasionally, I'll take a short walk outside for some sunshine, but my vertigo is still pretty bad and my physical therapist doesn't like me leaving the house alone. 😬
Regulate the chemicals
I've eased off the heavier opioids and antibiotics prescribed post-surgery and am using healthier drugs like CBD and over-the-counter NSAIDs (all approved by the doctors). I was able to obtain my OMMP card recently, which has significantly lowered the cost of & eased the availability of high-quality CBD products.
I know CBD is perhaps still socially controversial, and with the medical research only just beginning on it anything anyone says is (rightfully) categorized as "purely anecdotal", but I'm a firm advocate of its use. Also, anything that helps transitioning off opioid painkillers is positive, given the severe habit-forming & unhealthy dangers of the drugs and unethical practices of the industry producing them.
I know CBD is perhaps still socially controversial, and with the medical research only just beginning on it anything anyone says is (rightfully) categorized as "purely anecdotal", but I'm a firm advocate of its use. Also, anything that helps transitioning off opioid painkillers is positive, given the severe habit-forming & unhealthy dangers of the drugs and unethical practices of the industry producing them.
I'm still taking Topiramate at night, per my neurologist, as that one's a bit trickier to replace or withdraw from. Plus, my body has been through lots of chemical rebalances & physical changes over the past weeks, and it's a good idea to give the billions of organisms inside me a rest from reconfiguring for a bit. The CBD+ibuprofen+Topiramate schedule is proving effective & maintainable, so I'll hold this pattern likely for the next several weeks.
From the doctors to the patients
From the doctors to the patients
I'm continually grateful for all of the people involved in my health (physical & mental) being what it is now. This even - especially! - extends all the way back to those in Costa Rica. In fact, were it not for them, I would not be writing this now. Yet, it's more than their medical prowess that makes them special - it's their ongoing care. For instance, the ENT that treated me, Dra. Natalie Naranjo, has been messaging me via WhatsApp, regularly checking in on my status, my procedures, and my general well-being. Just yesterday, upon receiving a picture of me in the park, she sent me a very encouraging message. Here's part of it:
You have no idea how happy I am for you. It's a blessing that you had the opportunity to survive this meningitis, and then to be able to get both ears implanted! Destine yourself for great things.
I hope today you can also recognize those things for which you are grateful, and use that to do the things that matter to you! 🙌
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