September 16th, 2016 is now labeled as a "life changing event" in my mind. My family can probably agree. The last few months have been a crazy ride on the road to recovery. As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation awhile back and after a couple years, my condition led me to having a brain surgery (Chiari Decompression). I never thought I would be facing a situation like this, but things like this happen in life. I'm so happy to be on the other side of September 16th, 2016. The view from my room | Ginsburg Tower at the Florida Hospital |
The Surgery Itself:
Let's just say that if you can avoid brain surgery, you should. If not, it's totaly doable (with a positive attitude and LOTS of support). I was so fortunate to have experienced such wonderful care while at the Florida Hospital in Orlando. I was in the ICU for 2 nights and then step-down care for 1 night and a hotel the follwoing night. The first 36 hours were pretty treacherous. I was very out of it from the anastesia, medicine, and having someone all up in my brain. I was also incredibly tired and nauseated beyond belief. After that passed, things started looking up and it was amazing that there seemed to be improvements everyday. I was very weak for about a month to 6 weeks and finally started getting some strength back. I had no idea the toll surgery was going to take on me- physically and mentally. If you want details on Chiari or the surgery, let me know. I'm happy to talk about it, especially if it's something you are facing yourself.
#ICUlife
The Road to Recovery
Once we all returned from Orlando, everything became real. Looking back, I didn't realize what rough shape I was in. At the time, I just thought I was feeling better then the day before. In reality, everyone was very kind with their words, but lets be honest, I just wasn't myself. During this time, we were in the process of moving out of our home and purchasing a new one. The verdict is still out on if that was a good or bad idea. It all worked out but was pretty hectic.
You never know what you will face as a couple, but I can say proudly that Scott really stepped up to the plate in all aspects of family life during my long recovery. He did all the mom and dad jobs without any hesitation. As much as I wanted to be the one helping and involved, it was amazing to see this side of him. Thank you for being our anchor through this. I love you.
We were able to stay/live at my parents house for about a month. It's one thing to crash with the parents for a little bit, but to go home as a family of 4 is a different story. I can't say how fortunate we are to have their support and them welcoming us into their home during such a wild time. They were unwavering with supporting us and we will forever be grateful for what they did for us. They went beyond taking us into their home. They made sure it felt like we had lived there forever. Thank you and I love you!
Not only did we have support from so many family members, but I'm so humbled by the community of friends that rallied around us to make the recovery transition so much easier for all of us. We were so fortunate to receive home cooked meals delivered to us. It was such a HUGE help. It takes time to prepare meals and deliver them and we appreciate your efforts... big time! Another wonderful friend had the idea to coordinate the gift of a housekeeper for 6 weeks! It was amazing to have that help because, aside from lifting, even bending over was one of my major restrictions. We had friends give Cece rides to school and stop by for quick words of encouragement. Prayers, texts, cards and kind words were all heard and appreciated. I'm still trying to get thank you notes written. I WILL finish them, and in the mean time, know that your kindness is noticed and appreciated beyond words.
You never know what you will face as a couple, but I can say proudly that Scott really stepped up to the plate in all aspects of family life during my long recovery. He did all the mom and dad jobs without any hesitation. As much as I wanted to be the one helping and involved, it was amazing to see this side of him. Thank you for being our anchor through this. I love you.
We were able to stay/live at my parents house for about a month. It's one thing to crash with the parents for a little bit, but to go home as a family of 4 is a different story. I can't say how fortunate we are to have their support and them welcoming us into their home during such a wild time. They were unwavering with supporting us and we will forever be grateful for what they did for us. They went beyond taking us into their home. They made sure it felt like we had lived there forever. Thank you and I love you!
Not only did we have support from so many family members, but I'm so humbled by the community of friends that rallied around us to make the recovery transition so much easier for all of us. We were so fortunate to receive home cooked meals delivered to us. It was such a HUGE help. It takes time to prepare meals and deliver them and we appreciate your efforts... big time! Another wonderful friend had the idea to coordinate the gift of a housekeeper for 6 weeks! It was amazing to have that help because, aside from lifting, even bending over was one of my major restrictions. We had friends give Cece rides to school and stop by for quick words of encouragement. Prayers, texts, cards and kind words were all heard and appreciated. I'm still trying to get thank you notes written. I WILL finish them, and in the mean time, know that your kindness is noticed and appreciated beyond words.
The Update
Today we went to Orlando to visit Dr. Trumble's office. I'm excited to say I've been given the ALL CLEAR! What this means is, my brain looks as close to normal as it will ever look, the spinal fluid is flowing as, and where, it should be, and everything is healing properly. In Chiari terms, I'm completely decompressed. I also have a pretty awesome scar on the back of my head. I cannot wait to resume normal activity, pick up my kids and eventually get back on the running course. The fatigue will last a long time, and I'll have to incorporate these things slowly, but I feel like this is a HUGE milestone in this recovery journey. It was strange leaving the Neuro Surgeons for Kids building today. These doctors and nurses had such a huge impact on my life, but now, I've been released. I'm so happy about that, but there is a little bit of nostalgia too. If you or your children have Chiari or things related and in the neuro category, this place is amazing, knowledgeable, and above all kind and caring. All this being said, I'm ready to shift my life and blog posts to more everyday topics, and make them more consistant. Look for topics on getting back into shape, time savers, Konmari, and hopefully some recipes too! So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for being there for me and my family during this adventure we've been on. I couldn't imagine going through something like this alone, and I'm proud to have the most loving, and generous family and friends. |
Leaving the office. Cece was at school, but we gave her a big hug when we returned. <3