Yesterday we went to the neurosurgeon's office for evaluation. This was our first visit since being released from the hospital. All things considered he thought she was doing well, but he has instructed her to stay off work and not to drive until the next evaluation on March 29. As frustrating as it is for Chris he and his staff tell her this was a major major thing and recovery is slow at best, so we are following all suggestions and giving it time.
Her back/hip/leg pain seems to be getting better and Chris feels the twice a week physical therapy is helping. The new pain med is a step down from percocet, and she is trying not to take it at all during the day, but she has trouble sleeping so it is usually needed in the evening.
We have two upcoming cardiology related appointments, one for a nuclear stress test and the other for her to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. Once these tests are complete we will see a cardiologist to discuss. This stems from the two episodes of rapid AFib she had while in the hospital.
We have also been referred to a neuropsychologist for cognitive testing, perhaps leading to cognitive therapy. This is to address the trouble she is having with concentration. And they are going to have someone who runs a support group for people with a like condition contact us. I think that's a good idea too.
So, we are hanging in there.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
One month ago today
It is hard to believe that it has been a month since this happened. The whole thing is kind of a blur, but as I look back I can't help but feel fortunate to have Chris recovering as she is. Since my last post, already a week ago, not too much has changed. She still has lots of pain in her back, hips, and legs and is still taking the pain meds although she's trying not to during the day.
We have now been to physical therapy twice. The first time was more of an evaluation, with some light stretching, and the second time was more light stretching (all while lying down) and some leg lifts, and massage. Both times she wanted to walk from the parking lot to the building instead of me borrowing the wheelchair, and that was pretty low and slow, but I consider it to be a positive that she was able to do so. And she thought the physical therapy helped. We go again on Tuesday and Thursday next week.
We also see the neurosurgeon Thursday morning so I am compiling a list of questions, and we'll see what his thoughts are about her pain and also her lack of concentration. That could be the pain meds, but she says aside from making the pain less she doesn't feel dopey or sleepy when she takes the meds, so I don't know. We'll also have to get a new prescription from him for pain and we are going to suggest something less potent and see if that helps. On Monday we'll call the cardiologist we were referred to while in the hospital. She wanted to see Chris at three weeks after release to follow up on the rapid Afibs that occurred twice while she was inpatient.
Chris does feel better about getting around the house on her own some, so she is not totally in bed or on the couch, and I do think getting around a bit is good for her both physically and mentally. We continue to be thankful for everyones concern. The house is looking like an arboretum and I am getting fat from the meals friends have prepared for us. And all of the cards...just unbelievable. Thank you all again.
Will let you know what the doc says.
We have now been to physical therapy twice. The first time was more of an evaluation, with some light stretching, and the second time was more light stretching (all while lying down) and some leg lifts, and massage. Both times she wanted to walk from the parking lot to the building instead of me borrowing the wheelchair, and that was pretty low and slow, but I consider it to be a positive that she was able to do so. And she thought the physical therapy helped. We go again on Tuesday and Thursday next week.
We also see the neurosurgeon Thursday morning so I am compiling a list of questions, and we'll see what his thoughts are about her pain and also her lack of concentration. That could be the pain meds, but she says aside from making the pain less she doesn't feel dopey or sleepy when she takes the meds, so I don't know. We'll also have to get a new prescription from him for pain and we are going to suggest something less potent and see if that helps. On Monday we'll call the cardiologist we were referred to while in the hospital. She wanted to see Chris at three weeks after release to follow up on the rapid Afibs that occurred twice while she was inpatient.
Chris does feel better about getting around the house on her own some, so she is not totally in bed or on the couch, and I do think getting around a bit is good for her both physically and mentally. We continue to be thankful for everyones concern. The house is looking like an arboretum and I am getting fat from the meals friends have prepared for us. And all of the cards...just unbelievable. Thank you all again.
Will let you know what the doc says.
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