Health update

[Bigdog72]

Went in for Anterior Cervical Fusion last Friday. Surgery went well and I was released a day early on Saturday. That's where it got interesting. I was having some difficulty swallowing (they told me to expect this) but on Sunday I apparently developed the mother of all head colds. Also on Sunday we realized that the prescribed pain medication wasn't working and was making me sick to my stomach. I decided to forego any pain meds to try and get through this with as little side effect as possible. That's when the cold really started kicking. The combination of a swollen throat and constant nasal drainage is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. After three days of constant coughing and gagging from the discharge I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Was able to eat semi solid food today and slept for about 2 hours uninterrupted. Now all I have to deal with is the pain in my neck and shoulders as I wait for the incision to heal. Doctor says I am grounded for 3 weeks, no driving, no lifting, no nothing. All this to cure numbness in my hands and feet!

Oh, for those who say no picture, didn't happen:

[Gotcha6]

Had the same surgery in '94. Went back to work too early. DON'T DO IT!
I was driving after an ice storm & jerked my head back after a piece of ice hit my windshield. The piece of bone they cut off my hip to put in my neck shifted & caused a callous to form on my esophagus. Wouldn't take anything for the surgery but wished 1000 times I'd a' stayed in bed the full time he said. I was stubborn like that when I was younger.

[mshel]

Geoff,

Hope you get to feeling better and able to make some dust. Better do what the Dr says and take it easy.

MIke

[froglips]

Ouch and a half. Glad to hear its all turned out ok.

Here's too a speedy recovery!

Jim

[scsmith42]

Geoff - thanks for the update, and best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

Scott

[cskipper]

Glad you feel like you may live. Listen to the doctor even though you'll think you know better - lol.

[JackLeg]

I can empathize! Had the same surgery about 1992. C-7 Like Dennis said, don't push it! If he put you in the brace, WEAR IT! You CAN do it! Best of luck, pard! Will keep you in my prayers.

[Joe Scharle]

Hang on Geoff.... I'm working on a jig; pulleys, wheels, sliding interposer bail links and some exotic stuff too!

Thought you'd get a chuckle from that.

[Tarhead]

Welcome to the club! I'm a year out from C4-5, C5-6 ACF. Leaves a nice conversation starter on your neck once it heals. Still waiting for the feeling to come back in my left pointer finger. Hope you have a comfortable recliner, a laptop and plenty of reading material. Hang in there!

[Canuck]

Judging from the pic, Geoff; you ain't havin' much fun these days!!!

Please take of yourself and as others mentioned, listen to the doc's orders.

Look after yourself and I am sure you will be up and around in no time.

Take Care!

Wayne

[Rob]

Geoff, you take care of your self and get better soon.

[PChristy]

Glad that the surgery went well for you Geoff - and you got over that nasty cold - hope you healing is swift and you are back at it full swing - be sure to follow the docs orders about the lifting

[Bas]

Geoff - hope you recover soon! Not doing anything for 3 weeks, that stinks. Although now might be a good time to order all 20 seasons of the NYW...hang in there.

[Travis Porter]

Do as the doctor says!!! Surf the web, post on North Carolina Woodworker, but don't go out before you are released!!!

[JimmyC]

Take care of yourself Geoff and remember not to move anything heavy, besides that's what you have Terry for.

Godspeed.