Miss Tabitha had her post op appointment today with the Orthopedic Surgeon (she has another post op with the Rehabilitation physician is next week). He took the bandages off and we got our first look at her incision... 4.5 inches long, swollen, sore, and you can see the pump sticking up from the side. Ouch! The incision in her spine is just under 2 in long. :( Needless to say after getting poked and prodded and having to sit up in her chair to travel etc., she was pretty sore and worn out when we got home. She's napping right now-- thanks to a little Valium.
We have been truly amazed how relaxed her little body is-- especially since the Rehab. doctor says he expects he will be doubling her current dose. She is not as alert as we'd like to see, but this whole past week Tabi has been content and even cheerful! In fact, she's been so good that we worried the medication might have altered her perception of pain. That might sound like a good thing, but if you think about it for a minute you'll realize it could be dangerous too. When I asked the doctor about it he said that no, the medication can't do that, and that she is feeling every bit of this. He commented on how "truly fantastic" she is doing and that he was amazed at how much more comfortable she already is. He then said that since she has been in so much pain for so long (with her whole body being stiff and her joints crippling) this must be a relief and a nice break for her; that this surgery and pump placement are only uncomfortable compared to what she's been used to living with each day. That made a lot of sence, and really quieted my mind.
Anyways, I just figured an update was due.
:) Diane
2 comments:
Thanks for the update. Glad she's okay. She sure looks cute with her doll in that photo.
Oh, sweet little Tabi! I hate to see that incision, but I'm so glad her surgery went well!
Praying that this miracle continues and she can be pain free!
Love
Carol C
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