D4 Update?

[George K]

@jon-nyc said in D4 Update?:

‘Hepatocyte’ falls from my mouth easier than ‘liver cell’.

Funny you should comment on that. When we last met, you were dropping all kinds of fancy-schmancy words that I haven't heard or used since medical school. I was surprised.

You're obviously in a very different part of the world than I am was.

[89th]

@George-K I'm sure the kid visits provided a nice emotional boost.

[George K]

By the way, that out-the-window view? See that green patch of land. That's where the VA Hospital used to stand. It was torn down, and nothing ever was built there.

Considering the area, that block of land is worth many, many millions. It's never been developed, and the only explanation I can come up with is that it's federal land and not for sale.

[89th]

Seems refreshing, honestly, to have a bit of green space (and a good chunk of it) in the middle of all that steel.

[taiwan_girl]

@George-K hugs to you and D4. She is lucky to have you and Mrs. George nearby and willing and able to help and support.

[Jolly]

She's very fortunate to have two supportive and knowledgeable parents close.

As for mom and dad wanting to help an ill child in any way they can... That's just part of being a parent. No matter if your child is five days or fifty years old (or older).

If you ever have kids of your own, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Sometimes it's hard to explain that ball of love, responsibility and concern that never goes away...

[89th]

@George-K Surgery still on for tomorrow (or today, if you're reading this in an hour or two)?

[kluurs]

Not going to be an easy day. My heart is with you and your daughter.

[Jolly]

Praying for a good outcome and pain relief...

[Mik]

Here too.

[George K]

Gonna be a sonofabitch procedure. Her first fusion was open, so they have to open EVERYTHING up, see if it's compatible with what they're going to use, and if not, redo the whole thing.

Looks like it'll be 11 or so...so everyone's gonna have a long, long day.

[Horace]

Good luck to her.

[Doctor Phibes]

Best of luck, and best wishes to all. I hope everything goes as smoothly and successfully as possible

[89th]

Sending prayers and best wishes.

[Mik]

Any word yet?

[George K]

Surgery started large ~ 3:45. Got an update at 5:30 - still working but no problems. I expect another hour.

[George K]

Surgery done at about 8:30 - about 4 ½ hours of work.

This hospital keeps patients in PACU a LONG time, so I went home because I'm a geezer.

Surgeon said that one of the screws from her previous fusion had broken; I wonder if that was the cause of her symptoms. Nevertheless, he's overall pleased with the outcome so far.

After I got home (about 20 min ago), I received these texts from the hospital:

I'll visit tomorrow late AM.

[89th]

Thanks for the update. I also hope, sort of, that the broken screw was the culprit.

Hope you both get some very, very good sleep tonight.

[George K]

@89th said in D4 Update?:

I also hope, sort of, that the broken screw was the culprit.

Yeah, my thoughts as well.

She did really well after her first fusion. Honeymooned, got pregnant, etc on NO MEDS.

With luck we can reproduce this for a while.

As @kluurs said, when you immobilize part of the spine, other parts have to pick up the function, so they get stressed unnaturally.

The took her down to pre-op at 12:30. Her last dose of oral pain meds was at 9:30. They also disconnected the PCA (large, LARGE doses of hydromorphone). So, by the time it came for surgery, she had NOTHING on board for pain.

Remember, this is not "back pain," This is NERVE pain. Nothing helps that other than sufficient narcotics so you just don't care.

This is what nerve pain looks like...

[89th]

Can't even imagine...