Dear Barry,

I am so happy you replied. I truly was concerned about the both of you and that both of you are on the road to healing. These definitely are trying times. Sometimes those small "holes" take "forever" to heal.

__________________
Sybille
“Think highly of yourself
because the world takes you
at your own estimate.”

12-12-08

Returned to see doctor 1 week ago and he felt we needed to continue treating the one small area of seeping from my wife's wound.

At ten weeks postoperative, she is is much more active and feels a lot better, but of course still quite a bit of pain. She can comb her own hair, is beginning to show a lot of movement including being able to reach around to her back. From a chair, she has been able to retrieve items from the floor. With pain medicine she is able to twist her upper torso left and right within an ever increasing range. Her appetite is beginning to return to normal. The therapists say she doesn't seem to display any side effects or limitations from nerve damage. In fact she has surprised them with the amount of movement and ability to move around on her own. When setting for more than 30 minutes, she requires the use of her back brace. She is able to sleep on her back.

In summary, everything is progressing as well as can be expected.

Goldeneagle65

I am so glad everyone is doing better. I guess when it is said, "time is our friend", there is some wisdom to that. In your case, time is proving to be a healer to all wounds. Thank you for updating us. Keeping doing so, okay?

__________________
Sybille
“Think highly of yourself
because the world takes you
at your own estimate.”

I need to add one more thing. Keep her out of the kitchen!

I think that is probably pretty good advice. At 65, she can afford to be pampered and she doesn't need to be in the kitchen until she is way on the road to healing.

__________________
Sybille
“Think highly of yourself
because the world takes you
at your own estimate.”

Because of my son-in-law's rather remarkable recovery, I do not want to come across as saying that the use of EPO will produce profound effects in all cases; most of the time it does take time. EPO is available to those who are in need of building their blood count and to do so in an efficient manner no matter their personal beliefs. This course of treatment will need to be discussed thoroughly with their personal physician's approval. In our case, the physicians were willing to try anything and were quite desperate; their patient had nothing to lose and everything to gain. It was a rather quick turn around in my son-in-law's case but definitely may not be so in other scenarios.

__________________
Sybille
“Think highly of yourself
because the world takes you
at your own estimate.”

Two week check up of my Wife's THREE surgeries in 5 weeks.
Dec 18, 2008

The Surgeon is not too happy with the fact that her infection site is still seeping. He sent us over to the Foundation Surgical Hospital here in Houston, Tex, and we got preadmitted for a surgery to clean out the site. Problem? The top end of the rod running the length of her spine is pushing up against the underside of the skin keeping that area irritated.

The incision will only be about 1/2 an inch to 1 inch. At this time, he'll either bend the rod end down or cut it off. At least that's my understanding. The operation will begin at 1:00pm the 22nd of Dec.

Since we are JW's, part of the pre admission was with the Anesthesiologist discussing her past history and what would be acceptable in an emergency. After telling him we would accept the cell saver as long as her blood was kept circulating and that we'd accept EPO/iron therapy if needed. It was a very cordial discussion in a friendly but professional setting, with all in attendance happy. (Actually it was just the three of us.)

I really want to take the time now to thank you for the encouragement and support you and the staff at No Blood has given me,
albeit in the short time I have been a member of No Blood.

After she has the operation I'll send another update.

12-18-2008

Reference "keeping her out of the kitchen.

For 47 years my wife had always waited on me hand and foot. But NOW, I think she is getty a little to use to my friends and me waiting on her.

She was the second oldest child of 11. And she has always been cooking working around the house.

But now, she's getting a little too "spolit." I know spoiled is spelled right, but it suits the case.

Case in point, one of our lady friends came over yesterday to clean the house, and as usual she cooked my wife some "cream of Wheat " and brought to her bedside. My wife tasted it and asked our friend if she might put a "little bit more" sugar in it. Well,,,,,, our friend went into the kitchen and brought the sugar bowl to her and put an extra spoon of sugar in the cereal.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm really seeing a pattern developing here, and we MAY HAVE to have a discussion in the near furure once she's up and moving better.

Hello goldeneagle...

I had to respond to this. Let's see...47 years waiting on you. And "hand and foot" at that. And then having to grow up, cooking for a rather large family. Over 60 years of kitchen duty is my calculation. mmm...a discussion in the near future? I say...to find an apron in your size?

I just couldn't resist this one. You seem to be a very good partner. The emotional turmoil both you and your wife have had to go through...and still there is humor. Thank you.

__________________
Sybille
“Think highly of yourself
because the world takes you
at your own estimate.”

I am so glad your wife is doing well. The story is so very encouraging. Jehovah will never leave us with no way out. Be it present or future.

__________________
Felicia Fitts
"Living with love in your life. It's a beautiful thing."