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Friday Favorites #84 – ACDF Surgery

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CAUTION: This week’s Friday Favorites post is not for the faint of heart. Don’t read while you are eating breakfast or if you are easily grossed out with medical stuff.

Friday Favorites #84 Beauty and the Beets

Well, after almost a year of a progressively painful neck and shoulder, I finally had the surgery.  Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, also known as ACDF. Holy frick to the frack, this is no joke. The pain is unreal. However, one of the wonderful things about having a blog is the number of people that have reached out to me who have endured the same procedure, and everyone said they were happier after they were healed. And everyone said the healing is excruciating.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (2)

It is no joke.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (6)

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (7)

My experience at Orlando Regional Medical Center was extraordinary. From the very first person who greeted me in the lobby to the last nurse who oversaw my discharge, everyone on staff was friendly and super empathetic. Though this type of surgery is fairly routine, my fears were addressed as though I was an actual human being and not just another patient. I think it takes a very special type of person to be patient and kind with someone who is terrified and perhaps a bit on the irrational and eccentric end of the what-if chain. (I know, those of you who know me would be shocked to hear me describe myself as irrational, right?)

The first thing I did was check with my Doctor that he had used the proper eyewear to view the solar eclipse the day before. It’s important his eyesight was intact for surgery, right?

Once the crazy gas was initiated, I don’t remember a thing until I woke up to Mr. Beet holding my hand sitting bedside. I was definitely quite nauseous at first, but by the time I was in my private room I was begging the nursing staff for some real food. And they were surprised that I was able to chow down a grilled cheese sandwich and soup without pain and without being sick after. I even slept well.  I was in a little bit of pain, mainly a sore throat from the breathing tube I was given during the surgery.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (4)

And these leg pads that kept my circulation moving – it was like my legs were constantly being massaged.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (11)

And the anti-pneumonia machine is fun.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (5)

In the morning I had no problem scarfing down a plate of eggs and potatoes.  Pain? What pain? After they took a few more X-rays, I was ready to be released. Mr. Beet and I grabbed lunch in the hospital cafeteria as I figured it was an acceptable place for me to be in my pajamas with my neck all marked up and swollen. As we sat over lunch, I told Mr. Beet how I just could not believe how little the pain was. I had big plans to come home and write out a few blog posts I have fallen behind on.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (9)

I even grabbed a Starbucks on the way home. The cold frappe felt so good on my slightly sore throat.

Wait for it……….

And then reality kicked in. The steroids I had been given for swelling wore off. The pain meds weren’t enough anymore. My neck and throat have swollen to the point of extreme pain when even trying to swallow a sip of water. I ended up calling the neurosurgery floor I was on at the hospital and they said I had just endured a major surgery. The words they used – “We sliced your neck in half and moved your insides over to get to your spine.” Ouch. The pain and swelling were normal.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (10)

They upped my pain meds but other than that it really is just a matter of waiting the pain and swelling out. And it is miserable.

However, prior to being admitted to the hospital, I spent two days making a couple different types of soup and rationing out sliced fruit and veggies for smoothies. Anything I could do to make life a little easier for Mr. Beet as he has been the one who has to listen to me whine and whince these few days, or maybe even a few weeks. Thank goodness for Mr. Beet. He has been lucky enough (or maybe UNlucky enough) to be able to stay at home with me for a few days as I get over the real painful part of the recovery.

anterior cervical discectomy soups Beauty and the Beets

And then there are all the well wishes I have gotten on Facebook. And the flowers. I loved getting flowers from my parental units, and such a sweet card. “Hoping these flowers brighten not only your room, but your heart.” Sniff sniff.

anterior cervical discectomy ACDF Orlando Regional Medical Center Beauty and the Beets (1)

Anyway, that is the big story here in Beetsland. I am looking forward to the day when I can get out and run a mile again, though it won’t likely be anytime soon. And I look forward to sleeping through the night again without pain.

And that is my Friday Favorites this week. Happy to be on the healing train and happy to be on the healing end of this pain. Don’t forget to join the Friday Favorites party with Andrea, Katie, Heather, and April. I am hoping next week I will have better and more happy favorites to share. Until then, have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Patti

Saturday 26th of August 2017

I'm sure you're glad to be home and all that over. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Helen Corbin

Saturday 26th of August 2017

You are amazing. Even through major surgery, you still keep your wonderful sense of humor. You deserve a great deal of admiration. Heal FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fonda

Friday 25th of August 2017

You were to teach at winter garden library. I want to learn how to blog. Nice way to meet you now and learn all about you. Very interesting. Please let me know whenever you resume teaching. In the meantime I am happy to stay in touch via this new site. Prayers for a smooth and speedy recovery. But... Do REST..., Regards

Caitlin

Friday 25th of August 2017

So happy your surgery went well!!!! Hope you enjoy your weekend. =0)

Anna-Marie

Friday 25th of August 2017

Thank you Caitlin! You have a great weekend as well!!