Walking again

Pam & I walked 3 miles today! I started off stiff & sore, smoothed out in the middle and got floppy at the end of the walk. Something as simple as a nice walk with someone special, what an amazing boost for the mood. I also walked a solo, slow 2 miles on Wednesday... so things are starting to move again.

I've still not wrapped my mind around this surgery. Prior to surgery I was getting used to my deficits. Post surgery "stuff" has changed. Example: left arm/hand has noticeably less swelling and MAYBE improved function. My right arm is more tingly (C-5 distro for you medical types) and movement feels "thicker."

Most troubling is the neck, mid trapezius shoulder muscle spasm that are worse when lying down. (Not sure if it is post surgical due to grafting, plating etc... or due to new neck brace and head position). Non the less, this too seems to be improving with 3 or so hours sleep in bed, followed by 3 hours of "sleeping" in sitting in the arm chair.

I'm sure there's a lesson in here somewhere.

Boring... rws

Pain Meds...

Alrighty then, so that's what pain meds are for!

Tuesday surgery. Wednesday home pm, slept well... Thursday out and about (how do you spell "overdo")... Thursday night, no sleep but plenty of spasm! Friday night... you CAN sleep sitting up (some). Saturday night...couch is becoming "more" comfortable...

hmmm... "the sun will come out tomorrow"

rws

Post Surgery!!

Spinal fusion complete! I'm back home, a little weaker post surgery, steroids and morphine, but getting around fine. Mom and dad Stout came down and kept us company (thx!). Apparently there was more compression than anticipated, which now that it's repaired translates into a better long term prognosis. Kudos to Dr Bernstein the finest neurosurgeon for miles and miles, and my friend Dr Larry Eldenberg, gas passer extraordinaire)! Larry tells me that he's so tired of my premed drug inspired jokes, that he put me down faster than ever. Which is great because I usually try to tell jokes and end up telling where I hid the treasure ;-)

Shoulder surgery and physical therapy in about 8 weeks.

"Whew!"

Thx for the cards, calls and prayers!

rws

Phase two...

Tomorrow about noon ... steady hands, good luck and a smiling God are on order... Spinal surgery sounds a "little" more serious when it's your own...

Just returned from terrific meetings in LA (Preventive Medicine 2009)! We were able to bring together the Lifestyle Medicine and Preventive Medicine/Public Health folk. Real progress was made and future opportunity for collaboration looks bright! The session "Prevention that Pays" highlighted emerging business models including P&G's MDVIP and "store front clinics." It was well attended and well recieved!

Pam and I made a side trip to LLU. Helping ThermaCare research transition to Wyeth (Pfizer?) is done with mixed emotions (what a great team LLU has put together).

Visiting LLU (family, friends and leadership) was inspiring. They're doing terrific work in Lifetyle Medicine (I'm not sure if they realize how good they really are).

Well, see ya on the other side of those OR doors.

Thanks- rws

a beautiful night...

Yes, it is me (Pam). Ron has been so faithful in keeping you all informed. It is early Sunday morning and the house is quiet. Last evening was Elle's Winter banquet, kinda like a Prom. The girls started arriving to finish their last beauty touches, then the limo arrived. We took lots of pictures and then all 12 kids piled in. They all looked so beautiful and handsome. It was wonderful to see so many smiles. We are so blessed. I think my favorite picture is of Ron kissing Elle. He was so proud. :) As far as Ron goes, the surgery date is fast approaching and I pray everyday that it will go smoothly. Surgery is such a scary thing. We have come so far. I was reading the blog myself this morning and noticed how much improvement he has really made. Yesterday he walked 4 miles in 63 minutes and not too many days ago I read he walked 3 miles in 66 minutes...Awesome! We have one more trip to Loma Linda CA next week for work, then the big surgery....please keep us in your prayers....thanks for your continual support. The Lord so a wonderful God. Pam