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Posted 9/13/2014 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
I had a really good day yesterday and thought WOW im making a turn for the better ! Errrrrk...pit the brakes on today and feeling alot of pain. Didmt do anything more then days before, ,same routine. ...why why why,..its so frustrating! Im doing everything that im told to do..no lifting, no driving, taking walks around the neighborhood, chilling in my recliner, i do better then in bed,tired of being tired . The lirtle things really wipe me out. I know im early in my recovery, and as i mentioned before. .im not a patient person. But with this im making myself do all the "right" things. Not sure if i mentioned is any of my posts but my husband has stage 4 kidney cancer...16 months ago he urinated blood,went to family dr..thought maybe kidney stones, had a ultrasound next thing we knew. .that ugly C word! Had his right kidney removed and thought that would be that. Moving forward 2 months after the surgery he was going to do a clinical study. So he had ct ,mri,bone scan and bloodwork, ,.,found it spread to 3 other spots in that short time so he wasn't eligible for the study. So he has been on a medicine to slow the growth. ..its working but takes a toll on his body. I am feeling heartbroken because he has to pick up my slack. He said he wouldn't have it any other way. He is the best, but i see he is tired. He still works fulltime as a landscaper, very physical job....he is a tough cookie.always says he isnt going down without a fight. I love that man...but he is getting that tired look.so now that i went so off what i came on to write about,,,im going to go get cozy im my recliner and try to sleep. Thanks for listening! I think i needed that. This is why
I need to get better.
Posted 9/13/2014 8:21 AM (GMT 0)
Scared as you said patience and it is the most vital thing you can do for yourself post op. Don't PUSH or you could find you've done all this for nothing. So the house gets messy, and Swanson does the cooking, who cares in the scheme of things? ? I'm sorry about your husband but it is important that he not overextend either while on those meds! ! Can't stress this enough sweety, if he's looking tired then he's not OK. His body is fighting the fight of all fights here and his very immune system is battling against those meds because they're literally attacking his system and the fight is a natural systemic reaction. He is still working and that is likely more than he should be doing but I certainly understand the why.

Is there anyone who can help out at all? Family members that can cook a bit extra, clean a morning or do a load of laundry? Friends even and when they say how can I help swallow the pride and tell them what you need of them. Even a local church and many have youth groups who give to the community in that way, volunteering to help.

Get some help so you don't push and he doesn't get down, his body needs every ounce of strength and rest he can get. If all that fails in getting help talk to your Dr or hospital social worker and let them know what you need.
Posted 9/19/2014 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I'm wondering how your check up with your surgeon went. Hope all is well in that regard. I'm really sorry that both you and your husband are facing health situations at the same time. He sounds like a great guy to want to be taking care of you now.

I told you before that we have several nurses on this site. Nvrthesame is one of them who shares her knowledge with us often. So please take to heart what she advises.

I know you are eager to get back to your own job as a CNA but you just have to heal well first, so you don't ever have to redo this surgery.

A new member lila W has a thread - herniated cervical discs. She is also wanting to return to a very physical job.

 

Posted 9/19/2014 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Its been a hard week ladies and gentlemen. My post op went as i expected all the concerns and pains i told the dr i was having, he said thats what he expected me to feel .....he gave me a bone stimulator to use everyday for 30min...and i am off work for another 4 weeks and i start physical therapy next week. I tried to get in bed to cuddly with the hubby last night and it didn't happen. ...he also had dr appointments and is scans that he has every 3month's and they showed more mets and the mets he has are bigger also there is something going on in hus lungs. Could just be inflammation from allergies and coughing. Which is what i am praying for. So that was my week..hoping next week is betted ! Thanks !
Posted 9/19/2014 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there S...Just want to say I'm sorry for what you and your husband are going through.  I know how hard it is when both are struggling with health issues. I wish there were something I could say or some way I could reach through cyberspace.  I was going to say I'd first give you a big hug, but NO...bad idea post surgery.  My cousin hugged me "hello" last November and fractured my ribs--OUCH.  I cringe when I read that your husband is working such a physical job as landscaping, while he battles kidney cancer.  I worry about your vocation as well, as I know that CNAs are essential in my mom's living facility.  I stand in awe of what a toll physically that position demands.  You both have my utmost admiration.

Don't give up your goal of "snuggles" with hubby...That is better than any medicine for both of you...Just continue to love one another through whatever comes.

HUGS, but gentle=)

Dixie

Posted 9/19/2014 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear this. I will join you in those prayers for your husband. Thanks for keeping us updated. We care.
Posted 9/19/2014 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Keeping you both in my prayers.... Keep us updated as you can when you feel up to it.



M.
Posted 9/19/2014 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Scared,
I am so very sorry for your situation. I am 4 months postoperative C4-7 ACDF and still not working full time. I work about 6 hours a day 5 days a week from home. But will go to the office next week and try to work full time (need the $). But I can say I had no idea how long and tough this recovery would be. And I was super fit, active, 56, climb mountains kind of woman. I had a hysterectomy last year and was out doing things after two weeks and that was with a major post op infection. It (and my low back surgery) was a walk in the park compared to neck surgery. So you must take it easy so you can heal. I learned to let stuff go, ask for help, have groceries delivered (I was not allowed to even be in a car for 3 months). If your neck doesn't fuse you will have wasted the surgery. It took me awhile to get that through my fat head (I moved shelving a few weeks after my surgery and my husband almost lost it with me). So. I get what you are saying about not being patient. And the boredom! And loneliness. It is hard and that is why this forum helps. And yes, cuddling is hard but it will get better. I still wear neck collar to bed. Take it easy and your husband is in my prayers.
Posted 9/20/2014 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Scared....

I can't believe you are dealing with all of that at the same time. Your hubby sounds like a great guy.... I hope everything works out for both of you.

I will admit, I have a love/hate relationship with reading about others experiences in regards to surgery/prognosis and healing. Ignorance is bliss I hear.... :)

However, I can't NOT read about what others are going through....lol. It makes us feel less alone...

And I cannot fathom going through what you are..... My heart goes out to you. Keep your chin up (not literally cause that hurts....) And cherish each other... You'll get through this....

Hope you have a good day today.

Lila
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