Life and Back Surgery

I am behind in my blog due to Anthony's back surgery. On July 21st, I got in the shower and when I got out, saw Anthony crawling on the floor. I asked him what he was doing. (I thought at first he might be playing with Blake but then I noticed Blake was not nearby.) He was in so much pain, he couldn't walk. Being a man, he told me he would take Blake to his bus stop and then go to work. Being a woman, I knew there was no way he was going to be able to do either of those things.

Zach and I got Anthony into the Sienna, I dropped Blake off at the bus stop and drove Anthony to the Emergency Room. It was 7:00 am. The Emergency Room was empty. The Triage Nurse took us back to room 9. There was no one in the rooms we passed. We did pass by the Nurse's station. There were quite a few people there, talking and working, I assume. We were in our room for 45 minutes and no one came. Anthony was draped over the bed writhing in pain. He was in so much pain (and very frustrated that no one came to help him) that he pressed the code blue button. We had about 20 hospital staff in our room in about 30 seconds. (People actually work there.) A Dr. came and asked if someone was dying and Anthony said, "Heck (he didn't use that word but a stronger one) yes, I need pain medication.!" The nurse chastised Anthony was pushing the code blue button. The Dr. did come in and help about 5 minutes after this little episode.

After a MRI, it was determined that Anthony had ruptured or herniated two discs. L4 and L5. He tried to avoid surgery by seeing a Chiropractor - it just didn't work. Anthony was originally scheduled for surgery on July 29th. We went in for the surgery at 6:00 am. Anthony's mom met me at the hospital around 8:00 am. We decided to go get breakfast at the hospital cafeteria, since Anthony's surgery was going to be for 3 hours and then recovery for 2 hours.

Well, long story short, Anthony did not have surgery. He was knocked out and taken into the OR. Unfortunately, they were unable to get his catheter in. (Three different people tried.) The Surgeon decided the surgery was too risky without a catheder, so they took Anthony to recovery. The Dr. called my cell phone, Anthony's cell phone and sent someone to the waiting room to find me. (Unfortunately, I never heard the cell phones.) Finally, after 45 minutes, the Dr. called Anthony's mom's cell phone. The Dr. advised me what happened and said that Anthony needed to see a Urologist before he could operate as he may have a blockage. By the time I went to see Anthony, he was ticked off. He thought that his mom and I had taken off and left him at the hospital.

We were able to see a Urologist the same day. Thank goodness, my kidney cancer Dr. was available. He scoped Anthony (which was quite painful for him) and determined there was no blockage. It was a relief that there was no blockage but it was also annoying knowing there was no blockage, then why could these people in the OR not able to insert the catheter. (I was really annoyed when I received the bill for the failed surgery.)

The Surgeon had other surgeries scheduled, so Anthony was not able to have his back surgery until August 11th. This time we were smart, we called the Urologist and had him insert the catheter the day before surgery so there wouldn't be any problems. All went well. Anthony stayed in the hospital overnight - more due to his diabetes. They had a hard time controlling his diabetes after surgery.

Anthony's hip, leg and foot pain was gone by the time he was brought to his hospital room. He is up and walking. He just can't bend, lift or twist. He will be going back to work in the next few weeks, which I am grateful for. 70% pay is no fun!!! Family and friends have been good to us. We have received several meals. My mom has been a life saver with helping out with Blake. If is wasn't for her, I don't know what we would do.

In the midst of Anthony's back drama, I have been getting the kids ready for school. Kaeden started 2nd grade last Wednesday. Zach started 10th grade today. Blake is suppose to start 1st grade tomorrow but since he has diarrhea and is really sick today, I don't know if he will make it. Kassi starts 8th grade on Wednesday. Life has been hectic but good. I am sad to see the kids back to school. I love to have them home, plus I am not a fan of the hectic school schedules.