08.27.11 – Fractured back results are in…

And survey says…………….

Two more weeks in the back brace, but the vertebra are showing good signs of healing and bone formation so the neurosurgeon is confident that in 2 weeks I’ll ditch the brace and start physical therapy.

With the xray’s they took yesterday I got a good idea of exactly what the break was. It basically looks like a piece of pie (mmm, pie) broke off the front of the vertebra (front meaning towards my belly button). This piece was held on by a little bone and that allowed new bone to form in between so they are more than 90% confident I won’t need surgery. Also lucky because if the bone broke off on the other side, towards the back, he said “we’d be having a different conversation” meaning they’d have to go in and fixate it as that would screw up my spinal cord. So once again, I’d rather be lucky than good.

He did allow me to start working out a little, basically right now just sitting on a recumbent bike, but hey, that’s a start! Long term he’s being very conservative (as the worker’s comp nurse was there) stating that I won’t be 100% released until the end of the year, but I guess the back takes a little longer to heal than most bones. Most restrictions will be lifted by mid-Oct though.

Now the jaw, I know it’s only been a few days since my last dr’s appt, but I swear the wires are coming loose again. I check them and they seem ok, but my jaw is starting to spasm more and feels like I’m biting down (which I’m told is a good sign). I know that’s it’s mostly spasms, and since it’s been 5 weeks the bones mainly stable, but it still feels strange. Also off and on getting the itchy sensation in the numb part of my chin, once again told that’s a good sign as it means the nerves are coming back.

A week and a half to go to lose the wires, and yes, I’m counting down most every hour.

08.23.11 – 4 week follow up, 2 more long weeks to go!

Well today started off with a lot of hope, ended with me still happy with how things are going. The hope was due to the fact that there was a possibility of the wires coming off next week, at the 5 week mark, this was quickly dashed as the Dr believed that this type of complex fracture really needed the full 6 weeks. He actually told me today that it was the most complex fracture he’s ever dealt with (hence the 12+ hours of surgery), and he’s even worked on a gunshot to the jaw shattering it into 50 pieces. What he did mention was that the gums are filling in great, the teeth have remained aligned, and the wires still seem strong and aren’t slipping or loosening. That’s why he wants the full 6 weeks, if the wires kept loosening or the jaw was slipping, he would have taken them off next week, not ideal, but it would be safer than leaving the jaw loosely wired. So basically, getting an extra week on the bricks for wires doing well and me following instructions. Counterintuitive, but hey, he’s the best and I’m going with whatever he says.

I also learned today that the itchy feeling I have in my chin, which I can’t scratch because it’s numb and I can’t feel it when I scratch, is a very good sign the nerves are coming back. He stated that due to the trauma they weren’t sure all the feeling in that area would ever come back, but at 4 weeks and I’m having those sensations, that’s a very good sign that the nerves are coming back.

The eye is looking great, the feeling and sensation are coming back all around already, that’s also ahead of schedule. Also the gums are looking good, but in two weeks when the wires come off, if they aren’t totally healed back up (can barely see the tip of one of the plates) he’s going to put a few more stitches in. That also means I’m stuck on the same liquid diet, no pureed foods, just basically protein milkshakes and ensures, through the end of the whole thing. Ugh, but gotta follow the rules I guess. Although I’m dying to dive into some liquified mashed potatoes or split pea soup, but that’ll have to wait another couple of weeks.

I’ll be going under when they take the wires out since he may want to sew up a few things and they’ll also, more than likely, take the arch bars out at the same time instead of waiting another couple of weeks. Putting me under allows him to exercise my jaw without the pain I’ll have when I first move it, so he can determine whether it’s properly aligned and not shifting side to side. So basically I’ll have no idea of the outcome until I wake up, worst case I wake up with arch bars and rubber bands that allow me to open a little, but keep the jaw in alignment. Best case, all this damn hardware comes out and I start the rehab of building the muscles back up in the jaw, which he anticipates to only be weeks, not months.

Next up, neurosurgeon appointment on Friday morning, hoping to get the all clear to start PT and ditch this damn back brace. Then I can go back to work full time too, which I’m dying to get back to. I started back part time end of last week, nice just doing something. That and working out, finally can put some “good” weight back on.

08.16.11 – 3 week follow-up and wire tightening

Here we are, 3 weeks down, 3 weeks to go (although there is a slight chance that I may be released at 5 weeks instead of 6). Wires on my left side were coming loose, turns out mainly due to the arch bar slipping up. What does tightening the wire feel like? An instant crushing pain in your jaw but only for a quick second, it subsides very quickly.

Gums are starting to heal, maybe by next week I’ll be on puree, but he did say they were closing up nicely. Also the swelling is looking good on the jaw and around the eye and sinus, some positive news.

I also got ahold of the scans from SF General today, put some red-boxes around the break areas so you can see where all the fractures occurred.

Next appt is a week from today, that’s the big day we find out about whether or not the wires can come off early. Also when the endodontists start reviewing everything for the numerous follow on visits I’ll have with the ortho and dentist.

08.12.11 – 3 weeks since the accident

So what has changed, I’ve already burnt out on milkshakes, ensure, and all other sweet stuff. I just bought some new supplements (banana flavored muscle milk) to try and get some different flavors. Till now been pretty much sticking with chocolate or vanilla with a peanut butter kicker. Trying to stick to 2500 calories a day and at least 75g of protein, it’s hard to do believe it or not. I wind up forcing myself to eat at times when I really don’t want to. But hopefully in just over a week I’ll get cleared for puree and more savory food as my gums do appear (at least to me) to finally be healing.

Most the pain is gone, no more pain meds, only strange thing is that I’m feeling like my jaw is moving as the wires loosen up. One in the back is loose, and will have to talk to the talk about fixing it, I only hope the other’s hold till my next appt. If not, yet another run back to the hospital.

Two weeks for my neuro follow up on the back too, can’t wait as it feels great and I’m hopeful they’ll let me start PT and resume normal activity without wearing the brace. I’m dying to get back to work and a more normal life!

Once again thanks for all the notes and well wishes!

08.07.11 – Finally first full night’s sleep

That’s right, after over two weeks I finally got my first full night of sleep last night, not needing to get up for pain meds or to use the can. The can has been a persistent problem since contracting C-Diff but recently added probiotic yogurt to the diet, in addition to the flagyl antibiotics they gave me, and things seem to be getting back to normal down there. The sleep is huge, probably got 8 hours in last night and a short nap today. It does two things, helps the body heal and passes the time. One of the hardest things is finding stuff to do to pass the day, been reading (buddies at work got me a kindle) and have of course spent my fair share of time watching TV and playing the PS3. But sometimes it’s just nice to nap or hang outside, catch some sun, and read on the kindle, those things are so much better for reading than the iPad.

Swelling is mostly gone from around the upper face, but still some in the jaw. Can’t wait to shave too, maybe after my appt on Tues, not a big beard guy. Pain is almost gone too, haven’t taken pain meds since last night and other than a little pain in the side that was broken, it’s not a real big deal, gonna see if I can make it through the night without any as well.

Starting to mix it up with respect to eating, still taking a lot of Ensure, but also having milk shakes at dinner with ice cream, protein powder, peanut butter, nutella, and milk. It’s a nice change from the Ensure, btw Vanilla Ensure is the best. Can’t wait till I can try something more, like soup even, I’m DYING to have real food, even blended, I don’t care, I just need food! Still losing a little more weight, but it’s mainly stayed constant. At the start I was about 172 lbs, now I’m down to 155 lbs, not good, got a lot of work ahead of me. Worst is every time I see someone they comment on how skinny I am, I know, I know, it sucks, stop bringing it up =)

Walking more and more each day, back feels fine, but don’t want to walk too much as it burns calories and I can only take in so many a day. Hoping to have a follow up appt for the broken back in a couple weeks, feels good, only weird sensation I have is in my right leg from time to time on the inner thigh, goes numb, will have to ask the doc to see if that’s related.

 

08.03.11 – Called back to office for suture removal

So I got a call late yesterday from the Dr’s office, apparently they need me to come back in as they really want the suture out from below my eye. They actually had an opening to get to the suture from the middle that the last two Dr’s didn’t realize. Today they were able to get half of it out, but half still remains, felt like he was tugging my eye out, but instead they just got half out, taped the other half down, and will give it a shot again next week at my two week follow up. Dr also looked at the gumline, which is still shredded, said it looks as good as it could, keep rinsing diligently though. We also talked a little about the prognosis, like how long will I be wired. I’m still mentally shooting for 6 weeks, but he did say that they’ve been working on wiring for less time, but with such a complex fracture he’s not real sure, so keeping 6 weeks in the back of my head is safe.

Slept well last night, thing I’m finally settling in to a groove, no sweating last night either. Went to bed around 1030, got up around 0200 to hit the head and re-medicate with liquid advil, then pretty much out again till almost 0700. Up once around 0500, but after a few decided to go back to sleep.

Pain is a bit less today, not sure if it’s due to the Advil or just less swelling (which it’s very obvious to see the swelling has gone down.) I still have the big jowel, but it’s no where near what it used to be.

Next appt is Tuesday, think I get a new CT scan, will try to get a copy of the shots before and after as well.

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08.01.11 – Been home a few, one week follow up

Last two nights I’ve woken up in a sweat, didn’t sleep quite as much as the nights before, maybe 3-4 hours, but I’ll take no sleep at home over 6 hours at the hospital anyday. Been getting outside a couple times a day for a walk, my mom has gone back home so it’s pretty much just me during the day, she was a trooper.

Already bored of the daily routine of making up the medicines, which I do 3 times a day. Can’t wait to start burning through these and getting them done with. Have to go to the can about 3 times a day, but it’s getting better and isn’t anything like what it was a few days ago, not nearly as nasty as that. Dr’s appt was today, they took out all the stitches except couldn’t get this one out from under my eye so they clipped it and left it under. I’m guessing that’s alright, they’re the doc’s, but seems weird to me. Felt like they were ripping my eye out of my socket trying to take it out.

Feeling pain from time to time, going to try taking the prescription strength (Lortab) medicine tonight, hoping the fever breaks. I alternate throughout the day with Ibuprofen and Tylenol, about every 6 hours. I can tell the jaw still hurts, sometimes I get muscle spasms and feel like I’m going to re-break it, but I know that’s not the case.

07.30.11 – First full day at home

Day 10 – Slept great, got up twice to hit bathroom (just to be safe, didn’t try to hold) and realize that it’s easy to put the backbrace on myself with just a tshirt and shorts on. I mean a lot easier than when I had that awesome hospital gown and the cranked up bed. Also got up at 4 to take more pain meds (liquid tylenol) and sacked out hard after than, woke up just before 0800. Did my first full morning on meds, learned the best order to do things as one of the meds is a pill I have to crush and dillute with water, then drink and it tastes like metal and leaves a horrible after taste. I then take another liquid antibiotic. Then I down an ensure which took the bad taste away. Then take in some water and swish, then use a medicated mouthwash. Then I put meds on wounds on face, one cream for eye wounds, one for neck wounds. My sister and her husband came by to check in, they’ve been amazing through this whole ordeal, really brings a new perspective for me on family. My sister I think has researched more about the surgery and recovery for everything I’ve been through and has helped put my mind at ease. Took a couple walks outdoors, starting to feel good outside, can’t quite make it longer than about 15 minutes though, at a snails pace. Actually a little slower, we got lapped by a pair of snails. Who cares, I’m home.

As of now I’m down about 13 lbs, I was 172 lbs and just weighed in at 157 lbs. Yikes, I need to stop the loss, trying to build up the calories on a full liquid only diet (does not include puree foods) is tough I’m learning. I’m targeting 2200 calories a day (in 6 Ensure plus’s and Gatorade) and 72 grams of protein (assuming I can get back up to 160 lbs at least.) Ensure gives me all the vitamins I need and 6 Ensure Plus’s also give me a total of 78 grams of protein. I will build that into other drinks I make with protein powder once I’m cleared to blend. Ensure Plus also has great calcium and vitamin D, good for the healing process.

 

07.29.11 – Hoping I’m heading home…

Day 9 (Fri) – Didn’t sleep but maybe an hour, part because I was excited to get home, but also in part to the pain in my gut. Doc comes in that morning and he’s excited too, starts working on discharge paperwork, my mom gives my wife a call, getting ready to change into real clothes and rock out of there. Doc does tell me I have to try full liquids first though (like ensure) so I down that like nothing, literally chugged it. Check and check, next stop, home. Doc comes back in as my wife’s driving in…… sorry buddy, you tested positive for C-diff and we can’t release you. The epidemiologists overrode the release and banished me to quarantine again.

I was devastated, it took all the fight out of me, I was deflated and going into depression. It was setting in just how long I had been there, I hadn’t been home in over a week to see my wife or dog, I had them coming to the hospital but really here I’m alone. I spend an hour or two just staring at the TV trying to come up with a plan to pass another day or two, they draw more blood today, don’t really care. Later mom convinces me to take a shower, it would help. I smell terrible so it’s a good idea. Although nothing I do can seem to scrub the hospital smell out of me. As I get out I hear my mom say from the other side of the door, “now don’t get your hopes of too much, but the Dr just came back and said he may be able to send you home afterall. This was at about 1430, I was out of there by 1600. If I didn’t have C-diff I would have hugged him, he’s one of the residents there but the entire time I left like he always had my back and personally watched over me. All my docs were good and very nice (another resident was awesome too as was my main plastic surgeon) but this Dr was there always, checked in on me all the time, that kid’s going places. Home by 1700 and couldn’t be happier, first thing I did was shower all the hospital smell off, the hospital really has it’s own unique smell that I now hate. Threw clothes I wore for the ride right in the wash, scrubbed myself again. Built my nest on the couch and watched the Yankees, learned how to make all my meds from my mom (lots of measuring and prep, like one pill has to be ground up and diluted in water), and low and behold my wife has the fridge loaded up with ensure and boost (best tasting way to get calories down). Best part, laying on the couch and my dog jumps up and lays with me. Made me want to cry I was so happy. But this is just the start of a long healing process, 6 weeks at least with iron jaw, but may ditch back brace as soon as week 4, I was lucky there and they’re not as concerned, it’s definitely broken, but not out of place and only lost about 30 % of height on L3 disc.

07.28.11 – A few days out, starting to get cabin fever again

Day 8 – Breakthrough day, docs tell me get up and move as much as I can, it helps heal. I take them literally, I go walking with my mom, goal is 15 minutes then hour break. Keep this up all day till about 2100. Another part of getting you out of the hospital is having your first bowel movement, I’m right on it. Although I’m starting to have nasty gremlins come out instead of what you’d expect. I tell the doc, they seem a bit worried and want to run some tests, then start worrying I caught a bio bug, C. Difficile Colitas, or called “CDIF”. It’s actually all over hospitals and gets pretty nasty (mainly diarrhea and fever). So they quarantine me and every time I left room I have to wear a big yellow banana suit, anyone coming in needs one too, and visitors are limited.

All things look good to go to send me home tomorrow though. Slept pretty well this night, maybe 6 hours total, days pass by quicker being mobile and having my own room and control of a 42″ TV 6 feet from my face. Taken off pain pump today so have fewer wires coming out of me. For pain just using tylenol, liquid form of course. Took in over 500cc of liquid today including the higher calorie juices, getting easier to swallow and also learned that I could sip out of a cup a little and some of the sensation is coming back into my lips. Will have to bump up to full liquid diet from clear liquid tomorrow before they’ll release me.