Possibly Out of Commission

[imnoangel1975]

That's great news, Karla! I'm glad to hear you're well on your way to recovery.

[Coda]

Glad to hear it, Karla!

[harpfingers]

UPDATE:

I'm finally out of the neck brace! I'm still terribly stiff and my shoulders and back ache all the time, but it's good to have the freedom.

Recovery is well on track. Thanks, again, everyone, for the prayers and kind thoughts.

Glad to hear that you are recovering well! Are you doing physical therapy to regain some range of motion in your shoulders and back?

[jazzygal karla]

UPDATE:

I'm finally out of the neck brace! I'm still terribly stiff and my shoulders and back ache all the time, but it's good to have the freedom.

Recovery is well on track. Thanks, again, everyone, for the prayers and kind thoughts.

Glad to hear that you are recovering well! Are you doing physical therapy to regain some range of motion in your shoulders and back?

As it happens, I've booked an appointment with the physiotherapist, so I should be getting some gentle exercises in short order.

Thanks again, all, for the kind comments and well wishes.

[jazzygal karla]

Dear Krallsters, it's been just over a year since my surgery. My thanks and gratitude to all of you who kept me in your thoughts and prayers before, during, and after that time.

As it happens, I'm in for another round of surgery. Since February, I'd noticed some new problems with my gait. This steadily worsened. I've seen a major decline in my walking/balance over the past few weeks to the point that I cannot really walk around outside the house un-assisted. (Inside, I can take my time, and hold onto things, etc.)

MRIs have revealed some more compression of the spinal cord, just beneath the areas they initially had to deal with last year. Again, these tumorous growths are benign (thank God!), so all that's really problematic as far as that goes is getting at them and removing them.

My surgeons are also now recommending a fusion at the C5-C7 levels - upper spine at the 5th through 7th vertebrae. The surgery is scheduled to take place in early August. Personally, I was prepared for the news that I'd require surgery. From the way my walking ability nose-dived, I knew something was very wrong. However, the timing sort of stinks. I've been accepted into a Bachelor of Ed. program that only had room for 30 students, scheduled to begin this Fall. As it is, I want to be there, even if it means I'm on crutches and in a halo collar.

Please add me to your prayer lists once again, as one cannot have too many people praying for them.

My theme song for the rest of the month: Mike & the Mechanics' "All I Need is a Miracle".

[Bud]

Hi karla!

Thanks for the update on your status. Sorry to hear that things haven't been going well, but it sounds like your doctors are on top of things. Hope you are able to continue in your Bachelor's program.

You'll be in my thoughts all summer and until you beat this thing.

Cheers, Bud

[Coda]

Hi, Karla!

Thanks for letting us know how you're doing. I'm glad that the tumors are benign. I'm sure it's discouraging to have to go through more surgery. But I am impressed by your desire to push on with your studies. I'll keep praying for you.

[christratton]

I just saw this thread and am just now learning of your battles, Karla. Good luck with your next round of surgery and with a safe, timely recovery - in plenty of time for your new program of study. Fingers crossed, positive vibes and best wishes for you.

-Chris

[sj]

Please know that prayers are with you, Karla. Get your Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall music close to you. Music helps the healing. You have a wonderful spirit that will get you through this discouraging time.

[jazzygal karla]

I am home at last.

I spent the last month in rehab, learning to stand on my own two feet again and walk. Surgery was successful. I remain in a neck collar/chest brace contraption, since docs realised a halo would be too heavy for my petite frame.

Curiously, when I awoke from surgery, my arms felt like they were crossed over my chest - but they weren't.

Seems that the surgeons had a lot of work to do, and nerves were sliced and shaved to get to the 6 tumours that were eventually removed. My hands, arms and fingers still lack sensation in some areas, so typing is a bit of a chore right now (among other things).

Thanks, all of you, for your prayers and positive thoughts for my well-being.

[Coda]

Karla,

I'm so glad you're back home now. I hope that over time you'll feel better and better!
I'll keep you in my prayers.

[Bud]

Karla -- Great to have you back and hear about your progress. Hoping for a speedy and complete recovery! Bud

[scielle]

Take good care of yourself, dear. And all the best.

[Samuel]

Hi Karla,

I was not signed up here when you've said about your situation. I'm surprised, I confess.
Now I know a little bit about your progress... I'll pray for you keep the positive results!

Best wishes,
Sam.

[jazzygal karla]

Just thought I'd drop an update:

I received permission from my doctors to start weaning myself off the collar/brace this week. So day by day, I'll begin to go about without the contraption, an hour at a time, gradually increasing the length of time I'm not wearing it. Already, I'm allowed to sleep without it. (Yay!)

Improvements in my arms, hands and fingers seems to have levelled off. The surgeon did indeed have to remove some nerve roots, as these were areas with tumors growing and pressing against the spinal cord. Since these nerves could not be preserved, sensation in some parts of my arms, hands and fingers was sacrificed. My doctors do seem pleased with what was retained. Time will tell if full function is eventually restored.

So once again, just a blanket 'thank you' to everyone. Thanks for your prayers, your positive thoughts and your kind comments and support here. I truly appreciate it all.

[Coda]

Wow, Karla, I'm glad you're making good progress. Thanks for the update.

[Bud]

Glad to hear about your progress, Karla! Hope you completely recover really soon

[scielle]

Glad to hear. Sending warm thoughts your way. Take good care of yourself!

[sj]

Yes -please do take care. And thanks for keeping us updated. I have wondered how you were doing.

[Eric in Long Beach]

Thanks for the update, my friend.