A few weeks ago, I started feeling a bit “off” including tingling/numbness in my fingers/hands (started in my left, but went to both hands.)� After trying to go on a run/jog a few weeks ago, realized I couldn’t do that very well either.� Some other weird stuff started going on -� typing is a bit difficult, and I’m very “wobbly” in the lower half.� I can’t walk on my toes or heels with any coordination (as found by one of the doctors – I didn�t find that one myself)
One thing went to another and I spent 6.5 hrs in the emergency room last Sunday (1+ week ago) and got an MRI done of my neck/back.� Turns out that I have a badly degenerated vertebrate around C3-4, narrowing of my spinal column along with�a herniated disc that is compressing my spinal cord (this is probably causing the issues in my legs.)� The exiting nerves at C4 are also compressed, causing the numbness in my hands.� There is also some signs of some damage to the spinal cord itself (but that won’t be known more until later on.)�
I saw a few doctors throughout the week and ended on Friday by seeing a Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in Spinal Cord stuff.��After about 10 minutes and more exams, he simply said “Surgery”� . . . to open up / clean out the spinal column that the cord goes through to get the pressure off.� He’ll also remove the disc, and fuse the vertebrate together, throw in a few plates and screws, etc.� He’s not sure about long term effects as his first concern is to get the pressure off the spinal cord.
I’ll be out of commission for at least 2 weeks, and then slowly getting back to things over a few weeks.� I’ll be home from hospital by Thursday.� Will be limited for a few months.� Future outcome is positive (though there has been some pressure on the spinal cord for some time that is unsure if anything permanent / lasting will result)� More to come after recovery.
UPDATE: 9/18/08
Got home late Wednesday night (9/17/08)�my recovery was pretty well, so they kicked my out after the one night stay.� I think the fact that I was texting later that night, and my Mom flipped when I called her that afternoon, lent some indication.� By 2pm Wednesday, I was doing laps around the hospital with my PT guy.� I finally had my first liquids (including water) at 3pm and was out by 5pm.� Slept well last night, finally.� Ate a full feast of Lasagna at 10pm, slept some more (before my ice cream)�just laying low at home here.
Surgery went well.� I met with Doc Wednesday before i was discharged.� I guess it was pretty bad in the one area where the disc was herniated – some ligament damage too around the spine/disc.� He was confident that some sort of injury started it all, but also said it could have been from 10-15-20 yrs ago – back in High School football, wrestling or college hammer-throwing days.� I surely haven’t been a loaf my life either, so just years of abuse likely had it simmering away in there all along (If I had an MRI years ago, it would have likely appeared back then.)� I’m still tingly in the hands/fingers, but hard to tell if it’s better, nor if the lower leg stuff is still around – haven’t been up and about enough and still a bit out of whack and on meds.
The most pain so far – the nurse taking the IV tape off my wrist – I think that crap was laced with super glue.� I felt like the 40yr old virgin scene.� And my throat today – between the intubation tube, and also them having to shove aside some throat stuff to get to the back of my neck probably has some things tweaked up.� The Starbucks doesn’t go down so smooth 
� I was pretty uncomfortable this morning after the drugs wore off, but got that fixed back up with a dose 
In that funky brace you see when I’m out of bed, but I can take it off occasionally.� Just have to keep my neck immobilized which is pretty easy.� The last pic shows the area of the neck they went in.� They used internal, dissolvable stitches that will disappear after a few days.� I’ve got lots of help from friends and colleagues for some scheduled weddings, and I’ll be slowly getting back to work after a definite few days off, mostly from home for now.� Can’t drive for 2 weeks, but can connect remotely on the computer for email and some slight work, etc.
Friday and Saturday were pretty rough – not sure if the hospital meds finally wore off or if it was just the climax of the whole recovery.
UPDATE: 9/21/08
Lots of meds and lots of rest have been in store for me . . . .
I’ve been resting up as much as possible over the weekend.� I had a wedding and a lighting gig on Saturday night that i had alot of help for.� Linnea, Robert, Danny and a DJ assistant Brett Neiman�- all were a part of getting me through Saturday.� Sunday was spent sleeping, watching footbal and nascar, and sleeping some more.� I’m still in the brace when i’m out of bed, but otherwise doing okay.� The pain is much less right now, but still have to take meds as when those wear out, the pain is pretty hefty!� I can’t drive, so at home relaxing� . . .which is hard to do
Linnea has been my rock through all of this – between taking some time off of work, to buying me anti-constipation meds at the grocery (one of the side effects of the pain meds ), to driving my cranky ass around town for me – she’s been here since day one and I take this opportunity to thank her!� So, Lenny . . . Thank You 
