Short Story

Day 10 or It’s A Process

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Ten days out from spinal fusion surgery and my lower back still hurts like a bitch on wheels. This is a much more difficult surgery/recovery than I expected; bearing in mind what’s involved …. what has been cut through, ground down, fused together with various types of hardware, and stapled, sutured and bandaged closed …. I should have realized it would not be easy. And my doctor sent me home with Tylenol …. not even extra strength but regular Tylenol. Really?

Getting around the house with a walker, dressing myself and doing basic toilette is not problematic; beyond basic, it’s damn near impossible. What’s not allowed: stomach sleeping, bending or twisting at the waist, lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds. And, apparently, pain medication.

These days, I just about live in my electric recliner, getting up every hour or so to walk around, followed by icing my back. I tried eating my meals in the kitchen with Bill; it’s good to have a change of scenery and some normal time with him. The chairs, however, are not comfortable just yet so we eat together in the living room where there’s an over-large electric recliner with my name on it.

Making myself comfortable in a recliner is easier than in bed but still more difficult than I would have thought; the vertical 6″ incision is centrally located on the small of my back so I’m aware of every movement. There’s always something that hurts, that’s too big or too small, too hard or too soft, flattened out or all scrunched up, or just out of reach. Finding the perfect cushion has been a crusade; thankfully, Bill holds on to everything! Fortunately, once I fall asleep, I’m out for most of the night. Getting out of the recliner in the morning is slow-going as I’m stiffened-up from sleeping all night. It’s a process.

As far as my blogging goes, I’ll write when the mood strikes. I miss you and our camaraderie but my energy and strength are down. It took me two days just to write this! I apologize for not reading or commenting on your posts and I’m sure I’m not going to …. at least not for a while. I’m just not up to it.

Well, that’s the story, kids; taking life one day at a time.

Be good to yourselves. See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

PS – As much as I’d love to hear from you, please try not to compare your own situation to mine or tell me about your dear Aunt Betty who was never the same after her surgery. I know you mean well but we’re all different and heal differently; downer stories don’t help. It’s human nature but a “get well soon!” would be far better and greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Here’s “It Don’t Come Easy” by Ringo Starr.

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

69 thoughts on “Day 10 or It’s A Process”

  1. Be good to yourself, Nancy. Be good to yourself. I prayed for you every day—I really did.
    I don’t know details of why you needed this surgery but I prayed hard.
    For now this is all I’ll say. I’m not expecting a reply. Please don’t.
    As I said, not necessary. Or I won’t leave another comment. It just brings pressure to respond. We will pick up where we left later. Promise. You’re still in my prayers. Bless you. Glad you’re here. 🤗 🤗

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  2. I just had my second abdominal surgery in less than a year and am undergoing some of the same trials you are: living in a recliner, shuffling around the house occasionally, and lots of Tylenol (although I’m allowed to alternate with Advil). I imagine, however, that spinal fusion surgery is a wee bit more painful to recover from than what I went through. We’ve never met, but from your writing and our occasional messaging, you strike me as a fighter. It might be a slow journey, but you’ll make it. Keep the faith!

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    1. First, Houston, let me say I am sorry to learn about your abdominal surgeries; it must be discouraging and frustrating to learn you had to go through that twice! Each person’s pain is their own and I will never claim that what I have gone through is worse. It’s your pain, man … own it!
      It’s amazing what the human body can withstand as I sit here now watching NY Yankees vs Texas Rangers and gritting my teeth. I envy you your Advil; it takes the edge off what Tylenol can’t do. No NSAIDs for me for 3 months because they can inhibit bone growth and we can’t have that.
      I guess I’m a fighter; I never really thought about it. All I know is I don’t want to go through this again. Surgery sucks! I’m quite sure you’re a fighter, too, having gone through your journey twice; I hope that’s it now. You sound like a very positive and up person … two excellent qualities to help get you through the tough stuff. I’m going to ask you to keep the faith, too, Houston. Little by little, step by step, it happens.
      Hang tough, my friend. I’ll see you on the flip side. 😎

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      1. Firstly, you didn’t have to write me back so soon — and such a long reply! I do appreciate it though, along with all your words of encouragement.

        Secondly, I’m going to assume you’re a Yankees fan rather than a Rangers fan, in which case we’ve just bonded even more since I’ve been a dyed-in-the-pinstripes Yankee fan since I was eight, during the rough years in the 80’s. Have a good night and enjoy the game!

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  5. I can feel your pain, but you’re a warrior, Nancy, you’ll come out winner soon. Take care, and get well soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏💖🙏

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  7. Tylenol? You’re in America, aren’t you? Here, I get sent home from hospital with a script for ten oxycodone tablets, an apology that’s all they’re allowed to prescribe at once, and advice to go to my GP if I need more.
    Oh Nancy, I feel so badly for you. That is a nightmare.
    Healing is hard work, and does drain your energy, and it can only be worse without proper pain relief.
    I hope, and pray, your recovery goes well, and you feel a bit better each day. Thank you for the update, you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers.

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    1. God bless the USA! That’s the way our healthcare system used to be, Iris. Federal guidelines and crackdowns have led to legal restrictions on doctors’ ability to prescribe painkillers. It’s barbaric! Next thing you know, anesthesia will be withheld during surgery! You’re right about the recuperation period be difficult enough without the added anxiety and discouragement of being in constant pain. This is the type of mindset that puts people over the edge in search of anything to take their pain away.

      Thanks so much for your good wishes, Iris; knowing how many people are rooting for me is encouraging and incredibly optimistic.

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  10. Wincing as I read this! Sounds like a terrible ordeal, and NO pain medication allowed?! That MUST be tough! Best wishes for a quick lessening of pain and discomfort. 🌹 Excellent song choice, as usual. No worries on the blogging front – your fans will all be here for you, when you decide the time is right to publish a post.

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    1. Very kind of you to say, Debbie; I miss blogging when I’m unable to keep up. That’s a great tune by Ringo and I’m glad it came to me.

      My hospital stay was no fun at all and despite the pain I’m having now, I’m thrilled to be home. Thanks so much for your good wishes!

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  11. ouch, Nancy…and that is said in the most sincere way. Do hope you feel better soon and that pain eases up. we miss your presence and the laughs you share…but you do you first.
    Thank you for letting us know how you doing…was thinking about you .
    🤍🙏🤍

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    1. Sincerely miss being here with my blogging friends, as well, Destiny. I miss reading all their posts and exchanging fun comments. For me, so much of blogging is about the comments.

      I appreciate your very kinds words today, as always, and your heartfelt wishes for my recovery. It’s great to know so many of my WP friends, including you, are thinking of me and cheering me on. That is some of the best support I could ask for! Thank you! ♡♡

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  12. It certainly doesn’t come easy Nancy. Get well soon. I was in intensive care after I had surgery on my back. I was only supposed to be in hospital for three weeks but I ended up staying for four months! Mainly due to sepsis and difficulties with the skin graft not taking (I had what’s called a lumbar osteotomy procedure). It was touch and go whether I would make it at times.

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    1. Dear Glyn – Your experience in hospital sounds dreadful; staying for three days was nearly impossible for me, I can’t imaging what you were going through physically and emotionally for four months! I hope the doctors were able to accomplish all they set out to do.

      Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts.

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  13. You have so many friends here in the cyber-WordPress world and we all miss you, Nancy. Thanks for the update and the good thing about being prescribed Tylenol is that you won’t’ have to suffer with any pain medication withdrawal later on.

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  15. ‘still hurts like a bitch on wheels’ I shouldn’t have laughed considering your awful state but by goD was this a great line. Glad you are back ‘amiga mia’. I can see why you would not be up to much and I hope the pain subsides – quick smart.

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  17. Oh Nancy, this is a real bitch and I’m soooo sorry you are in such agony. I wish there was something I could do but I am sending healing Godspeed for a speedy healing which I know isn’t possible as it’s hurt, swear, cry and grin and bear it. I was so hoping this was a story you made up but then I got to the end and read it was all true. Hey, you could be quite a a scare for Halloween with your bestie … sorry that wasn’t funny. By then I hope you are doing better. Glad Bill is there with you. Hugs and love!!! 🤗🩷

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    1. You’re right, Cindy. It’s a real bitch and nothing helps ease the pain. I’m trying to keep my mind occupied. Remember Matlock? That show’s not half bad! 😂

      I do all the above in liberal doses, especially swearing! Thanks for your good wishes, my friend. You and they mean a lot to me. ♡

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      1. I can only imagine and no one could have guessed the excruciating pain you are enduring.. Now I have to go look that up. I thought of Mavrick when you said it. Keep finding more movies and if you get a second go with it.

        Alrighty good, keeps swearing and breathing and whatever it takes to get you through it. You mean the world to me and all of us too!!!!
        Like I would say to Duke: HEAL!!!!! and it time in has worked 🙏🏼💓👏

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        1. Matlock was a mystery show starring Andy Griffith as a good old boy southern lawyer who pretended he didn’t know his eye from his elbow but always won the case. I saw a few episodes in the hospital 😂

          HEAL! I like that! That will be my mantra! Thanks so much for your endless encouragement and friendship, Cindy G! ♡

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    1. 😊 A friend replied to my Facebook post, making it all about her and how terrified she is of such a life-changing surgery. She reminded me of the long road to recovery ahead of me and made a snarky joke about hoping I have a lot of books to read. I was stunned by this and made no bones about telling her how insensitive her comments were. I now have one less friend on Facebook but it was worth it! 😂

      Thanks for your good wishes, Clive. I’m most and always appreciative. ♡

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    1. Thanks for your good wishes, Fan. They mean a lot to me.

      I have an adjustable bed and tried it the first day home from the hospital. I used the log roll technique shown HERE, a maneuver I was taught in the hospital, but it was extremely painful. I’m sure the reason I’m in so much pain (besides being denied decent pain meds) is because my incision is centrally located on my lower back and I feel everything very intensely. I have a lot of trouble getting comfortable. BTW the log roll is a lot easier and virtually pain-free for people who haven’t had surgery! 🤣

      I used the same adjustable bed after my knee replacement and had no trouble at all. This is a whole different ballgame! Thanks for your suggestions, Fan; I greatly appreciate them.

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  22. Hi there Nancy thinking of you and wishing you well . Sending lots of healing vibes. Don’t worry about us we will all still be here on your return.

    You just need to concentrate on your recovery 💜💜💜

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  23. Why the hell are you apologizing!!! Good gawd, woman!

    Thank you for updating us and I cannot possibly fathom what you are going through. And in this day and age, I can understand the fear related to stuff like Oxy but FFS Tylenol? Surely they can give you something better?

    Sending you healing vibes, my friend. xoxoxo

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    1. 😂😂 Must be the centuries-old Sicilian guilt!

      Tylenol can’t touch what I’m going through! I’d be better off having my Aunt Chesaria draw birdcages on my earlobes! 🤣 Refusing pain meds is the ignorant mindset that makes people turn to other sources for their drugs. And that’s ok?!?

      Keep those healing vibes coming, cara. I can use some good hugs. xoxoxo

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      1. Right. Gotcha 😉

        Tylenol is useless, frankly. I cannot understand, with all the stuff out there… It makes no sense to me. And no, will they never understand that withholding leads to nefarious stuff?

        I am sending more healing, more hugs and lots love your way xoxoxo

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        1. Merica!! Is it the same way in Canada? I have an existing Rx for the pain I had prior to the surgery which I’m taking along with the Tylenol but even taking as few as 2 pills/day, I will run out long before the refillable date. This, boys and girls, is a perfect example of having us by the balls!

          Oooh, yes! Send a big box of healing hugs and love … and maybe some poutine, too! 😂

          Love ya, toots! You make me smile. xoxoxo

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          1. I though ‘Murica was big on spreading the pills? I think it depends on your doctor. My sister had a cyst removed and was prescribed Oxy for the pain. After watching all those series on the horrors of abuse, I dunno that she dared take one!!

            Can you not call the doctor and say, yo…. any perfectly sane reason you are not giving me something more?

            I’ll send ya the necessaries! xoxoxoxo 🤗🤗🤗🍟

            Love ya back. So glad I can do that at least! xoxoxo

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            1. Nope, not doctors. Federal guidelines and crackdowns have led to legal restrictions on doctors’ ability to prescribe painkillers.  I left a message for my doctor on my Patient Portal; of course, today’s a holiday so who know’s when I’ll hear back. 🤯

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              1. Yeah. I do get it. Our eyes have been opened with the Opioid epidemic and way too many doctors are guilty of helping it get worse. Still. There should be some sort of something!!
                I hope you hear by tomorrow. One just must not get sick or continue to be so on holidays, yanno…

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