Today my friend Nadi (the new attorney and new husband of Jen) picked me up and took me for my appointment to see Dr. Zubay. Dr. Zubay took a look at the new front scar and said it has some clotting behind it, and that coupled with some swelling of the muscles in my neck is what's causing my odd voice and swallowing problems. Both of those problems have been getting better and will continue to do so as the days go by. He suggested I use a warm compress a couple times a day on it to help.
Other highlights from the visit:
1. 2 more weeks of the neck brace. It's been 6 weeks since my first surgery, so that'll give me 8 weeks total.
2. The front scar looks worse than it really is. The glue on it makes it look worse. In a few days I'll get into a practice of washing it and picking at the glue. He showed me another patient there who had the same scar as me and his looked MUCH better.
3. The X-Ray from last night showed that everything is looking fine, 3 titanium screws and titanium plate and all.
4. I can start to work out now if I'd like. Really just stuff on the bike, leg stuff and light (15 lb. max) arm stuff. Of course, this will have to be in evenings when Cheree can drive because it's a long walk down a big hill to get to that gym.
5. I'll be doing another MRI in a few weeks and meeting with him to go over it.
It's feeling good. Things are getting better and I feel like I can see the light at the end of this long tunnel. I was having problems sleeping, but after Dr. Zubay OK'd me to sleep without the neck brace on Tuesday I've gotten good night sleeps since then. There will be physical therapy to get the neck back in shape, but that's a ways a way.
5 comments:
FANTASTIC!! What great news and your view seems very positive. So, time to hit the gym, start pumping those legs up. We're so happy the light at the end of the tunnel is getting so bright for you, this is one light you can go into :)
Much luv,
Rach & MIKEY
Had I known about the weird voice, I would have called rather than commenting on your blog.
Yo Paul!
What great news! I hope the warm compresses do the trick and you are soon chowing down! I also hope you are catching up on your sleep. What an amazing journey ... not to be repeated!
If you need someone to drive you to the gym, I'm game.
Hi to Cheree - She must be so relieved that you are officially at the end of this journey.
Warmly,
Jeanne and Rick
15 lbs max for the weights? Isn't that your normal max?
James made a good point.
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