A Fun Trip Down Surgery Lane

So back in October, I started having quite a bit of leg pain. Mainly muscle cramps like you wouldn’t believe, but also a bit of the ol’ shooting bolts down both legs. I also noticed my ankles had pretty much quit working. I violated Adams Man tradition by going to the doctor, who immediately referred me to a neurologist, who immediately said, “We gonna slice open yer back and scoop out some of yer spine. Gotta make some room for them nerves.”

That was two weeks ago this coming Tuesday. Bad news is, it’s going to take some time and a few visits to the lovely and kind physical therapists, and a bit of work to get back to 100%.

Good news is, I felt worlds better as soon as I woke up. I can now go up and down stairs in an upright position, and I don’t feel like someone’s been at my quads with a baseball bat.

Weird news is, for such a momentous event (my first surgery), I remember next to nothing about operation day. I vaguely remember changing into that sexy hospital gown. I vaguely remember being wheeled into the OR. I kinda remember people talking to me. I don’t remember getting dressed again, nor do I remember the drive home.

But I’m on the mend, and I look quite dashing with a cane, if iI do say so myself. The bruising around the incision site is quite spectacular, but no one needs to see close-ups of my lower lumbar region, so forget it.

During all this, I managed to write a couple of short stories, keep up with homework for three classes, and work (mostly) regular hours. Thank goodness for VPN and remote access.

All in all, the stenosis vacation plan isn’t one I recommend, but things could certainly have been worse. I can’t thank Kari or Jean enough for all the help while I’m on lifting restrictions, and I can’t thank enough the various doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other staff at Abingdon Internal Medicine and Bristol Neurological for the fantastic care I was given.

Onward into the new year!