Rabbi Chaim Tureff is an old friend and beloved at Pressman Academy. And although he is mostly nowhere to be found on social media, he has been checking up on me ever since the first day he learned of my back issues, something he can empathize with. I’M HOME!!!
It all worked out, no more emergencies thank goodness!
Cervical Disc 6/7 replacement made of ceramic, titanium and plastic was done Monday morning, right when I kissed a sick Adi goodbye. Thursday evening I left with a catheter in tow. Dear friend Sabrina Damast visited me that morning AND returned to drive me home that same night. Adi was still feverish and kept distance, using our guest bedroom and bathroom. And I had a painful night with the damn catheter still in place.
This morning, everything went like clockwork! Adi woke up with no fever for the first time since Monday morning. I removed my own catheter like 5 weeks ago, but this time I did it again but was able to pee a few hours later; and I can tell I won’t need to run back with urinary retention again like last time. My wonderful urologist Jennifer Linehan (photographed in this batch) came up with a great game-plan for me this week; we spoke today on the phone, and I can now enjoy a restful Shabbat with a recovered Adi and Natalia!
Also, the Home Health nurse visit was really nice. She helped me shave safely (away from the incision) to help the dressing change stick (literally, to my skin). She loves my health updates I showed her, and offered to be in this next one, so she’s photographed below too!
What’s next? No showering foreseeable, so that’s gross but necessary. Can’t get the wound wet at all. Still my same 5 pound weight restriction. On a bunch of meds. Obviously still pain, but that’s improving. No driving. My GI bowel issues might still take months to get back to normal, which is annoying. And I’ll start physical therapy eventually, but not yet. But no catheter, no more need for hospitals, and rehab with a plan to eventually get back to work unrestricted with my patients by the end of August. Until then, I’ll be writing.
Shabbat Shalom, with wishes of gratitude to my surgeon Brian Gantwerker and the doctors and nurses who were caring for me (and/or just visiting me) on my own unit this week. And a continued thank you to everyone who had me in their prayers, as well as the many who have helped with the meals (which has been invaluable to our sanity; and NO we don’t need more signups thanks to Joanne Helperin and such a great community). Great health to you all!
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