Summing It Sunday #18

Saying no, pretty much defines the past week. Spasticity pretty much defines it too.

Part of me is fascinated by what the weather and what my activity level does to the overall tightness in my body. Another part of me is frustrated by the same.  After all, it has been a while since I have had untreated spasticity.

I mentioned in a post this past week about the weather being delightful this time of year in Florida. Unfortunately, that also means that getting into an outdoor pool, whether he heated or not, is not an option to help with the spasticity.

The only way I have ever been able to rehabilitate and treat spasticity in my upper body has been the pool (except for the baclofen pump of course). So I need to be figuring something out.  I spent some time brain storming with a friend yesterday, and will continue to try to come up with a plan (because that is what I do).

Only three weeks into healing for the main wrist injury, I have several more to go. Hopefully that comes with or without the setback. The weeks ahead will look much like last week in terms of needing to say  no.

The dogs and I are finally starting to establish a morning routine on our own, in spite of that, which feels good. Even if everything else is wonky, being able to take care of the dogs and having some semblance of normal to start a day helps with my sanity.

Being patient with my wrists, and problem solving ways to manage spasticity through the winter months, will be on the top of my list this coming week.

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Surgery on the Horizon

“Are you ready?”

“Can you believe this is happening?”

“Finally?!”

“That’s great!”

“Let me know what you need.”

When I have shared with friends that the pump removal surgery is finally scheduled for September 19^th, these were among the comments and questions I have been asked.

The decrease in the dose of baclofen yesterday was the second to last one before we can remove the pump.

There was no drama this week. (Shewweee!)

The pump doctor and I discussed the removal more at length because he wants to make sure I am really ok with this decision.

I let him know that I didn’t make this decision lightly.

I shared that if my first pump experience was anything like this second one, there would have never been a second one.  Then I added that I was delighted with my level of functioning so far, as well as my ability to manage the symptoms with the pool and other exercises.

I am not ready for the initial recovery from a surgery.  I want to skip over that part in my mind, and just jump right to the other plans I have for rehabilitation and maintenance of the symptoms of my illness.

The doc and I talked about possible complications since the catheter tip has been in the same spot in my spine since 2007.  And what we’ll do should those arise.

The most important question I had for him today outside of scheduling the surgery was how long I have to be out of the water.  Assuming there are no complications, it could be less than two weeks until I am back in the pool doing my exercises.

My face lit up with that answer!  I am fearful of losing ground during the surgery recovery time as I shared with you in Monday’s post.  At my follow up appointment after the surgery, I will get the green or red light and that will be 12 days after the surgery.

So, yes, I am ready.

Yes, this is finally happening.

It is sad that my body and the Medtronic pump couldn’t work things out after 2 ½ years.  But it is as it is, and now I get the opportunity to create a new chapter of my life story without it.

I am not afraid of doing that anymore.