What to Expect

I know there will be many of you checking the site for details on Monday, making sure I made it through ok with few/no complications. While I'm sure everything will be ok - I am in good hands - I thought I would at least let everyone know what to expect.

My surgery will begin around 7:30am. The first part of the surgery, where they go in through the front, take out the artificial disc and fuse, will take about 3 hours. The second part of the surgery consists of them going in through the back, taking out the screws/rods put in during surgery #2, replacing them at L5, and then probably adding some hardware at L4 as they believe that area has become unstable and needs the support. The second part is anticipated to take two hours.

So in total, I'm looking at a minimum of five hours in the operating room, and it could easily be longer. Brad will try to post an "all clear" message to this blog from his phone, but it could technically be evening hours before he can do an actual, real post.

I will likely be in the hospital until at least Thursday or Friday, and will definitely be kept in the Baltimore area until at least Dec. 29. before I'm cleared to go home.

As this will be my last blog before the surgery, I just have to say this. I am so grateful and lucky to have such wonderful family, friends and co-workers. I've often said that while I've been unlucky with health, I've certainly been nothing but lucky when it comes to the people in my life. I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support, especially these past few years. It's been a long, rough road, and I couldn't have gotten through it without the people around me.

And of course I could not go without saying thank you to those closest to me - my parents, brother, and especially Brad. They have gone on this journey with me, every step of the way, and I'm so glad they will be with me tomorrow. My disappointments and frustrations have been theirs as well, and I know they will be very happy when all of this is over and a positive end result is achieved.

I look forward to talking with you all soon, whether it be by email, mail or phone. I will certainly be thinking of all of you all from my hospital bed!