Update on Punk

[Tuffy]

Several have asked about Punk, She called me this am, Her computer had a Virus, so she has not been able to visit the forum. Said to tell all hello and she will be back in awhile.

She will be having a 3 level fusion in Omaha, on March 11th, being her initial surgery failed, and she has settled with WC, Her hubbys personal ins will be paying for her Drs and surgery. She has quit smoking and off her narcs, per Drs orders. and so far so good.

[monster]

Tuffy - Thanks for letting us know. Have been sending her email, guess that would explain why I haven't heard from her. I sure hope this surgery works for her and I'll add her to my prayers.

[backache]

My prayers are with her.

[Tuffy]

Monster were your ears ringing as we were talking about you, ( All good ) Call her, If you need her # pm me. but I am sure you have it.

[sweet tooth]

tell her we love and are praying for her

[capricorn]

Thanks Grandma......My thoughts are with her.

CAP

[monster]

Tuffy - been kind of hibernating for awhile...once I get out of this funky mood I am in I'll give her a call. Have been just keeping to myself lately... Please tell her I love her and think about her often.

Hugs,
monster

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Tuffy, thank you for the update. let her know we are praying here...

[red1030]

Tuffy thank you for the update...been wondering if she was ok...love Red

[punk]

Yep, I am alive and well...I guess. Other than my back I'm quite well...I think!! I know I'm still a little looney....but that's normal for me!
Thanks Tuffy for reporting for me! My computer couldn't have gone down at a worse time!! Having to deal with that stress along with being weaned from the morphine and trying to quit smoking wasn't making this punk real happy!! Not to mention hard to live with! Maybe that was God's way of letting you all off the hook...hmm.
Surgery is scheduled for 7:30am on Tues, March 11th at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska...for those of you in the area that would kinda know where that is!! LOL Surgery is expected to last at least 6 hours but hopefully not more than 8, according to my surgeon and his nurse. During that time they will do a fusion at L4-5 and L5-S1, they will also do some "house work", cleaning and repairing whatever they can find at the L3-L4 level. So, they will be working on 3 levels. The Dr reported that they wouldn't wake me up and ask for approval but would include it on the operative consent that there's a remote possibility that they'll need to fuse that upper (L3-4) level as well, but was doubtful. Just to not be alarmed if that happened. A bi-level fusion is bad enough, they don't do those unless they absolutely have to (but it's that way with any surgery!) and doing a tri-level fusion is only done in extreme situations. So he said!! LOL I don't know so I guess I'll believe him!! LOL Anyway, they'll be going about it both anteriorly and posteriorly (from the belly and the back) to access the needed areas. I think they'll start with me on my back and then flip me over to do the front approach...from what I understand. I still don't know, but will on the 3rd, if they're using donor bone for fusion or if they'll use my bone. Hopefully my bone. There's something about receiving anything transplanted that makes me even more nervous!! LOL I've already told Randy that I do not EVER want donor blood....unless it's from someone in the family. It just still scares the beejeebies outta me! LOL I'll probably donate some of my own to have in case of emergency for this surgery. They've said that there's a "distinct" possibility that they'll need to transfuse blood. Also have been told by Dr. and staff that it's entirely possible that I'll have to spend one or two nights in the ICU. I kinda already knew that, simply because of how long the surgery is and protocol from various facilities that I've worked at on that same situation. That wasn't to much of a suprise..thankfully! I've had enough of them at this point!
So, to all of you who sent well wishes and prayers....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It's really appreciated.
I'll keep you updated as I can. I'm hoping that Dad will have an extra lap top for me to take to the hospital so that I can still communicate with everyone. I'll have my cell phone with me if nothing else!! LOL

Thanks again everyone.....you're all so kind!!
Love ya all!!
Punk