Hey Everyone 👋,
It's been a while. I've been off recovering and trying get my life back on track. A lot has happened since my last post in April, and I'm still not done telling you my story. So let's pick up where we left off, shall we?
I didn't share with many people, but one morning I woke up in a small puddle of fluids. It was spinal fluid seeping through my wound. My fear escalated quickly, for I'd read horror stories on other blogs about leaks. Many had to have a second surgery to fix it. The thought of having another surgery had me shook 😰. I mean I survived the first time, but the surgery took me through an emotional ride.
Having a leak sucked - the one thing I was worried about, actually happened. MY LIFE 😑, I thought.
We called the doctor right away and he told us to come in. He too, was surprised by the leak. He knows how cautious and fragile I was being with myself, and he wasn't expecting a leak so early on.
I was worried he would suggest going in for another surgery, but instead, he stitched my wound up. It was only leaking from the bottom so he felt this was the best way to go about it. Hallelujah!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏- is all I could think.
After getting stitches I went on my way. I was still using a lot of the medicine for pain, and I had a steroid medication to help my body adapt to the little flap they placed near the base of my skull.
Everything was going good until I had ANOTHER leak. I remember the day very well. I was preparing for a small gathering at my house. I was starting to feel better so I invited a few friends over for a party with movies and refreshments (I was seriously doing too much). 🙋🏾
My nursing friend arrived first and before we could get started, I began to leak. Luckily she was there to help me patch it up ( shout out to her <3).
It was late so we went into my local emergency department. That night I was transported via ambulance to the hospital I had my surgery. I was also having some photo- sensitivity issues that day so I was wearing sun glasses in the photo. I'm not being a Diva 😆. Oh, and peep the barf bag. All the medicine was making me nauseous.
This time, I just knew I would have to go in for another surgery. During the ride, I was mentally preparing myself for the news.
When I got there, I recognized the staff and the people that helped me the first time around. They assigned me to a room and placed me in the bed. I was a little stubborn that day, I admit. I remember telling the staff that I wanted to walk on my own.
My neurosurgeon wasn’t in so someone else filled in for him. They checked my wound and called my neurosurgeon to talk about next steps. He didn’t recommend surgery. Instead he recommended placing a lumbar drain in my back to drain the spinal fluid out. It sounded scary, but it still wasn’t another surgery so I was grateful.
He said it wouldn't hurt much,but it did. He said I would have to stay still and lay flat for 7 days. At first I didn’t think much of it. I love sleeping and I loved the hospital food so I was glad to have the opportunity to lay in bed and eat all day. There was even a TV in the room so I just knew I was going to have a great time… but NO! it was the total opposite. This was much harder than I thought. I had to sit still. I even had to eat laying down…. Don’t ask 😑- it was a HOT MESS! I was spilling stuff everywhere. I couldn’t even enjoy my food 🤦🏾♀️ - it wasn't a pretty sight.
I also had trouble sleeping, and I couldn’t toss and turn because there was a tube in my back. It was NOT fun. I’m so glad it’s over! Thank GOD for pulling me through.
I was released a few days early and got to go home. It was so nice to see and smell the outdoors.
Leaks are common with the decompression surgery. Don’t be alarmed, another surgery is not always the case, and if it does, stay positive and focus on the things that helped you through the first go around. Here's an updated photo of my scar. It's healed nicely. The bottom is where the stitches were placed.
Talk to you later 💜. Stay strong Warriors.