Opinions and Decisions!

I heard back from my hip surgeon and have been working with him to schedule an appointment to see a spine specialist at Children's. I will be in Boston for a Red Sox game and I would like a second opinion on the severity of my cervical instability and whether or not I should have a fusion. Obviously I trust Children's and feel very comfortable there. My surgeon told me that he would trust either of the two surgeons (that he is getting me in with) to operate on him. That's always something you want to hear. When a surgeon you trust, trusts another surgeon and would have him perform the surgery on him or a family member, you know you're in good hands!

My symptoms haven't changed. My headaches are still bad but there is not much I can really do about it right now.

Other updates...
Shoulder: My shoulder is really bad but I am waiting 6-12 months for surgery because of my head/neck! It doesn't stay in place and I usually wake up with it completely dislocated. My arm is also typically numb and when it dislocates, more often then not, I am left with the "dead arm" feeling. I will probably need to utilize a sling more often to protect the nerves and take some pressure off.

Ankle: The newly reconstructed ankle still hurts and is still pretty swollen. It's also still a little bruised and I still have pooling problems. The swelling is surprising because I am nearly 6 months post-op. I am also a little surprised that I still have as much pain as I do. My ROM is still very limited but I am no longer in a brace and it feels great to be "free." The stability is definitely not an issue on the right side. The left ankle is still unstable but nothing needs to be done at the time.

Hips and Knees: All I am going to say is, they hurt....a lot! Also, I am no longer in a knee brace!

I am brace free for the first time in 3 years!

Next weekend is Kenny Chesney with Marena, Cathy, and my mom! I can't wait for a day of country music and tailgating. Hopefully my legs cooperate because I can barely stand or sit for extended amounts of time.

I am still taking summer classes. I only have 2 more weeks and I can't wait to be done. I am exhausted and sick of going to bed at 3am because of crazy math assignments. It will be such a relief to be done!

I have a lot of decisions to make but hopefully having another set of opinions will help lead me in the right direction!