Sunday, June 29, 2008

Brace Yourself

Michelle wanted me to share this photo with everyone to bring the magnitude of her surgery into full light. The picture is a bit blurry but you can clearly see the length of the incision. The good news is that the incision is very clean (no oozing or large spaces) and there is little to no swelling anymore. The doctors have done a wonderful job closing the sight, and once Michelle's hair grows back you won't even be able to see it. The bad news is Michelle wasn't expecting to go full-on punk rock hair! She's thinking of dying the nubs pink or something:)

The pain medication issue has still been a struggle, but a doctor from the neurosurgical team visited us last night and has come up with a new program for Michelle. Part of the issue is that Michelle has an extremely high tolerance to pain medications; let's put it this way, she's on enough pain meds right now to sedate a small village in Africa! This new pain management program combines "break through" with "long lasting" pain meds, as well as two different types of muscle relaxers. It is still early in this plan, but Michelle was able to get 2 or 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night, and is now resting again after breakfast this morning. She is still in pain, but we are hopeful that the doctors have her on a plan that will allow her to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. Keep all your fingers and toes crossed!

Through all the pain this week, Michelle has truly shown the heart and spirit of a fighter. She hasn't complained about the pain or sought pity from anyone, despite her discomfort. Her strength and determination have been nothing short of inspiring. I can't imagine having to go through something like this and she has really impressed many people including me, her family, other Chiari patients on the floor, as well as the various health care providers.

Her room has been brightened by some beautiful flowers (which she loves!) and she has been watching her favorite movies to pass the time. Yesterday Michelle participated in one of the programs offered at this hospital called Pet Therapy. The dog they brought looked like a mini Lassie, and stayed with Michelle for a while which made her very happy. The other amenity they offered her was a clown-a-gram! Anyone who knows Michelle knows she is SO afraid of clowns, so she had to politely decline. Can you tell she's on the Pediatric floor? Family members have been with Michelle every step of the way, so she hasn't been alone for one minute.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This news is just so great from so many levels. Except, of course for the terrible pain. Michelle is so brave and strong. I happen to love the punk look. I'm even thinking of shaving my head! Much cooler for the summer, too. Aaron, your total devotion, love, and ability to write are most impressive, makes your God Father extremely proud. This entire journey will leave you both so strong in love and marriage that nothing will ever be able to tear you apart. Your love, closeness, and faith in each other, and in Jesus, are most evident. It may not feel like it right now, but you are both so blessed!

Much Love and support!

Uncle Dano

Unknown said...

They sent you a freakin' CLOWN!!!!!
Brian and I are sitting here talking about good times in Puerto Rico. He still thinks there's a party on the WEST SIDE of the island!! We are both very glad to hear that you are making great progress, despite the pain. Please get better so you can come visit SC...we could use some "chichadas" with our fried chicken! (Brian totally remembered that word!). We love you so much and can't wait to hear from you. We are excited for you to begin your new HEALTHY life. Hope to see you very very soon!!

Anonymous said...

Michelle,

Only you can still be beautiful after all you have been through. Can't wait for you to be home. I'm sure Cali and Buddah miss you both. Keep up the good work! See you again this week... Love you!

Aunt Paula <3

Anonymous said...

Michelle

So glad to hear you are doing so much better now. Hope your new pain management program is giving you more relief from the pain, & soon to be pain free. I'm looking forward to seeing you once you are feeling better. Aunt Jacki & I will come to your house when you're ready for company. You & Aaron can take us shopping to your favorite grocery store. We are both looking forward to the adventure & learning experience, we'll make you guys a nut & gluten free feast!!!!

All the best to you & Aaron. My thoughts & prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.

Take care, fondly
David

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOD A CLOWN, ARE YOU SERIOUS LOL! WHAT WOULD HAVE RUDELY DECLINED THAT ONE LOL. EVERYONE IS SO GLAD TO HER THE PROGRESS YOU'VE MADE DURING THIS TOUGH ORDEAL. MOST PEOPLE COULDN'T ENDURE ANYTHING CLOSE TO WHAT YOUR GOING THROUGH. EVERYONE SENDS THEIR LOVE. HOPEFULLY I'LL GET TO COME VISIT YOU THIS WEEK IF YOU COME HOME. P.S. I THINK THE PINK TIPS ON THE HAIR WOULD BOOST OUR ROCK START IMAGE!!!!HOLLA I LOVE YOU BOTH-DAMON! OH YEAH AND JACKIE TOO LOL

Anonymous said...

Hey Michelle' & A- Ron!! This picture is shocking, but like I told Aaron this will fade in time. Michelle, I'm worried about your pain situation, you should not have to be in pain. Hopefully, this will get better soon. All my love and prayers are with you guys.

Love, Heidi Ho

PS - Remember 3...2...1... blast off!!! that will give you a good laugh.

Anonymous said...

The CLOWN-O-GRAM HAHAHA ooohhh mannnn hahahaha sorry michelle but THATS CLASSIC HAHHA. Glad to hear your doing great and the punk look i think you can get away with - go for it!!!

Anonymous said...

After recovery, start looking for any changes in your abilities. Such as, super speed, moving objects with your mind, super strength, super fast calculating. Look for any urges to fight crime or strong feelings of certain values emerging like Truth, Justice, the American way. Another sign to look for is making your own custom to hide your true identity as you fight evil villians. Avoid kryptonite if possible. Please Michelle get back to me if any of these things happen. I won't tell a soul.
I await your signal.

Take care,
Weazel

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle

Aunt Jacki - I love you so much & I really wish I could take all the pain & suffering you have endured away from you. We can all breath easier now knowing your home & on your path to continued great health & awareness. With Aaron's love & support at your side along with your family & friends, you will be back to life again very soon. I will always send you the most beautiful,positive, pure, white light to aid you in your healing. Please, continue to accept the dynamic vibration of the Universe, & God's infinite love & healing hands to carry you, as you make this journey in healing.

I understand the road is long & will be tough at times, but you have nothing to fear as you are truly a child of God & the universe.

David - Michelle, I am so happy to know you are now at home & resting.
After reading all the beautiful words of love, support & encouragement from all the people who love you, it's wonderful to know you have such a strong network of people all praying for you.

We both look forward to spending some time with you soon.

Much love & continued support
Aunt Jacki & David

Anonymous said...

Hi Baby girl,
Mom and I just want to say we're glad you're finally home. Now that you're in your environment, you will really start healing quickly. Just be patient and every day will bring you more relief. Besides, with a great chef like Aaron cooking for you, (BTW- ty, the salmon was EXCELLENT!!!), you'll get your strength back in no time.

We love you
Mom and Dad