After 5 long years, Matt finally gave and got the go ahead to have surgery. 5 years ago, the discussion was a "fusion" surgery. I'm so glad we waited because now the FDA has approved a "2-level artificial disc" surgery which allows for better mobility, less recovery time and less risk of damage to the discs above and below.
We arrived at Scripps Memorial La Jolla at 10:30am for check in and pre-op. Matt was pretty calm, but awfully quiet, as I knew his mind was racing. The staff was extremely professional, very caring and unbelievably calming. He changed into his gown, socks and hat and then they covered him with a heating blanket and started the IV. Dr. Tung came in to say hello and mark the incision site. We said our goodbyes as they wheeled him up to the Surgery Prep room.
For the next 4 hours, I watched his progress from the surgical waiting room. Each patient is given an ID # for privacy, but loved ones can monitor their status. I also took lots of walks, got some lunch and waited patiently to see Dr. Tung. At about 3:45pm, he entered the waiting room to say everything went really well. Nerve response improved drastically just by removing the damaged discs and Matt was recovering just fine.
I finally got to see him around 5:30pm as they wheeled him up to his room. He was making jokes so I knew all was well. Unfortunately, he was put in a 3-bed room…ugh! At least he was heavily medicated, so he put in ear plugs and slept pretty well. I stayed for a few hours to get him settled, but went home to sleep and shower since there was nowhere to do that at the hospital.
When I arrived in the morning, he was doing great! He looked well rested, not in much pain and his drain was producing very little. He had suffered nausea through the night, but kept down his clear liquid breakfast and regular lunch so they sent him home around 2:30!
He will be home for about 6 weeks to heal and take it slow, but so far so good and on the road to recovery!
