June 4, 2012, my husband of over 30+ years was scheduled for surgery to repair cervical spine 3-7. His walking was being interfered with from the damage done to his spine from who knows when. The doc said it was an old injury...he could not tell how old. So, the surgery was set and completed June 4th, 2012. It was a very successful surgery, doc was happy with results.
Almost a week later, there were drops of serum coming out of the back of his neck. We ran back to the doctor and when he opened the wound, it poured serum and blood...the good news was, no infection. He said he had never seen anything like it...I almost fainted. We had to maintain a wick and padding to clean up the wound...it didn't work.
So, a second surgery was set to clean up the wound and add a drain to take off the fluid. After that was done about a week later, the drain was removed and away we went...only to return days later with a leaky back.
We were sent to another doctor, a plastic surgeon this time and when he pulled the stitches, a gap was left that I had to pack and maintain for two days until he could get a surgery lined up...third surgery...
Finally a week and more after the third surgery we are seeing some healing and the results are turning out good. His walking is improving and most of all, the healing has finally begun. The stitches are to be removed this coming Tuesday, but the drain may last for a while yet.
I must say, during the first two surgeries Rusty suffered no pain to speak of. I am so grateful for that, because had that injury been painful, it would have been AWFUL.
He has had some pain with this one as the skin is drawing together and the stitches are holding it tight, but it's manageable and hasn't been beyond his reach.
There are pics to go with this story...they are at Flickr and if you want to see them, just know, some are very graphic and stunning. You wouldn't believe he wasn't in pain...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95712917@N00/7523031198/in/photostream
7-10-12 Rusty got his stitches and drain out today...thank you Lord!
