Bill was actually eagerly looking forward to today, the day disc surgery would finally free him from the ever-increasing pain in his right shoulder and arm. He's suffered with this pain for 3 years now, at first just a bit now and then, then steadily worsening until now it keeps him from sleep every night. Two discs are bulging against spinal column and nerves; they plan to remove them, replacing them with bone grafts, then adding a metal plate and screws to stabilize everything as it fuses together.
I quickly drew another "waiter" in the waiting room, having to finish later in the prep room from memory. There's really not much waiting time at Scott & White. Then to avoid seeing them struggle to establish Bill's IV, I drew the pump thingy on the wall and wrote some text.
Bill was all hooked up, poked at, stuck into, and ready to go . . . . until he started running a low-grade fever. The surgeon was notified, and he sent back word that operating with even a low fever could risk complications so the surgery was cancelled. Apparently Bill has a sinus infection.
So he unplugged and dressed, we were sent to the walk-in clinic for antibiotics and steroids, and he was sent home. Really depressing for him, but I'm thankful his surgeon is a cautious man. After the round of antibiotics, surgery will be rescheduled.
So very very frustrating for you Vicky. But as everyone has commented, the doctor has made the decisions for Bill's safety. I hope it is rescheduled quickly. I have learnt to not believe any is actually going to occur in hospital until it actually happens (and you were so close). Lovely sketch (not that you need anything to remember this by). Best wishes to you both
ReplyDeleteEven knowing how frustrated Bill would be, I was 100% behind the surgeon's decision. There's enough risk for n any surgery without added threat of germs.
DeleteHe's doing well on meds and they've rescheduled him for next Monday. Meanwhile, he was sweet enough to share his cold with me so we are having a quiet day resting together.
How frustrating, especially since Bill was so eagerly anticipating the pain relief the surgery would have brought him! I'm sorry he has to endure it awhile longer. I hope his infection heals quickly so the surgery can be rescheduled as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteHe's on medication and feeling better already -- surgery rescheduled for next week. It's all in God's timing, not ours!
DeleteI hope things get turned around for Bill. Back issues are SO troubling. Say hello for me. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteBill admits that his prolonged pain is partially his own fault. When it began 3 years ago, he assumed it was the same as before and would only require a shot to remedy. He was determined to wait it out until he turned 65 and let Medicare pay for it.
DeleteUnfortunately the pain grew over the months; he tried the injection in October and it did not work. That's when they learned it was not a simple nerve problem but 2 bulging discs.
He's doing well on medications and surgery has been rescheduled for next Monday.