I went to see the cardio/thoracic surgeon on Monday. My whole world and outlook on my health took a 120 degree turn. Not 180 or 90. Let me explain.
For two years following my accident, I have been having doctors tell me that I needed to have surgery to correct my fragmented sternum and to retrieve bone shards that could potentially puncture my lungs or my heart. I have been on lifting restrictions since the accident for fear of what "could happen". These have driven my life and work since the accident. All of those restrictions have been removed. Seems that the shards have been encapsulated by fibrous tissue that has grown around them. This is the good part. Bad part is that these adhesions are partially responsible for my pain. Good to know that I can lift "until the pain is too severe". Nice.
To make a very long story as short as possible Dr. Castlemain does not want to do surgery on me due to my history of MRSA. Neither he nor I wanted to deal with the potential of a fatal infection from the surgery.
That leaves the final issue of pain management. Pain and the corresponding referred pain and muscle spasms in my back are now the primary issues. Pain sucks. I have a fairly high tolerance, but it is grinding me down.
Onward and upward
All of this has completely turned my head around. I have been living with certain expectations and these are now memories.
I have let my stocks deplete on some very important pieces/parts and will need to replenish these. In the past I have limited my workload out of caution for what now is a non-issue. All that remains now is to get back up to speed and get supplies inbound.
To say that I am relieved is an understatement. Switching gears will take a little while.
Like I said: pain sucks. Pain? I can do the pain with proper non-narcotic remedies.
Life is good. It is good to be back on all levels.
Thanks to all of of you that have written often and shown your support and supported Gayle and me through prayer.
Whew!
Dave
