***WARNING – I’ve included a somewhat graphic photo in this post***
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
First of all, I want to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of prayer and support I received over the past several days – I truly believe in the power of prayer and intentions of the human heart. Thank you.
I was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon once my pain level had subsided to a manageable state in which it could be treated with oral medications instead of intravenous meds. This was the first Thanksgiving in three years that I did not have to celebrate in a hospital or nursing home. The celebration itself was low key, but the symbolism of being at home, with my family was a pretty big deal for me. At one point, both my parents and I were all passed out in the living room with the football game on TV serving as background noise – now that’s how I remember Thanksgiving before my injury!
There is still some slight discomfort present, but my pain has continued to decrease exponentially since Tuesday. When I awoke after the surgery, I was immediately welcomed back to consciousness by severe pain. In fact, the agonizing pain I was in rivals anything I have ever felt before in my life. I was in pretty bad shape Tuesday evening and was supplied with morphine around the clock. And yet, it was still a challenge to escape from the hurt I was feeling. Again, I believe prayer helped me weather the storm.
Currently, most of the discomfort I am feeling is due to the nerve pain in the back of my head. The entire back of my skull is numb and burning. I cannot feel much other than deep pressure. It feels very similar to when a foot falls asleep. It is annoying, but hopefully will resolve itself in time. It may take several weeks, though. My skull was placed in a retraction device for the surgery which may be the culprit for the numbness.
The surgeon who did the procedure is the same neurosurgeon who implanted my cough assist device in September 2010. Besides the fact that he is an excellent doctor, he also is very approachable and informative. Regarding the actual surgery, the two upper portions of both titanium rods that were attached to my skull via a 3-screw bracket were removed. Additionally, he was able to remove some excess pieces of metal so that there will be minimal muscle/nerve agitation going forward. In fact, he believes I may find myself in an almost pain-free state with some additional mobility in the near future.
In two weeks the staples will be removed and I should be back to a normal routine, which will include being able to work out again. While I would love to be able to start working out tomorrow, I recognize the need for rest in order to ensure a complete and proper recovery. Besides, there are some great football games to keep me occupied this weekend, especially OSU vs. TTUN (Michigan).
After some consideration, I decided to post a photo of the surgical site to help provide some perspective on the surgery. This certainly is not meant to gross anyone out, but rather maintain the integrity of my Journal entries, which is to provide a candid and detailed glimpse into the life of someone living with a spinal cord injury. Several people constantly remark to me that they feel as if they’ve been at my side since the injury due to how informative and honest the Journal entries have been (and for me, scars are like tattoos and fun to show off).
Again, I am so very grateful for all the prayers and support I have received. This past Thursday may be gone, but I am still giving thanks. Stand Strong!
Scott
Happy to hear things went well! You will forever be in my prayers. By the way….my scar is bigger than yours!!
Wow…you are amazing. Our prayers are with you. The Bigelow.
Scott,
Rick, Patty and Hailey really enjoyed their viisit with you. Said that you looked great. I am so glad that this is behind you and you can continue with your plans for recovery.
God bless you,
Cherry
Bravo, Scott, for pulling through like such a trooper. One quick glance at your photo was enough for me, though, that is quite a surgical site. I can only imagine the pain you must be experiencing, I do hope it subsides quickly. My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Jody
Scott – Glad it went well and your pain is easing. How bout those Browns?
I am so grateful to God that you did so well. I hope and pray the pain subsides each and every day until you are pain-free.
Thanks for sharing the picture – it is amazing what the human body can endure!! You are REMARKABLE and AMAZING!!!
I’m glad you were able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving. God is so good!
God Bless You,
(Bobbi’s friend)
God is amazing! So are You! I am so glad to hear your pain has subsided . It will get better. You’ll soon be back to showing the world, ” when there is a will ” “there is a way! ” Your strength, perserverance, your ability to look at the positive in everything that has come your way is one in a million Scott! I look forward to reading your continuing story of triumph!! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Hi Scott,
I am so glad you had the rods removed. The new pain will go away. You are a fighter and you will get better. We now have something in common–matching scars!
GO BUCS Glad you are feeling better. Jim n Jo
GO BUCKS!
OK gross !! 🙂 But you know me –
I am so happy you were able to get those rods removed. We continue to pray for your recovery to become pain free.
I do agree with Anna – the haircut – ummm needs some work now LOL.
And love your scripture reference – we all need – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Be God’s and Be Strong 🙂
So glad to hear you had a nice Thanksgiving! And your incision isn’t that bad… your haircut is what needed a disclaimer : D Glad to know that you are experiencing some relief. Prayers as always- Anna
Thanks for the update Scott…it is good to know that the pain is subsiding. I am also happy for you that you were able to spend Thanksgiving with family…at home. Take care my friend…as always you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I look forward to your journals and you never fail to amaze me. You’re always in my prayers.
May God bless you and keep you strong.
Sue
That picture is actually nicer than the one I saw:) This one is cleaned up….continue to share Scott for the world of paralysis is a tough one that needs attention drawn to the realness of it. Many more will unfortunately enter in to it and they too will be seeking out ones who have traveled ahead of them. Thank goodness for this virtual world that can now be used to connect and spread hope….God bless you!!!
Beth
PS Your picture did not gross us out one bit. My husband shows his battle scars too.
I hope the pain eases Scott.
You are one tough cookie.