So my surgery is Tuesday. I get a lot of questions about this so I thought I would take a moment to explain a little bit about the procedure I’m having done.
The system is called a Spinal Cough Assist System. It is designed to generate a cough in SCI patients whose abdominal muscles are still paralyzed, leaving them unable to cough on their own. Coughing is extremely important among people living with SCIs. As our lungs accumulate mucus the normal response is to cough in order to loosen up the mucus and spit out/swallow it. (Sorry if this is getting gross). Since my abs are paralyzed I am unable to cough, which means when I gather secretions in my lungs I have no way of getting them out. I need to be suctioned in order to remove the secretions. This involves sticking a plastic tube about 14 mm round down my throat to suck out whatever’s down there. Because I need to be suctioned, I need to have a trache in my throat to allow for easy access. Since I never know when I might generate secretions — allergies, cold, result of eating something — I need to carry a suction kit with me whenever I go out in public, and need someone with me who knows how to use it. The procedure I’m having will eliminate the need for suctioning, the trache or having to travel with someone who knows how to suction. Instead, the press of a magic button will take care of everything. Let me explain.
The procedure lasts about six hours, during which time I will be lying on my side with an arm stretched out in front of me and one stretched above my head. A small incision will be made in the middle of my back and the surgeon will drill into my T9, T11 and L1 vertebrae. He will then place small electrodes on the dura mater, the outermost of the three layers of meninges, that surrounds the brainstem and spinal cord. A small wire that attaches to the electrodes will wrap around my side to my abdominal muscles. On the end of this wire will be attached a type of receiver which will be attached to my ab muscles. Then they stitch me back up.
So here is how the device works. An external receiver that is not attached to the body, is held against my abs where the internal receiver is located. A button on the external receiver is pushed that sends a charge that triggers the abdominal muscles to contract, forcing a cough. The receiver can be programmed for a small, medium, large cough; even multiple coughs. After I have coughed and cleared any secretions the external receiver can be put away, or can remain attached through a magnetic pull to the internal receiver. Anyone can operate the device by pressing the button. A few months after surgery I will be able to have my trache permanently removed.
I’ve talked to other patients who had the procedure done and they all swear by it. It offers much more independence and relief since they can go out with friends and not have to worry about being suctioned. Another great benefit is that the cough assist device can also help reduce my chances of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia is the second leading cause of death among quadriplegics, so anything I can do to cut down on this is a good thing!
The surgery is a little nerve-racking since I’ll be under anesthesia for over six hours. I need to be placed on a vent during this time. Since my arms will stretched in a position they are not accustomed to, I am told that I can expect a lot of pain in my neck and shoulders in the days following the surgery. I have proactively been working with my therapists to stretch my arms to help reduce some of the expected discomfort. Here’s hoping it works.
Tomorrow is Labor Day, a day of rest for the American worker. I worked very hard this past year in a way I was never accustomed to, nor expected to, and I am looking forward to celebrating a rest day. I would like to extend to everyone out there a safe and happy holiday. I will follow-up with everyone and let you know how the surgery went in a few days.
Until then, thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Scott
I hope all went well with the surgery. You are still in our thoughts and prayers daily.
The kids prayed for you this morning before leaving for school, and last night and at every meal! I think God hears all our prayers but for some reason he hears the prayers of a child a little louder.:0) Can’t wait to come and visit and check out the new device! We love you and miss you soooo much! You won’t believe how big Brady is!
Much Love,
Angie
Good luck with the surgery buddy. Hope to see you soon after.
I am praying for you and for my brother who is in ICU with pneumonia as of yesterday. God bless you.
Prayed for you this morning. Couldn’t let you go into surgery with 13 comments had to make it number 14 😉
God is with you and your family and the doctors !
“God of power and might, please be with Scott. His body is Your creation, O Lord. Guide the surgeon’s hand that changes it, that it might heal and function better, to Your great glory. Amen.”
Good luck Scotty. I am sure it is going to go well. Much love!
You are in my thoughts and prayers daily, but especially today. Thanks for explaining the procedure.
Good Luck and God Bless You with a painless, speedy recovery.
God Bless,
(Bobbi’s friend)
Best wishes Scott, we’ll see you soon! Thanks for the post.
-Mike
Good luck on your surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
we will be offering our mass tomorrow for you, scott…
keeping you close in prayer.
the twins
Good Luck Scott we will be thinking of you and will be looking forward to your post operative post. Your knowledge of medical procedures is going to be more than my 26 years in the National Health Service in the UK.
xx
Scott,
Hope your surgery is a success tomorrow . You’re in our prayers.
Alex and Kathy
Keeping you in our prayers for a safe surgery. God Bless you Scott and know that the Lord will always be at your side.
Pat and Mike
Hi Scott,
Thank you for the thorough details of your pending operation. You are educating us. God is looking over you. I am sure the operation will go well. We will all be thinking of you. God Bless.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Scott. May you go into surgery feeling peace and comfort. Wishing you many days of relief ahead.
You will be in my thoughts and p;rayers Scott. I am sure all will go well.
LOve you,
Cherry
Scott,
You are in our prayers, we hope your surgery is a HUGE success! Keep up the good work, and the great posts.
Take care,
Scott-
Thanks for the informative post. When are you starting your med school applicatons? Best of luck on Tuesday, it sounds as if this device will be great for you.
Bryan