Back still hurts

Just to make sure that surgery is still the right thing to do... JoJo and I gave the house the "Spring Cleaning" today, and then walked the dogs! Okay.. my back was sore so I looked at JoJo and she definitely was in some serious pain today.  I figure if the back is killing her now that the surgery pain will be NOTHING!!! :)  Surgery is the right decision and we are now 4.5 days til THE day!

Medically cleared !!!!!

Joanne had her PCP appointment and had a little funky EKG so was referred to Cardiologist. Thankfully we were able to get into see the cardiologist today.  The cardiologist said that Joanne's heart was strong and no issues. So she is officially cleared for surgery.
MRI completed.. uneventful! :)

Looks like we are now ready to go for surgery on March 2nd.

Stay tuned!

Medical clearance and MRI

PCP visit scheduled for Monday, 2/21 and MRI too!  Once get these behind us then count down for surgery... 10 days and counting.

Update on Surgery date

Joanne received a call today indicating need to change the surgery date. Rather than push it back, Joanne decided to move up the surgery. Her surgery will now be on Wednesday, March 2nd.

We had surgery seminar this evening. It was informative and helped us better understand what to expect. Thankfully, Joanne only needs one level of fusion. There were others there tonight that were having cervical fusion and or multilevel lumbar fusions.

Post-op, Joanne should be able to lay on her back or side and walk by that evening.  Because the surgery will brace the spine, and spine will not be able to move at the L4-L5 location, she will be able to move as tolerated.

So.... her two week count down has now begun! Will keep you posted.

Pre-Admission Testing Experience

Joanne completed Pre-admission testing today. Registration may have been the most difficult part of the day.. gave the registrar the wrong insurance card, stated she was single which led to the registrar asking if I was the mother! LMAO!
Then on ride home, Joanne states that I need to bring proof that we are civil union couple so I can make decisions if she is unable to and with that statement she ends by saying, "Hope catching you on a good day that day!" Priceless.....

Appointment with surgeon and preadmission testing this week.

Appointment with Dr. Testaiuti on Thursday, February 10th and pre-admission testing on Friday, 2/11//11.
Link to Jo's surgeon:  Dr. Mark Testaiuti, MD