I learned on Weds. evening May 20, that I will need to go in on June 10 for spine surgery in my neck. Initially, I was told I was recommended for surgery, and I likely to walk out that evening or the next day. I am now being told that surgery is highly recommended because right now I am at risk of paralysis if i have an injury that further impacts my spinal cord. I also learned that I will need to be in the hospital for seven days, and plan for 6 weeks of medical leave. They are doing a spinal fusion of 5 vertebra, taking out chunks of the back and left side to relieve pressure on my spinal cord. They will install titanium plates to hold the vertebra in place and provide structural support in place of the missing bone. It's not guaranteed that my sensation or function will improve in my left hand or arm, but I have some moderate hope, and it is possible. Right now most of my left hand is numb, and I've been having severe pain intermittently for about 3 years, and trying everything to reduce inflammation. About 2 months ago I had extreme burning though my whole arm for two weeks, and subsequent numbness. I'm still waiting on information about what my level of function is likely to be at various points, and what kind of care I should plan to receive. Right now, what I'm hoping is that people will come and spend time with me at various points. My biggest fear is isolation, and my biggest need is connection. If you can come talk with me or sing with me or write with me, or read me poems, that would be the best thing for my body and soul. My Surgery will be at Jefferson Einstein 5501 Old York Road.
If you would like to bring food, fresh fruit and high nutrient density vegetables are very welcome, especially if they are grown locally. No bread or other simple carbohydrates please, they spike my blood sugar and then make me feel very tired. Some meat will probably be good for my healing, best if it's local and sustainably farmed, but i know that's wildly expensive.