Update on Jane O

This is a rather long story, but I'll do my best to be concise.  I was sailing along last week (after returning home on Wed. 4/16) when I began having pains in my neck and shoulder on Friday.  By Saturday morning, the pain had spread/radiated all across my neck and back and into my upper hips.  When my temperature began to rise, I called Dr. Spaw.  Now..let me backtrack: when I was brought from recovery to my room after surgery, all I can remember is THE WORST back pain (near my waist but mostly on the right side).  The nurse called Dr. Spaw, who ordered an NSAID med given to me by IV.  It helped me immensely, and the pain didn't return again until Friday.  I was aware of the area and felt soreness when I moved around, but it was no biggie.  Until Saturday.  My temp began going up and stayed around 101.9 all afternoon, so I called Dr Spaw back, then went in to ER (where my temp was 102.9).  Blood tests and a CT scan ruled out any infection and any problem with my pouch/surgery.  Thank Goodness!!  I was admitted to the hospital where Dr. Spaw took excellent care of me.  He called in a neurologist who ordered an MRI, which showed a bit of edema likely caused by bruising during the surgery.  My pain is now at a manageable level and I returned home again today.  The swelling is expected to subside and I'll carry on as usual. I have had minimal experience in the area of medical problems (thank God!) but I must proclaim loudly and clearly:  Dr. Al Spaw went far above and beyond what any physician would be expected to do to make sure a patient is properly taken care of.  If anyone is "on the fence" about choosing a surgeon, let me give you my personal testimony!  I am very grateful to the entire staff of Baptist Hospital and of course to Dr. Spaw for the wonderful care I have been given!!

Oh sweetie, I'm sorry to hear you've had a rough time. I am so relieved it wasn't infection and that they were able to get you some relief. Hopefully you are on the mend again and will be feeling perky in no time. I have to agree that Dr. Spaw is the greatest! I am not at all surprised to hear that he went above and beyond to take care of you. That is what he does!!

Now I am thinking...How come I didnt know this!!!!  Just wait till i get my hands on him! glad you are doing better hon! Big HUG!

Jane,  glad your doing better.  I agree he is a good doctor. Hope you are ALL well & good soon.

Hi Sweet Jane,   I wanted to let you know how sorry I am that you have been back in the hospital. 

  You know I was telling Aunt Rene and Bettye that when you came out of surgery that you were stating that you hurt really bad and we just were trying really hard to understand what you were saying and thought maybe you needed to keep hitting the morphine button...

  Dr. Spaw is an excellent surgeon and there was never any doubt in my mind that your surgery was less than perfect.  Knowing that, we just now have to focus on you healing...... 

  I am glad you are home.....

Goodness! You have been through it this week...  I would have come to visit if I had known....  Take care, and I am glad that you are ok and feeling better now.  Hope you get back to full recovery soon... 

Thanks for all the well-wishes!  I am a bit "down in my back" but I just consider this a set-back that will pass and I'll eventually catch up to where I should be.