Let me catch you up...

After clearing the driveway at the road and in front of the garage and then the sidewalk and porch three times beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, we left here around 8:30 a.m. to head to Syracuse. During our trip, traffic actually came to a dead stop once on the freeway. I really hate winter! I have a healthy respect for the term "lake effect" since I have been in NY this winter.



Becky had x-rays done and took the CD to Dr. Dhawan for her appointment. He pulled it up on the computer and was able to show us exactly how things look at the present, which is super! The screws are in place and secure and solid and the space he created during surgery is being adequately supported and maintained so that it has not been compromised in any way and there has been no collapse whatsoever. Dr. D asked Becky if he could send copies of her x-rays to his mentor and a top spine specialist in the nation out in California, Dr. Steven Garfin.



In terms of Becky's recovery and his responses to her questions: It is not uncommon to sleep in excess of 10-11 hours for the first 6-8 months due to the extreme nature of her surgery. She is to allow her body to dictate what it needs. Becky reported to Dr. D that she takes absolutely no pain relievers and that she has absolutely no leg pain this time around. He wants her to wear her brace any time she is up for the next 2 months. The bump above the site of the posterior incision is the result of scar tissue and may not resolve itself for a year. He gave her permission to use her treadmill 15 minutes a day at no more than 3 miles per hour twice a day and not to increase this for 3-4 weeks and not until after they talk. He does not want her doing any other sort of stretches or exercises whatsoever. She is not allowed to drive and they will discuss that as well in 3-4 weeks. She may do light housework only. She cannot vacuum. She can lift no more than a jug of milk and must maintain a left hand-right hand balance of weight or keep that weight centered close to the body. She is not allowed to go in the pool for at least 2 more months as it is actually possible for the water to seep into the empty area created during surgery which is still filling in as it could create an infection. He has asked her to make sure she does not put on any weight. He says that it will not appear to hurt her at present, but will be harmful down the road. She has been eating very well-balanced meals due to the generosity of the women of her church who have been bringing in a meal three times a week during December and January. What a blessing they have been.

Dr. Dhawan has asked me to remain here in NY to help Becky for 2 more months. He says that Becky reminds him of his own sister and that he loves her as a sister and wants only the very best for her and is here for her at all times no matter what she needs.

So that is the latest from here in NY! Love to all!