Lindsey's cousins Alexis and Morgan.

Lindsey with Dan the Physical Therapist.  She had to walk up and down the stairs in order to be released from Physical Therapy.

Lindsey on her very, very long wheelchair ride.

Lindsey posing with Big Bird!!!! 

This is Lauren and I apoligize for not keeping up with the blog these past couple days, we were all exhausted and needed some rest but Im back and ready to update you all.


Sunday- Lindsey had to go to radiology and get an X-ray.  Mom waited in radiology for a picture of her back.  The nurses came in to get her height, Lindsey was 4' 11'' but because of the surgery she grew a whole inch.  Her Physical Therapist, Amanda, helped her practice going up and down the stairs. She did very well.  She told her she was ready to go home. The nurse came in and took out her IV in her left hand. Sadly this was also my last day at the hospital with Lindsey because I have to work.  I decided to push her around in a wheel chair for as long as I could.  (My mom started to wonder if we had left the hospital.)  When we returned from the long wheel chair excursion one of the anesthesiologist came in to remove her epidural and she would be getting all of her medication from a pill from this point forward.  Lindsey was planning on going home but in the evening her pain level was a 10.  The doctors and nurses told us, sometimes the transition from the epidural to medications are not easy.  Because my parents had an hour and a half ride home the nurses suggested we stay until we get her pain under control.

Monday- This was both a good day and a bad day.  In the morning Lindsey was still in horrible pain which prevented her from coming home right then. The doctors said they would keep her until her pain level was tolerable.  Eventually the nurses gave her the right combination and doesage amounts of medicaton so she was comfortable and she was on her way home.

Ralph took some pictures of a storm on Monday before we left:

 Wow, what a strom...

This is Lindsey's mom:  The car ride --- I was dreading it.  I kept thinking if she can't be kept comfortable in a hospital. how is she going to be comfortable driving down pot hole filled Michigan roads.  I did get a chance to speak with another spine surgery patients mom before Lindsey's surgery and she told me "Bring lots and lots of pillows for the car ride."  So before Lindsey's surgery I bought lots and lots of pillows.  When Lindsey got into the car she was incased with pillows.  I sat in the front seat.  As we got a little ways down the road and I noticed Lindsey was sleeping and her head kept falling forward.  I told Ralph to pull over at an exit I was going to sit in the back and hold her head I did not want her to jar anything. So the rest of the ride home I sat in the back seat with Lindsey.  We finally arrived home.  Family was waiting there to greet us.  They helped us get Lindsey into her room downstairs and bring all the stuff in from the car. 

This is a post by Lindsey's Dad. Earlier today Lindsey got her Super Spine X-Ray and I want to share with everyone the difference and the reason for the surgery. 

The next posts will focus on her recovery and our trip home.

This is Lindsey's mom:   Lindsey had a great morning she walked with her dad for Father's Day and then Lauren took her on a very, very, very, very LONG wheelchair ride.  (Will post pictures later.)  At around 11:00 a.m. the doctor came in to remove her epidural.  This means she will be taking medication now.  Her pain level increased since the epidural was pulled and has been between a 6 and a 8 most of the afternoon.  Since Lindsey had a rough day we decided to stay one more night.  We will leave in the morning.  We are not looking forward to the hour and half car ride home.

During Lindsey's Physical Therapist, Dan helped her walk down the hallway for the first time after her surgery. It was slow going at first but she made it all the way to the end and back without a problem.   This was a very happy moment for us, I'm so proud of Lindsey!!!!!

I'm finally ready to take my first steps down the hallway.

I've just stepped outside the room for the first time, trying to take little baby steps to get around.

Almost to the end of the hallway!!!!!!

I did it and now I'm on my way back, 

I did it and had to do it two more times. The last trip I went all the way around the section and back to my room. Today I have to walk some stairs and I cant wait!!!

Here's a video I made of Lindsey sitting up for the first time since her surgery, her sitting in a chair for the first time and her first steps through the hallway, all thanks to Dan her Physical Therapist. Thanks you so much Dan!!!!

This is Lindsey's mom -- Some added notes from yesterday.  Pastor Thomford came from Chesaning to visit and have devotion with the family.  It was really nice.  TODAY --- Lindsey seems like she is in more pain but they say that is normal because the muscles are starting to have spasms.  They changed her dressings on her back and gave her fresh ones.  The doctors said her incision looked good.  She has to sit up and walk today.  She has a lot of challenges today.  But she still has a good attitude and lots of family to help support her.   

This is Lauren keeping you guys posted about today; Lindsey was doing great this morning eating solid food for the first time since Wednesday night. She had some oatmeal, strawberries, and chocolate donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles (Yummy). Nurse Gayle, who was on the morning shift said that if she was to continue eating and drinking that the IV would be coming out and she could start receiving her pain medicine in a pill form instead of through the IV. The pain level in the morning was about a 3 and she was sitting up a lot more. At about 10:30 a.m. She was able to get cleaned up a little bit with the help of her nurse Marie and myself.

When the family came back into the room there were lots of presents and flowers from them.  Lifting her spirit and bringing a smile to her face.  Here you can see some of the items that she recieved. 

Flowers,

flowers,

and assorted gifts (Hurray).

After this around 11:15 a.m. Dan, the physical therapist, came in to start Lindsey on how to properly role out of bed, sit-up, stand and walk. After some discussion of what she needs to do, she was sitting up on the edge of the bed and with some assistance from Dan, she stood for the first time since her surgery. She sat in the chair for a little while but she did push herself back in the chair and did cause some pain that elevated later that morning up to an 8 or 9 pain level.  Here is a couple of photo's from this and later I will post a video of her doing this.

I know what I need to do.

After getting the IV removed and other monitoring items Dan is going to assit me in getting out of bed for the first time since my surgery not even 24 hours ago.

After a couple mintues on struggling to move my body so I wouldn't bother my back I finally was able to sit up,

A good couple steps later Iwas able to reach my chair and sit down, this was really painful but I did it and I cant wait to walk around the hospital tomorrow. I had to do this three times today, by the second time my pain levels were between a 8 or 9 and also feel nauseous. After some more medicine and some sleep I felt a little better. I painted a wooden "M" with my sister and I got a visit from Paster Thomford as well. We had a prayer, a devotion and chatted for awhile it was really nice of him to drive all that way to visit and thank you so much. I hope tomorrow goes even better and i'll be sure to post more comments than I did today. Love you all and thanks for all the support these past couple days.

This is Lindsey's Dad and a update from last night:  Everything has been going very well and Lindsey was able to eat some crackers and chicken noodle soup last night.  She contiues to amaze the nurses and the family with sitting up and moving all on her own.  Rachel, was her nurse up to 8:00 p.m. and was very helpful in keeping Lindsey on track with her breathing excercise and turning every couple of hours. Just shortly after 8:00 p.m. a few of the Michigan athletes stopped in to visit with Lindsey.  There was Teresa, the gymnist, Liz, the cheerleader and Jofy, the football player #56.  They asked questions on how Lindsey was doing and what procedure she had done.  Of course, Lindsey was estatic that there was a cheerleader and a gymnist athletes as she loves the sport and can not wait to get back into it later this year.  Here are a couple of photos from their visit.

The evening came to a close for most of the family as we had to leave at 9:00 p.m. and nurse Susan and Lindsey's mom was left to take care of Lindsey through the night.  The only thing that happened last night was that she had to have her epedural re-tapped and checked as there was some leakage, which would prevent her from getting the necessary medicing to her back. 

Hey its Lauren just wanted to share some picture of my baby sister in her new room,

She just got back from surgery and is all done being cleaned up,

She just got to her room and she wanted to sit up in her bed, the nurses were amazed when she did,

I just took this picture a couple mintues ago, the nurses came in and made her do a "log roll" where she rolls to one side and then practices breathing in this tube so her lungs can stay healthy,

Took a pic of her vitals cause it looked awesome!!!!!!

Here's the family finally relaxing after a long day of waiting.
Also if anyone has any questions or comments about this blog feel free to follow the like to her facebook page "Back 2 Lindsey" and we would be more than happy to answer your questions to the best of our knowledge.

Lindsey is in her hospital room.  Wow!  It is really awesome!  Our nurse Kristi was super-duper nice.  She was amazed about Lindsey’s progress.  Lindsey has been in a little pain but her pain is being managed through an epidermal.  Lots of pain meds.   The nurse was shocked that Lindsey wanted to sit up right away.  She rolled over by herself.  Normally patients need help.  The family is here which makes things really nice.  Lindsey’s Grandpa and Donna from Florida, her grandma from Chesaning, Michigan, her aunt Kriss from Hart, Michigan, her aunt Carrie from Durand, Michigan, her cousin Morgan from Florida.  We just went to a pizza party, and Lindsey will have athletes from the University of Michigan come in her room, they get to take pictures with the athletes.  And the athletes give the patients a signed hat and a signed picture.  That is at 7:30 p.m. 

This is mom updating for Lindsey:  Lindsey got out of surgery at 11:50 a.m.  Everything went according to plan.  Dad and I met with the Doctor and she said everything went very well.  The doctor said that Lindsey went into surgery in a good state of mind, it was probably the meds.  She has two rods in and an epdural to help regulate her pain meds.  Dad and I are in the recovery wating room and are waiting to see her.  We decided to update her blog because they said it could take up to an hour before we get to see her. Everyone is getting anxious to be with her.

So heres a run down on what is happening with Lindsey, so in the Pre Op room Lindsey had gotten her gown and IV tubes in. The anesthesiologist told her that he was going to give her an IV on her hand before she went into surgery then anther on her right hand durring her surgery just in case they need a second line. He also told her that she would need a breathing tube that would go down her throat, but dont worry she'll be sleeping while they out the tube in and pull it out so she has nothing worry about.  He also told her that when she gets to the operating room they will flip her over on her stomach on a new bed for the remaining time of the surgery.  After he left she was given a heavy does of goofy pain meds and two more doctors arrived to comfirm her information and to answer any last mintue questions then they sent Lindsey on her way to the operating room. In the mean time we are in the waiting room mom and dad have phone for updates from the nurses in the operating room.  Everything is good so far.

 Here's the pictures I promised.......

Good Morning!!! 

Everyone heading out and going to the hospital,

 

We arrive at about 7:15 a.m., everyone is getting a little more nervous now

Here's lindsey on her goofy meds u can see she's having good time with the family before she leaves,

This is her IV on her left hand, the doctor said she'll have a matching one on her right hand as well, she wasn't happy about the needle by the way,

 

the medicine has finally kicked and she finally relaxing.

I was allowed to see my sister before she went into the operating room and I have plenty of good pictures to show you guys but first I'll give you a run down on what happened. When she arrived in the room she was asked a series of question about what she ate and drank last, her pain levels, and making sure she was the right patient. Afterwards she had to wear a gown and lay in her bed. A few minutes later the anesthesiologist came into her room and brief her on the basics of what he did and gave her an IV on her left hand. He also gave her some medicine that relaxed her nerves and made her really goofy. More doctors came in and gave her a quick run through on the procedure and then took her to the operating room. She will be scheduled for four to five hours of surgery unless things change in the room. I will keep you guys posted if anything changes or if we get anymore information from the operating room.

Hi, my name is Lauren and I will be filling in for my sister and our parents while they are in the Pre Op room. Only two people are allowed in the room at time so we will be switching on and off so I may fill you all in on the details. So far so good i think we just arrived at the hospital and she is being asked question like when he ate last and how she's feeling. I know for a fact that she really nervous and I hope she does alright. I'll send you some pictures and more information later and thanks for all the support on her fan page.

Had a fun day today with the family, we spent most of the day swimming in the pool and got a new stuffed animal its a PANDA~!!!!! I also got to eat some BBQ ribs at Applebee's seeing that I wouldn't be eating anything for awhile.  Now I'm getting ready for the big day tomorrow, got alot of things that I can and can't do and its a gaint pain before I go to bed.  I have to use special soap and I can't put alot of make-up on and a whole bunch other things. I'm getting nervous. I got to be at the hospital at 7:30am so I got to get to bed soon. I'll be sure to let you all know what happens hopefully by the hour tomorrow. Nighty night!!!!

We just arrived at the hotel and its really nice here, I'm really excited for the pool cause it's HUGE, i'll send u all a picture later gonna swim!!!!!

My new bed

This is my hospital bed I got for me when I go home, I see my cat made herself comfortable. Im feeling a bit nervous right now but i cant wait to go swimming in the pool at the hotel later today!!!!

My Spine???!!!????!!!!

Hello~!!

Hi, my name is Lindsey, I will be a Junior next year.  I have scoliosis.  I will undergo Spine Fusion Surgery on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.  I am feeling mostly nervous but trying to forget it’s this week.  

Our plans are to stay in the Holiday Inn in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, June 13^th.  We plan on swimming in the pool to relieve the stress of the surgery.  I have to stop eating 6 hours prior to my surgery (this includes gum, candy and mints.)  I have to be at the hospital at 7:30 a.m. for pre-op.  Our doctor told us this would be a 5 hour surgery with a two hour recovery.  The surgeon will place 1-2 rods in my back to straighten my spine and use screws, hooks and wires to keep it in place.  The surgeon will also place bone graft over the spine to stimulate the process of bone fusion.  It will take 4-6 months for my spine to completely heal.  During surgery I will be monitored closely to watch for any changes in my nerves that control movement and sensation.  This is a safety measure to limit the chance of nerve injury during surgery. 

THIS IS HOW IT IS ANTICIPATED TO GO (THE PLAN):

·         THURSDAY, I will pretty much be out for the whole day.  (Probably a Good Thing.)  I will have my sister or Mom and Dad, update my blog and keep everyone informed.  I can only have ice chips this day; I have to do log rolls every two hours (DOES’NT SOUND FUN!!!)  

·         FRIDAY, I will be more alert and I can have liquids with flavor (Yippee!!!!!)  I have to sit on the edge of bed 3 times today. (Yeah!!!)

·          SATURDAY, I get regular food for snacks and by that time I think I’ll be as hungry as a bear.  I have to take short walks down the hallway and sit in a chair.  I hoping my pain level will be low that day.

·         SUNDAY, I will be able to eat REAL food (AWSOME), I have to walk in the hall and I will have an x-ray to check out the new “SUPER SPINE”.  I should be glowing in the dark because of all the x-rays I have had this year.

·         MONDAY, All systems go, I have to walk the hallway 3 times.  Beats running laps?

·         TUESDAY, Going home and I’m going to be so pumped to be back.  But hopefully I will go home sooner than Tuesday.