Troy Update

I took Troy to his follow up yesterday. This was a follow up for the procedure done last Friday. We got there at 11:30 and met with the nurse first. She asked a million questions, then went and got the doctor. The doctor asked more questions, then did some quick neuro checks requiring Troy to follow directions and put his hands and arms into various positions.

After the exam, we talked to the doctor more about the continuing symptoms which include short term memory challenges and forgetting words for common things like salt. The doctor recommended that we try another round of injections, but this time would be a different medication and a different placement. Last time, they put the drug in the epidural area and let it travel to the affected area. This new procedure would involve injecting the medication directly into the nerves at the joints C2-3, C3-4, and C4-5.

Troy and I readily agreed that he would do anything to get out of the pain he has been in since the accident. By now, it is 12:30. The doctor came back and said, "Okay, you will need to be at the surgical center at 3:15 and procedure will be at 4:15pm." Today. YAY!

We went to the center and Troy had the procedure done. They were able to get him done and out the door by 6pm so I could make it to meet the teacher night at school at 7pm. The doctor advised that Troy would have MORE pain for the next 12-24 hours because of all of the muscles and nerves they navigated through. He was right. Last night was hell for Troy. We are hoping he will get some relief as today progresses.

I asked the doctor what happens if this doesn't work. He said the next step is a nerve blocker and lesion, which basically paralyzes the nerve. If that doesn't work, then discectomy and fusion. Please pray that this is successful!

During the course of all this, Troy mentioned going back to work on Monday. The doctor looked at me incredulously. I explained that Troy is a workaholic, had been off work, and was anxious to get back to work. The doctor nicely explained to Troy that it is "not feasible for you to try to work with the neurological deficits you are experiencing." Troy took that in stride. Then asked the same question 5 minutes later.....not remembering that he had just asked that question. Which illustrates part of the neurological deficits the doctor is referring to.

The neuro psychological evaluation is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 30th. Follow up for yesterday's procedure is September 2. The earliest he will be able to get back to work is Sept. 7.

In the meantime, he is bored out of his mind and needs something to keep his brain busy and fill his days. If you have any great ideas, please share them!

Love to all,
Bets