Update on Troy

Instead of calling everyone, I am just posting this on the blog and will text you all to review the blog. I hope you understand that this is the easiest way to update everyone quickly.

This morning, the neurosurgeon came in and said that Troy has to try two other non surgical interventions before he is a candidate for surgery. He referred us to a great pain management spine specialist and said that he would release Troy from the hospital to go to the appointment. He also said he would not release him until we could get an appointment. I called the pain specialist and was able to get Troy an appointment at 11am today.

We went and really like the doctor. The pain meds from the hospital were wearing off when we met with him, so he got to see Troy's functioning level. He also was concerned about the memory issues and speech apraxia. Troy asked the same question three times in less than 10 minutes and the doctor grinned at me because he understood what I had been referring to only minutes before. Here is the gameplan as of today:

1. Steroid injection in the cervical vertebraes 4,5,6,7. This will hopefully alleviate the stenosis.

2. Mass amounts of heavy duty drugs to get through until Friday's injection. The pharmacist and the doctor both talked to me about not allowing Troy to drive, operate heavy machinery, etc. The doctor said to keep the drugs going around the clock.

3. Troy is not allowed to lift ANYTHING. Even a gallon of milk is too much. He also cannot stretch, crane his neck, twist, or swivel.

4. He is signed off work until 8/23 at the earliest possible return date.

5. He has been diagnosed with post concussion syndrome. Because his symptoms are continuing, it is officially called a "traumatic brain injury" classified as a "closed head injury". They are referred him to neuropsychological testing and rehabilitation.

6. He will also be referred to physical therapy once the steroid injection has taken effect and improved his range of motion.

That is all the info we have right now. I have to research on the internet more and gather more questions.....I think we were both too numb to think of anything at that time.

Troy is home now and is sleeping as I type this. I am hopeful we can keep him comfortable and that Friday's procedure gives him long term relief.

Love to you all,
B