OT - update

This just makes my toes curl up -so glad to hear you're OK! No idea that was how they did it. Probably nobody would ever sign up for such a procedure if they really knew.

This might be the year to go eat out for Thanksgiv>First of all I want to thank all you folks for your prayers and good

Well, what a lovely Sunday morning blessing to get an 'in person' report from you. We'll continue to hold you close in our prayers . . . and rest assured, you can live on popsicles a long, long time. Our children and grandchildren can testify that they can cure everything from chicken pox to puppy love. I'm not sure we want you cooking a feast so soon after having your throat cut. You will pay serious attention to following doctor's orders, won't you? Polly

Thanks for letting us know how you are! You have certainly been in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you improve fast. Barbara in Central FL

I'm so thankful that you came through surgery with no major complications. Whew, relief! A good friend had a similar surgery and her throat recovered much quicker than you would ever imagine. I'm sure you will be swallowing in no time.

But for now......I am certain the in-laws would agree that you aren't in any shape to be cooking a big Thanksgiving meal. So why don't you all go out to eat? You can have peaches (maybe even applesauce or ice cream) and they can gorge on ... whatever they want. I learned that trick from my MIL some years back when I was not well and neither was she. I asked her what we were going to make for Thanksgiving dinner -- relatives were coming into town -- and she immediately suggested "reservations at Marie Calendar". Worked great.

Now, that's my family's Thanksgiving tradition. We all go out. And this year we're going out with good friends who also have that as a Thanksgiving tradition.

Just a thought. My other thoughts are all good and headed your way, as are my prayers.

Be well, Sunny

So happy to hear that the surgery went well! Try to keep well hydrated! and don't worry about Thanksgiving dinner. Sending more healing thoughts.....

It's great to hear from you, I'm sure I'm one of the many who have been wondering how you were getting along.

I second or third or whatever that this would be a good year to go out for dinner on Thanksgiving. Or as an alternate thought, some of the grocery stores will prepare a complete dinner and all you need to do is pick it up and reheat if needed. That might be the best way to go as you can still have the comfort of being "at home". Those of us who are far from loved ones would eat take out if they could just be together.

Hope your throat is better very quickly and you have a good holiday.

Judie

Do you have clear instructions on when to call to get help, I'd be worried that you are heading for dehydration, or even already there, I think these days it's getting more and more possible for doctors to prescribe a home nurse visit to set up an IV at home, rather than having to sit in the ER, but if you show any signs you need to let someone know.

Good Luck Anne

Glad to hear that your OP went well. I'll second ("third") what the others have said about NOT trying to deal with making a big meal, and eating out instead. Take care of yourself! DH had similar surgery about 5 yrs ago (is titanium from skull-base to nearly shoulder).... not fun. He also had trouble swallowing - he found using a straw to drink was a big help. Having everyone together is what it's all about - not necessary to do the whole Turkey-deal! Enjoy the company!

ME-Judy

So glad you are doing better. How about the original neck/shoulder pain? Is it gone? I hope so.

And about the not eating part. I can tell you from experience, that once you are able to eat again, your body is gonna turn on you like a lion. I've been through it and after starvation, you can't GET enough to eat.

For some reason losing weight because of illness or ailment is different than regular dieting.

You can't cook with a neck brace. Isn't there a restaurant you can take people to? All of our Chinese restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in our small (20,000) town.

Cindy

I had a similar surgery last year, they went in through the front of my neck and removed some pieces of the vertebrae that were pinching my spinal cord, then replaced those pieces with cadaver bone and little metal plates. The surgery was absolutely painless, the most miserable thing I've ever had to do was wear the neck brace for 12 weeks! No pain, just aggravation. Good news, you'll get over the sore throat really quickly. I had that too. And, hopefully your neck and arm pain will be gone. Don't worry about Thanksgiving, find a restaurant that will cater for you. Good Luck and hope you're feeling better soon! Michelle

thanks for that good news, N. we'd all been waiting to hear that from you. if you can manage it, yogurt is easy to swallow, digests itself, gives you protein and calcium, helps stave off hunger and is good for you. lots of flavours too. be sure it has the live culture in it. i've never seen yogurt without the live culture, i'm told it exists tho. go figure, eh. ever so happy you're feeling better and that pain is gone now. let someone else do TDay dinner and keep it simple for all. surely between the rest of them they can manage the basics of the day. tho going out for a meal is easier for the rest of the family, it might not be as relaxing for you, carry'n round the neck brace and just finding a comfy chair. i'm gonna vote for others to make a simple meal on the day rather than going out. unless you can get it delivered or as a pick up ready made for dh to hustle. keep getting better and better real soon. hugz, jeanne

The surgery went well. I didn't get sick from the anesthesia which was a plus (I usually do) and came home the next day. Walking isn't an issue.

Issue = they cut my neck! AHHHHHH LOL Not even much pain from post surgery. However, fusing my vertebra meant cutting from the front, shoving everything out of the way to get to the spinal column in the back. Great for dieting, let me tell you. I have a great deal of trouble swallowing and had a really really rough time with my pills. Lost 10 pounds in one week. Now, if I can only do that for 5 weeks everything would be great! LOL I guess there are advantages to this.

I am so thirsty I can't stand it. Thank god for popsicles. I choke on water if you can believe it. My best friend is now the little peach pieces that come in one of those cups. They slip right down and will take a piece of pill with it if I get it just right.

I am stressing now about Thanksgiving. DH and I are vegetarians and DFIL and DMIL aren't. They are in their mid 80's so I always prepare the holiday food. Well ladies, sure don't know what will happen this year. Not cookin a big feast for all those folks who can eat it and sit there eating my peaches. Ya know what I mean, jellybean??????

Well, this has gone on long enough. One more thought though.....THANK YOU all for sending those squishie envelopes and beautiful cards. I haven't been up to thanking everyone personally, but my thoughts are sincere. It was so good to know that people out there in the cosmos took the time to send me some hugs and cheer. I spent a lot of hours nestled under a beautiful hug that I received and thought of you all while I was awake under it. :-D

Naomi..glad to hear you are back in the cosmos with us!! We saved a lazy-boy just for you.

Let your family do the dinner or take out or what ever. stay in your comfortable place and relax, do stay hydrated. the popcicles should help, but check with your dr. for sure.

Keep in touch. Get better soon.

amy in CNY