Neurosurgeon and PT

So yesterday at the Neuro, he told us that the “disc space” is only 3mm. Normal disc space is 12-14mm. What this means is that he’s not sure he can go in through the front and have enough room to do what needs to be done. So he wants to do a CT as soon as possible and see for sure just how much space there is. We will see the Dr a couple of days after that and the plan will be decided then as to whether he goes through the front or the back. If he goes through the back, he will take the old hardware out, which would be a bonus. The down side of going through the back is that it’s a longer, more painful recovery. Either way, he’s looking at being off 6-8 weeks minimum. He’ll be in a brace. He’ll spend at least one, but more than likely two, nights in the hospital no matter what. Dr wants him to start losing weight, as that will help with the healing, so he’s now on a diet of two protein shakes a day and a Lean Cuisine for dinner.


He also started PT yesterday. This will help him with the surgery recovery-they will be able to assess him and know where to start and will help him post surgery as well. Prior to surgery, they will work with him on balance and strengthening his abdominal muscles. Yesterday the therapist discovered that his right leg is about ¾” shorter than his left leg. He put a “build up” of ¾ foam under his right foot and it was AMAZING how he immediately was standing up with squared shoulders, his pelvis and his knees were both aligned. It was wild. Basically Steve has been walking “with one foot on the curb and one foot in the street”-uneven. This is contributing to the back pain. This is also more than likely why he fell in the shower on Sunday. His knee gave way because his weight shifted and he is unbalanced. So…………….we go to the Orthotic place tomorrow and he will be fitted with a heal lift to start the progression which will lead to an eventual ¾” build up on his right shoe. This will help his balance TREMENDOUSLY. It’s bizarre because Steve didn’t even notice that his knee buckled when they took the build up out from his shoe….his brain is used to being off balance!!! So wild.

So we’re on the right track….just a slow track. I think due to our previous experience with Dr. Gallaher that Dr Knox is now being extra cautious. It was awkward yesterday because Steve told Dr Knox that Gallaher had gotten his medical license back and Dr. Knox, without hesitation, said “That’s a shame.” Grrrrrrr……freaking Reagan Gallaher! And, Steve’s first surgery lasted an hour and a half, two hours. Dr. Knox said that when he does the same surgery, it takes him FIVE hours because he takes his time to make sure everything goes by the book.

So very frustrating, but what can you do? So that’s the latest. He’s in bed today. He was in HORRIBLE pain last night and this morning so he’s in bed all day. I just hate it. But I’m glad we’re making progress.