I have a way forward! (cervical & lumbar surgery with Dr. Pimenta, Brazil)

[Katie]

Positive waves your way young lady.

Oh Dave, I love your avatar...all that snow...I'm going to miss it sooo much! At least with that stuff, I don't have to worry about putting on a bathing suit!

Well, score the Brazilian Embassy 2, us 0. The forms we filled out ahead of time on line are apparently 'old' and were not acceptable. We were told to do it online at the Embassy office this morning, so we were just under the wire, time wise. We got our photos for the Visas, had all our other paperwork in order, then their computer came up with an error code and we were stalled for the day.

We were told to try online again on a different website and come back tomorrow to try and get them through. No stress at all with that! We are down to eight days left for a ten day process...we're cutting it close!

I wasn't sure if we should put down our medical reasons on our visa, so tried to contact Dr. P's office both yesterday adn this morning when I was told that he would be there at 8am our time. After three stressful phone calls and several emails with no response, I finally just checked at the Embassy and they said not to worry about it unless we were planning on being there over three months. I sure hope not!

I promised to keep you all posted on the ups and downs of this trip, so hope you don't mind all the small details. As I read over some of my first posts here, it sure is amazing how far we've come, thanks to all of your help.

Cindylou, Kathy, and all the rest of you, thanks for the wonderful words of encouragement. They mean the world to both me and my hubby. It is so nice to have all this support while trying to plan for this big adventure.

I'm not sure how much time we will get to explore before hand, as we are set for surgery within days of arrival, but we have a good week or so after I recoup in the hotel in which we hope to travel a bit and see some touristy stuff.

If any of you have been there before and have suggestions on good places to visit, close by Sao Paulo, please pass them on. We are flying by the seat of our pants with this ;-)

[KBear]

You have come a long way, and you are almost done!!! I think you should be able to do touristy stuff, we did. I would suggest trying to rent a wheelchair. I did that, was able to put my walker on the back of it and be pushed when I was pooped. Then, if I felt like walking, I could use the walker and use the wheelchair as a shopping cart! LOL

[Cindylou]

Yes, great idea Kathy.....don't go too far without support....ie: walker, cane, etc. I didn't have a wheelchair but that is a fantastic idea. Every body is so different in response to post surgical abilities. Be prepared to just wing it, as well. I remember the first day I was discharged in Germany, and to my poor, too optimistic hubby....he thought that meant we were heading out to sight-see for the day! Just the taxi ride from Bogen to Straubing (not even 30 minutes) was exhausting, and I crumbled into my hotel bed for the remainder of the day. (You may not recall I was in the hospital for 10 days with my 3 level adr's, and had two blood transfusions, and Dr. B. had to open me back up due to a surface infection, so I was only in the hotel for a day when I had to get re-admitted.) But after I was discharged the second time, I was able to walk much further. We only stayed local tho. My pain levels were such that I could not even entertain the idea of getting on a train for additional sight seeing. I personally needed and liked the idea that "my home away from home" was right around the corner, if I got pooped out or was in pain. This may seem silly Katie, but because I am such a homebody, one thing I do when I travel is bring something personal from home to put on my nightstand....a photo, a favorite candle, or knick-knack.....I just try to bring a piece of home with me. Anyway, all of that to say, we all respond differently after surgery, and you may just be a little "suzie-tourister!" Continue to keep us posted on every minutia of detail. I love it!

xoxo big hugs too!!

[WPKat]

It's good to hear that everything is falling into place and you will soon be on the plane to Brazil. I am very excited for you and send positive energy and thoughts.

[Justin]

Yeah! Here's to a smooth next couple of weeks and nothing short of a successful surgery.

[linda]

Dear Katie,
I am so glad you "have a way forward!" I wish you the best on your surgery and safe travel. My parents went to Brazil in the 80's and my mom bought some real nice jewely - emeralds (very clear), amethyst (dark purple) and some light blue gems. You have worked so hard at trying to find the right solution for your situation and I will be praying for a successful surgery for you.
Linda

[runagain]

Katie,

Just caught up on your thread and posts. I will be praying that everything goes smoothly for you. You will be the judge on how you feel after surgery. I know after mine (one-level) I felt a lot better in the hospital and then crashed when I got home. However, it was quieter at home, when the kids were not running about.
You get a sneak preview of the Olympic (2016) city, perhaps. I hear that you have to be careful about where you go in Brazil so you will have to give us the up and up about the city/country. Think of this as a great adventure. How many people can say they went to Brazil and came back with some hardware?
My hair dresser went to Brazil last year and loved it. I think he wants to go during Carnival again. Remember take it easy after surgery, it is a big surgery and you need time for recovery. I used a walker post-op and it was my friend for a while. Now, it is in the closet waiting for the next big day.
I found Lidocaine patches were really helpful for a little sharp pain I got near my abdominal incision. I just cut them into two and put them close to the incision but not too close and worked wonders. Also had a lot of prune juice, etc... on hand. Had some of those big op-site bandages to cover incision to take showers. You can get them at most drug stores. Waterproof tape, too.
I watched a lot of DVD tapes when I was recovering. Don't be surprised if you feel weak as a kitten after surgery, it is all normal and it passes. Each day you will feel stronger and stronger and you will be on the other side. Allright!!!!!!

My best,

Runagain

[Dave]

Katie,

This is soooooo cool that you will finally have your day. Plus... you get to start a new thread in the surgical outcome section. What more could you ask for.... well, you know what I mean.

Just so you know, we are counting down the days with you.

[Katie]

Oh boy, such great tips here! This on top of the 'travel lists' on here and another forum have been priceless.

Cindylou, I don't think I was aware of your infection and extra troubles I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It's one reason we are staying an extra week, so that I know I don't have another post-op infection lurking. (Had that after my hysterectomy)

Here are a few questions though...there were several great suggestions for post-op, like the walkers and waterproof bandages, etc. How long after surgery should I need to dress the incision sites? Should I take the bandages with me from home or hope that I can find them there or are supplied by the hospital?

And the walker...in a city of 11 million, I'm worried about getting around to find one to rent. Same with the great idea of having both the wheelchair and walker to trade off, depending on how I am feeling. I will be using the airport wheelchairs for getting between gates and the loading, etc., so taking a walker with me doesn't seem practical. I hope the hospital will have answers.

I'm having trouble getting these 'small' questions answered through Dr. Pimenta's office, so I'm hoping you guys will have some suggestions.

I think we just missed the Carnival..for good or bad! The madding crowds might have been just too much on this trip

OH!!!!! WO HOOOOOO!!!! I just realized our old smilies are back!!! This is the best news ever!!!!!:thumpup: THANK YOU JUSTIN!!!!!!! OK, back to our regularly scheduled thread

Oh Linda....gems My birthstone is Amethyst, and I love the dark ones the best...thanks for the shopping tip :thumpup:

We will be taking a laptop with us, and lots of DVDs from friends, so hope that will keep me occupied. I love books on tape/DVD, and am looking hard to find some good ones, plus a set of earphones so not to disturb any roommates I might have. That's another question I can't get answered...if I have a private room or not. Rafael said my husband was welcome to stay in the room with me, but I can't find out if that means a bed or an arm chair.

I've had these insane dreams, or early morning nightmares that this is all a scam...that Dr. P doesn't really exist, that I'm going to get down there and find out that I have sent my money to a fakester who has run off with it and I'm left penniless and in pain Stupid I know, but it is the internet that I'm trusting here after all. Someone slap me please What a leap of faith we all make when we go out of country.

Rosie gave me some more great advice which has saved me a lot of $$$. She suggested checking on what tests I need before surgery and having them done here at home for free. So I am sending down EKGs and blood work results next week. Thanks Rosie!!! New MRI and Xrays are already done too.

Our Visa applications are finally in and will be back two days before we leave, next Saturday, the 13th. We are back on April 2, Good Friday. And two of my highschool friends will be with us for the last ten days. It will make it so much nicer for hubby to have company, and spell him off at times. They are extremely easy going, and will roll with the punches with whatever comes with my recovery.

Cindylou, hubby will expect me to be able to motor about and play tourist right after surgery too I think, from the way he is talking. I can send him off with my girlfriend's hubby...takes the pressure off! I sure know what you mean by that

Runagain, I didn't realize that Sao Paulo is the next Olympic city! We just finished off this year's winter games here in Vancouver, and I didn't miss much of it on TV. The gold medal men's hockey game against the US was a real nail biter, and the winning goal for us was by Sid the Kid, who used to live down the road from us in Nova Scotia...that made it extra special. But I digress again

And Cindylou, I am just like that too...I am probably going to be bringing a stuffed bunny with me that I got for Christmas one year

OK, time to crash. We've been running around the city for two days, trying to tie up loose ends, and I'm pooped! Think I'm going to grab a few Zzzz's, then get back at it this afternoon. Thanks for all the suggestions...they are truly priceless.

[KBear]

Katie- Let's see if my brain can remember everything I want to say..... doubtful; but I'll try.
On the bandages, I bought all of them at a medical store near me and took them with me. My surgeon used some kinda glue, like a super glue over the incision and I didn't end up needing them, so I returned them (they were un-opened of course). I would still take them, just in case. I think a few other people had the same glue stuff too. I could shower, bathe, whatever with it, no blood oozing or anything like that, was real conveinent.... though it took forever to all come off. But when it did, it was healed completely.

I borrowed my step-dad's walker from his hip replacement and took it with me. Turns out, at check in, they saw it and even though I was checking it, I got to go on as handicapped. Which meant I got to board first and got a wheelchair, got pushed by one of their people and got to go through a quicker security line. I would definitely take advantage of that. Even though we are not what alot of people would call handicapped, we are indeed handicapped. Unable to walk, sit or stand for a long time, pain, etc. You could rent a wheelchair in Canda and take it with you, may be a pain in the a$$ but it would assure you had one.

My experience is kind of opposite of what everyone else had. Like you, I have pain management issues.... drugs just don't work that well on me. I prayed to die the first 2 days in the hospital, felt horrid... don't even think I ate or drank. But, I felt better getting out of there and back to the hotel. I napped a ton; but enjoyed my little 'outings'. Each day was better than the last and at the week mark, I felt alot better. Granted I only had 1 level, so I have no idea on multiple levels. I would demand/beg/plead for the epidural for pain relief. I didn't have that and had no idea about it and wished I would have had one. I think my hospital days would have been a lot better. I flat out refused to walk the first day.... which is totally unlike me, I'm a very compliant person; but I was in sooo much pain I couldn't do it. I think the epidural would have changed that and saved me a lot of heartache. Highly reccomend trying to get one of those, especially with your pain issues. I would also make sure to talk to the anesthiologist and whoever will be handling your pain post op and stress your issues.

It's really happening!!! I'm so happy for you, it's been a long time coming!
Kathy