Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Health Issues

It's inevitable that if you live long enough, you will have health problems to contend with.  That is the reward for living a long and productive life!  Mike says that we take such good care of ourselves in our younger years so that we can live to a ripe old age.  However, the "ripe old age" more than often than not is fraught with medical procedures and continued health problems.  I told Mike that this is what "growing old together" is all about.  It looks like we're at that stage of life now.  I'm glad that I'm still in good health so I can take care of him.

Mike has had back issues for quite a long time.  He had major back surgery due to spinal stenosis in February of 2010.  The surgery was very successful, allowing Mike to walk without any pain.  But since last December, he's been having intermittent back pain.  Now it has become constant.  An MRI shows a herniated disc in L2/L3 which is causing terrible pain and weakness in his left leg.  The doctors here indicated that Mike should go back to his doctor in Tucson to do the surgery required for this new back condition.  I'm hoping that he'll be able to regain the strength in and use of his left leg.

On top of all of this, he had to have emergency surgery on Easter Sunday to remove his gallbladder.  The arthroscopic surgery was performed by Dr. Serrano at Monte Sinai Hospital, and he has recovered fully from that surgery.  But this has delayed us getting to Tucson to see his back doctor.

We are scheduled to fly back to Tucson on Tuesday, May 10th.  Mike will be seeing his spine doctor in Tucson on May 12th.  Hopefully surgery can be performed soon so Mike can be on the road to recovery.

We want to thank all of our friends here in Cuenca for their concern and kindness during this ordeal, and also to thank our friends in Tucson for helping us transition back to the States for several months.

Will try to provide updates on a regular basis.

3 comments:

  1. Got your backs (covered in prayer). Praying for a direct flight in first class; nothing but the best for our friends! Hugs!

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  2. Mike & Patty, sorry to hear about Mike's health problems. I have had long term low back problems for years, but have been lucky enough to correct it through chiropractic adjustments and exercise. Or at least make it tolerable.

    Sorry that we will not be seeing you for a while. We returned to Cuenca last Friday and were looking forward to seeing you two again. Please let us know when you get back.

    Prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery. Sue

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  3. Connie & Mark,
    Thank you for your prayers. Will keep you updated regarding surgery schedule.

    Sue & Pat,
    Glad you guys have made it safely to Cuenca and are now officially retired. We'll keep in touch and let you know how Mike is doing.

    Patty

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