Halloween

Took the kids out trick or treating this evening.  Basically sat in the van most of the time, enjoyed getting out and watching the kids.  Our final destination was McDonalds for a healthy supper to top off all the candy.  As soon as I stepped out of the van, I was in extreme pain.  I don't think I pulled anything, I think it was just being in the sitting position for over a half an hour.  I felt bad but rushed everyone through their meals and rushed home to my heating blanket and ice pack- I know interesting mix.  Struggling with the idea of when to return to work.  Mike is very supportive in taking my time but the paychecks are soon going to be running out.  German doc recommends 12 weeks which I hate to say is not going to be even close to realistic for me.  My US doc is really looking for my feelings on when to go back.  Not sure what the right answer is.  We invested ALOT of money into this back and are planning on protecting our investment the best we can.  The hard part is being bored out of my mind and that there are a few things that are starting to pop up at work that I need to be part of.  I hope they can be put off a few more weeks.  My legs continue to bother me the most.  They ache almost constantly.  I know this is nerve pain and will eventually subside, just wish it would hurry.  PT went awesome this week as well, starting to become an expert at stair climbing!  It's amazing the things you have to relearn.  I am starting to run out of my German medications and switching the what the comparable formulas are here in the states.  Hopefully I wouldn't notice any side effects or changes in what they were needed for.  I really enjoy my physician here, she is very good and listening to my opinion and taking into consideration.  I think people around here are getting tired of listening to my stories of Germany.  I think I need to travel more as I enjoyed my trip over their so much, even with the pain.......................................................

sunday oct 24th

Well,  another long week behind me.  I have survivied a birthday, new aches and pains, and my first PT appointment.  It was quite interesting.  The PT woman had never even heard of my surgery so I provided her with lots of info including what Germany had sent with.  She asked for a couple of days to review before coming up with a plan of action.   I said that was fine, I really wasn't feeling like exercising anyways.  I have started to have a lot of pain in my hips and legs.  After speaking with a woman in Fargo who had this surgery, sounds like this is normal.  Sounds like recovery could easily be a 2-3 month period of aches and pains.  Mike has been taking the kids to ND for the weekends to give me a break, it does help but I get quite lonely.  I will try to blog at least once or twice weekly until all is well.  Mike has been great through all of this.  Hopefully I will feel better by January and make it up to him for his 40th.  I finally developed my pictures and was very disappointed ina how few we took.  I guess we were so caught up in the surgery and everything else, but thanks to Marc for saving us on the Straubing pics.  Thanks again for all your support.  If you have ANYONE who is having back problems, encourage them to get a referral to see Dr. Alex Mendez in St. Paul as he is the best surgeon I have ever met.  He is very honest and will keep YOUR best interest in mind.  He is the one who recomended I look into europe for the ADR's.  I called to leave a thank you message along with an update and he called me back in person to ask who I went to and how it was.  He also offered to be available for any follow-up.  This was a wonderful experience once I met this doctor.  Well, going to try and get comfortable and go to bed.  Take care and thanks for following.
Love, Jodi

saturday

Well, I know it has been some time since I have blogged- but not alot has happened.  I have spoken with 2 more people from around ND and MN who have gone to Germany and discussed symptoms, etc.  The main thing we are all focused on is trying to find ways to get our insurances to help cover some of the costs of the surgeries.  I spoke with one person who sold their farmstead to cover the costs.  Why should that have to happen??????  I  pray everyday that we all stay healthy and maintain our jobs because we could so easily be in that situation in something else popped up.  It's hard to make that decision between debt and your health, even when it is not life threatening.  The thought of being in a wheelchair before retiring is what pushed me over the edge.  I want to be a healthy grandma who can get done on the groud and color with the grandkids when I am 96 just like my grandma did.  I want to travel and not be a burdon on my husband.  Their were just so many things that made us decide to take on this debt and pray the surgery would work- which it did!  I am currently working with my primary doctor who is trying to decrease my pain meds.  The doctors in Germany are not in agreement with this decision, but I am in the states now and have to work with where I am.  My doctor here is wonderful and I'm sure she will do what is in my best interest.  I do know that on Monday where are going to have to make a little med change- I couldn't hardly get out of the chair yesterday.  And yesterday morning, I woke in such pain I was worried I wouldn't be able to get out of bed.  Luckily, today has been a little better.  Mike took the kids back to ND so it is my first weekend alone.  Lots of frozen meals and the mail is piling up as I can't go down the stairs.  I was able to get dressed other than my socks so that was quite an accomplishment I was proud of.  Well, I thank you all for being so caring and praying for us.  This first 6 weeks is the do or die time.  I take an x-ray after 6 weeks to make sure that my bone grew into the discs to secure them in place.  If not, the surgery is unsuccessful and I will require to have the levels fused.  Please continue to pray.  I am trying my hardest to follow the rules of no bending, twisting, driving, stairs, pulling, lifting and everything else besides breathing for the next six weeks.  Wish me luck- I think I am going to call the cable company on Monday and order the movie channels for the month! 

monday

Well, obviously we have made it home.  What a rush.  The kids were all happy we were home, their first loving words of "what did you bring me" still ring through my ears.  The plane ride home was horrible as expected.  I had a miserable time trying to keep comfortable, even with the extra pain meds.  Amsterdam airport required us to walk down the steps of the airplane, instead of the terminal.  I was given the choice between the bumpy wheelchair device or basically being carried by mike and some other guy.  I chose the two guys which was still extremely painful.  Any movement on my spine, whether it be sideways or up and down is very painful at this time.  Well anyway, we survived the stairs and got ready for the long flight to Minneapolis.  I did fall asleep for a short period, but then so did my legs.  Mike had to walk me to the bathroom several times and watched me close as I was pretty out of it.  I think our neighbors thought I was drunk!  We finally landed in Minneapolis and received our wheelchair.  We then had to go through customs AGAIN.  This time Mike was not allowed to help me as he might hand me some form of contraband.  So, there I am, struggling trying to take off my shoes and finding unique ways to pick up my passport that I had dropped on the ground.  Mike tried to reach for it and they stopped him.  After finally being felt up and listening to my new "back" set off the alarms, we made it through customs.  Then we had to collect our bags and drag them back to the drop off point, all this while trying to manuever the wheelchair they gave us that is unable to be self propelled.  After dropping off all the luggage and surviving customs, we realized our gate was about 4 miles away and we had about 15 minutes to get there.  Mike literally ran pushing the wheelchair and then realized we had a set of escalators to manage.  We decided it was in our best interest to dump the wheelchair and try walking.  Long story short, we were the last ones boarded on the flight.  I was upset as we were going to change our clothes before meeting the family and ran out of time.  Luckily, we had enough time on the flight.  We both changed into our traditional bavarian outfits that we purchased in Straubing- no Mike refused to buy the leather pants but did buy the shirt.  It was great to see our friends and family as we got off the airplane.  It was been a really long and busy week so far and feel bad that i have not updated the blog in such a while.  I am healing slowly, still some problems with swelling and alot of pain in the incision site.  Mike continues to give me heparin shots nightly, which kaleb is trying to convince me into letting him do.  I am actually thinking about letting him!  I have had a few contacts with the doctors from Germany, is always nice to know they are still thinking about me.  It is really hard to take it easy.  I am not supposed to bend, twist, lift or do stairs.  Thank gosh I DVR'd People's Court while I was gone.  Well, take care.  I will try to update more often.  Please feel free to send comments.  Now that I am home alone, I am so bored.  Thanks for all the support while we took this adventure.  I truly believe this is a much better choice for anyone who is considering a fusion, whether it be neck or back.  Feel free to pass my name or number to anyone you  know who is going through the same thing.  Thanks again for all the prayers and thoughts.  It feels so good to know people are thinking about you........................................................

Wednesday Morning

Well we're packed and ready to go.  I don't know how we got everything in the suitcases, we seemed to collect a few things while we were here.  Good thing we're not staying any longer or we'd have to purchase another suitcase.
Goodbye Germany,
Mike

Fighting Sioux in Germany

Well I had to blog this before I went to bed because I'm just buzzing.  I was lucky to get a VIP ticket to the Straubing "Tigers" game tonight which also included free beer.  A pretty good start.  The game wasn't going to well until late in the 3rd period Lee Goren assisted on the tying goal with 3 minutes left in the game.  Then he scored the winning goal in overtime.  While he was being interviewed on the ice, I walked over to where the players walk to the dressing room.  He saw my UND shirt and smiled and pointed to me.  Then Goran and Billy Trew (who didn't play because of injury) came over to talk to me.  It was a real treat to be able to talk to the two ex-Sioux hockey players.  I was told Billy is the big star on the team and was also on the German national team.  It was just fate how the tickets landed in my lap, but its a long story.  It's late and I need to get some rest before our early morning and long trip home.  I can't wait to get back!!!
Mike

tuesday evening

Well, we have made it to our final evening.  It's hard to believe but the trip actually went pretty fast.  For all the planning and  mainly all the anxiety- it just flew by.  We went back to the hospital in Bogen this morning for our final postop check.  Once again, I got to get naked other than my ted hose with everyone around and take some x-rays- apparently Germans aren't quite as modest but then again, I can about imagine what they had to look at!  We visited with the surgeon afterward and she said the discs are in "perfect" place.  Can you believe it.  Finally someone is calling my  back perfect for a good reason!  She said everything looks great and I am healing well.  I continue to have alot of swelling in my feet, legs, thighs and stomach.  I have a large hematoma on my back and under the incision on my stomach which helps give the swelling a little more "odd" shape.  She said this is normal for some and will heal with time.  Mike continues to give me heparin shots every night and hopefully we can stop on Thursday after talking with our doctor in Grand Forks.  We also discussed what doseages of pain meds we can safely take tomorrow.  She OK'd me to increase them by quite a bit. I do believe the flight will go well for me, I'm not sure about Mike.  I have been known to get a little confused at night when I take a little extra pain med. We did get wheelchair assistance again as I tend to have a hard time walking long distances and tend to be extremely stiff after sitting for too long.  Oh well, one thing is for sure.  There will be little to no pain meds after 3pm as I WILL recognize my children and be the mom they remember.  I am tearing up now thinking of the smiles on their faces.  This trip has been way too long but thank GOD it was worth it.  I have no reason to believe that everything shouldn't be back to as normal as possible.  I regained a little feeling in the bottom of my foot- didn't really care but yeah!  All I wanted from this trip was to regain the ability to work and play with my children with at least 50% less pain.  I KNOW I have met at least that right know at this moment.  In reality, I will probably always have some sort of lasting pain or minor disability- but nothing like it was.  I will let my voice be heard on the benefits of this surgery and the BS that we are not allowed to have this option covered in the states when I return home.  I will now be in debt for many, many years because the only option my insurance could offer was to fuse me enough times to become a disability applicant, or take enough narcotics to care less who or what I was.  I thank the lord every day for providing me the contact info to Dr. Bertignoli and his staff and the care we have been shown here.  We had everything set up for us from the airport right down to hotels with discounts near shopping and historical areas within walking distance.  I do have one regret- I was unable to see the sights that were on my list.  I had 3 places that I have always wanted to see, but due to my post surgical condition- we decided to stay around here.  There is always the next time we come- right kids and dad!  Oh, I forget to tell everyone that Abby informed us that we HAVE to come home tomorrow because she is just so "sick of the grandmas".  Oh, do I love my daughter, she takes after Mike so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And as for my loving husband.  He started rambling with the pharmacist while filling my prescription and started talking about some German hockey player that used to play at UND that he knew.  I think his name was trew or something, anyway, the pharmacist was good friends with the publicist for the hockey team and gave him a call.  Somehow, Mike ended up with free VIP tickets to the hockey game tonight- he didn't even ask my opinion- as if it would have mattered! Last night in Germany and I am watching reruns of the office alone in the hotel room while he is at the hockey game.  For those of you who know us well- we are actually doing our favorite things!  I am so happy he received this opportunity to go. We have truly been blessed with surprise opportunities with this whole trip.  My husband has done nothing but stand by my side and cater to my every wish for the last 15 days- I hope he gets to meet this guy in person and shake his hand.  I only wish I was there to tell this hockey player how honored HE should be to be shaking my husband's hand.  Catch you all tomorrow.  Fargo at 6:33pm- The Flaagan's are coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday morning

Hello, I have been up quite a bit again this evening.  I get a strange pain in my leg that wakes me up and  always scares me.  The patient side of me is always jumping to conclusions while the nurse side is busy calming me down.  I have a recheck on tuesday and my fear is that they are going to find a reason to run more tests or keep me longer.  Either way - more money. I have another PT appt tomorrow to help drian some of the tissues again.  Would be nice to wear regular socks again. I know it's my health but there is a point when it does come down to the money.  Don't get me wrong, this trip was well worth it.  Would just like to catch a break here and there.  I am so terribly homesick for my kids.  It's almost to the point where I'm happy to miss them on Skype as I get into such a down mood after hearing Ryan ask me when I'm coming home, or Abby with her countdown, or just the tone of Kaleb's voice.  I want to be well enough to run to them at the airport and pick them up and tell them I will never again ask them not to sit on mommy's lap.  That's really when I knew the money was not an option, there is nothing more heatbreaking then telling your child she/he can not sit on your lap after they've had a bad day because you back hurts.  It has been over 1 1/2 years of that excuse and it needs to end.  I am sorry, just having a bad night and feeling sorry for myself.  I guess I know deep down that this surgery was my last chance, and every small setback or pain reminds me there is no other recourse.  On a brighter note!!!!!! My left leg (nerve) pain is completely gone.  This was the one thing they couldn't promise me that could be fixed due to possible nerve damage, so really, I should have no reason to believe the rest wouldn't get better with time.  Like I said, just up to late, tired, and felling sorry for myself.  Nothing on TV but naked women- not sure what they are trying to sell but I think they want you to call them.  Wish they'd put some damn clothes on!  Had a great night last evening with my husband.  Enjoyed a very peaceful anniversary, until I came back to the hotel and fell asleep.  We did have a glass of champagne first though- thanks Marc! 3 days and counting-  make some chocolate Christine, I am going to be going through vanilla ice cream withdrawell!  Airplane trip is a long one.  We leave Munich around 10:30am and get to Fargo around 6:33pm -   don't forget the 7 hour time differnece!  See you all soom thanks for commenting

Sunday

Happy 12th anniversary to us.  I made good with my promise to Jodi and tried on some leather pants.  They tried to get me to try on the Laderhosen (spelling???) but no amount of euros could get me in them.  She tried on a bavarian dress and looked great.  All she needed was two large mugs of beer in each hand and she would have been the perfect beer wench.  We went out for supper at a nice restaurant and then finished it off with some ice cream.  We are getting to be regulars at the ice cream shop and soon when Jodi walks in they will be yelling JODI!!!  She even took a picture with the guy that usually serves her.  We are counting the days to our flight home.  Our trip here has been successful and exciting but we are missing our home and family.

Saturday evening

Today Mike and I decided to take a little trip back to the Bogen klinic (hospital).  My swelling continues to worsen and was making us a both a little nervous.  The doctors insisted we call if we had any questions once we left.  The doctor that examined me was a different doctor from those I've seen.  He did know my history and one of my nurses was with him as well.  He was a bit concerned that I could have an emboli in my left leg.  BRIAN- there were absolutely no clinical findings and I am past their "critical" time period for this hazard.  However, he felt there was significant swelling and worth an ultrasound of my vessels.  He also wanted to do a CT of my belly as I had significant swelling on the one side there as well.  Fortunately, the nurse contacted one my surgeons and asked the doctor on call to speak with her.  She told him that this leg has been my weaker leg since day one and that I have shown signs of more weakness since before surgery.  She also stated that the worse my swelling was, the weaker that leg became.  She also told him that I was a nurse and well aware of different symptoms and when to seek help.  Also, that being a self paying American- he should not run exams to "rule out" what there are no clinical findings of.  He came back into my room and explained all of this to me.  I kind of smiled when I found out who he talked to bacause it was one of my favorite doctors.  She told him to explain who the surgery effects the lymphatic system which in turn is what drains your tissues.  She encouraged me to continue going to the PT sessions where they massage my feet and legs to encourage the drainage- which Mike is apparently no longer to do as he is not trained.  He is still allowed to massage my feet though!  The new doctor wanted to increase my pain med and ibuprofen and encouraged me to walk more.  My previous surgeon rented me a wheelcahir to take with me to sit when tired and the seats tend to be easier on your back than a dining chair.  It also helps me up/down  hill as that is one task that is very hard for me at this point in time.  We have decided to follow our surgeon's advice, continue to take it easy and enjoy germany.  When it swells too much, lie down and take a nap.  I am not going to increase my pain meds as I am a walking zombie now.  Mike said it makes him nervous when I walk alone as I am unsteady on my feet, plus my surgeon felt I was on enough.  I have PRN if needed.  I think I will increase my ibuprofen though.  On another note- our computer sucks in this hotel.  We have a really hard time with the internet so please apoligize the lack of communication.  Only four more days till we come home.  I bought Abby a traditional bavarian dress in honor of our German heritiage and the 200th year celebration of Oktoberfest.  Kaleb and Ryan are getting beer!  (not sure yet)  Tomorrow marks our 12th wedding anniversary.  Hopefully I can suck the swelling into my dress and slip my heels on with my tan colored TED hose for 1 picture before needing to change.  Mike promised to try on a pair of leather pants tomorrow- can't wait!!!!!

Regensburg

Jodi's friend Marc gave us a ride to Regensburg, which is an old city that was an important trade city after the Romans built a stone bridge across the Danube.  We walked across the old bridge and also saw St. Peters Cathedral.  The Cathedral was by far the most impressive site that we've seen.  It was originally built around 700 AD and rebuilt several times, but the gothic architecture was amazing.  We had a good time seeing the city and doing some shopping.

We had a great time visiting with Marc and his wife.  He took us out for supper last night and we had some authentice German food.  I had some sort of wheat beer that was very good.  The food was good but it didn't go without any snags.  Marc's wife, by accident, ordered a soup made out of calf lung.  She actually tried it but was unimpressed.  Jodi shared some of her schnizel and fries with her.  Jodi will probably add some more to the blog later but right now she is resting.
Mike

Friday Morning

Sorry for not adding more blogs.  I've had trouble with the internet connection at the new hotel in Straubing.  Jodi's friend Marc and his family came to Straubing yesturday and visited with us.  He is going to take us to Regensburg today so we can see more scenery.  We will blog more details over the last two days later today.  We are leaving soon.  Jodi's swelling has increased and we are watching it closely.  We think its because of the additional activity verses being in the hospital.
Later,
Mike

thursday morning

Well, my first night out of the hospital went well.  I conked out by 9pm and Mike said I slept hard until 5am.  I guess I even snored.  I do know I hurt like heck when I woke up and screamed for him to come help me.  The bed is a little lower and and I don't have a side rail to grab onto so we sill make have to come up with plan B for getting myself out of bed.  We went out for lunch and had what can only be explained as a sausage cut in half, laid out on some sort of hard roll and covered with mozzerella cheese.  Then left out to cool off and hard a bit.  And yes, we actually picked it out to eat it.  It tasted awesome! I have know clue what it was called but we shared it so wel could go next door and get some ice cream.  I had vanilla- it was to die for.  Now, I not to sure if the food is really that great or if it's the lack of flavor and texture I have suffered through in the past week.  My back/leg and stomach are really killing me.  Everything requires walking and my body is still working on getting back into shape.  I am taking it slowly, but my wheelchair is not coming until today so this requires a little more walking then we all wanted.  My stomach has really been swollen so the PT worked on that area today as well.  I am having lymph....something where they massage the swelling from your tissues.  Feels good for the most part.  The physician wanted me to have it done and setup the appts.  Unfortunately, now that I am no longer in-patient, the charges are out-of pocket.  We are trying not to cut corners but there has to be a limit.  I did cancel tomorrows appt and will keep monday and possibly tuesdays since that's when we leave.  I asked enough questions so maybe Mike can do a partial job, he seems to do everything else.  Look forward to visiting with Marc today.  I need him to take us to the shops around this area and translate all the damn sayings!  Can you believe they have special beer glasses/mugs for each TYPE of beer?! Crazy.  And for all you WIC ladies- the only milk I can find is 3 1/2%, figure that one out!  Nobody drinks milk around here, near impossible to find.  Talk to you soon.
Thanks for looking in on us again.
Love,
Jodi

wednesday

Well, this blog kind of counts for the morning and last two evenings.  Life has been busy here.  The big decision of whether or not to leave the hospital was upon us.  We decided to see how the night went and make our decision in the morning,  The doctors are very supportive in you leaving when you are ready, I even had the option to remain at the hospital until my flight left for the States!  I slept absolutely horrible last night, completely nerves.  I was so anxious on whether or not I was ready to care for myself again, and felt the guilt of poor Mike who has done nothing but sit in the hospital wsiting for me to get better.  Don't get me wrong, he has not complained or said anything, but as the patient- you have lots of time to see who is not getting to do anything but sit in the uncomfortable chair and watch you answer the questions.  After a long night of no sleep, I got up and took my first shower all by myself!!! I of course needed help getting dressed but had the nursing assists. help me get the suitcases on the bed.  I was dressed with makeup, hair combed with gel, and everything packed by 6am.  I then decided I was tired and went to bed.  Mike arrvied around 8am and the doctors started coming in around around 9am.  We said we thought we'd like to try and leave, and they had all of our arrangements made by 10am. The coolest thing about the whole day may sound little but meant the world to me.  I have been craving peaches all week and they have limited my sugar, so no peaches.  When Mike and Mr. Hoch picked me up at the hospital, Mike had gone to the store and purchased me two beautiful peaches.  It just made my day- I love him so!   Mr. Hoch was at the hotel at 10 to get Mike and the hospital at 10:30 to  get me.  The hospital staff made us hotel reservations, wheelchair rentals, PT (massage therapy) appointments and all the arrangements for our medications to be filled at a pharmacy 1 block from our hotel.  There was NOTHING we had to do other than pack our staff.  I gave several doctors and nurses hugs along with a few tears as I truly feel they gave me back my life.  tHey were such a strong part of our "family" while we stayed there that it was hard to feel scared.  One nurse even brought us treats to bring home to our family- I mean eat on the plane?!  It was such a strange feeling walking out of the building for the last time as I remember last Tuesday being scared to open the door and get out, and today being scared to open the door and get in.  This was truly one of the best decisions we ever made.  Sometimes it's OK to give it a "shot in the dark".  I truly believe I had angels watching over me and several nurses who prayed with me us well. 
We now have a week to "heal" and spend time with each other.  The hotel is equipped with a hospital bed and I have my own wheelchair.  We are located right in the middle of the "Marketplace" so a shopping I must go.  The only downfall, I can not do stairs.  Even 1-3 are very difficult so I have to go by Mike's opinions if there is anything good in the store.  We are right next to an authentic German dress maker who has all the leiderhosen and dresses for Oktoberfest.  They are absolutley beautiful but expensive.  If I can get down there when Mike is not looking, Abby is going to get a princess dress.
I feel confident we will do well here.  Mike was trained to do my heperin shots so he is officially my home health nurse.  I plan on sending the state a bill when we arrtive home as he does shots, bed baths, help getting to the toilet and dressing.  Surprisingly I don't think he minds doing too much of it.  We went our for pizza this evening.  It was the best pizza I have ever had.  Granted, I have had nothing but pureed foods for the past week, oatmeal probably would have tasted outstanding.  Looking forward to tomorrow as an old friend of mine is meeting us and I think staying the night in the hotel.  Hope I get a good night's sleep so I can actually have a little stamina tomorrow!  Love you all and thanks so much for the comments.  It is so nice to see people are concerned.  We are trying to eat at restuarents where we can get enough leftovers for the enxt meal.  2 for 1 right?!  Anything to save money.  My medication bill came to over $600.  I kept the receipts in hopes  that we can fight with the insurance company a little- unlikely but worth a try.
Love you all,
Jodi

Tuesday

This morning a cat came to our window to visit which put a smile on Jodi's face.  We had some leftover leberwurst which he loved.  It sounds like the cat is well known to the hospital.  I gave Jodi a ride in a wheel chair to downtown Bogen today (4 blocks) to see how she does.  She walked around a couple of shops and we had coffee.  She did pretty good but did get tired after a little while.  She is still nervous about leaving the hospital tomorrow, so she may stay one more day.  The doctor gave her a copy of her xray showing her artificial disks, really neat.  The doctor said she is physically ready to go tomorrow if she wants.  She is still stiff and sore, so we will see how she feels tomorrow.

monday evening

Today has been a bit longer of a day.  The muscle spasms tend to get the best of me at times.  I tried a few of Mike's french fries- wouldn't be doing that again! enough said--  I officially received my english menu so will have my first "real" breakfast tomorrow morning.  I have been on pureed and mostly liquids with no sugar for the last week.  The doctor reluctantly allowed me to have a small glass of st. coke as I have been missing it so.  They all warned me about the effects of pop on bone healing and that less is better.  For some reason the pop tasted horrible.  I guess I decided the investment we put into this back (pain and most importantly financial) is not worth risking failure over a can of pop.  I needed help getting out of bed 2 times last night which was disappointing as I have been doing so well lately.  Mike and I also went out for a walk this evening.  I couldn't even make the whole block without needing the wheelchair.  This was extremely disappointing as we are hoping to leave on Wednesday.  I don't know what good it does for us to get discharged and pay to sit in a hotel bed versus staying in the hospital where it is already paid for.  I am also concerned that Mike will not be able to leave me alone, at least here someone can help me up if I'm stuck in bed.  This gives Mike the opportunity to go out and walk around town a little while I'm with the "babysitter".  So many questions that I never thought would ever cross my mind.  It is quite scary to be 34 years old and fear being by yourself in case you can't sit up to get yourself to the bathroom or get a pain pill.  Mike has been excellent and agrees with the doctors that I need to be able to completly care for myself before we leave.  I just don't want to spend our entire vacation in the hospital.  I have not even seen the town yet.  We literally came straight to the hospital from the airport.  I know, kind of feeling sorry for myself today.  Every now and then a person is allowed to have thier own pity party right?  Have not slept to well today and was hoping to have gained a few more baby steps.  At least I didn't try translating any words today?...........................
Thanks for the comments, I really do enjoy reading them.  It picks up our spirits to see that people care.  My kids still seem happy but I worry about my cat- I have several suspects if she is not there when I get home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday

It's a nice fall day today (partly sunny and warm).  The doctor was in this morning to visit with Jodi.  Jodi asked if she could have a little diet coke which the doctor approved as long as it was only a small glass.  Jodi was happy to try it, but it didn't taste as good as she remembered (probably not a bad thing).  The PT gave her a foot massage which she really enjoyed.  She can't lay on her stomach so a full massage is out of the question for now.  She stood next to me and I think she may have grown a couple of inches but I am still taller.  We thought she may have been taller yet after surgery but the doctors said that she had good spacing still between her vertibre.  Others that have the surgery may not have any spacing (bone on bone) and tend to get taller with the procedure.  They brought her a menu in english to choose her next meals, so she is no longer stuck to the pureed meals.  A woman from the Pro Spine office was over this morning to make sure things are going good for us.  She is going to contact the hotel in Straubing to make a reservation and a driver as well.

Sontag Nacht

A lot of the same today.  Jodi is still dealing with a sore belly and muscle spasms in her back, all of which is expected.  She sure misses her diet dew or coke and food that doesn't come out of a tube.  She is on a light diet which consists of leberwurst, soup, mashed potatoes, carrots, gound turkey patty, bread and some desserts.  I think she would love to have a cheeseburger.  After talking to one of the doctors this morning, it sounds like she will be staying in the hospital until at least Wednesday, which sounds good to us.  They say that she can stay longer if she doesn't feel confortable to go on her own.  What a switch from our system.  She is still pretty sore so this sounded good to us since we don't want her to over do it.  She is still able to leave the hospital whenever she wants just as long as she checks out so they know where she will be.  We went for a little walk outside the main entrance tonight and when we walked back in we talked about how nervous she was the first time she walked through those doors.  Wow, what a difference a few days has made.  The anesthesiologist also came to her room this evening to visit.  We had a long talk about healthcare differences, cultural differences, families, etc.  This is turning out to be a most memorable trip not only for Jodi's behalf but for me also.
Later,
Mike

Sonntagmorgen

Slept a little better last night after a change in medication.  I woke up in the middle of the night to a real bad muscle spasm which made me jump and tore open my drain wound.  After a couple of dressing changes the bleeding finally stopped, being on heparin probably doesn't help.  I did get a three hour stretch of uninterupted sleep which felt really good.  I continue to have muscle spasms and weakness in the left leg which the doctors assured me will improve with time.  I still haven't been allowed to take a shower, so I bribed Mike into washing my hair and giving me a bed bath.  For being an engineer he has mastered catheter care and bed baths, I think he chose the wrong profession.  I'm not sure if he'd pass the CNA test yet, but he follows direction well.  Its been cloudy and colder so we haven't been out on the deck much.  Mike handed a bag of laundry to the cleaning lady back at the hotel.  Hopefully we will have a clean bag of clothing soon unless she just throws it in the garbage.  I'm dying for a diet coke but I'm not allowed to have carbonated drinks.  They even asked me to quit eating Mike's apple because it would be to tough on my stomach.  One of the surgeons was in today and recommends we remain here until atleast Wednesday.  I don't feel like leaving right now anyways as I can't walk much further than down the hallway.  This is my first official day of no tubes and loving every minute of it.  Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.  We will talk again soon.  We love hearing the comments from everyone, its nice to know that our friends are thinking of us.
Love,
Jodi (Mike)

Saturday Evening

Jodi had a fair day today.  She was having muscle spasms in her back which were bothering her all day.  One of the doctors said it was normal because her muscles are reacting to the the procedure (she called it the chiseling and sawing during the surgery).  She's also been starting to eat regular food that I think is causing an upset stomach for her.  Her intestines need to get straightened out as well after the surgery.  Hopefully this all will pass.  She is feeling positive that her pain and numbness in her legs and feet are gone.

Saturday Morning

Hello friends and family.  I've made it to Saturday morning.  I must admit the surgery was more than I had hoped for but what I had expected.  I had feared the pain similar to the previous surgery but hoped that would not be the case.  This was unrealistic due to the significance of the procedure.  I questioned myself several times Thursday if I had made the right decision but like everything else in life every day gets a little easier.  The doctors and nurses have been good despite some language barriers.  We have a beautiful room with a lovely view but the sun went away today and we are getting rain.  We've had many people recommend places to visit.  The hardest part is seeing and hearing kids which makes me miss mine even more.  Thank goodness for skype.  It did bring tears to my eyes yesturday when Ryan asked when mommy was coming home.  Mike has been outstanding and pretends not to be bored off his ass sitting in my room.  At least he has another empty bed that he can nap on even though he snores.  I look forward to feeling well enough to start venturing out as Mike says the town is very serene.  The time difference is hard to get used to.  Whenever we want to talk to someone it is usually in the middle of the night back home.  I am not sure when I will get out of the hospital, its not like the US where they try to get you out as soon as possible.  They actually want you to stay until you can fully care for yourself.  We've had a couple of nurses that have absolutely no clue what we are saying, so we are getting good at charades.  What would your action be to ask to go to the restroom.....
Love you all, thanks for the posts,
Jodi  (dictation by Mike)

Friday Evening

Its Friday evening now and Jodi is going to try and get some rest.  She had a good day today.  She was able to take a few walks down the hall and several to the bathroom.  She is fortunate to have a balcony attached to her room.  We can step outside to take advantage of the beutiful weather we are having.  She no longer has IV's and has been eating a little today.  She no longer has pain down her leg which is what we were hoping out of the surgery and hopefully in time the pain in her back will disappear.  It's nice to hear the comments from everyone.
Mike

Friday Morning

Its Friday morning and Jodi was able to get some rest last night after a long day of not getting any rest and being very uncomfortable.  I think the nurses were having trouble with the machine that administered the pain killler and later just took it away.  We explained to them that she was in a lot of pain and could not rest, so we asked them to try the machine again.  The younger doctor showed up in the evening and he put her back on the medication.  She felt much better and was able to rest through the night.  Sorry for taking so long to update but it was a long evening and when we were able to rest we took it.  She is in better spirits today and looking much better.
Mike

Out of Surgery

It's 5:50 and I just received word that Jodi is out of surgery and it went well.  I haven't spoken to the doctor yet, but will go see Jodi in a 1/2 hour.

Forgot to Mention

Hello everyone,
I forgot to mention that I'm lucky they didn't do the surgery on me.  The first doctor we saw was a young gentleman originally from Czechoslavokia (a wild and crazy guy).  He was unfamilier with the name Jodi and since her name ended with i he assumed it was a male name because he was familier with Star Wars and the word Jedi.  So he started asking me the medical questions before we corrected him.  I can understand how he connected me with a Jedi, with all the wisdom I have.  Anyways, we had a good laugh.

There are several pizzerias just a couple blocks away so thats all I've been eating because its the only thing I know how to order right now.  I'm hoping for a brat and beer later.
Mike

hello

Hello to everyone.  I am about to go in for surgery.  Mike and I have been in quite a culture shock!  Things are so beautiful around us and today is such a gorgeous day.  What a waste to be having surgery and not outside.  Although, I think it is a sign that this is a new beginning of less pain.  We are trying our hardest to learn the basics and have finally learned the restroom sign.  I have met every doctor, nurse, pt and aide they have and had several other exams including another discography.  That was not fun but confirmed the reason we are here.  Mike is doing well.  The doctor walked him to the pizza place last night.  I'm afraid he may start smoking though as it seems everyone around here does.  We even have a balcony in our room and a large picture window showing a large retaining wall of flowers and plants.  Look forward to having this behind .and being able to enjoy our "vacation".  I miss my kids.   Please give them hugs if you see them.
Jodi

We would like to skype with our friends any time.  Please email Jodi's yahoo account (jflaaganrn@yahoo.com) and place a time that you would like to call.  I will try to be available at that time.  Keep in mind we are 7 hours ahead of you.
Mike

Morning before surgery

We are settled and Jodi has met with several of the doctors that will be taking care of her and will be meeting the surgeon at 11 am.  She will be going to surgery at around 2 pm.

3 days and counting!

Well, we continue with all of the planning for the trip.  I am gettting more and more nervous, mainly about leaving the kids.  We are still trying a few last avenues with insurance, which we are not getting very far.  Now they want to talk to the doctor to see what he's actually going to do BEFORE the surgery.  Nothing like leaving things to the last minute!  Doesn't matter, we will do this regardless if they will help- which we are 99% sure they aren't going to.  The kids are starting to understand that we are leaving and starting to get a little anxious as well.  This weekend is all about fun- and a little cleaning and packing!  We are going to do crafts and Abby and I are going to make puppy chow and eat it in bed!  My back and leg have been horrible and I continue to have nasty dreams.  Can't wait for this all to be over.  I did speak with someone from Valley City who had a much more involved surgery in Germany, she said she wished she would have done it sooner.  It was nice to hear a few more details from someone who had actually experienced it.  Apparently I can leave the hospital to go out for dinner, etc.  They actually encourage it!  And they encourage you to stay until you feel you can care for yourself.  Hope the food is good.  I wonder if they have cheeseburgers, fries and dt. coke/dt. dew.  That would make me very happy. 

hello

For those of you who haven't heard- Mike and I are heading off to Germany in 8 short days for me to have back surgery.  I had a large herniation of my L5S1 disk on 1-3-09 which required surgery.  I have continued to have lasting back and leg pain.  The pain radiates down my entire left leg into my toes.  I have no feeling in the majority of my left foot, and suffer from horrible leg cramps in that leg most nights.  My back pain has increased greatly in the past few months as well.  Over the last 20 months, I have tried several different options.  I started with physical therapy and traction which gave very minimal results.  I then was referred to the pain clinic and started a series of epidural injections.  These actually seemed to increase the pain for a few weeks instead of helping.  I have also gone through a procedure to try chemically "burning" the scar tissue from the previous surgery to help release the nerve.  None of these procedures have worked.  After much frustration and pain, I decided I needed to get another opinion.  This took me on a 3 doctor chase to get where I needed to go.  I finally found a neurosurgeon in the cities.  After reviewing my history, he agreed that the proper procedures had been followed and the surgery was indeed necessary.  He requested that I have a discogram to determine if the pain was disc or nerve related.  After having a positive discogram on 2 discs, he provided me with 2 options.  The first option was to have a 3 level fusion which would leave me with considerable loss of motion along with increased risk of further disc injury.  My other option would be to go to germany and have artificial disk replacement.  This technique is currently not covered by insurances and just starting to be practiced in the States.  Right now, the FDA has approved 1 level ADR's even though the insurance companies have not yet covered them.  I require 3.  I spoke with a few of the hospitals in the States who are doing the surgeries.  I was informed that they would probably not have FDA approval for cases like mine for at least 20 years.  My physician informed me that it was a good possibility that my back would "auto-fuse" in the next 5 years if I continued to go untreated.  He strongly encouraged me to look into germany due to my age and the fact that I have a young family.  He also remarked that I had no structural problems, it was exclusively my degenerative disc disease.  My most recent MRI showed considerable degeneration after 6 months.  I also have a small tear in one of the discs.  After much consideration, Mike and I feel this is in our best interest.  I want to regain my ability to play with my children and not be in pain after sitting for 1/2 hour.  There are no guarantees, but what other option is there?  I was desperate for relief and the money became less of a barrier as the pain worsened.  Please pray for our safe travel and a successful surgery.  I am terrified of the plane and the upcoming surgery.  Most importantly, I worry about being so far away from my children.  Also, please pray that my children are OK and don't eat their grandparents while we're gone!