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