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........................................................