Sunday, August 30, 2009
Welcome to my blog
After more than a year of many doctors appointments, the time has finally come for me to have surgery. I have been suffering from pain and nobody knew what it was. It held me back from doing a lot of things that I enjoyed to do. Such as playing sports, dancing hula and Tahitian, and other physical things. I can't walk for long distances or sit down for a long time because the pain would come back. When I found out I had scoliosis, it was a only minor curvature. As months went by, it became worst and worst. Right now, it is at a 48 degree curvature. Now I know that after tomorrow, my problems will hopefully be solved and I can start doing what I used to do. I am scared but I know the doctors at Kapiolani Hospital are the best in the state. I (or my dad) will be posting daily updates to this blog and you can email me at nicki_island_girl421@hotmail.com. I will see you all real soon. Thanks.
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Hi Nickey,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of your Aunty Sandy..I just wanna say, Hang in there girl! I know that it is much easier said than done, because I have had back surgery about 5 years ago so I know what it's like..I can relate to how afraid your are, don't let that fear get to you.
Always keep in mind that when it's all over you are gonna enjoy your life that you so much deserve. Of course you need to give yourself time to heal just don't do things to fast because the outside of your body feels great always remember that the inside of your body is what you have to take ease of.My prayers are with you and like I told your grandma..God is in control and God is our healer.God has his angels all around you to keep you close and safe just trust in Our Lord...I know times like this it's hard to focus, But you can do it!!
Again my prayers are with you and also I will be praying for a speedy recovery..
God Bless
Stel
HI Nickey,
ReplyDeleteI know you don't know me but my mom is a friend of your dads. You also had yearbook at CKMS with my sister Brandi Garma b4 she went to Kamehameha last year. My mom asked me to write something to you. My name is Kristen Garma and I had scoliosis surgery when I was your age. That was 4 years ago. I just graduated from Waimea High this past year and I went to Kauai High my freshmen year so I know your brother. I know you're scared. I most definitely was. Don't let anybody tell you "no worry" or try to convince you they know how you feel. They DON'T! Honestly, that pissed me off. I understood what I had, I saw the xray and even read about it. My back was in a complete S shape. I think my mom said I was at a 70% curvature. What they don't warn you about is after the surgery. Obviously, you don't know what's happening during the surgery. You will wake up in the Intensive Care Unit and you may be scared and you will be in pain. I remember crying and I was scared. Just re-focus and press that button for pain! They called my parents in soon after. Watching them look scared (and my mom crying) didn't help too but that's parents for you. LOL! I'm gonna run out of space soon so my advice to you is to take your time. Nurses are gonna force you to walk, do it at YOUR pace. Bring stuff to do in the hospital - 5 days is a long time! It will take your mind off of being there. Kapiolani has a "kids" room but at 14, you may feel too old for it - it was fun to visit though. Sometimes doesn't hurt to color and help the little kids there!
BUT most importantly - LET your parents serve you 24/7! That's the best part! LOL! Also, don't be afraid to tell the nurses what your pain level is really at. You need to be comfortable and they can't help you if you try to tough it out. Ask your parents for pillows and take a cruise around the hospital when you feel up to it. Also - looking a few months ahead - cover up your scar the first few times out in the sun because it darkens it a little. I will be honest and say it will suck for about 3-4 weeks after the surgery, but after that - GO FOR IT! You will feel better and want to go crazy and do everything, but remember, LISTEN to your body! If it tells you its in pain, don't push it. I went back to cheerleading shortly after, and i FINALLY did a back handspring (back flip) my senior year! I'm 4 years post-op and I still see my doctor once a year. OH and one other thing (even now) that sucks (but I've come to laugh at it)-is at the airport, when the security level is high, you will beep going through the metal detector. It's trippy only because you'll "hear" the metal when they wand you on the side. If its normal security, you will not beep.
Take care Nickey - you can check out my FB or my MySpace if you want or not. let me know. This is my mom's account so I gues you can reply to this. No worries if not - I just wanted to wish you all the best and just remember that your life can only be better than before the surgery. Believe that it really does get better. Take it easy.
Aloha and God Bless..
Kristen
Hi Nickey,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what type of surgery you were having. Your dad mentioned it on his facebook last week. Now I see your blog - thank you for this! I just want to send you my full support. And I DO KNOW how it feels! When I was fourteen many many years ago : ), I had surgery for scoliosis. Now this was in the dark ages, so let me share with you how it was then: I had to be in a body cast for 9 months! Honest to goodness -a plaster-of-paris cast like for your arm, but for my whole body! I was in the hospital for awhile. i was 14-15 too. i remember being so itcy and stiff all the time. yuck. and now i have a long scar from the top of my back to the base of my spine. a real conversation starter...I have a harrington rod in my back and haven't had a problem with it ever. And, no, i don't beep at all in the airport security thing... .i recently ran into a young man who had scoliosis surgery and he had a TINY scar under his arm, on his side! Soooooo tiny! And from what I understand he was in the hospital for a couple days and then he was out. He said it hurt for a little while, but after that, nothing! I just am so glad for you that it won't be anything like what it was at least 28 years ago - so rejoice! The advancements are all good for you and will make it less traumatic. And you'll always have something interesting to talk about later!
Please let us know how it goes when you can. I'm thinking about you. You'll be part of a very strong, interesting group of people after this. And knowing you're the daughter of Mel Rapozo, I know you're very strong and independent-exactly what you need to get through the surgery and the next few weeks. But again, after that, you will be able to do everything you've wanted to do, but may have been unable to do earlier. With my rod newly installed, I rode horses, played basketball, softball, ran track and cross country, hiked, everything. And I am so impressed with "kristen" - a backflip and gymnastics! I probably should've tried that - I feel sometimes my spine really won't bend. I better get in touch with her! I'm probably just want to blame my rod for not being able to do proper situps :) One other thing-you know what? I can't help but have a very perfect posture with that rod in my back!