Neuro Stim System off ear / First look at incision (pictures included - you've been warned)

Today I removed the Neuro Stim System (NSS) from my ear.  If you read my previous blog post  you already know that I think it's a fascinating device.  When they placed it on my ear they told me to leave it on for 3-5 days.  All of the research I found said it worked up to 5 days... but I found one article that said it was being used for people with chronic pain and was changed every 7 days.  So, I decided to give it an extra day, just in case it was still working.  I definitely know that it worked for several days and will be requesting it for any future surgery.  Almost anything that takes away pain with the use of less narcotics is a great thing.

Here's a look at the device still on my ear:

It was definitely interesting being there.  I couldn't lay on that ear when sleeping or use that ear when talking on the phone, and I had to be careful doing things like brushing my hair.  But it was worth any adjustments I had to make for the pain relief it provided.  

Here's a look when I first started removing it - notice the tiny probe that was inserted into to my ear:

There were actually 4 electrodes attached to my ear, 3 on the front and 1 that was a different color on the back.  I assume the one in the back was a ground wire.

All of the electrodes had 1 tiny prong on them except 1 of them - that one had 4 little prongs:

The best part about removing the device was being able to wash my hair!!  

Dry shampoo can only do so much for so long.  😆

After surgery they told me to leave the bandage on for a week.  During the last surgery the bandage came off within a matter of days, but this time it was hanging on, and itching me like crazy.  So I decided 6 days was long enough and removed the bandage before my shower.  Thankfully the incision looks pretty good right now.  I'm really hoping it heals better than last time.  🤞 

It's pretty puffy around it, but that's to be expected.  And theres a pretty good bruise on the right side showing up too.

There are 12 staples total (there were 10 after the last surgery).  The top one has 2 in it - not sure what the deal is there.  Maybe a misfire?  Several of them are already trying to back out some too - especially those two on top.  Guess they don't want to be stuck in me.  Wonder if they will stay in until my post-op appointment.  🤔  You can really see how far out they are in this side view:

I'm scheduled to have the staples removed on the 19th.  with all the issues I had with the wound during the last surgery I'm going to be a little anxious until the staples come out and this wound heals.  And also until lots of time passes.  So far I think I'm doing pretty good.  It seems like the problem has been fixed so far... time will tell. 

TLIF Surgery - 6 weeks post-op **Pictures of x-rays and incision included**

Pictures of 6-week post-op x-rays and incision included - consider yourself warned. 😉

So I have reached the first big milestone in my TLIF surgery recovery - 6 weeks post-op.  Overall I've been doing well.  There have been a few bumps, but I suppose that's normal with a major surgery.

Last weekend our car club had our 8th Annual Car Show.  The day was beautiful and the show went well.  We were able to situate stuff so I could reach pretty much everything I needed to (meaning lots of stuff was on tables), and there were plenty of people on hand to help.  In addition to our members doing a fantastic job all day, my oldest daughter Ashlee was also on hand to help me out.  I'm very thankful for her helping out when she can.  Please check out the pictures from the show here: Florida Mopars

Work is still going well.  I've continued to be able to work full days most of the time.  The biggest problem with work continues to be the sitting.  Sitting puts so much pressure on the lower back, and is almost intolerable at times.  But thankfully, I'm able to walk around frequently.

My biggest complaint right now is still with my incision.  It is driving me crazy!!  If you have read my previous posts you know the incision has been an issue for me...well, it continues to be.  Before the staples were removed (at 2 weeks post-op) the incision looked pretty good.  It even looked good right after...but then things changed.  It started draining before the staples were removed, and is still draining!  It's now down to just a very small amount, but it's enough that I still have to keep a bandage on it.  Even though the drainage has lessened the incision itself just doesn't seem to want to heal...at least on the outside.  And it's very tender!!!  😧

The incision being so tender is causing a bigger issue - lack of sleep!!  It's extremely difficult to lean back on it because of the pain involved with that, so I do a lot of tossing and turning all night.  Initially after the surgery the most comfortable sleeping position was in the recliner on my back.  I'm still in the recliner but spend a good portion of the night trying to get pressure off of my incision.  Left side, right side, back again....repeat.  Uggg!  And then there's the issue with my right hip still hurting....makes being on the side next to impossible too.  I've tried sleeping on the couch...only made it through about an hour.  Same with the bed...it's just way too much pressure on my lower back.   Even though this part of the recovery has been rough, the overall experience honestly has not been horrible.  Overall I've been doing really well and am pretty pleased with my progress.

I had my 6 week check-up with the doc today.  I had x-rays done a few days ago so he could see if the fusion was working.  He said the x-rays looked perfect...woot woot!  At least the fusion is doing what it's supposed to do at this point.  More x-rays will be done in 6 more weeks to make sure it's still progressing.

He has no idea why my incision isn't healing quicker.  It's odd because I've always healed really quickly and there's no real reason for it to be taking so long (I don't smoke, I'm not diabetic, etc...). He said it's definitely healing from the inside, but for some reason the top portion is taking it's time. It even started bleeding some this week.  Why?  Who knows?  The options are we can keep waiting for it to heal on it's own...or he can open it up more and pack it. Ummm....I think I'll just keep waiting.  Hopefully it will heal soon...and stop being so tender.  

During this next 6 weeks I have the same restrictions as I have had: no bending, lifting, or twisting and still wear the brace.

Ok...so now for some pictures.

As I mentioned, I had x-rays done so the doc could see if the fusion was working.  I have no idea how he can tell if it's working or not (that's why he's paid the big bucks I guess)...but the x-rays look pretty cool anyway.  Here's a look at the hardware I now have in my back.  The hardware is located at L4-L5.  There are 2 pedicle screws on the right side with a connecting rod and 1 translaminar facet screw going diagonally.   There is also a cage placed where the disc was although you can only see the top and bottom of it highlighted on the x-ray.

And the incision....be warned it looks gross.  I've decided it looks like I have an oyster trying to come out of my back:

Man will I be glad when this stage of recovery is over!  Still staying positive though.  The pain I was having before the surgery is gone, so I consider it a success.  I just have to get through the long recovery and all the bumps that come with it.  Staying positive!