Kelly had an MRI done Sat afternoon to try to find the source of her infection. This showed a lumbar paraspinal and intraspinal abscess (a pocket of pus around her lumbar spine) that was very concerning because it was compressing the lower part of the spinal cord. There really is no other option but surgery. I was very happy that they managed to get the head of neurosurgery at Buenos Aires University and his partner to come in and drain it at midnight Saturday night before Christmas. Works for me
The surgery took about 2 hours. Everything went well. The repeat MRI showed the abscess completely gone. She has a two inch incision over her lumbar spine. They had to do laminectomies (cut through the bone to get through to the spinal canal) on L2 and L3. There was no sign of infection of the bone and the abscess did not go through to the spinal cord itself. She has had no post-op fever.
The best news is that her pain is nearly gone except for the incision pain. She will be in intensive care until later Sunday and then move back to her room. If all goes well she should be able to leave the hospital in a couple of days but its really too early to say.
Now, my main concern is getting her out of the hospital. She has noticed that all the doctors here look like movie stars (Its true - even more so than at the Albuquerque VA –although you may find that hard to believe). And, they are nice and very affectionate.
I haven’t had much sleep for the past two days so I think I’ll sign off before I stop making sense more than I already am.
Chau chau,
Kevin
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6 comments:
Hi Kelly and Kevin,
Just tried calling and spoke with many nice people at the hospital...but not either of you! Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you on this grand and unexpected adventure.
Love,
Anne (Lightsey)
I am so glad things are looking up- and especially that Kelly is more or less out of pain! Pain is not a good thing, to be avoided at all costs, I think. Keep getting better Kelly - and Kevin , this must be a different kind of experience thana you had in mind. Nevertheless, it must be educational for you, as a doctor in a foreing land. Keep blogging!
Love, Judy
Dear Kevin and Kelly,
On reading there was going to be surgery, I was very upset and apprehensive, but just a few sentences later I read the surgery was successful in relieving the pain and draining the abcess, so I was much reassured that matters are under hand and that you, Kelly, are recovering right now. I do not know what it means to cut through those bones you talked about, Kevin. I know we will get more details soon.
Much love and tomorrow I will try to call the hospital. Pam
Joe sends his love.
Oh, and by the way - Merry Christmas!
Love Judy
The news of Kelly's successful surgery has made all of us here at the Columbus Christmas gathering greatly relieved.
Kelly- if you get a t-shirt that says "I went to Argentina and all I got was a lousy lumbar paraspinal and intraspinal abscess" we will pop for it.
Get Well. We all love you.
This is Susan weighing in: we were glad to be able to talk to you yesterday and even more glad to hear that your surgery went well. Again, you are the princess - getting such bigwig surgeons to come in the middle of the night to take care of you. As well they should! I hope your recovery continues smoothly and you get a chance to visit with all those good looking doctors. Love you lots,
Susan and Terry
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