Surgery is Complete!

 This is David, Ashley’s Dad. Ashley’s C1-C2 fusion surgery was successful! Dr. Fraser Henderson said on Tuesday that it was extra challenging due to some structural issues regarding her spine but fortunately all went extremely well. He’s such a wonderful surgeon; knowing Ashley was a bit nervous prior to the surgery, he prayed with us just before going in! Then, my highlight of the day … Ashley broke out in a soft, quiet rendition of “Sanctuary” with Angela & I … just before they wheeled her in.

She was in quite a bit of pain following surgery, as anticipated, but she’s had to push through a LOT of things in life so this was no different. Dr. H wanted her up and walking immediately so within a few hours after surgery she was up and walking and has continued to do so 3-4 times per day! Dr. H wants her walking a mile within a few months!

As for results, it’s hard to tell so soon after surgery. While a few patients with diagnoses like Ashley who’ve had this surgery have experienced amazing results immediately after, for others the changes occur gradually. One aspect that has changed right away for her has been her ability to communicate thoughts at a normal pace vs. very, very slowly, suggesting she’s getting more normal blood flow to her brain. 

As of yesterday she’s been discharged from the hospital and we’re now in a local hotel for a couple of weeks recovering. Last night was rough; my wife and I managed her pain as best we could with the discharge meds but I think Ash was fearful that our arsenal was not going to be enough. Eventually we got through it but none of us got much sleep. Hoping the rest of this weekend and next week goes more smoothly.

We’ve been inundated with support. THANK YOU!!! We are so encouraged by everyone’s loving support and can’t imagine being loved better. Blessings to each one of you!

David

p.s. Want to cheer Ashley up? Feel free to text or message her; she loves hearing from people. (Just don’t expect a reply any time soon plz.) Want to add cute pics of your dogs, kids, or anything that’ll cheer her up & make her smile? Go for it, Team Ashley!