I don’t normally talk about health issues in our blog. But, in this case I think it’s fair to give you an update on what’s happening with me. Last summer, I began experiencing some problems with my vision. An eye exam revealed that my intraocular pressure was up and in short, I had glaucoma. This was odd because only a month earlier I had an exam and the pressure was absolutely normal. My optometrist referred me to a glaucoma ophthalmologist. He’s managed to get my pressure lower using medication. I suffered some loss of vision in my left eye as a result of the glaucoma.
At the same time, I’ve experienced loss of balance and I’ve fallen a few times when one of my legs felt like it just collapsed under me. I visited a sports medicine surgeon; the same guy who did my rotator cuff surgery. He determined I have a torn ACL but I don’t require surgery. I’m walking with a cane to help catch me if my leg collapses. Even so, I fell again this time with the other leg collapsing.
I also experienced loss of sensation in my fingers. This is called peripheral neuropathy. My primary physician suggested I see a neurologist, which I did yesterday. She suggested I schedule an MRI to look at my neck. Okay, it never occurred to me that there was anything going on there but I did it anyway. The MRI was yesterday. The results are pretty scary.
Apparently, most, if not all, of my symptoms are due to narrowing of my spinal column which puts pressure on my spinal nerves. I was told this is very serious and the problems would continue to worsen. This afternoon I have a meeting with a neurosurgeon to discuss immediate surgery to correct this problem.
I did my due diligence and learned that there is an operation commonly done to clean out the space and give my spinal cord enough room. Apparently, doing this surgery might well reverse all of the problems I’ve been having. The thing is, from what I’ve read I have to wear a neck brace which will prevent any movement for some time after the surgery. I don’t know how long that will be. I don’t know whether I can handle this kind of restriction.
Obviously, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to worry about how I’ll handle it until after my conversation with the neurosurgeon. Mrs. Lion was with me today and will go with me tomorrow.
No one likes to get an email from their doctor saying there’s an urgent problem that needs surgical correction. I keep thinking back to how painful and difficult recovery was from my rotator cuff surgery. When I was told my ACL was torn, I cringed inside because the memory of all that pain-and-suffering is just too fresh.
Before I learned about this new fresh hell, I had asked Mrs. Lion to put me back in my cock ring when we got home today. We are home now, but I don’t feel much like getting locked up again. I’m sure you can see why.
I’ve been lucky. Up until last year, I’ve been free of broken bones and chronic illnesses. I’ve gone my merry way through life with little sacrifice. I guess my chickens have come home to roost. In a way I’m glad it’s happening now. I’ve had a chance to travel extensively and embark on lots of really good adventures.
I don’t mean to sound so gloomy, but dealing with this stuff is getting harder and harder. I doubt the surgery will be scheduled before next week so we will have a chance to play our NFL game during the Super Bowl.
If (when) I get the surgery, we are not going to have a lot to write about enforced male chastity, at least I don’t think we will. Both of us really like sharing our lives with you. I’ve got the technology here at home to continue writing. Since I lost sensation in my fingers, I’ve been using Dragon Naturally Speaking to dictate my posts. Mrs. Lion has been correcting the typos inevitably made by the software.
Similarly, I can probably continue working from home. Of course, I can’t work if I am doped up on pain medication. Later this morning I’ll have a conversation with my boss laying out the possibilities. Fortunately for me, my company has very liberal medical benefits. I can go on short-term disability for 12 weeks. I’m very sure if I get the surgery I won’t need anything near that much. In fact, I got an email yesterday that one of the other people in my office, a guy, is taking 12 weeks for parental bonding. Amazing!
So, there may be some changes around here soon. Both of us will keep you up-to-date. If you’re interested, we’ll let you know how I’m dealing with this newest issue and how Mrs. Lion is dealing with me.
Lion I’m sorry that you are having these problems! They are serious but not nearly as serious as what went through my mind. I hope your neurologist is a genius and an exceptional surgeon. All the best!
That’s the scary part for me. There’s really no good way to evaluate the quality of a neurosurgeon. I did ask my ophthalmologist about him. And got feedback that he has patients that have used the surgeon and were happy. Customer feedback isn’t the most useful index of surgical quality, however. But, the hospitals that I am using has a great reputation and I’ve had procedures done there before. Meanwhile, I’m just going to wait and see what I hear at the appointment later today. I have decided that before agreeing to proceed (as if I have a choice), I’m going to ask to test drive the neck brace I’ll have to wear.
Thanks for the good wishes and will keep you posted.
Good luck to both! That sounds horrible BUT the end result will hopefully make it all worth it. I’m also at a spot where life is not letting me blog about what the blog is about, so I get the trepidation, but we are all invested in you two and will read even if it’s not about a penis or a smooth ass. That said, the absolute first thing I thought of in reading the above was wondering how long it will take you to assemble a hasp of sorts so Mrs Lion can lock you in the neck brace? Sending good vibes from New Zealand this week!
Writing for this blog has become a very pleasant part of my day. When I get the surgery, no doubt there will be a period of time I’ll be unable to write. The incoherent ramblings of a pain-medicated blogger is too much even for my most loyal fans. Right now I’m trying to understand if I can handle living in a immobilizing neck brace.
Thanks for your good wishes, Drew. I value your friendship.
Good luck and have a quick recovery
Thanks for the Good Wishes. It Means A Lot to Me.
Please keep us up to date on your progress. All I can offer is best wishes and a quick recovery.
At least one of us will keep you posted. Once I get the surgery I’ll probably not be writing for a little while.
Best wishes to you. If you have to stop posting for a bit I will miss you but you need to look out for yourself first. Please concentrate on your health. I look forward to hearing you are fully recovered soon!
Thanks for the good wishes. Mrs. Lion will keep you up-to-date when I’m unable to write.
Mr. and Mrs. Lion,
This is a difficult diagnosis and will, indeed, involve significant postoperative discomfort. The gift is in where we are medically. This surgery, once in the “cutting edge” section of a neurosurgeon’s skill set, is now routine. It is highly likely that you will emerge from this challenge none the worse for wear. You will do well to investigate and approve of the surgeon who will perform this procedure for you. No back benchers – find a person who has a consistent and deep record of success.
In time, you will likely look back upon this misfortune with relief that all resolved well. It is, in disguise, yet another opportunity for an extraordinary couple to further support and love one another.
Keep us posted – we are legion and we care about you both.
Jamie
Thanks, Jamie. I’m doing my best to investigate the neurosurgeon my neurologist referred me to. I’m very lucky that the neurologist, who I never met prior to this turned out to be such an excellent diagnostician. She managed to put my diverse complaints together into what turned out to be a completely accurate diagnosis. The big question I have is whether the corrective surgery will end the numbness in my hands, collapsing legs, and sudden-onset glaucoma. I have been told it probably will. Of course, I am deeply concerned about my ability to manage the postoperative pain and inconvenience of wearing a neck brace.
I’m extraordinarily lucky to be married to an amazing woman. I know that Mrs. Lion will do everything in her power to help me get through this.
Sounds as if you have a terrific neurologist. If she has made this recommendation (the neurosurgeon) it sounds as if you will be in good hands. Go for it. Trust in the expertise of exceptional professionals and find comfort in the arms of a great woman. The neck brace, while being a temporary nuisance, will be gone long before you are living a life unimpeded by physical disability.
I’m sorry to read this bad news about your health. I trust that everything goes well and that soon I can return to your normal life. I hope to continue having more news of your marriage
Thanks for the good wishes. Rest assured you will find out what’s going on with us. We’re both addicted to writing for the blog.
“Pob Lwc” as we say in Wales (good luck)
Thanks:)