A Somewhat Well-Behaved Lion

(Written Tuesday night) My wait to see Lion was much longer than anticipated. The doctor encountered a potential problem during surgery but didn’t know the extent until Lion woke up. He has weakness on his right side. The doctor grudgingly agreed it’s C5 palsy.

Lion, rather than the waiting room staff, called me to tell me he was in his room. He said he was paralyzed on his right side. Paralyzed? The doctor had said weakness. When I got to Lion he showed me he could move his leg, but only wiggle his fingers on his right side. Perhaps a far cry from paralyzed, but he’d need a lot more help. It may not be his worst nightmare, but it’s an unknown and Lion hates unknowns.

Up until the nursing shift change at 7:30, Lion was being a very good boy. The night shift, however, is not as responsive as the day shift. He’s not getting the help he needs in a timely manner. I’ve left messages at the nurse’s station because he dropped the call button. As far as I know, the nurses have not come to the rescue. He has my permission to growl.

For the record, I’ve suspended all rules. Lion was trying very hard not to spill food on himself. I’m just glad he’s eating. That hasn’t always been the case after anesthesia. It tends to make things taste and smell funny to him. Not tonight. He ate a turkey dinner and salad. And after I left he ordered a milkshake, a piece of cheesecake and some cookies. I guess he’s stocking up for his midnight snack.

Tomorrow I expect him to be moving his right arm even more. He should be able to get out of bed with help. And by tomorrow afternoon he’ll probably be ready to come home. Not quite, but he’ll feel a lot better.

We’re both very appreciative of all the comments wishing him well.

3 Comments

  1. C5 palsy? I’m guessing this has to do with the spinal nerves exiting at C5, but is it permanent or just a temporary thing? Wishing you and Lion the best!

    1. From what little I know, C5 Palsy is a complication that is sometimes experienced with this kind of surgery. It has to do with a nerve’s reaction to being suddenly decompressed. It can last from a few days to a few years, with longer periods showing minor incremental improvement as time passes. It is quite different from a complication that causes long term or permanent paralysis in that it is a result of decompression and not necessarily damage. This marks the end of my familiarity with C5 Palsy, and what is here is not from a specialist. Hope this helps.

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