I had a scheduled surgery on my lower back on December 7. Everything went well and I was home but resting mostly because it was a major surgery. Then abruptly problems. I had a 2nd surgery on the 20th. That went well. Everything looked great. I went home. And was back in the hospital the next day. Surgeon did a bedside procedure in my hospital room. And I stayed there, flat through Christmas, 5 days. Came home night of Christmas and have been flat in my own bed most of the time since then.

The problem was a spinal fluid leak. The second surgery was a strong repair and sealing of the leak. Despite that, it leaked again. I had a drain for the spinal fluid for a while, but mostly stayed flat and was carefully watched by nurses. Don't look spinal fluid leak up on the Internet. One of my neighbors did that and scared herself badly. Mine seems to have broken pretty much all the rules or expectations. I did not get the typical symptoms like headache. I have been very lucky.

I got excellent medical care from nurses and nursing assistants. They were very patient, kind, competent. And they were missing some support staff over the holiday weekend, and still managed very good care and a great attitude.

I spend little time up, stay mostly flat in bed, though not while writing this. It could not be done lying flat. I haven't been here, but haven't checked my email or balanced my checkbook yet, and I need to since 1st of month is time to pay bills.

I am healing. Everything looks good. I have adequate medication for pain, am slowly rejoining the world and noticing something besides myself. I'll have physical therapy at home twice a week starting soon. I have a appointment to see my doctor in a few days for a follow up visit. Meanwhile I am being cautious and resting. I have been very lucky to get some needed help at home and am very thankful for that. Friends and neighbors have been very kind to me.

Goodness knows how many typos are in this. Forgive please. Neighbor will be here with my dinner in a couple of minutes.

I'm wishing you all a Happy New Year, and a better one.