Saturday, April 30, 2011

Recovery Update

Hello Friends!

I am doing very well and I am thankful for all of your prayers and words of comfort. I am feeling rather good today to say the least. I have not taken any of my strong pain relievers like Percocet since 8 p.m. last night. I am only on Naprocen and I am very happy to say that I am not experiencing a lot of pain at all! I had a very hard time sleeping last night paired with some weird dreams so I spent a lot of the night in prayer and chose not to take the pain meds any more. It worked out great because I had the Women's class at the DTC this morning and I was able to stay attentive and alert and I learned a lot from the Lord today.

I haven't had any more strange allergic reactions which is a blessing. The tape burn is healing and the wound covering (which I think are called Steri strips) are starting the process of naturally coming off. We are still waiting for the update call from the Dr. the set up my check-up for next week.

At the next appointment, we will learn the next stages of recovery as well as the date of the next surgery.

I have been blessed with a crazy-fast recovery and have many prayer requests answered. I am very thankful for the life that I have been given and I thank God for each of you.

Keep praying!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Construction Zone!

Hi Friends! Now that I am home and recovering, I will give you the details on my surgery and stay in the hospital...

Well, you know it's not a good thing when the nurse is confused about what side the surgery is being done on. After identifying me as the patient, the nurse asked, "So you're having surgery done on your right shoulder today?" To which I replied, "Umm I'm pretty sure it's the left side..." It was rather kind of awkward but she had just misread the chart.

So then she set up my IV  and took a routine blood sample to send to the blood bank before she started running something that was called a Lactate Ringer (?) Basically it's a blend of electrolytes and water to keep me hydrated and stuff.

After a few minutes a different nurse came in and said that the nurse had dated my blood sample the wrong date so they had to draw a new sample because of health code.

A few minutes after that, my sides just started itching and burning like crazy and my parents said that my face and skin turned bright red. I was having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic that they run before surgery. My reaction was called "Red Man Syndrome" and was somewhat common. Basically, I broke out in hives without the welts. They had to stop the antibiotic immediately and start me on Benedryl which pushed the surgery time back to 7:30.

My surgery took about two hours so it was done at 9:30. Because I was on Benedryl, it took me  a little longer to wake up after surgery and I woke up around 12:15. My parents had received a good message from my surgeon after the surgery that she had found some extra muscle fibers growing around the nerves, which was unexpected, but good because they were able to remove it and ultimately provide more room for the blood vessels and nerves.

I spent most of the day sleeping and I don't remember a whole lot of pain. I didn't have any visitors outside of family and and my Dad stayed the night with me. There were a few times were I felt nauseated but I didn't have any more issues. I also began to itch badly underneath the tape over the surgery site. It turns out that I am also allergic to the adhesive used on medical tape. It was an easy fix...they eventually switched to paper tape. I still have Tape Burn which looks worse than it feels.

The next morning, there was talk of me going home, but I didn't think I was ready because I was experiencing way more pain than I had the day before. I was very blessed by friends and visitors when they came to visit all day long. It was a good reminder of how blessed I am. This was also the day when they gave me this "miracle drug" called Dillotted (or something like that). Basically, it just worked super fast and well! I was also on Benedryl to combat my new found allergies. It was hard to stay alert and focused during my many visits, but there was a lot of grace :) Later that night, my friend, Natalie was able to spend the night which was a blessing to my family so both of my parents were able to get good nights of sleep and rest.

Yesterday, the Dr.s came in and gave me the green light to go home home, so I did. Now I'm recovering. The hardest thing to adjust to is staying ahead of the pain. I was supposed to wake up at 2 a.m. and take my pain meds but I didn't hear my alarm and woke up at 4 a.m. when I was in a lot of pain. So there's a lot of things to get used to like the amount of time it takes me to get ready and how tired I seem to get after the littlest things.

So thanks for all of your prayers :)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Quick Update

I'm on day 2 of recovery and I'm doing very well despite a couple of allergic reactions so I get to go home tomorrow.  It's really wonderful because I can move my arm and I didn't think I'd be able to.  I am feeling very loved because there have been many visitors.  I'm on percuset, benadryl, baclafen, and a "miracle drug" so I will give you more details when I'm not so out of it.

Prayer Requests:
- that there would be no more allergic reactions.
- that my dad would get plenty of sleep since he's been staying at the hospital with me.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

"The Last Supper"

Hi Friends! I was very blessed to spend the final day before my surgery with my friends and family celebrating Easter. It is so amazing to me that Jesus Christ willfully died on the cross for my sins. He died so that I may be forgiven and spend eternity with him and his father in Heaven, How wonderful!

Today was also a great reminder of how blessed I truly am. Tonight, my dad had all 11 of us go around the table and share a blessing that we each experienced over the passed year. It was super encouraging to hear how the Lord is working not only in my own life, but also in the lives of everyone all at the same time!

My surgery is scheduled for 7 a.m. in the morning. I will check in at 5:30 at Mercy Main Hospital (downtown) where I will be staying for the next three days. My friends and family have volunteered to update my blog as we don't think I will be able to type...I will have someone post an update as to when visiting is ok and my room number, etc.

I just took a nap a little bit ago because I don't think I will be able to sleep well. I'm off to spend time with the Lord in the Word and in Prayer and to pack. Please visit me. Your encouragement is always welcome!

Here is the Prayer List again...

 

Please pray....


  • I will make it though the surgery without complications
  • My surgeon, Dr. Kuestner, will be well rested and focused during the operation
  • The anesthesiologist will also be well rested, focused and alert
  • Dr. Kuestner will have a chance to hear and see the Gospel through my family's interaction with her
  • I would have a fast, full recovery
  • I would stay encouraged in the word
  • I would remember that God's plan and timing are always better than mine
  • I would seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness 
  • I would have an eternal mindset and perspective
  • I would stay encouraged through fellowship
  • That I would be joyful and thankful
  • I would use this experience to share the Gospel and to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ
  • I would give all glory to God
  • I would not be upset or discouraged when I am not able to participate in fun summer things and fellowship...i.e...Bstud hangouts, CF hangouts, grill outs, wiffle ball, etc.
  • (Kind of joking, but not really - please pray that I would remember to filter my words when on meds)
  • Please pray for my Mom and Dad and my sisters!!!!!!!

Monday, April 18, 2011

And the Countdown Begins!

Hi Friends :) This morning, I had my pre-op appointment. They just took some blood to run standard pre-op tests and to send my blood type to the hospital. They also did a quick physical to determine that I was in good over-all heath to have the surgery, which by the grace of God I am! So, the countdown begins! Currently, I have half of my dorm room packed up and am 3/4 through a paper due at midnight. You know what that means? My final semester of my sophomore year of college is coming to a close! I have finals on Wednesday and Thursday and what seems like a thousand projects, tests and papers in between! 

Many have asked me how I am doing in regards to the actual surgery. Honestly, I'm kind of freaking out!! In the last few days, and especially today, I have been feeling rather anxious. Today, during my quiet time, I realized how this entire thing is way more important than "feeling better," but it's a HUGE blessing and opportunity to learn from and rely fully on God. 

Through this year-long trial, God has graciously revealed to me different areas of my life where I am in fact sinning. I waist a lot of time dwelling in these particular sin areas because I easily justify them. I also know that many, if not everyone tend to struggle with the same sins; being anxious and being inpatient.

I have recently been reminded of these verses...

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." How awesome is that?! What a great reminder of Christ's love for us, and his willing desire to meet each of our needs. 

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." 

I desire to live a life honoring to God. I desire to praise Him in ALL Circumstances and to do so joyfully. The car-accident that I once thought was a terrible trial has actually turned out to be an amazing gift. It has become an opportunity to grow in Christ and be molded to be more like Him and to learn to give him full reign in my life day after day. Surprisingly enough, I have come closer to my family as well! I am so thankful for them. It is such an honor and an unbelievable blessing to be an Amann! 

With all of this said, I may not be totally, "Ok" by the world's standards, but "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

Please continue to pray! I will keep you updated :)





Thursday, April 7, 2011

Breaking Ground

It seems that each year, along with summer, God brings me to major blessings and trials. Last year, on May 5th, I was rear-ended by a drunk driver shortly after midnight. The airbag did not deploy, causing me to hit my head on the steering wheel multiple times. I was very blessed to go home to my parents house that morning at 4 a.m. with only whiplash injuries and a concussion. After a year full of countless hours of physical therapy and over 50 appointments with ten different doctors, I learned that I have more than just whiplash and a concussion. 

I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) March 10th of this year. In TOS, the blood vessels and nerves that lead to lead to each arm are compressed. This means that blood is not able to flow properly to either or both arms. 

Since the accident, my arms would "fall asleep" or have the "pins and needles" feeling several times a day or any time my arms were raised above my heart. I also have muscle spasms in both hands. Many times, TOS is treated and the symptoms are greatly improved over time with physical therapy. Over the past year, despite outpatient physical therapy and at-home exercises, my symptoms showed no improvement and in some aspects, worsened. 

So here we are. This summer, I will be "under construction." I will be having two surgeries to correct the TOS. 

My first surgery will be on April 25th! I check in @ 5:30 a.m. at Mercy Hospital (downtown) and my surgery is scheduled to take place at 7:30 a.m. I will have to stay in the hospital for three days after the procedure. 

The surgery is technically a "left thoracic outlet decompression and left anterior scalenectomy." Basically, they will be decompressing all of the veins and nerves by removing any scar tissue and my anterior scalene muscle in order to make more room. I have been told that I will be just fine without the scalene muscle. 
There is an estimated 2 week recovery and about three weeks between surgeries (they will be doing the same surgery on the right side). I will not be able to use my arm very much after surgery for a while.

I am very excited to finally heal from this car accident. I have chosen to create this blog because I have had a lot of requests to keep people updated and I felt this was the easiest way to give updates before, during and after my surgery and recovery. 

Please pray....

  • I will make it though the surgery without complications
  • My surgeon, Dr. Kuestner, will be well rested and focused during the operation
  • The anesthesiologist will also be well rested, focused and alert
  • Dr. Kuestner will have a chance to hear and see the Gospel through my family's interaction with her
  • I would have a fast, full recovery
  • I would stay encouraged in the word
  • I would remember that God's plan and timing are always better than mine
  • I would seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness 
  • I would have an eternal mindset and perspective
  • I would stay encouraged through fellowship
  • That I would be joyful and thankful
  • I would use this experience to share the Gospel and to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ
  • I would give all glory to God
  • I would not be upset or discouraged when I am not able to participate in fun summer things and           fellowship...i.e...Bstud hangouts, CF hangouts, grill outs, wiffle ball, etc.
  • (Kind of joking, but not really - please pray that I would remember to filter my words when on meds)
  • Please pray for my Mom and Dad and my sisters!!!!!!!



Thanks so much for your prayers and support! I will be posting more as I learn or experience more and if you have something that you would like to share with me, please do! I am very thankful for you!


Praise the Lord, For He IS good!