My surgery went well but I have to say the last two days were pretty darn miserable. Recovery is the real monster here. Swallowing was next to impossible because of swelling around the incision point. Even water did not go down easily. Finally the steroid pills began to work and the swelling subsided enough for me to barely be able to eat cream of wheat late last night. There has been very little pain with all of this but I did get a good supply of pain drugs when I needed them. Weakness and unsteadiness is a real problem caused simply by my body dealing with the surgery. Finally I was able to eat potatoes and soup and walk about 50 feet without assistance.

I was sent home today from the hospital. According to the surgeon it was a “text book” success. He said I have very good bone structure which means the fusion should last a very long time if there is no trauma to my head or neck area.

My recovery time for playing gigs will be about 6 months because of the restrictions on driving and lifting things. Full recovery will be about a year. I setup my studio before going in for my surgery so I will be able to spend time at my keyboards. So far all my gig clients have been very understanding and have been wiling to reschedule gigs for later this year.

I ordered the new Yamaha PSR S950 and will buy the Korg PA600 if it comes out soon. That will give me plenty to do with my down time and perhaps re-invent my act. I’ll probably show up on the forum more and just keep in touch with everyone.

So now it is a waiting game and hoping I do nothing stupid to cause harm to the fused area. My wife has become the “caregiver” I never wanted her to become but I guess that is what Love really means – doing what is needed in times of crisis.

I want to thank everyone for your gracious posts of prayers and wishes for my well being. It meant a lot to me.

Deane