Going under the knife.

Well it sure feels like it's been a long time coming... 2 years to be exact..Jake finally had back surgery! A week or so before we got engaged Jake herniated a disc at the gym. Since then he's been in a lot of pain. It fluctuates off and on but it's been a really really tough challenge for him. He loves to be active so much,  so it's been really hard for him to take it easy. Not only that but just normal activity like sitting in class caused him pain. He tried physical therapy, cortisone injections, and spinal decompression, but nothing brought him any relief. So we finally came to terms with the idea that he would need surgery. Thankfully we were referred to a great nuero surgeon and we felt really good about moving forward with the whole thing.

Poor Jake has a terrible fear of needles. When the nurse told him they were going to draw blood, he looked ill. To his credit, it turned out to be a pretty terrible experience. It took 2 nurses, 1 anaesthesiologist, at least 6 pricks with needles, and about 30 minutes just to start an IV and draw a little vile of blood. Poor thing said it was the worst part of having surgery. I'm just hoping that means he's going to have a lot of sympathy when I get an epidural! lol

Jake's parent's came to town to support him and help take care of him. He had lots of company in his little hospital room while he was waking up and recovering.

He spent over 24 hours in the hospital and was not loving the hospital food. They brought him a tray of food for every meal, but lucky for him his parents delivered what ever he wanted. 

Although he was in a lot of pain and struggling just to get out of bed and walk across the room, we feel so blessed that everything went well and that we have such great support!

He is recovering so well, but still has a ways to go until he's back to normal, so keep him in your prayers! As of now he is taking a week (at least) off of school, watching tv, taking short walks, and enjoying his Mom's cooking!