It took three years, but I finally had my neck surgery in June. Details and non-gross pictures to follow.

the problem

The US surgeons and doctors I spent thousands of dollars seeing were wrong in every way. First, they all missed my cracked vertebrae (aka broken neck). My broken neck could have also been very useful in a legal setting to prove the force of the plane crash. I do not have a history of broken bones (though I suspect a couple of my toes have been broken at some point).

Second, they’re all stuck on the idea of “conservative treatment” as opposed to surgically fixing what is wrong. No pills or shots or waiting two years will unherniate a herniated disc. Anyone who tries to claim differently is full of shit (and most of them were full of it).

Third, the US’s sole method of treatment for a herniated cervical disc is spinal fusion. The problem with fusing two vertebrae together with a disc of bone is that it adds abnormal stress to the surrounding bones and tissues, leading to more problems and future surgeries every couple of years. Great for the doctor’s and drug company’s pockets. Not so great for your neck and quality of life.

the solution

I have had very little experience with other countries’ medical systems but decided I could waste a little more money on a consultation with a surgeon (after I forced the front office to give me a cost estimate for the surgery to even know whether or not it was worth my time and money for the consultation). It is the best money I’ve invested in my healthcare yet.

Not only did I get an empathetic, objective doctor, I got one unbound by the US medical industry. Which means he was free to practice medicine in the way that best suits the patient and offers the most health benefits. He is the one who spotted my broken neck in my original July 2012 images. He explained the dangers of cervical fusion and why they prefer disc replacement. (The info on the US disc fusion scam I found out from one of Jill’s doctors.) After getting a new MRI of my neck, the good news is that I only need one disc replaced, the disc between my C5/C6 vertebrae. This is a simple surgery.

X-rays during surgery, lying on my back. It's easy to see the problem.
X-rays during surgery, lying on my back. It’s easy to see the problem.

The replacement “disc” really looks like half of a small plastic pencil sharpener, with grooved teeth on the top and bottom. He said it feels like a cork. There is no metal hardware left in my neck, the natural force of my spine and the grooved teeth hold it in place. I also gained 1/4 inch in height. 🙂

The cost was right at $20,000USD; when you add in consultations, images, pre-surgery workup and post-surgery medication. If I could have had the same surgery in the US, it would have been an extra $10-20K more just for the surgery and overnight stay. My surgery included a private suite because I had to stay overnight for recovery and observation. I had a TV and Wifi, I surfed a little online but mostly slept. I didn’t even bother with the TV. I had a private bathroom rivaling a decent hotel bathroom (with handicap bars for safety reasons). Jill was with me for this and she had a bench couch several feet long, with pillows and blankets if she were going to spend the night. Though she didn’t need to spend the night, it was clear they were as concerned for family members as the patient. The food was actually great, I chose from a menu and had no problem choosing vegan options. I ate like a horse after the surgery (in other words, normally).

Jill just told me today that I did indeed watch TV all afternoon after surgery, episodes of “Criminal Minds.” Apparently I thought I was watching HGTV. I have no memory of this but it makes me laugh. I hope I enjoyed whatever I hallucinated I was watching.

I’m completely sold on the idea of having my main medical care outside the US. I hesitate to use the term “medical tourism” because that implies a one-and-done attitude, which is no longer my attitude. I am in a place that is known for encouraging medical tourism but the doctors are not at all money-hungry, say-anything types. They practice medicine as it is meant to be practiced. I don’t think they realize how much it means to me. If I were a weepy person, I would have wept with gratitude several times during the process.

the surgery

You can read a detailed explanation of what is done during the surgery here. I had osteophytes (aka bone spurs), so those were shaved off while the surgeon was in my neck. The surgery itself took an hour, I think he said. I was fully under. It is the first surgery of my life. I had no major problems recovering, though I suffered an extreme bout of being hot, and had muscle spasms. I vaguely remember this. It does feel like my thermostat has been reset to “hot” and I’ve been cold-natured my whole life. I don’t know if this effect will subside or not. (I am sure the plane crash damaged my pituitary gland and I’ve been running hotter-than-normal since, but this is on a whole new level.) Anesthesia does many things, and different people have different reactions. I wore a soft cervical collar for 3 days after, which made sleeping difficult. I wasn’t doing much else anyway.

Pain was easily controlled with a mild prescription pain-killer. I only took it for a couple days for comfort. The worst pain was living with the injury for three years. Surgical pain? Hardly noticeable. (This is normal for this type of surgery.)

Screws inserted in my bone, the disc is removed.
Screws inserted in my bone, the damaged disc is removed.

Recovery has been fairly easy. About two weeks after, I started having severe pain and stiffness, as if from whiplash. My follow-up visit explained that my muscles were out of shape because it had been three solid years since the plane crash. Some muscles were used to holding my head a certain way, while other muscles basically atrophied. Now that I have normal movement, my muscles are having to adjust.

The surgical follow-up basic neurological test was completely normal. I know that immediately after surgery I raised my left arm over my head and I felt no tingling. I could rest with that arm behind my head, no problem. I can even put a full towel on my head after my shower and no pain!!! I no longer have to use my special lightweight hair-drying turban if I don’t wish to. I can toss my hair back, turn my head both ways. I still have muscle pain when doing any motion that lifts the weight of my head but it is slowly lessening.

My scar is very minimal. I’m using a scar-reducing serum and Scar Away Silicone Sheets religiously. They glued my skin instead of using railroad track stitches. I will have a scar no matter what, but it won’t be more than a faint line in a few months. I recommend the Scar Away sheets; I honestly can’t tell if the serum is having any effect or not.

There are still weird nerve issues going on in my neck and jaw. This is normal because they’ve done some disruptive work on my neck. It’s all surface issues, so I think it’s really just the nerves under my skin that are affected. My skin is clearly unhappy but it is slowly going back to normal. Again, this isn’t anything abnormal from surgery, especially when we’re talking about the skin of the neck, skin that is more delicate than many other places on the body.

Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. This has changed my life for the better. I hoped that it would and it has. It’s a huge step forward in getting my life back and getting my body back. I will always have cognitive issues, no surgery can cure that. But my physical issues are over.

Living without pain and with nearly-full mobility is kind of weird now. (I’ll regain full mobility in time as my muscles get used to it.)

but…

My surgery was on June 12. The plane crash was on June 13, 2012. It took that long. I lived with constant pain and problems and limited mobility and constant fear of further injury for three years. (Something like a fender-bender could have paralyzed or killed me.)

I know I’m not the only person in the world to live with such an injury, or even for that amount of time. I know that being able to earn the money to pay for the surgery in cash is a privilege, even though I was in constant pain. I also know that people who are stuck with American insurance as their sole source of healthcare don’t have the luxury of getting cervical disc replacement, or engaging in medical tourism. I am very thankful that things fell out the way they did because this is the best result for my health I could have hoped for.

Final step: the space is held open, artificial disc inserted, then the screws removed. You can see how the disc shows up.
Final step, the space is held open, artificial disc inserted, then the screws removed. You can see how the disc shows up.

This is something Pig could have paid for out of pocket, no problems at all. While I’m so glad I got a disc replacement and not fusion, the fact remains that I had to work my ass off to pay for surgery to fix the harm he caused me. He has not been held accountable in any way. I have to be responsible for his negligence and sociopathy.

Many people have donated and it helped, especially with basic living expenses when it was needed (thank you!!!) but the bulk of the cost I earned the old-fashioned way. This is no complaint, simply explaining how it was achieved. It has taken me longer than I wanted to fully get back on my feet.

Why did it take so long? Well, there are a lot of reasons, all of which can be laid at Pig’s doorstep. The whole first year was spent simply recovering from the plane crash, trying to assess the extent of my injuries and get treatment, getting over the emotional trauma and preparing to go into hiding. I saw only two new clients that year and one long-time regular. I was in no shape for it, physically or emotionally (my regular knew what was going on and he has been very supportive). The second year was spent living in hiding, seeing no one, and planning subsequent steps, both legal and work-related; which led into this past year, one of the main goals was getting my surgery done. That process began in January with finding a new surgeon.

I made the mistake of not returning to work soon enough and that was due to emotional trauma left by Pig and the plane crash, I’m not going to lie about it. When I did finally return, I was pretty raw and made newbie mistakes because my head wasn’t where it should be. I’m back to being a professional now but it did take some time. Had I gotten my ass back in the sling faster, I could have had my surgery six months sooner. I don’t know that it makes a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, but I still place ultimate culpability for the entire situation squarely on Pig (because he is the whole reason all this happened in the first place).

Now that it is done, it’s weird that I don’t have it hanging over my head anymore. I’m free to plan new goals and any money I earn or spend isn’t all about the surgery (especially the spending part). It’s a very free feeling. The lack of pressure is strange but I think I can get used to it.

For the most part, this also frees me to start thinking about/writing about other things. Pigshit continues but unless something truly noteworthy happens, the blog goes back to my random topics (and I have several topics to chew on, of course!).

None of this changes how I feel about Pig or negates anything I said in this post. Not one single whit.

19 thoughts on “surgery!

  1. Hello.
    I have been following your blog since I discovered internet escorting and your books (which I purchased). I have always found you funny, insightful, and refreshingly honest. When I read about the plane crash and Pig, I felt angry and sad but I didn’t pity you. You are too strong of a person for pity. And I was right. You fought back against Pig (and won)! I am happy to hear you are recovering well. I am not religious but please know that your speedy recovery my thoughts.

    1. Anjie — Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate the lack of pity. I am after understanding and justice, not pity.

      I can’t say that I’ve won, only that I’ve persevered (I am known to be very, very stubborn). It’s very different from “winning.” Anything that happens to Pig from a legal standpoint is only what he deserves for being a felon and a sociopath. It does not pay back what he took from me and it certainly doesn’t begin to cover what he did to Jill. Doesn’t mean I think he’s won, because he has not and will not. Only that all these things have changed the course of my life, have changed me.

      My recovery is going very well. I am thrilled every day. It’s going to take a while before I get used to my freedom of movement and freedom from pain, I am grateful for it. Thank you again for your kind thoughts.

  2. Hi Amanda, long term reader first time poster etc. etc.

    I’m so glad you had a successful surgery. I’ve been getting medical care in Mexico for a few years now. They are wonderful. I guess the different could be summed up by saying that US healthcare treats problems after they’ve occurred (which is more money for them!) and Mexico as well as other countries focus on preventative care.

    Since discovering the clinic I’ve turned family members onto them – one gotten major cardiac surgery and another got skin cancer treated both in progressive ways that would never fly in the US for a fraction of the price with caring, wonderful doctors. The contrast is so stark it makes me hate our system even more.

    Anyway this turned into a rant. I wish you a speedy recovery and if you need a rec for medical tourism in Tijuana feel free to shoot me an email.

    Best wishes.

    1. Miss — Hi! And thank you for coming out of lurking. 🙂

      Yes, other countries not only care about the patient instead of quotas or agendas, but they believe in preventative care wholeheartedly. It is a totally different approach, one that is far superior and far cheaper (aside from travel costs).

      The first time I went to a doctor in Singapore for a scratched cornea, I started arguing with the front desk because I couldn’t believe the bill was only $88SGD for my hour-long treatment, plus medication. I thought they were going to bill me the rest later or had forgotten something.

      I’d definitely like to know about this clinic so you’ll hear from me! Thank you again.

  3. Amanda, for someone who has done so much for others, this is a terrible shame. You have always been a fighter. Had this been anyone else but an escort, people would have been outraged. And therein lies my point. Perhaps, over time, some good will come of this – that is to say, that no one is immune, and that everyone is entitled to protection from monsters like Pig. For who is to say who is not entitled to freedom from sadistsÉ

    1. Ann — Thank you for your kind words.

      Indeed, if all this had happened to a non-sex worker, it would be on the news. However, Pig has gotten away with what he has BECAUSE I am a sex worker. That’s been made clear over and over again throughout the process. This is the reason that activists do what they do. Change the laws, and sex workers are automatically protected like ordinary citizens (which is what we are despite our job). I just add my voice, again, to those calling for decriminalization.

      OTH, he’s done his worst and I’m still standing. That’s a pretty powerful feeling.

  4. Amanda,

    Congratulations – I’m happy for you, its very well deserved.

    How is Jill doing?

    I hope you got to see some of the Triple Crown races.

    Lee

    1. Lee — Thank you!

      Jill is alive, that’s the best that can be said.

      No, I missed them all this year. Paid no attention, was busy working. Naturally, this is an event I’ve waited my entire life to witness. Replays aren’t the same. Sigh.

  5. Amanda Judith and Jill,

    You have gotten the medical treatment you needed. You are apparently healthy. I strongly suggest you count your blessings, remove these libelous posts. It is best to put this behind you as not doing so will result legal action

    1. Glenn — I haven’t looked up your IP yet to see if you’re posting from Mexico or South Carolina. Either way, there is nothing libelous about the extensively-documented truth. If Pig wants to sue me, he will; resorting to having paid flunkies post anonymous messages on my blog is a testament to how blunt his teeth really are. Pig is going to trial and he will get whatever justice is meted out by the system, which is hopefully more than what he’s received in the past.

      Oh, in case you don’t know, I really don’t like it when someone else tells me how to live my life. Especially if they’re just a fake name on the Internet, especially if they’re a man, and most especially when they’re making empty threats.

  6. Glenn,

    Law School 101. The truth is an absolute defense against libel/slander. Amanda and I have told the truth therefore you have no case.

  7. Amanda
    I ran into your blog when I was working in elko nv last year; love your writing, and made me very much like and respect the lady doing the writing !!!
    This week is the first time I’ve looked in since then, and I’m so sorry to hear all the bad news. There is nothing I could say or do to help, but to send my love to you and Jill.
    It is obvious from the way you write… and Jill as well (I’m impressed!) that facts are facts. I don’t always agree with your opinion (boring world if we always did) , but your “to the very soul” honesty ALWAYS shows through. The illiterate writing of the cowards that threaten you, show what they are made of as well.
    Sorry bout the length, and maybe wrong post, but two days of reading left me with more raw emotion than a few words can express.
    As my name would suggest, emotions come out a certain way in my heritage, and as a traveling iron worker, I’ll be through NC. Maybe I can see if any of them want to intimidate me? Be good for my emotional outlet.
    All my best, The Viking.

    1. Viking — Thank you! I appreciate your kind thoughts.

      It’s true, facts are facts (especially if there is documentation). I’ve certainly spouted my opinions (it is a blog, after all), but when something happens, I explain what happened pretty much in linear fashion. I prefer to leave the reader to come to their own conclusions.

      Traveling iron worker? Sounds very interesting. A farrier, a welder, someone who does wrought iron crafts? I’m very curious.

      As you may have guessed, I doubt the goons would be interested in picking on someone who can fight back. Would be good for your emotional outlet, and ours!

      1. I hope you are doing well today.
        I can weld a couple pieces of steel together, but it ain’t t pretty! I started, as a young lad, building submarines at a shipyard in VA, so I ” grew up” in a pretty rough trade. Traveling iron workers build all the “high steel” …. Heavy construction. I’ve worked power plants, oil refineries, copper and gold mines… Worked in 39 different towns, in 19 different states! Gotta see what’s over the next hill!!!
        Kinda off topic, but ya asked !!! LOL
        The Viking

        1. Viking — I am, thank you!

          Thanks for answering my curiosity. For some reason, I completely missed the obvious. I think this is great. At least you’re doing work that interests you, you’re way ahead of most of the population. And there’s a lot to be said for being able to leave the office at the office (I’m assuming).

  8. Hi Amanda,

    I am glad to hear that your neck surgery was a success. I also wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. You are beautiful on the inside and outside. I hope everything is going well for you.

    Agent008

    1. Agent008 — Thank you for remembering my birthday! I appreciate the kind wishes, as always. Things are going better. Living without pain has changed a lot for the better, as I was told it would.

  9. I am glad you had your surgery. I hope is well with you now.
    I am wondering where can I purchase book 1. Thank you Taylor

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