A week later...

Brain Blog 2.0 (#3) 2009

Greetings from Brno :-)

It's been a week and some days since the installation of my new equipment, and the shakedown cruise has yielded mixed results. The new batteries are STRONG; and that's a source of some side effects such as electric shocks when switched on, and during some movements. Also, the tuning isn't quite optimized, as the balance between effective relief and side effects is still a bit off. But overall, not bad. I feel like a 1978 Mercedes diesel that just got a tune-up: ready for another 100,000 miles (nevermind the rough ride, worn tires, and slow starting on cold mornings).

So tomorrow it's back to the hospital for another tuning session, immediately followed by the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for removal of the stitches. I'll add the new scars to my collection, which BTW will be the subject of an upcoming blog ;-)

The total medical care includes 8 days in hospital, approx 18 doctor consultations, major neurosurgery, equipment (approx value $12,000), and 5 outpatient visits.

All for a co-pay of 486kc (about $26) and monthly insurance of 367kc (about $20).

Universal healthcare anyone?

Tweets fron the hospital

Brain Blog 2.0 (#2)

As mentioned before, without internet access in the hospital, I used twitter to post sms from my mobile phone. Now that I'm out, here's the record.

Thx for following.

Day1

Insurance copay is $3/day. Machine accepts only coins!

Insurance copay is $3/day. Machine accepts only coins!

OMG-liver soup for dinner. Yuk! Can it get worse? I've got 10 days...

My seven roommates are a fairly moribund bunch, but I've already got 'em laughing:-). I'm starting to channel R.P. McMurphy:-D

Day2.

I went to bed late, hoping to sleep better. It didn't work. So much snoring - sounded like a jackhammer demolition crew!

Meat soup for breakfast? No thx:-/. So another $3 copay in the machine today. I wonder what the average patient bill is on "House"?

Day3

Slept better last nite. My roommates say I snore the worst. I said it doesn't matter to me- I'm already asleep by then!:-)

Moved to Neurosurgery building, and time travelled from the 50's to the 90's. Also just learned Czech word for suppository. :-(

Nice digs here- modern, clean, and a fitness room too which I utilized:-). But I don't like the guyz smoking in the bathroom:-@.

Day4

Looks like a fine day for an operation. Docs came by and said all systems are 'GO'. So let's do this thing.:-)

It's done! Some trouble removing old batteries; had to locate and cut old suchers. Some pain as they used only local anasthetic.

The surgeons and I swapped Czech jokes - mine were funnier:-D. The new batteries are running a little strong; will need tuning.

OK I'm ready to go home. Are they really gonna keep me in here for 7 more days? Maybe I'll take the boyz fishing. :-D

Lights out at 21:30. It's been a great day - I'm in pain, but it's a small price for another 5 years of function:-). Dobrou noc.

Day5

Feeling better now; must have slept wrong on the wounds. I'll definitely survive; well that is if the food doesn't kill me:-D.

Day6

Upgade! Slept ok and today moved from post-op to comfortable double room with a table & chair! Doc sez wounds look good:-)

Parallel universe? Haven't seen a fresh fruit or vegetable in 7 days. No matter; they do sell cigarettes... :-O

Day7

I'm sleeping well and dreaming about real food... Today the doc & tech should tune my new devices-sort of like a smog test?

Doc sez wounds are healing. If tuning goes ok, I could be released tomorrow! Today got huge delivery of food from friends:-)

Day8

Fresh fruit for breakfast! compliments of Petra:-). More tuning of devices today, and if all goes well: I'm OUTTAHERE :-D

That's it! I'm cleared for release-it's been a very interesting and successful stay here. Next post should be at blogspot.com :-)

Brain Blog is Back!

Brain Blog 2.0 (#1) 2009

As many of you know, I've got a brain defect. Now that might be apparent to some, and perhaps news to others. To solve the problem, I had a system installed in my body 5 years ago called "Deep Brain Stimulation" (DBS) which allows me to function like a normal human being (again debtable). The DBS is powered by batteries embedded in my chest, which are to be replaced on monday after 5 years of yeoman duty. So, for this grand occasion, I've dusted off the original brain blogs from my surgery in 2004, and intiated a new brain blog.

Call it brain blog redux. You can follow it at www.hanksbrainblog.blogspot.com

The procedure will take place Monday at hospital u Svaty Anny here in Brno. I'm doubtful about having reliable internet access, so you can also follow the action with up-to-the-minute reports via Twitter from radiodog88. I may even convince the surgeon to tweet will I'm under sedation :-)

Today I'm checking into the hospital for an expected 10-day stay, and look forward to once again sharing the experience with you. So go back and read the originals, and let's renew our journey.

Until the next post.

Ciao,

Hank