Recovering From Back Surgery - Not as Easy as it Looks! Week 2

Previously I shared the story of my ten-year journey to discovering that I was in need of a microdiscectomy (technical term for having a disc in the lower lumbar region removed).  Three to five weeks was the projected recovery time - but they do not know me!  I do nothing on a normal pace or in a typical fashion.  I am sharing a week-by-week breakdown of the fun I have experienced thus far in the Lifestyle section of this site.  It has been a bumpy ride, but I would not have it any other way.

Week 1 was filled with spinning rooms, highs & lows, and a shopping deal.

Week 2
Monday 10/23 - Hello Emergency Room!  & My New Bed. 

Mom and husband in a zombie-like state 3 hours into the 7 hour ER visit.
Shortly after this photo was snapped they discovered the free coffee station.
Sadly, it did little to recover their tired brains. 

A 2:30 am trip to the Emergency Room sounds like a good way to start off the week. No? My weak bladder woke me up just a few hours after settling into bed.  As I attempted to pull myself up I noticed a swollen and darkened left arm.  In my rush to the bathroom (just barely made it this time, phew!) I bumped my arm on the door jam.  Like any normal person, I attempted to sooth the pain by rubbing it.  That is when I noticed a grape-sized bump on my outer forearm.

The ER had the operational efficiency of a Chick Fil-A drive thru during a weekday lunch rush.  Our bums never touched the chairs in the waiting room, and we were moved directly to a private room after the initial vitals check.  A sonogram confirmed that I was the lucky recipient of a superficial blood clot, which seemed like the grand prize to me as I was terrified that it was a DVT.  The difference you ask?  A superficial is the result of inflamed veins just below the skin.  A Deep Vain Thrombosis is the deadly one that can move through the veins and affect vital organs. I will keep my superficial all day long, thank you!

"While I am here doc..." (and getting every penny worth of my $250 co-pay out of this visit) "can we talk about my sinus issues?"  Hello Flonase!  "Well in that case, can I get a dressing change on my surgical incision too?"  These two issues I would later regret asking for assistance on.  More on the Flonase later.

The nurse assigned to change my surgical incision dressing seemed very nervous, as if I were the first human that she had been assigned to.  I honestly wish that I could say that I was surprised when the replacement dressing

The dark brown metal of  the bed matches the Mahogany butler that
sits in the corner diagonal from it.  Bonus!

was not sealed across the top.  I did not realize this until I showered and felt the clear plastic protector filling up like a fish bowl hanging from my lower back.  Lovely!

My new bed arrived late this evening.  The delivery team tried to convince us that we were getting the fancy model as ours was a power bed as opposed to hand-crank.  Um... ok?!?  We were thrilled to find ourselves the recipients of a brand new, still in the box, bed and mattress.  We are renting this and assumed that there was a bank of equipment that made the rental rounds.  I was pleasantly surprised.

Tuesday 10/24 - NOT a Good Night's Sleep! & My Head is going to Explode!!!
The 3-inch foam mattress laid over the half-inch solid steel frame was NOT a comfortable sleep at all.  Who would have thunk?  The leg portion of the bed does not rise very high at all, and definitely does not elevate my legs over my heart.  Getting in and out of the bed should have been easier as it is much taller and has hand rails - it is not!  The motors for the head and foot elevation are so loud.  On a positive note, the mattress is waterproof.  Should my bladder not be contained I can expect a flood to flow off of the bed and onto the floor.

I thought that I had sinus pressure last week, apparently that was the minor league as I am in the major league today!  Logically it is impossible to attribute this to the medieval torture device that is my current bed, but as I laid down I had a sense that pressure was immediately building in my head. When I get up, the pressure slowly decreases.  After 7 hours of laying down I woke with the most pressure I have ever felt in my skull.  Sitting in a chair and crying for 3 hours did not help.  I have called up Dayquil from the bench.

Wednesday 10/25 - This Bed is Killing Me!!!  Craftapalooza Over Does It
Night #2 in the medieval torture device was no better than the previous night.  Getting in and out of the bed is almost more painful than it was with my original bed.  I promised my husband three nights, I have one to go.

Three doses of Dayquil seemed to have restored some normalcy to my cranium.  The pressure is present, but not near the levels of yesterday.  What does one do with their new found mobility and ability to stand without the room spinning?  Craft!  Several hours at the computer working on fonts and layouts for a sign project for my mom was too much.  My legs are so incredibly swollen, they are throbbing, and they hurt.  I did not think this through very well.  My crafting space is on the second story of our home.  I have no idea how I will get back downstairs.

The real salt in the wounds to this whole day was spending the time and putting the wear on my body only to discover that my $500 and less than one-year-old laser has died.

Thursday 10/26 - Back to the old bed.  Walking every 20 minutes
I was feeling enough pressure relief in my head that I opted to catch up on some of the content on my DVR.  Getting in and out of my old bed is much easier than it seemed just a week ago, which was all the permission that I needed to switch back to the old bed.  I do not recall ever being this excited for a night of sleep ahead.

My hospital discharge orders included instructions for me to walk a minimum of twice hourly in order to avoid blood clots.  Being the overachiever that I am, why not go for three?  Do you have any idea how annoying it is to stop what you are doing every 20 minutes?  Even if you are only stopping for 2 minutes, it becomes problematic.  Mental focus and adjustments have been made.  I am now focusing on the walks as my hourly priorities and the other stuff is just what I do in between.

Friday 10/27 - A Good Night's Sleep & Damn Break
Ahhhh!  My bed and I have only been together for a few months.  My 20-year-old adjustable base and my 14-year-old Original Tempurpedic mattress were put out to pasture in May.  The replacement is a cheap solution that I picked up on Amazon, and I have grown fairly fond of it.  The overnight visit was so nice that I decided to spend some of my morning watching TV in bed.

I dressed and returned to bed after breakfast as I was merely waiting for our departure to a mid-morning doctor's appointment (surgical follow-up).  The moment I turned to push myself up from the bed I heard both my mom and husband exclaiming, with a sense of horror, "What happened?!?!?!"  Apparently my incision had decided that it could hold on no longer.  The amount of fluid that had burst out managed to create a 12-inch stain across my back - through all layers of clothes as well as the sheets.  Enter my winning endorsement for the SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector.  It is everything that the manufacturer promised that it would be.

The doctor advised that the incision was 95% healed, with just a small opening at the bottom.  It may have been a small opening, but the tap was turned on high and it was flowing like a low-flow shower head.  We have now been instructed in the ways of applying a pressure dressing, which will have to be done several times daily.  Heading to Wal-Mart for more supplies - yay me!

More good news for me - I get to experience the excitement of home healthcare for the first time.  The bandage changes are going to be so frequent that I will need help during the day.  This should be fun.

Saturday 10/28 - Heed the Prescription Warnings! & Retirement Home Starter Kit
Mom has not visited Florida in 8 years.  Previously we had a ritual of splitting our holidays, one year in Atlanta and one year in Orlando.  At some point we transitioned to all holidays in Atlanta, and as a result mom has missed some of the great antique shops that we have here.  It seemed cruel to send her home without a trip to Renningers.  In spite of my best intentions, it was an absolute disaster.

Most of my medications advise to stay out of the sun.  I assumed that shopping in the shade while dipping in and out of booths would be sufficient.  It was not.  What began as a slowly building sinus pressure quickly became reminiscent of Tuesday's massive pressure spell.  I recall very little of the day other than laying my head back in the car and praying for the pain and pressure to stop.

A five-hour nap was enough recovery to make me presentable.  I woke in time to help mom pack and found that she and my husband had been discussing the various tools that would be beneficial for me during the remainder of my recovery.  The upcoming week is going to be my first few days of long hours unattended.  (Announcer voice) "Tell them what she has won Alex!"

The Grabber!  This device offers you the reach and access to things above, below, or further than your range of grasp. 
Ideal for someone who cannot bend or twist!

Two!  That is right, two of these amazing gel cold packs. 
When your doctor advises rotating ice packs on your lower back this is the way to go!  

The Original HurryCane!  If you have watched daytime cable news then you have seen the advertisements. 
The revolutionary design allows this cane to stand upright on it's own, ensuring that it is ready when you are. 
(Disclaimer- upright on hard surfaces.  Good luck to you if you live with carpet!)

Shower safety is paramount for folks with compromised mobility.  This product is the April Fool's version of a shower safety tool.  The suction cup handle easily attaches to solid surfaces, and gives the sense of being firmly connected.  In fact, you can even use it multiple times and grow a false sense of confidence that it will support you when you need it.  Eventually, and likely when you need it the most, it will pop off of the wall with the slightest amount of pressure - both cups at once. Pop! 
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a lawsuit waiting to happen.  Good luck to you!

Thank you for all of the safety gadgets mom.  :)

Sunday 10/29 - And then there were two....
You have no idea how much bending, stretching, and twisting you do in a day - not until you can no longer do any of that.  I am more careful than before as I do not want to strain my surgical incision any more.  We are currently managing with 3-4 dressing changes per day and the goal is to decrease that.  All of that said, mom had to return home today.  It is now up to my husband.  Goodness help us! 

The family member that is going to miss my mom more than my husband currently does - our cat, Ella.  When mom arrived she took one look at Ella and called her "fat!"  She was not fat, she just has a full body with a tiny head.  It is an optical illusion.  Then mom discovered how cute Ella can be when it comes to treats.  Ella is NOW fat - thanks mom! 

Recovering From Back Surgery - Not as Easy as it Looks! Week 1

Previously I shared the story of my ten-year journey to discovering that I was in need of a microdiscectomy (technical term for having a disc in the lower lumbar region removed).  Three to five weeks was the projected recovery time - but they do not know me!  I do nothing on a normal pace or in a typical fashion.  I am sharing a week-by-week breakdown of the fun I have experienced thus far in the Lifestyle section of this site.  It has been a bumpy ride, but I would not have it any other way.

Week 1 
Sunday 10/15 - It is the day before the surgery.  
Guess who wins the prize of that lovely monthly female gift showing up 4 days late, but just in time for surgery??!?!?

Monday 10/16 - Had I known my bottom would be exposed I would have gussied it up!  & Please stop the world from spinning!

Source www.collegehumor.com

I was hoping to sport my own panties, as I have a fool proof system for installing feminine padding to prevent leaks.  The pre-op nurse was having none of that.  I was provided with the hospital's easy-tear-away panties and a feminine pad that was not much larger than a band-aid.  I am thoroughly impressed with the stretch capabilities of these easy-tear-away panties.  Like anything, the more you stretch it the less opaque it becomes.  If I had known, I would have used some creative Henna designs on my bum to entertain the operating staff. 

Waking up from the procedure was clean, like waking up from a good night's sleep.  Unfortunately I managed to pick up a head cold and tremendous sinus pressure during my procedure.  The congestion (complete with green crust in my nose) and the sinus pressure combined to make my head feel as though it was actively inflating at a slow and miserable rate.  Any time I blinked or slightly moved my head the room began to spin at a rapid pace.  What better time for the Physical Therapist to insist on a short jaunt around the floor?

My first post-op walk was a laughable parade of my husband in front carrying a bucket to catch my stomach contents should they jump out against my will, me with my fancy new wheels (walker) and decked out in the finest attire the hospital has to offer, the Physical Therapist and my mom on either side of me and holding me up by a harness, and another Physical Therapist pushing the big recliner from my room so that I can pass out in style.  It was a sight to behold, but could have used some musical instruments and maybe a line of marching ducks.

Tuesday 10/17 - Dignity and Modesty Gone! & Vroom Vroom!
Bending and stretching are off of the table until my incision heals.  Going to the bathroom suddenly presents an interesting inner dialog of "who can I look in the eye again after asking them to wipe me?"  Answer: The NURSE!!!  Although, my husband did volunteer when there was a slight delay in the first-shift nurse responding.  The second-shift nurse was not as thorough as the previous nurse, or my husband, so I quietly demoted her - much to her delight I am sure.

I awoke with a clear head and decreased sinus pressure, so it was time to test out my new legs.  Holy smokes!  I got the upgraded model apparently, because I was running laps around the room as if I thought I were Usain Bolt.  The Physical Therapist required me to walk up a flight of stairs to ensure that I was ready to handle my own stairs at home.  I did the first flight, and as he was saying "ok, let's turn around and head down" I was making my way up the second flight.  75% of the way up I quickly realized that I had reached my limit.  In my excitement for my new found mobility I failed to plan for my descent.  Coming down the two flights of stairs and walking back to the room required a heavy dose of pain medication and a long mid-morning nap.

Wednesday & Thursday - Learning how to get in and out of bed.
I thought that I was prepared for recovery at home as I have an adjustable bed base with what I thought was a firm mattress.  I was wrong. After too many close calls for the bathroom (gotta go, gotta go, but cannot get up fast enough) I finally agreed to having a hospital style bed for the remainder of my recovery.  It will be here on Monday.  The coconut water routine has been put on hold until the new medical bed arrives. Hopefully I can keep dehydration and constipation at bay until then.

Friday 10/20 - Left Hand Troubles 
The surgical nurse put the IV in my left hand.  Ouch!  Yes, absolutely ouch!  There was a bit of finagling involved which entailed some gauze folded to keep the IV at the perfect angle for a good flow.  It seemed to me that it would have been easier to use a spot on my arm, but I am not one to second guess the professionals.

The location of the IV continued to be painful all week, with swelling and bruising across the top of my hand.  By late Thursday night/ early Friday morning the pain was closing in on a solid 8 so we called the surgeon's office.  They got us in for a mid-morning appointment as they wanted to verify that there was no blood clot.  No visible signs of a clot, but home with a steroid prescription I go - just in case.

Saturday 10/21 - My Surgeon's Office is Amazing! & Stop the Spinning, I want to get off! 
The surgeon's office called early in the day to check on the status of my hand.  There were no changes, which could be a good thing.  It was actually late Thursday night that I felt the increased pain in my hand.  My husband wanted to rush to the ER but succumbed to my persistence and called the surgeon's office.  He was quite surprised that he got to speak with one of the doctors after hours.

The sinus pressure is unbearable.  I have been battling it with my nightly Claritin D and hourly Netti pot rinses.  I feel like I have brought a toothpick to a gun fight.  Normally, when the pressure is this bad, I can take a few rounds of Dayquil to help relieve the pressure.  Unfortunately the pain medications I have for my back are full of Acetaminophen so I have to bench Dayquil.  I should be walking more, a minimum of twice hourly to avoid blood clots, but the pressure has the room spinning.  I can feel the vibration of sounds in my ears and the beating of my heart, and each vibration feels like I am being thrown around on a trampoline.

Sunday 10/22 - Walk, Sit, Walk while the world is still spinning.
I needed to get out of the house, more so because my mom needed to get out of the house.  We decided to venture out to the antique market a quarter of a mile down the road.  The plan was to take my walker which would allow me to move about in my power chair and then take short walks throughout the shopping time.

I managed to get in a few short jaunts around the various stores within the facility.  Ultimately the combination of riding in my chair, getting up and down from the chair, and moving around with the walker was more than my head could handle.  I was struggling to keep my stomach contents put.  Frustrating!

On a positive note - I did hold it together long enough to score a cute $5 milk glass candy dish.  It was my first visit to Trader Mae's.  I suspect that I will be doing more of my rehabbing there in the future.

I Should be Paralyzed

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have also struggled to have medical professionals actually listen to me.  "You need to lose the weight." has been the response to 99.9% of my adult life medical interactions. 

I was involved in three serious auto accidents between 1993 - 1999, one was so bad that the car had to be cut open to remove me.  All three instances left me stiff and uncomfortable.  All three doctors advised that I was fine, but needed "to lose the weight."

Life went on and I learned the limitations of my adult body.  I have always been strong and never shy about taking on manual labor.  I consumed ibuprofen to cope with the pain left from my projects.

In 2007 I began to have tingling and numbness in my limbs.  My PCP diagnosed it as arthritis and advised that it would get better if I "lost the weight."  The rheumatologist advised that my arthritis was in an early stage and could be slowed if I.... you guessed it (lost weight).

The first photo of me and my wheels ever publicly posted. My
secret is out, but the days of wheels and not-pregnant huge
bellies are numbered!

My symptoms worsened to the point where my body was out of my control. I would lose feeling in my legs, felt weakness in my back and neck as if they were going to snap.  Walking further than 40 feet was impossible. By 2010 I had missed out on so much of life that we decided to use our own money to buy a used power chair. 

The spring of 2012 began my journey with sciatica. The first episode was so terrifying that I went to the ER.  No x-ray was taken; just the diagnoses of sciatica, prescriptions for pain killers and muscle relaxers, and the obligatory "lose weight."  I would visit that ER 3 more times over the next 3 years - always given drugs, always told to lose weight, x-rayed once with no feedback from the medical staff.  We assumed that I was just going to have live with chronic sciatica. 

In 2015 I began seeing a new PCP, a group of doctors.  At one point we asked for the doctor to sign the DMV form so that we could have a permanent disabled parking sticker (we had been given several temporary permits). She asked why, I advised that the weakness in my legs had gone on for 5 years.  She signed the form and advised a weight loss program - no further investigation into the cause.

3 - 5 times per year I have visited my doctor's group for sciatica episodes.  My last episode, this past July, the doctor asked me why I had not had an x-ray or MRI.  Clearly this was my responsibility, at least in his eyes.

An x-ray in July revealed something concerning.  The X-ray gave my doctor reason to prescribe an MRI, which happened in August. The only information that was given to me after either of these tests was that there was an issue in my back between the L5 & S1 vertebrae.  I was referred to a spine specialist. 

The spine specialist was the first doctor to ask about symptoms. When I finished recounting my medical history he just could not stop shaking his head in disbelief.

Disbelief for two reasons:
1) That none of my doctors had managed to put my symptoms together and test further. He also expressed frustration with the "lose weight" diagnosis.

2) Disbelief that I was NOT PARALYZED! My case is severe enough that he insisted it would be in his top 10 of cases that he would remember for life.

My disk has completely relocated into the space where my spinal cord and nerve roots should be.  This would cause paralysis to my limbs as well as other systems, and quickly explained why my bladder has been such a pest these past few years.

The orange oval with the smiley face is how the vertebrae and disks should appear.  To the right of the bones and disks is a white line and a gray line, which is the spinal cord and nerves.  Moving down to the box with the sad face you can see that, at the green line, the spinal cord is pinched.  To the left of that pinch is a blank space where the disk should be. 

I will have surgery on October 16th to have the disk removed.

I asked about putting it off until January and was told by the doctor that if I were his wife I would be in surgery the next morning.  He advised that sudden jerks, a slip, or a fall could result in permanent paralysis.  Um, well, since you put it that way... I was trying to be clever and use the surgery to meet my 2018 deductible, but that quickly seemed like a much smaller issue when he said "permanent paralysis."

I had almost begun to buy into the idea that ALL of my health issues stemmed from being overweight.  After a decade of hearing doctors say that to me my husband was already a subscriber to this notion, as was most of my family.  There was no one in my corner and I began to question my sanity.  Maybe this sense of defeat prevented me from questioning doctors?  I had seen a dozen or so doctors in as many years, and all kept leaping to the same conclusion (lose weight). Could they all be overlooking something?  In the end, yes - yes they were. 

I have tried to get my weight down but have struggled even more without the ability to exercise. I am really looking forward to being able to walk further than 40 feet, and super excited at the possibility of (gasp) dancing!!! 

Look out world, I am coming back!

An additional benefit to this medical discovery and road to recovery:
I have terrible luck.  Seriously terrible to the point where people close to me refer to Murphy's Law as Michelle's Law.  My in-laws gather frequently for dinner and order carryout.  Out of 14+ meals we pick up only 1 is consistently wrong.  The wrong toppings on a burger, raw chicken more than 50% of the time, or basic menu items out of stock when I order. 

The bad luck is not limited to dining.  Every facet of my life is peppered with instances that no one can believe actually happen - even when they witness it first hand. 

The silver lining to this situation is the realization that all of my good luck seems to have been concentrated in my back.  Once I get this cleared up then the universe may be able to dispense it more evenly (fingers crossed).  

12th Wedding Anniversary - Chocolate and Steampunk

 

Tradition dictates that Silk is the appropriate gift for a 12th wedding anniversary.  We opted for a steampunk chocolate themed restaurant instead.  The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen opened at the Universal Studios Orlando resort in September of 2016, and has been on my wish list ever since.  I finally got to check that item off of the list.  

The restaurant is located just outside of the park entrances, as part of Universal Orlando City Walk attraction venue.  It sits directly next to The Hard Rock Cafe, but clearly steals the stage.  The towering smoke stacks and the larger-than-life wording of "Chocolate" across the main sign are sure to grab your attention.  

Inside of the factory-style building you are enveloped in a steampunk styled experience designed for the taste buds and the eyes.  

The Gift Shop is filled with tasty trinkets, steampunk wears, and unique candy delicacies.  Steampunk pocket watches made from chocolate, absinthe flavored marshmallows and candies, sour watermelon liquid candy, and key lime candy floss are just a few of the pre-packaged treats available. 

    

    

    

The bakery and fresh-batch chocolates will bring your jaw to an unhinged position.  The colors, shapes, and flavors are both unique and delicious.  

    

   

    

The dessert bar (yes, thankfully there is such a thing) is loaded with sundaes, shakes, and treats that seem impossible.  Milkshakes topped with a cupcake, banana pudding in a banana split, and sundaes topped with peanut butter pie or cheesecake all seem to defy logic.  The desserts are certainly to be considered sharing sized (full dessert menu). 

The second floor houses the traditional bar where you can quench your thirst with specialties including their Chocolate Stout, a host of chocolate infused mixed drinks, or any of the typical beverages you would find at your favorite watering hole (bar menu).

We opted for the full experience of dinning at the restaurant.  Reservations are not an option at this time and the wait can be a bit long (50 minutes for us on a summer Tuesday evening) but well worth it.  The staff is exceptional!  The host/hostess station, the wait staff, the shop keepers, the servers - each member of the staff that we encountered was phenomenal.  

The dining menu is robust.  The restaurant offers Brunch all day.  The lunch/dinner menu has several clearly marked Vegetarian options, and carries a varieties of sandwich and entrees.  The kid's menu offers much of what you would expect, plus one or two items you may not.  

We were pleasantly surprised by the menu pricing prior to receiving our food, and then even more pleased with the value when we saw the portion sizes.  

What did we order?   

The warm bread was dotted with a dark chocolate chip that was still melting when we received it.  It was not sweet, and had an almost bitter note.

The sweetness of the salted caramel butter was a beautiful pairing with the slight bitterness of the bread. 

The Blue Plate Burger with french fries with the sauce served on the side per my request.  Bordelaise sauce is a red wine sauce that is slightly acidic with a bitter finish - an excellent accompaniment to the rich beef.  

The Blue Plate burger is a burger topped with cheddar cheese, a scoop of mashed potatoes, a half slice of meatloaf, and finished with roasted corn.  

The Vegetable Press sandwich easily ranked in the top 3 of vegetarian options that we have tried.  

The Red Velvet Milkshake is a sight to behold.
The volume of the cup is not published but it honestly felt like it would easily be
one-and-a-half of the size of a traditional large shake.
The Costco-sized cupcake is easily a dessert for 2 on it's own.
The mason jar style vessel that it is served in is yours to keep.

I wish that I could give the dessert rave reviews, but it fell into the "just ok"
category for us.  The cake was moist and delicious and the shake was good.
It just was not a "wow!" taste.  Next time I will try the pudding or one of
the pies.   

My LiveWatch Security Experience

We typically feel safe in our home, in our neighborhood, and in our town.  We also live in a changing world where crime and home invasions are no longer following a somewhat predictable pattern.  Installing security measures has been a topic of discussion for some time now.

We considered several options to protect our home:
1) Security camera that we monitor ourselves
2) Security system kit that we install and monitor ourselves
3) Monitored security system (contract vs. no contract, installed vs. DIY)

Our primary focus is protecting the people of the home, and secondarily protecting our possessions.  The best solution became a monitored option as it provides a means for immediate response in the event of an emergency.  Property protection is still top of mind and so we sought out systems that offered optional camera integration.

We started our monitored solution research process by talking with friends and family, as well as exploring options from service companies that we are currently patronizing (e.g. our Cable/Internet provider). The initial search left us with three options to compare to a world wide web of other solutions.  In the end, we opted to go with a recommendation from a co-worker, selecting LiveWatch, as it 1) provided the best value for the offer, 2) had decent online and BBB ratings, 3) did not require a contract, and 4) earned us both a bonus for signing up/referring.

My purchase, install, and activation process experiences follow below.  If you decide that you want to explore LiveWatch for your family then please consider giving me the chance to refer you.  We will both receive a bonus (the promotions vary between gift cards and free months of service), but I can save you some pain in the negotiation process - as you will see below.  Just fill out the Contact Michelle form on the right side of the blog.  ➥


Advice for the Overall Process

1. NEVER sign up on the first call!  Many of these companies have a good bit of wiggle room built into the pricing.  You will be amazed at how much more you will get for your money when you engage in their sales tactics. 
2. Working from a referral is beneficial as it gives you a good start in your negotiating point (see more details below under the section for "Lessons Learned"). Additionally, there is typically a special promotion for you coming on as a referral (you and your referring friend get something). 
3. Do your research before you make that first call as many company's sales tactics will try to mislead you, especially when it comes to speaking about their competition.  A competing company tried to convince me that my home owners insurance would not cover loss if I used a DIY system -which is false, according to my insurance agent.  Another popular point that is used frequently is the event response times vs. their competitors (X company has a 2 minute delay, etc...). 
4. All monitored systems (DIY or not) have to follow a set of contact rules before contacting your local authorities.  These rules are mostly consistent across the country, but are governed at the state level.  The short of it - if you are able to dial 911, you should.  The alarm companies must first contact you to confirm the alarm is not false.  Combined with the facts that the actual system gives a grace period (30 - 45 seconds) before alerting the alarm company, and the alarm company may have to make more than one contact attempt or wait an established amount of time before contacting your local authorities.  

Photo from CEPro.com article on How Law Enforcement Responds

LiveWatch Pros & Cons (based on my experience)

Cons
I have not encountered any true "cons" yet, but if I am nitpicking:

• The sales process is much like a used car sales process, complete with the the "needed" manager approvals and pressure to "sign now if..." negotiating tactics.  I did not feel like it was an overly pushy process, but it was certainly filled with "if I can get you X then can you go ahead and sign today?" 
• Emails: Everything discussed is presented to you in writing, through email.  Quotes, revised quotes, follow-ups, and managers checking in to see how the staff is doing.  Since becoming a customer I have received just one email from my sales contact, advising of a special referral promotion.  
• Text Marketing: I have received one text message advising of a contest.  It is just one, but I absolutely despise unsolicited/unnecessary text.  If I get another then I will surely search for a means to opt out. 
• Limited information on how each component works: We are new to home security.  I could have/should have asked for specifics on the make and manufacturer for each component so that I could research.  The source of this slight frustration is one of my glass break sensors.  I foolishly assumed that it was to be installed ON the glass and had planned to install it on the sliding glass door in our master bedroom.  It is NOT installed on the door, but is a listening device that senses the pitch and tone of glass breaking in proximity.  It is also VERY SENSITIVE to white noise, like a fan.  Our tower fan runs in the master bedroom 24/7.  The sensor was relocated to the kitchen. 
• Automatic billing is required.  

Pros

• The employees! Once you can get past the sales process you will really appreciate how polite, articulate, respectful, and patient all of the staff is - including the the sales folks.  The company is based in Kansas and the half-dozen or so staff members that I spoke with seemed to embody the stereotypical Midwest warmth, politeness, and sense of calm. 
• Everything comes in writing!  You will have no trouble with promises being fulfilled, as you will receive an email follow-up to all calls during the sales process.  You will also receive text and email confirmation for scheduled calls (the system activation appointment), with reminders of upcoming appointments coming in email the day of and in text 30 minutes prior to the appointment.
• Tailored setup experience: Your kit will arrive with a laminated quick set-up guide, customized to the specific system components that you have selected.  Each component has a one page setup guide, with photos. 
• No contract.  If you cancel within 12 months of your initial activation then you will be eligible for a prorated refund on the equipment.  There are no cancel or disconnect fees.  
• Monitoring Fee: Lifetime monitoring fee ($39.95 monthly at the time I subscribed) guarantee - your monthly fee will not increase over the lifetime of your use of the system.  Upfront pricing - the monitoring fee is inclusive of all taxes and service charges.  

The Basics

This is the box the system was shipped in.

LiveWatch is a DIY installation solution.  You work with the sales representative to determine what security components best fit your needs.  You will be shipped a package with the components, all of the bits and pieces needed (batteries, screws, wall anchors, and double stick tape), and a Quick Set-Up Guide.


During the sign-up call you will be asked to select an activation date - a day when the LiveWatch tech team will call to check the system components, and connect your system to the monitoring center.

Text received when alarm is triggered

Once connected, you will be given a grace period to adjust to the system.  During this time there will not be notifications to the monitoring station should you trip the alarm.  One day is the standard grace period, but you can request longer if you like.  

Post grace period, and in the event of an actual alarm, the system is designed to contact you via text.  The text will be sent to all parties that you designate be notified in the event of an alarm.  When the parties click the link within the text they will be directed into a private chat room.  Once in the chat, you will have the option to indicate a False Alarm or indicate that Immediate Help is needed  by selecting one of two buttons. Additionally, all parties (including the monitoring team) will be able to communicate in the chat room.

If you do not respond to the text then the monitoring team will try to make contact over the intercom of the base station.  If both methods fail to elicit a response from the designated contacts then emergency services will be dispatched.


How the System Works

The LiveWatch equipment operates on a cellular based communication, with the option to run over WiFi as a means of secondary communication.  The equipment is tied into the Alarm.com monitoring center, and can be managed through the Alarm.com website and mobile app.

Photo courtesy of safewise.com - How to choose a security system. 

Arming and disarming the system is done through the website, app, key fob, or base station.
In the event a sensor is triggered the system provides a 30-45 second (setting can be adjusted by user) grace period before sounding the alarm.
Once the alarm is triggered, in addition to attempting contact via text, the monitoring station will begin to listen in through the built-in microphone of the base station.

The various system components:
All components, except the base station, are battery powered.  The battery level is easily accessible via the app and website.  Notification of any equipment malfunction will be emailed to you, and will appear on the website and base station status indicators.

The various components can be mounted with the provided tape, or can be installed with the included screws and wall anchors.

Base station is approximately the size of a 5x7 photo frame.
It cycles between nature photography when not in use.

Base station - Gone are the days of the keypad installed into a wall, the main component of this system is the IQ Desktop Base. The base simply needs a power outlet and a place to perch, making it easy to customize to your home needs.

At the base state you can:

• Arm and disarm the system
• See photos of the parties that have armed and disarmed the system at the base station
• Communicate with the monitoring station through the built-in microphone and loud speaker.  The loud speaker will also be the source for the alarm siren. 
• Access quick buttons to request Fire, Police, or Medical assistance.  The Fire and Medical assistance buttons have an optional Silent Alarm, which would allow the monitoring station to listen in without sounding the siren or speaking to you over the intercom. 
• Integrate smart home devices like WiFi light bulbs and thermostats. 

The base station has a built-in battery back up, ensuring you are secure in the event of a power outage.

Window/Door Sensors - These sensors are a two-piece product that rely on a magnetic connection to determine the open/close status of a door or window.  Each piece adheres to the frame/window/door with the included double stick tape, and installs easily and quickly.  Some of my doors are framed in a decorative trim, and I found the sensors easy to adhere and remaining firmly in place.

Installation over decorative trim.

Sliding glass door installation.

Motion detector nestled in the corner
between the mirror and staircase.

Motion Detectors - Just as you would expect, these sensors scan the monitored area for motion.  The system design allows the option to arm the system without arming all components.  The two pre-programmed arming modes are:

• Stay - Secures all system components except the motion detectors
•  Away - Arms all system components. 

Additionally, you have the option to customize what components are armed at any time.  This would be useful in a scenario when you want the home armed, but need to move in and out of a specific door for a period (e.g. working between the house and garage).

Glass break sensor on the left, above the rolling pin frame art.

Glass Break Sensors - This device measures approximately 3" x 5" x 1.5".  It is a listening device designed to sense the sound frequency of glass breaking.  Installation instructions advise that the best installation options are:

• 3 feet from the glass you are monitoring
• Not directly over the monitored glass
• In rooms larger than 10' x 10'
• In locations without ambient noise (e.g. loud fans, constant humming, etc...)
• In moisture free locations (not the bathroom)

Key Fob

Key Fob - The buttons allow you to alarm for "Stay" by pressing the lock button once, "Away" by pressing the lock button twice, disarm with the unlock button, and use the asterisk (*) as a panic button.  The light bulb key is a means to access integrated smart devices that can also be controlled by this system (e.g. WiFi light bulbs).

Cameras - At the time of my purchase, the camera option available consisted of a motion activated device that snapped a series of still shots.  Adding a camera increases the monthly monitoring fee by $10.  

Installation, Help, & Activation

Installation is fairly straight forward.  ALL of the components can be mounted with the provided double stick tape, but also include instructions and screws for mounting.

Customized Quick Set-Up Guide

Each component arrives labeled, according to the designation you and the LiveWatch sales staff determined (e.g. Kitchen Window, Front Door, etc...).  The labels are color coded, by device, to match the color tabs on the Quick Set-Up Guide.

Following the instructions in the Quick Set-Up Guide is simple, but I do advise reading any included instructions for individual components (reading the manufacturer instructions for the glass break sensor helped me avoid installation in bad location).

At the end of the Quick Set-Up Guide you will find instructions that walk you through testing each of the components.  You will do this as part of the activation call, but I highly recommend you do this on your own first to ensure that your components are properly installed.

In addition to the labeled components and customized Quick Set-Up Guide, you will receive a short user guide for the base station.  I found reading through this to be helpful as it explains all of the capabilities of the unit.

Help: Help.LiveWatch.com is very user friendly. Our door from the house to the garage opens out, leaving me questioning how to install the sensor.  I typed "outward door" into the search on the site's home page, and a response with video came up.

You can call LiveWatch, via the number provided in a majority of the material in the kit.  Initially I dialed the number, but was able to query the site and read the resulting articles before someone picked up (less than 1 minute).

Activation: During your initial sign-up call you will establish an appointment for a LiveWatch tech to "activate" your system.  This call will take place after you have installed all of the components, and will be an opportunity for the LiveWatch team to 1) test the components, 2) walk you through use of the system, and 3) ensure that the connection between your system and the monitoring station is working properly.

My call lasted approximately 35 minutes, and moved quickly as I had my husband home to split the task of moving between each of the sensors for testing.  The co-worker who referred us, and had 20+ sensors, spent over 2 hours on the phone.  

Lessons Learned

Pricing is negotiable.  There is no true and clear pricing structure.  We were referred by a co-worker, and took our original quote to him to review.  We were initially offered 4 Door/Window sensors and 1 motion sensor for $159.  The person who referred us advised that he received 20 Door/Window sensors and 2 Glass Break sensors for $240.  We negotiated from there and ended up with 4 Door/Window sensors, 2 Motion Sensors, 2 Glass Break Sensors, and a key fob remote for $100.

Consider negotiating future add-on components at the time of your original purchase.  We now realize that we would have benefited from more Door/Window sensors.  I wish that I had negotiated the future add-on component price during my initial calls, as I am not looking forward to going through the same process again.

Time to install: Set a minimum of two days between the arrival of your equipment and the activation call.  We had two small issues that required a trip to the store for additional materials to install.

• Issue #1 - Our door from the house to the garage has a thick weather stripping around it, which prevented the sensor pieces from lining up.  A quick call to LiveWatch support left us with a few options, the easiest of which was building up the distance by adding additional layers of double stick tape.  This video from the help site also proved useful. 
• Issue #2 - The tape that was provided for the Glass Break Sensors was not strong enough to hold the weight.  Even though the sensors are light, both pulled away from the wall - taking some of the paint with it.  :(   New double stick tape (pack of 3M squares from our local big box store) did the trick.  

Tape vs. Screws: We opted to use the included tape for our initial installation of the components as this provides us an opportunity to test our system, and move or tweak as necessary.  When we are confident that we have all of the components optimally located, we will put in the wall anchors and screws.