Collette Scott
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Collette's Blog

Featuring some of the author interviews I've had the pleasure of participating in and a series of posts with updates, announcements and fun stuff.

Thank you for visiting!

Two Months Post Surgery Update

11/6/2012

11 Comments

 
Hello Everyone!

So I passed the two month mark and finally started physical therapy - whoo hoo! Of course, as I write this, I'm reclining with my legs up! I won't lie and say it's not difficult. However, no pain, no gain, right? Bring it on, baby! I'm gonna win this battle - ha!

More seriously, on October 25th, after pulling an all-nighter and biting my nails in frustration and stress, I did release Kat's Last Chance on time as promised. I'm a bit proud of myself, for it has been a difficult time. It was an accomplishment that filled me with pride when I submitted everything, and the responses from my readers has given me so much support that I want to again send a shout-out to all to say thank you! All the support and enthusiasm I've received has been a huge help. The power of friendship is amazing.

While times have been tough, it is possible to function following surgery. Just don't do too much or your body will definitely tell you! I've had a few more falls, but now that I'm in PT I'm confident they will help me stretch out the sciatic nerve and help me get my balance back. I've stopped wearing the belly brace for the most part. I only put it on if I know I'm going to be out and about for a long time or driving farther distances. I'd rather strengthen my muscles than continue to grow dependent on the brace, so I'm focusing on the cane for added stability and taking slow steps.

I do have continued sciatica, and I'm taking a drug called Gabapentin to attempt to alleviate it a little. I took that briefly prior to surgery and found it helped, so hopefully it'll do its job again. Pain-wise, I'm doing so much better than prior to surgery, although I still take medications as needed. My range of motion is slightly better than before, but I feel it will get better as soon as I re-train these little muscles that have been out of whack for so long. A full year-and-a-half of compensation is going to take a while to get back in line. My physical therapist says to start slow and mild and work in to the heavier stuff once I get those deep muscles back in line. 

Having said that, I did do an hour of pool therapy yesterday. Gosh, it felt good to move again. I have muscle soreness today and some pain in my back (hence the reclining I'm doing now), but I loved every minute of it! It's hard to believe that two months have passed already. While still weak, I feel as though I'm going to get back to my normal self soon, and what a great feeling that is! I have no regrets for going through the surgery - not one. I sometimes wish I did it sooner, but I know that exhausting every avenue prior is always the smartest bet. Of course, I have the scars on my abdomen and back, but that's a small price to pay for quality of life.

Speaking of scars... Surprisingly, two months out my abdomen is still very tender. I thought that would have cleared up by now, but it's touch sensitive and movement sensitive. I guess it'll take a little while longer to heal completely, but that was something I wasn't expecting at all. My back, on the other hand, is okay. I can feel the rods and screws now that the swelling has gone down (yuck), but it's not as sensitive as my stomach - go figure.

So two months out, I'm regaining my strength, re-training my muscles, and re-capturing my balance. I know I do too much, but sometimes you don't have much choice. To think after such a huge surgery I'm back to vacuuming, laundry and other household chores is more than I imagined. Of course I wouldn't be if I had a choice, LOL, but I am physically able to do so in most cases. There are times when the pain is hard to bear, but I'm doing it! Bending, reaching and lifting are still difficult, but over the coming weeks I hope to grow stronger and more physically tough. Time will tell. Two months out, and I'm better than before! Thank you to my surgeon and the staff at Oasis Hospital!!

Until next time, thank you all! 
11 Comments
David Prosser link
11/8/2012 04:05:04 am

There you go proving me right again. You're recovering far earlier than predicted. You really put everything into it don't you.
Well done on finishing Kat. If I could find a follow button on your site I'd have seen it by now and done my part. Damn these RSS feeds which mean nothing to me. I don't know what to do with them.
I send Hugs and I'm off now to do my first tweet. I have put Oscar's blog in a book form but can't decide what to do about it.
Look after yourself.
Hugs

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Collette
11/9/2012 02:26:42 am

You'll have to tell me how to put one on there, David, LOL. I'll have to Google it, I suppose.

Thank you so much for visiting! I'm getting there, slowly but surely. All I can truly say is that I'm so glad I did it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hugs, my dear friend,

XOXOXO,

Collette

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Patty H
11/17/2012 02:17:39 pm

I. Was so happy to see your blog. I had anterior lumbar fusion with posterior instrumentation 4 weeks ago. I like you was very active and actually fell while hiking in Yosemite which put my already degenerative disk and pars fracture into the surgery zone. I was shocked when I saw my images. I thought that being 50 and being active was the answer to major health issues. I had fusion at two levels and will not be able to twist, bend, lift or do physical therapy for three months. How long did it take for you to "get your brain back?" I am also very thankful that I had the surgery and am having some perineal nerve pain from my calf down to my big toe. Did your sciatic pain increase, decrease or stay the same over the past two months?

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Collette
11/19/2012 02:01:51 am

Hi there Patty,

Isn't it just a shock to think that when you're active you actually cause more damage? I think that was the biggest blow for me. It was such a good thing that I'm a writer and work from home, because that time period was just a 10 without meds. I could barely function at all. I'm sure you can relate there, right? How long was it between your fall and the surgery? Were you at least able to get in there pretty quick?

At any rate, I'm so glad that I've helped you out a bit. I've kept a journal since right after surgery if you haven't see the older posts. That might help, too.

Moving on! I'm at almost 11 weeks (Wednesday), and I'm feeling so much better. I was unable to start PT until 2 months out, but since I've started, I've been growing stronger every day! It's amazing how fast I'm bouncing back, and I'm sure you'll say the same once you get started, too. I think there's something to be said about being in good shape there. Muscle memory, anyone? LOL.

In PT, they're focusing on strengthening the tiny muscles that connect the vertebra. That consists of doing a lot of Kegels and small ab movements. I'm okay with that. I've also been doing aerobic exercise in the pool (also with a therapist) and at home have started using my elliptical. I'm keeping it at 10 minutes, as my therapist advised me. Again, I'm growing stronger every day and the pain is decreasing pretty quick. I still get very stiff and tight, and my back aches something fierce if I do too much. Also, my abs are still tender, which they've told me is normal. If I cough, WOW! It feels as though I'm tearing them apart. But I'm moving so much better, the sciatica in my calves is lightening up (although I am on Gabapentin, too), and my balance is returning. I haven't fallen in a week now, yay! This past week was the first time I felt comfortable leaving the house without my cane, so that was a huge boost to my confidence.

As far as getting my brain back, my gosh, I feel you there! It cost me so much to be in constant pain for almost a year-and-a-half, but I have regained so much enthusiasm now that I'm seeing results. I'm sure that will happen to you over the next few weeks. You will see a rapid recovery once you hit that two+ month mark. Trust me, it's an amazing thing that you never expect, especially after the pain you've been in. Keep your chin up!

One last thing about my sciatica. I mentioned I'm back on Gabapentin, and that did work for me a little bit prior to surgery, too. However, my PT also gave me an exercise called "spinal cord flossing", where I put my foot on top of the back of the sofa and just lightly flex my ankle. I do it for both sides. The pain is still there, but it's completely manageable, and I'm considering stopping the Gabapentin to see how it goes. I'm sure you were like me in that you spent many hours with your legs bent? If so, you will have to work on stretching that nerve back out (that's what they told me). I'll definitely keep updating as I go, so feel free to check in every few weeks, or email me if you like at collette@collettescott.com.

I wish you a speedy recovery, and I truly hope you see the same results as me. I'm pretty optimistic for you :D. It's almost overnight that things change, and you will feel so happy with your results. Just keep smiling and know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will get there, I just know it!

XOXO,

Collette

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Personal Training Manhattan link
5/7/2013 09:45:05 pm

This surgery updates shows the reality of physical therapy, Also personal training is the best way in Physical therapy.

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Collette
2/5/2014 02:14:32 am

I apologize for not responding sooner, but I wanted to mention that recently I found the McKenzie method online. I spoke to my doctor about it, and he advised me to buy the book. I have got to say that wow! Those simple little exercises he has me do have done wonders for my sciatica. Unfortunately, I still have a lot of pain, but I believe it's mostly due to the other herniated discs. I don't know if you have heard of McKenzie (he's based in New Zealand), but check him out if you'd like.

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George B Holmes link
6/3/2013 09:37:22 pm

Nowadays therapy oriented treatments are best for the peoples,.

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George B Holmes link
6/3/2013 09:38:27 pm

Surgery oriented updates are represents the various actions in the medical field.

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Collette
2/5/2014 02:25:36 am

Hi George,

I know it's been a while since you posted this, but I was just mentioning in my previous comment that I stumbled upon the McKenzie method (he's based out of New Zealand), and the simple exercises that he suggests have done wonders for my sciatica. Something to consider to us pain sufferers out there!

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Breast Augmentation Surgery link
10/25/2013 08:19:37 pm

Nothing wrong if I say that you are really a wonderful writer. You always raise the social causes in your article which is respectful and admirable for me as an individual.

Reply
Collette
2/5/2014 02:12:10 am

I know it's been a few months since I've been online, but I wanted to say thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you're enjoying the stories and hope you'll continue to do so. Although I've just finished Book Seven, the Evans boys will still be active in future novels. They have a lot of work to do! Please take care and thank you so much. xoxo

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