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!
RSS Feed
