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
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.
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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.
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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,
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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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6/3/2013 09:37:22 pm
Nowadays therapy oriented treatments are best for the peoples,.
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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,
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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.
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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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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.