Anyone had to totally re-think their way of life?

[Frances144]

Just thinking really, the life I had pre-op is definitely not the one I have post-op.

I am 5 months post-op and feel very limited. Still on regular painkillers, trying to "do" something every day but my body and its pain stops me most times.

I can't imagine a life similar to previous - I was riding and looking after horses.

So, I changed direction. I am writing a blog and just trying to keep my brain occupied.

Soon we will be foaling and that will test me in every way. I will sleep in my caravan (have done for 4 years each time) and am up most of the night looking for foals or problems.

My comfort zone is very small now. I like my surroundings and I hate new things. We went south to the UK last week and I could barely manage. I hated every minute of it, which was a sadness.

Don't know why I am writing this - I am just sharing really!

My blerg, if you are interested - ponies, drink and meanderings! - Shetland Pony Everything - Everything Shetland Pony!

[ajj1001]

My whole life has changed, medically retired, lying down for large portion of the time. I too blog and have taken up sedentary pursuits rather than my previous triathlons and mountaineering

[Frances144]

Thanks - glad I am not the only one. Sure feels that way most days as yet again my body says no while my brain is saying get up and go.

[Katie]

Frances, any life filled with the horses/ponies and beautiful talent that you have seems very full as it is, but I understand completely how frustrated you feel now.

I am 5 months post-op and feel very limited. Still on regular painkillers, trying to "do" something every day but my body and its pain stops me most times.

While my level of pain meds is much less than before surgery, the pain is still there enough to take the shine off things if I overdo it. But much, much better than six months ago...hope, there is hope.

Don't give up yet....it has taken me forever (over a year post op) to start to feel a bit 'normal', and have any real fun with my horses. It is still very limited, but coming slowly. Unfortunately my 20 yr old Connemara mare still thinks she is a two yr. old most days She easily outwalks me when we go down the road...I'm just ground driving her and hoping to get her driving before the end of summer. And remember, even if your mobility is limited if/when the pain goes, there is always the possibility of para driving. We had a local fellow who drove a pair of Shetlands and he had to secure his wheelchair to the carriage....very cool. Plus lots of international drivers out there, as you would well know after seeing your website.

LOL, I'm completely with you on the hermit thing Everything revolves around the potential comfort or not of the bed wherever we go! I bring a sackful of familiar pillows and comforters to make my own private nest

I admire both of you taking up blogging, something I've always wanted to do. I'm just not dedicated enough. And the pursuits both of you have had far surpass anything I've tackled...triathlons and mountaineering Wowzers.

[Cindylou]

I couldn't agree more with Katie's observations. I try to keep moving, even when I am in alot of pain. Then I'll have a day where I just slow down and spend most of it with a heating pad on my back. I know this likely sounds like wishful thinking, but distracting myself from my pain is a huge help. And I've always tried to look at life "from the sunny side," and not the "woe is me" side. I also regularly remind myself of all the blessings in my life, as trite as that sounds, it actually works. My 3 terrific grown sons, their absolutely adorable and smart wives, my husband who I should have put first, but hey, I'm a Mom, my larger than life 2 year old granddaughter Tully who rocks my world, and my other granddaughter due to arrive around June 5th. My SPS family. And of course the list goes on and on. Dwelling on the pluses and not the minuses is a must for any chronic spine patient, in my humble opinion. And a whole slew of you already know that. Never hurts to have a reminder though, even to myself. Cindylou

[Catherine]

Oh yes, my life has completely changed over the last two years! I worked in pipeline construction and that's finished. I rode horses in the mountains, hiked, camped, and pretty much did whatever I wanted. It was nothing to hop in my truck and drive 22 hours to visit family in Louisiana, no more of that! And yes I've pretty much become a hermit also. If I didn't have my grandchildren a mile away to spend time with my life would be unbearable now. But, enough of whining! I try to keep telling myself that at least I can still walk and I could have been killed in that MVA. But yes, many many changes.

Catherine

[Katie]

Catherine, thanks for bringing this thread to life again, and nice to know that grandchildren are keeping another of us alive and kicking If not for mine (one yrs. old) that lives about an hour away, I would happily move to a spot where the weather is more temperate and kinder to my joints. Knowing she was on the way just after my surgery date also helped keep me going when things were dark.

Frances, how did the foaling go? How many mares were counting on your midwife skills? I haven't checked your blog lately...need to get another dose of pony love! And I wasn't being patronizing when I said that chances are pretty good that your days will continue to improve. I think KBear took almost two years to become pain free. I float up and down on how gentle I am on my body...some days I go all out, and others I remember that I am both old(er) and still somewhat damaged.

My favourite mantra is still "Never Face the Facts" though.....

[Frances144]

We had 4 foals in the end. I have two now with me plus the stallion and their mothers. Lovely to go and talk to.

I take each day as it comes. I have totally different expectations and I try not to do too much as I pay for it the next day.

I still live off regular analgesia and have tried to stop taking them but stiffen up immediately and get very down, depressed.

So, onwards and upwards. I am concentrating on different, more creative projects rather than actual physical work with the horses, which is what I was used to.

My kids are coming home from school next week for the summer holidays. I will probably do more when they get back. I want to go riding with my eldest!

Just see how it goes. On day at a time, eh?

[Katie]

Good attitude. It helps to offset disappointment that way. Up until lately, every day was a surprise for me I could never plan much of anything, and got used to it, but the rest of the world didn't. Funny how everyone wants you to be better yesterday. I have gotten so tired of reminding them that just because I'm 'better', doesn't mean I'm really better. I'll never be like I was seven years ago, but then who is over fifty

I don't know if I'll ever be completely off the meds, but don't really care. They help me get through days when I overdue it, and at night when it seems that my bed causes me pain. I thought it was just something I had to live with until we stayed at a hotel that had a bed that was heavenly...no pain even when waking...pure joy! Lots of saving now to try and afford a new one....

Congratulations on the new foals They are a true joy, aren't they! How much help do you have with them? I know we've discussed this before, but I can't remember your answer; are you able to do a bit of driving still?

Your photos are a real gift to the rest of us. Thanks for sharing.

[Justin]

Count me in! My life has greatly changed over the years. However, I've just learned to roll with the punches. Also, the patients I see in the hospital really inspire me.

I wish everyone the very best, as I know chronic pain / spine surgeries and all they entail can really turn your life upside-down.