[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] 7 weeks post op for L4/5 fusion - first set of xrays

[Kimberly]

Linda,

That's FANTASTIC news! Congratulations. I'm glad to hear it.

Now back to the hard work of recovery, huh? (at least that's how I usually feel.)

Is work getting easier for you to manage now? I hope so.....

Enjoy the holidays but don't forget to rest and take care of yourself.

Kimberly

[Pbchoclovr]

Hi Kimberly,

Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, work is getting easier, but I still have days where I'm watching the clock and can't wait to get home to relax. Like you said before... it's a bunch of ups and downs and lots of work recovering. It's basically another full time job. But as I look back over the last 6 months, I've come so far, as I'm sure you have too. I just keep remembering that all I have to do is put on foot in front of the other and I'll get there.

I had another first since surgery this week. My surgeon and PT told me I could ramp up my program, so I decided I was tired of just walking in the pool and actually swam for the first time since before surgery. Overall, no increased pain from the work out! Now to find a swim cap that keeps my hair dry!!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Linda

[Pbchoclovr]

Things have been moving along nicely since I last posted... That is until this evening. I was headed downstairs and some how managed to get my foot caught on the top step and I started to take a tumble down the stairs. Fortunately, I was holding on to both railings and only managed to do a little kick, turn kind of thing. No bouncing involved. Every muscle in my back is now tensed up. Currently using my TENS machine and massaging bed. Ice will follow. I can check another first off the list.... (although this was a first I was hoping to avoid), falling on the stairs - my BIGGEST worry. Wondering why I have to be the card carrying klutz???? Similar stunts to tonight's were what helped get me in this position to begin with.

[Kimberly]

Yikes!!!

I'm so glad you had your hands on the handrails and didn't go down. I can't even imagine how painful that would be. Glad you are ok. And I hope the increased soreness subsides quickly.

Kimberly

[Pbchoclovr]

Hi Kimberly,

You and me both!!! It took about 4 days before the stiffness ALL OVER my back subsided. I ended up with a tremendous muscle spasm in my rib cage area from the whole ordeal. My worst nightmare is slipping and going down my stairs on my butt. I've done it two other times prior to surgery, which is why I say that's what helped put in the position to need surgery, probably the nail in the coffin for many years of back problems. If I had bounced, I'd have been in the ER so fast getting xrays to make sure I hadn't done any damage. My next house will have one floor. I don't like having to dust off my card carrying klutz card.

Linda