[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] One year on from L5/S1 fusion and L4/L5 stabilization

[Frances144]

Well, I thought I would report in and tell you where I am now.

I have good days and bad. I don't take painkillers unless I have to, so probably once or twice a week at night. Tramadol for daytime or Cocodamol for night. I am trying to become accustomed to what I have in my back rather than mask it.

The surgeon has discharged me saying there was some more wear and tear at Thoracic level but hey ho, I said I hoped we didn't meet again, in a nice way while L4/L5 continues to bulge.

I have little feeling in either feet and my back aches when I am doing something at the wrong height or I am tired.

What else?

I am managing to ride my horse and he has stopped looking after me so he must think I am feeling better! I also walk alot in the hills if I can.

I have accepted that my lifestyle has to change and my new career as a photographer is going well. I also write a blog which I find very cathartic.

It is exactly a year to the week since I had this operation and I must say that while I have made a huge effort to forget the whole hospital ordeal, I have flashbacks at the moment on a daily basis of what happened, which I find impossible to shake. It was a vile time in my life.

We have snow now and I am terrified of falling on the ice to a point of not going out. I just can't imagine how I would cope if I fell and what the consequences would be. Considering I ride a horse (but rarely fall off), that sounds stupid, I know.

Anywho, if you are interested my blog is Out and About with Terror! - Shetland Pony Everything (today's episode).

Onwards and upwards.....

[ajj1001]

Lovely to hear from you, I've been looking at your lovely pictures. I'm surprised that you have been discharged, can you get in touch if you need to be seen again?

[Justin]

Congrats on the 1-year post-op mark!

I wish you the very best and I do hope your new career is off to a great start. We are always here if you need us.

[Kimberly]

I too have enjoyed your lovely photos.

What a beautiful place you live in! (looks COLD though. Makes me want to go put on another sweater :-)

All my best for your continued recovery and progress!

Happy Holidays,
Kimberly