Back Surgery

After several schedule changes, I had back surgery on Feb 4.  The first week I barely remember as I was kept comfortable with some great pain meds.  I had physical therapy twice a day and walked a little bit.  Every day I got stronger and did physical therapy faithfully.


I spent 10 days in the hospital and then was transported to Pioneer Skilled Nursing Center.  The nursing and entire staff were so nice.  I had physical therapy every day, 2 or 3 times a day.  I did my best to walk, walk, and walk.  I spent ten days there.


When I got home, Albert had put a small bed in the living room.  I was still restricted to only standing or laying down.  I could sit 15minutes, 4 times a day.


I'm now 6 weeks after surgery.  I have no more back pain.  In fact, I took my last pain pill more than a week ago.  Would I do it again?  Absolutely.


I still have a ton of restrictions: no bending, twisting, pushing, pulling.  I have a 5lb lifting limit (a half gallon of liquid is 5lbs) and I still get tired but I know the tiredness is due to the Fibromyalgia.  I can now sit as much as I want but Dr.Parker said don't over-do it.


Albert has been wonderful through this.  He sat with me all day when the hospital gave me valium for pain.  I had hallucinations and could not be left alone.  Albert said it was really hilarious and he wished he had taped some of it.  Knowing what I said, I'm glad he didn't!  At home he helps me dry off after a shower, he helps me put on underwear and pants and socks.  I'm mostly dependent on him since I still have all of the restrictions.


I'm doing strengthening exercises several times a day and I'm walking a mile at the community building every morning.  I'm in a brace and will probably wear it for several months.  The nerves of my right leg are coming back to life.  That is painful but I am on Gabapentin for the nerve endings.


I feel good, I'm on a good combination of antidepressants, and I enjoy my life.  To think that I waited 4 years to have surgery is something I now regret.