Yes, I have requested to be put on the list for cancellations. I only have 2 weeks to go so I can handle that. I will keep everyone updated and note what the experience has been like. Thanks Gerry!

caroline i appreciate the input for sure! I have done physical therapy with no luck, so this is my last resort. I am hoping it turns out ok and not be one of those horror stories! That's a scary thought! Thank you for all of the info!

Well, I had surgery on the 26th and am home now. It was a VERY difficult recovery the first few days. Right after surgery and upon awakening I was shivering and dry crying from the intense pain. They gave me just about everything they could. It wasn't until they gave me dilauted (SP?) until finally I was feeling pain that was tolerable. I spent 3 days in the hospital and was up and walking the first day. I came home the evening of the 29th and have been recovering at home. I still have some pain, but it's not as bad as I was expecting. The dr. gave me the option to stay another day in the hospital, but I knew, being home with my family and pets, that my recovery would speed up. It has and thank goodness my husband has been SUCH a trooper. He hunted down a shower chair for me and drove ways he ALWAYS avoids, just to help me. I could truly feel the love he has for me. He has been getting me what I need when I need anything and has been crucial to my recovery. My 16 year old daughter has been a really big help! She helps me when dad is not home. Heck, even when dad is home she asks if I need anything. She has never been so caring and helpful and I appreciate her more now than ever. I love them both with all my heart! :group hug: as far as pain is concerned, it's there, but has been going down little by little. I think I am more sore now than anything. I have bruises all over my right arm from where they had to try (eventually succeeding) in getting me started on another IV while in surgery. It looks like I got beat up on my arm...pretty nasty!
Anyways, I would not have wished the recovery part on my worst enemy, but the recovery after the initial recovery, has been good. I can't wait to heal up and get on the road to weight loss (I'm 255lbs at 5'5"). I am determined to lose a bunch of weight! I do not want any more back surgeries! Anyways if you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them as honestly as I can! Thanks for reading if you got this far!

Hi onlymedid,

So glad to hear you have turned the corner on that initial post surgical pain and are now able to be home with your family and pets. Wishing you a speedy recovery and return to better health and a lot less pain.

Please keep us posted as to your progress when you feel up to it. Wishing you the BEST.

Thanks for for the update. It appears; other than the initial getting something to handle the surgical pain; all went pretty well. I can relate to the bruises for the IV. For some reason; mine was on the top of my hand which I think was not in properly. I hardly pushed the pain button because of the burning.

You have quite a loving family. It's great to learn how much your husband and daughter are there for you; especially letting you how "special" you are to them.

I would assume you are wearing your soft brace when out of bed; as well as the rules; no bending, lifting, stretching, etc. The brace really a is helpful reminder.

Looking forward to more updates.


Gerry

Yes, the brace is very useful. I only wear it when in the car now. The pain button helped a bunch. I'm sorry you had such a crappy IV!

My family has been amazing. So supportive and helpful!

Yeah, I kept on the B.L.T restrictions.

so it's been a bit more than a month out since surgery and I am feeling really good. I have my bad days, but the good far out weigh the bad! I am working on getting off the meds by weening off and so far it's been a success. I can't wait to not be on anything any more.

I still use my shower chair for safety and for help as standing in the shower can be tough for some reason. I am no longer using the walker, but still use my cane. I usually use the electronic wheelchairs in the stores.

I still can't walk through the stores or walk for long distances at all. I am working on that.

I start physical therapy next week and can't wait. I know it will be painful at times, but as my PT always said (going back to the one I had before) "Pain never killed anyone". He is understanding of my limits, though.

Ummm, I can't think of any other things to update, but if you have questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for the update.
Seems everything is coming along very well. Good that you are weening down from the meds. I wished I had tried harder to get off of them.

The one thing that was very different for me was the use of the brace. I was told to use it for six months which I did. It was always a good reminder about bending. Not sure if wearing the brace made a difference; but did not need a cane or the use of a chair in the stores.( I did not use the brace when I went to sleep at night.)


Gerry

WOW! 6 months?! That is a long time, but you are right about it reminding me not to bend over or twist. Not lifting anything is easy when you have a husband like mine! He won't even let me lift a light grocery bag. lol! When I do bend over (after forgetting not to) I always regret it later. The pain sucks later, so I try to remember not to do anything! Thanks for sharing with me!

Since it's been a few months since your surgery; wondering how you have been coming along? I know you had some very real concerns. Hopefully your surgery has been an improvement in your overall condition.

Gerry