WOW! I can't believe it's already been twelve weeks since my ACDF Surgery in May! On the one hand it seems like it's been longer than that, but when I look at how far I have come in a short time, it is crazy!
I mentiond that I had been in pain since last November, and it was hard to even imagine what being pain-free would feel like.....well, it feels pretty freaking FABULOUS! Although, I'm not 100% pain-free yet, I'm pretty close! And being able to get back to being active is the BEST part!
My x-ray from my first follow up appointment with the neurosurgeon, showing the plates and screws that now reside in my neck:
According to my neurosurgeon, my neck is stronger than ever now. The part that takes time, is the fusion part, which can take up to a year to complete. It involves making sure that my new discs (cadaver discs + my bone shavings) fust together with my spinal cord, etc. I will be going in for follow up x-rays every few months, in fact I go in tomorrow.
I'm hoping to be released to up my exercise a bit, which includes running more. I have been walking like crazy and slowly jogging a bit, while trying to keep my neck somewhat stable. No hard core running yet. I'm not able to go boating, or mountainbiking yet. Nor am I able to play golf, go on rollercoasters, etc. What I have been doing is "light" zumba (what is that?), yoga and walking. Baby steps! I'm just thrilled to be able to get those endorphines going a bit! It makes all the difference in the world to me!
I've had such wonderful support through all of this! My husband and daughter have been willing to go walking with me anytime I wanted and my Zumba friends all kept me and my family fed during the first few days of post surgery, as well as keeping me motivated to heal and get back to class. And to those that have sent emails/comments/messages to keep my spirits up...THANK YOU! I am very blessed!
One day at a time! It's all good!
Happy Thursday friends! We are so close to Friday and the weekend!
Have you ever had a major surgery that put you out for weeks/months?
What is your favorite way to get fit in the summer months?
For me it's Zumba for sure!
Hi Ali!
You're looking fabulous my dear! ...and feeling good makes all the difference in the world! As does having a great support team.
I've not had any major surgery, but as I get older, I am starting to feel my knees doing strange things when I run. :/
My exercise of choice is running. I haven't always been a fan of running until recently. It took me a handful of times where I would start, stop, start, stop, etc. After three years of yo-yo running I can honestly say that if I miss a day...I miss it.
I'm glad you're on your way to recovery. Rest while you can and one day you'll be writing a post about how it seems like forever ago that you were missing being active. :)
Love seeing your smile on here, facebook, and IG! Maybe we'll get to be roomies again soon, ya think?
Talk to ya later,
Jill
Posted by: Jill Franklin | August 15, 2013 at 11:43 AM
You are a trooper! Keep healing <3<3<3
Posted by: janetha | August 15, 2013 at 01:45 PM