Hardware remains in place

It's been awhile since I've last posted.  After re-reading some earlier posts I decided it's mainly because I'm off the hard-core medicine.  Some of those posts read like the writer was taking heavy duty pain meds (I was) and thought he was being really clever with his posts (I did).  Sheeesh.  Why didn't someone stop me?

Now that I'm a little more clear-headed I'll try not to over-clever my posts.....thanks for your patience.

Regarding September 4th's surgery - had an appointment last week with my surgeon - 6 weeks' post-op.  This included getting an x-ray before hand as he wanted to make sure the hardware implanted looked to still be in place.  For your viewing pleasure, below is one of the x-rays -

As you can see from this lovely side-view, the 4 screws and connecting rods appear to firmly be in place.  And yes, those are my vertebrae and at the bottom that's my hip bones.  See what $80K gets you these days!

So the good news is that the Doctor was pleased with the x-rays and said everything appears to be where it needs to be.  Whether the bone fusion is happening properly, they won't know until a MRI is done sometime early next year.

We discussed the pain and weakness I'm still experiencing in my right leg but no real concerns from the doctor.  That fact that my foot had full movement and strength seemed to be good news to him and the rest could likely be taken care of with some physical therapy.  So after a few more questions and answers he sent me on my way with the only restriction to not bend over at the waist and to avoid heavy lifting. 

PT was scheduled right away and my first session was last Friday.  After an exam and evaluation, my initial therapy consists mostly of just getting some body parts moving.  The tingling I still feel in my right shin and the tightness/ache in my right thigh is all part of the nerve trying to get itself back to normal.  The main lesson I learned is that by waiting 8+ years to get this fixed, I damaged the nerve which is why this recovery is taking so much time.  The good news is that she feels it's nothing that some time and exercise won't overcome.

So I now have some simple leg exercises to do each day along with some core isometric stuff as work needs to be done to rebuild ab and hip muscles snipped during surgery.  I'm continuing to walk daily and can manage 75 minutes at a time so feeling good about that.  Still relying on the back brace as everything feels "loose" without it but will start to wean myself off of that over the next few weeks.  And I'm even going back to work this week - not sure who's happier about that - me or Donna?!??

So yes, it is very nice to be on the backside of the mountain.  September pretty much sucked but I'm now starting to reap the benefits of undergoing this procedure and am very anxious to continue rehabbing the leg.

I would be remiss (again) to not thank Donna for her care, patience, and prodding during this period.  Pretty certain I couldn't have gotten through it without her.

Will continue to post as time and topics permit.  Stay tuned.......................