I MADE IT THIS FAR

Yep...nine weeks today since I became worth more money because of the addition of titanium to my body. I thought this transcript from a 2007 radio show, which features my surgeon, Dr. Faissal Zahrawi, might be of interest if you are considering fusion surgery. It's straight from the doctor's mouth...maybe will answer a question or two you may have.

Now for the update...the car driving is still not the best. I'm getting more comfortable with driving my own vehicle (a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport), but the company truck (a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, with a hemi-had to add that because it's a guy thing) is NOT comfortable at all. Can't believe a $33,000.00 vehicle can be THAT uncomfortable. However, riding in our personal vehicle is actually MUCH more comfortable. Still a little bit of soreness and pinching towards the bottom of the incisions when I sit fully against the seat.

I've laid off the Tylenol PM at night for falling asleep and I feel I am back in my normal sleep zone. I've actually been able to comfortably sleep for a couple of hours on my right side with minimal right hip pain. I still wake up to turn over, but feel with a little more time my body will make the move without waking me up. It seems like a little thing, but, oh, it makes a world of difference for a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow I'll be finishing up my second full week of work. I'm actually making better progress after this second surgery than I did after my first. I am glad I kept all my daily notes from the first surgery. They are good guideposts on my recovery road this time around. I feel I am ahead of the game. Maybe it's because I knew what to expect this time. Maybe it's because I am in a much better mental and physical condition than I was in October 2010 for the first surgery. Whatever the reason, I am truly grateful at how well I am progressing. Please, though, don't think this surgery and recovery is a cup of tea. It is NOT. You must take the rehab very seriously and stick to it...hopefully for the rest of your life. You MUST listen to your doctor's pre and post op instructions. No bending, no lifting...PERIOD. You and your body will adjust to the new parameters. Trust me, you will. I still get impatient when I drop something and have to either ask someone to pick it up or, if I'm alone, go to the next room to get my Grip 'n Grab tool. I have found, though, when out in public folks are genuinely sympathetic when I explain why I need help...and I've been surprised at how many of them have friends or family members who also have back issues, so they totally understand where I am coming from. People are good.