Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted in awhile, things have been quite hectic in my life past few months. Since the beginning of the year I have traveled almost every weekend for work, then I got sick, very sick-pneumonia, I was sick for over a month. Now I am feeling better and thought I'd update everyone on my progress.
Sleep: I've pretty much conquered my sleep issues, I found a comfortable position on my side, we still need a new bed, but I am not awake half the night in pain anymore. Some nights when my metal clanks together it still disturbs me (mentally more than physically).
Pain: most days no pain at all. Sometimes when it rains for a day or more I get an ache deep in my neck, haven't taken any pain meds in 2 months
Numbness: 90% gone. Sometimes if I sleep a little weird, or stretch weird, or move bookcases full of books i get a bit of numbness in my right hand/arm but it usually lasts a couple hours max
Dizzy spells: completely gone as far as I can tell *knock wood*
Incision/Scar: not as faded as I would like, but acceptable.
(here are all of the incision photos
Picasa Web Albums - Kristi - surgery incision)
Range of Motion: good. I have pain at the extremes side to side and up and down, but find I don't encounter those extremes too much on a regular basis
Doctor update: Went for my 3 month first week in March and he gave me the "all clear" to resume all normal activities and start trying to strengthen my shoulder/neck muscles via weight training/exercise if I want. I have my 6 month the first week in June, though it will really be almost 7 months. Here is a picture of my Xray.
Bottomline: I'm glad I did it.