4 year "Birthday"

[Poncho]

The month of May marks 4 years since my 2 level Prodisc ADR in Europe. This just doesn't seem possible. Since this surgery, as I reflect back on everything I definitely noticed ongoing improvement after 1-2 years post op. Mostly, with leg pain. I would say for a couple years even up to 3 years post op - I would not have the constant leg pain - but would get "pings" of it here and there - especially with weather changes!!! This past year, I notice these symptoms, but the frequency and severity have decreased. They still come and go - but not as bad.

I have Mark to thank many times over for his willingness to help me. He was helping many others way before he built his business to serve those suffering with spine problems. I also want to thank everyone of my friends here on the spine forums for supporting me emotionally when going through the ups and downs of having a chronic painful condition. Participating in the online forums was the only thing (besides my husband's support) that kept me sane and to keep fighting when I felt like I couldn't go on any longer (exhausted from fighting pain, emotional exaustion from arguing with a boss and co-workers that didn't understand, insurance companies hedging risk of assuming any financial responsibility, and the side effects of all of the medications).

~Then~ conflicting information from spine specialists as to what the best course of treatment would be. At one point, I was told that I would be in chronic pain for the rest of my life and to basically "suck it up and get use to it". I'm so glad that we/I proved them wrong!!! (Keeping fingers crossed)

After surgery, I did go back to work as a nurse again in a small rural hospital, then when back to school to obtain an MBA, then accepted a management position on a Med Surg floor overseeing about 40 staff members. After being a manager at this other hospital for about a year under a "toxic" boss and some staff members - I decided to leave because I didn't go through all of the spine stuff (surgery , school & etc) to be unhappy. I have accepted another position at another hospital - but I will refrain from saying what I'm doing so that I'm not "jinxing" anything. No - bedside care and no lifting....... Through this spiney journey, I have found that life is way to short to be unhappy and no amount of money can take the place of your health!!!

I do come to this site frequently to see how everybody is doing and try to keep up on everybody's progress. Hopefully, I will have a bit more time now to post more on iSpine. I will be updating my surgical outcomes thread too. (Sorry, Mark - I'm a bit behind).

Wishing everyone less / no pain in the near future,

Sincerely,
Poncho