Diane's surgery blog

[Diane]

Its been so long since my last post I don’t know where to start. Thank you everyone for your words of support. The Spine Arthroplasty conference in Miami was truly amazing and I was on a natural high. I was able to be up and about all day. No more TV!! It was exciting and rewarding to meet all the people who played a role in the artificial disk. I did have some swelling in my left leg and foot (from the sympathectomy) and was pretty exhausted by the last day. The first few days back home I caught up on my sleep. I find that even though I’m sleeping well I still seem to need more than 8 hrs.

I started picking my granddaughter up at about 7 weeks post-op. I started slowly, gradually increasing the amount everyday. I can’t tell you how good that first hug was when I picked her up and the surprised look on her face. (I was good; I had been home for more than three weeks and hadn’t picked her up once.) The past few days I’ve done a lot of babysitting so my daughter could study for finals. Today I have mild swelling in the left foot and some sciatic pain in my let leg. I was so busy running yesterday I think I forgot to take my Celebrex. I’m beginning to think going back to work would be easier than running after a one year old. I had some upper back and neck pain pre-op. It seemed to disappear post-op, but now that I’m increasing my activity and lifting it has returned. I’m hoping that with strengthening exercises this will abate.

Some times I forget that I’ve had surgery. It’s hard not to overdue when you feel good. I have even been thinking about going back to floor nursing. I think it would be possible if I could work 8 hr shifts instead of 12. When I get the left leg pain reminder after some gardening or an active day, I realize that floor nursing may not be a wise choice. I’m researching my options and taking it one day at a time. My activity level is not normal, but much higher than pre-op and better than I expected.

Diane

[Maria]

Hi Diane,
Your recovery sounds like it's going great if you've forgotten you had surgery or pretty much have felt that way.

I know you will make a wise choice with regard to returning to your career as there are so many opportunities in this field.

My experience keeping up with my niece and husband's nephews when they were in early toddlerhood was certainly much more strenuous than the jobs I held in the latter part of my career! Talk about wiped out and laid out to rest!

Stay well, glad to hear how well you're doing.

[kseattle]

Diane and Mark -
It's been so great to follow your journey the past few months and I'm thrilled you are getting back to health.

Mark, you were so helpful to me in my journey 3 years ago this week, when I had my ADR surgery with Bertagnoli. I was inspired by how powerful it was to connect with other people like you who've been through health experiences that I founded Trusera, an online network for health where you can find and share real-world health experiences with people who've been there. I found when I had Lyme disease and then my neck problem that the power of community was a key component to a successful outcome.

Bless you both for your work and the inspiration you provide others who are looking to connect with others who've been through it.

Fondly,
Keith
_____________
2005 ProDisc ADR C5-C7
Founder and CEO: Trusera
Trusera ID: storyguy

[Maria]

Diane,
Just wondering how you're doing and if you are pretty much pain free and near as active as you'd like at this point. It's been awhile since your surgery altho not that long ago.. hope you're doing great~

[Diane]

Hi Maria,

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, but I haven't been spending anytime on the internet. I've been spending my time enjoying the beach and the last days of summmer. My activity level has been high with minor leg symptoms and some upper back and neck pain.

I tried to go off the celebrex at the same time I decided to hose off the house and clean the windows and pull out the morning glory vines. Needless to say, I went back on Celebrex. I haven't tackled the morning glories again, but I don't feel like my back limites my activities. It's wonderfull to be able to pick up my granddaughter and play or take a trip to the beach and then walk the dog in the afternoon. I dont' feel totally normal and my back will let me know when I've picked Zoey up too many times or carried her too far, but with a little rest I'm ready to go again without pain medication. As summer is coming to and end I'm looking for work. Trying to find something part time without a lot of lifting. Hope you've been enjoying the beautiful days of summer.

Diane

[Maria]

Diane,
So glad to hear how well you've progressed! I too don't spend too much time on internet except to check out forums and email which doesn't take much time.

Mostly been out, walking the beach in a.m. and p.m. and now have Lola back this week so walks have included her!

Been able to be social, go to dinner, tried a movie and that was rough, but went to TJ numerous times this summer just bumping around having fun. Love to use my Spanish as much as possible even tho basically not needed in TJ.

Wearing heels has been out and I think I wrecked my feet/knees with some flippy floppy types sandels. Not so hot for my back either but doesn't seem too worse for the wear vs. the feet/knees.

Picking 19 lb Lola is possible and even carrying her which is pretty good for me tho she's a load for sure. Try to avoid it as she does have four legs for a reason!

Good luck with the work scene. Not sure if you'd be interested in Telephone Triage but that involves no patient interaction other than telephonic ~ of course I'm sure there's many other options with your experience. Wishing you continued GREAT spinal health!

[mmglobal]

I've been trying to nail Diane down for a 6-month update, but she never stops moving. So... here is my abbreviated version.



Diane's surgery was March 30th (L4-L5-S1 ProDisc w/Dr. Bertagnoli, Bogen, Germany). These pictures were taken 10/31 - 7 months post-op. This week, Diane is finishing her 4th week back at work as an RN, full time. She chose not to return to working on a surgical floor, because the 12.5 hour shifts doing the physical work that floor nursing involves may be too much. I'll leave it to her to describe her new job, but it's a grind with a little commute and a M-F job. It will be great to stop paying $1300/month for Cobra.

We talk about the grind, but we do not talk about back pain or leg pain. I'm not suggesting that she is pain free. There is some minor back and leg pain that is provoked by activity, but it takes a lot... she's very close to normal... as much as any 50 y-o w/2 spine surgeries can expect to be.



Sorry for the blurred photo, but Zoey is faster than a cheetah. Diane is still faster than her... but not for long. Both are faster than I am!



All the best,

Mark

[Maria]

This is good to read and see! Zoey is precious and Diane looks GREAT!

[martyusa]

Mark, I'm glad everyone I doing well. But I'll tell ya what makes me angry for you is the Dollar / Euro exchange compared to where it was when she had her surgery.

But the most important thing is she is by your side and recovering beautifully.

[mmglobal]

Marty, Thanks! You forgot to say how cute Zoey is.