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~