5 Years Post Op!

[queenofhearts]

I was 41 when I had surgery. My spine doc back home cleared me to go back to work a little over 3 months post-op, but I had to wait about another 4 months due to some other unrelated health problems.

I was pretty much fully recovered by 6 months. Had some minor twinges of pain in my hip and tight hamstrings up to that point, but nothing that stretching didn't take care of. I'm still not sure if my recovery was an exception or not, but I still think if I didn't have such an experienced surgeon, the outcome might have been a lot different.

[mmglobal]

Sorry for telling your story Doreen, but there is sooooo much here.

Doreen went to Germany for a 3-level, but came back with only 2. I had worked with her for months and had begun to wonder if she'd ever get there. I was still scared to death of 3-level surgeries and truly wondered if she'd ever return to police work.

One of the coolest things about Doreen's experience was about the community we had created. Her surgery was originally scheduled for months earlier. Someone she'd NEVER MET except as part of this internet spine community, knew she was going alone for her surgery. He scheduled a trip to Straubing with his wife to meet Bertagnoli, specifically to be there for Doreen's surgery, so he and his wife could take care of her. I was completely blown away. Unfortunately, other issues got in the way and Doreen's surgery was rescheduled.

Just in case y'all don't already know... Doreen is in white... she's the one skiing over the tails of my skis here... on the Tahoe trip...

GPN Events page

[queenofhearts]

Maybe I have a selective memory, but I distinctly remember your skis being in the way!

Yes....there's a lot I've forgotten, or maybe wanted to forget, but you are right Mark...if it wasn't for this community, I never would have gotten there and wouldn't be where I am today. I can't even think of words to express how grateful I am.

[SandyW]

Dear "Queen...

I'm soooo jealous. Not only a lady cop, but a skier.

I'm hoping a really old lady will get back in shape and be relatively pain free soon - 10 mos. post-op. I'll give myself another year, if, and that's a big IF , cause I'm not a patient soul.

Haven't been on skis for a long time, never was brave enough to get much further than the bunny hill . My excuse, there was always a first time skier with us, and I'm a good teacher of the snowplow and stem christies sp? - probably not the correct terminology for today.

But oooh I sure would like to try the bunny hills again, especially in real ski country. Slopes here in Ohio are usually more ice than snow!

Well, if not skiing, I'll be back on the waverunner and snowmobile, using common sense for someone approaching 70!!!!

And PLEASE, keep sharing your story. I read all the horrible posts and am so sad. Hearing a good one, makes all our days brighter - and .

[queenofhearts]

Sandy - I look back over the last 5 years and sometimes think I was a little crazy at times going back to police work, but it all worked out. Everyone else thought I was nuts for doing stuff like horseback riding...go figure.

It was a long road getting to Germany and Dr. B....and its been easy to forget how agonizing the decisions were, the setbacks that happened before getting there, and all the other health problems I had afterwards (I had heart surgery 3 months after getting home). But I'm glad I did it. Never give up hope.

[nomorepain]

Wow, i am so happy for you and i have to comment i know what you mean
this is a whole new life for me too as a few months ago i joined a bowling league, who would have ever thought i'd be bowling again after a 30year
absence, sounds like you are also on the fast track, keep it up, 6yrs and counting here, love these success stories........
nomorepain

[Justin]

Hey Doreen,

I did get your PM. Sorry, I've been busy the last two days: I was updating my Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.

[dshobbies]

From Merry f--- Christmas to showing us all that you can have it all again. I suspect your attitude had a hand in your recovery but regardless, what a wonderful life

Dale

[marion]

Hi Doreen

Hope you dont mind me asking but what happened with you C spine? You have been through so much its amazing and really fantastic that your lumbar issues are a thing of the past marion

[Gil Denis]

Hi Doreen

Just a quick question, are you still skiing if so how many days a season and how aggressive can you be??

Thanks
Gil