Elgin and I were in Wichita today for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Whitaker. X-rays were taken again to verify that the rods and screws were still in place and still doing their job. Basically I was told that most of my restrictions have been lifted --- I can return to work, can use the treadmill, can swim and use the hot tub, and can drive --- all the while continuing to wear my TLSO brace anytime I'm up out of bed. Things I can't do: anything that causes me pain and no BLT's (bending, lifting, and/or twisting). Dr. Whitaker was pleased, he didn't do any cart-wheels, but when Elgin asked if HE could do the cart-wheels, Dr. Whitaker supported that.
We go back for another follow-up appointment in six weeks, at which time I'm hopeful that Dr. Whitaker will allow me to begin weaning myself of wearing the brace. But for now, we are just keeping on keeping on, wearing the brace!
Elgin and I continue to be amazed and thankful for the ease of recovery that I've had. It is a huge answer to our prayers and the prayers of so many of our friends and family. Thanks to each one of you for joining with us in prayer in this venture. As Dr. Whitaker said today, it was a huge surgery, and when I hear him reiterate that fact, I'm just humbled that God has brought me this far.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Winter Blessings
When I received the call that a surgery date had been set for January 10, 2012, one of my MANY concerns (aka worries --- let's just be honest) was that the weather would hinder me from going outside to walk. What a huge blessing that, even tho' it's rather chilly, I still have friends that are willing and eager to walk me. We usually walk .9 mile in the morning and 1.6 miles in the afternoon. The other day the weather was quasi-snowy/rainy so I had to walk here in the house --- 29 laps on my "house-track" makes for one mile. I did it, but let's just say it was BORING!!!!
Another blessing in regard to another worry was that I would be bored during recovery as I am used to being out and about, working in the morning, and being around people. The other day, at exactly the four week mark, was the first day that the thought crossed my mind, hmmm, what shall I do today. For me, that is a HUGE answer to prayer, that I have been pretty content healing here at home. Of course, I've been so blessed with lots of visits, cards, and prayers.
Finally, I must say how blessed Elgin and I have been by all the random acts of kindness that people continue to show us. One friend is off on Tues and Thurs so she takes it upon herself to walk me in the mornings --- all this on HER day off. Another neighbor wanted to start exercising so she is my partner for the afternoons. We've had tasty meals delivered here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights --- next week is the last week of meals and that will be FIVE weeks of meals!!!! Several friends came over last week and cleaned our home and did the laundry. Another friend delivered a latte to me and we just sat and chatted. A nurse friend of mine tells me she is on call for me 24/7. Another friend checks in frequently by phone or text to see if I need anything. I know I've forgotten some but WOW! the body of Christ is just amazing!!! So privileged to be the recepient of all those blessings.
Thought I should try to go off the Lortab that I was on for pain and just use Tylenol --- not successful. Too early to try that. As a friend reminded me yesterday of what I had told her another time "Don't try to be a hero! Use that pain medication!" Another friend told me to pull out my copy of the x-ray with all that hardware in me and remind myself that it's only been four weeks. Okay, got the message --- I'm just trying to cut down on the amount.
Well, that's the latest thoughts that are rumbling around in my head. My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday, Feb. 15 so I'm sure there will be an update posted after that. I'm hoping that Dr. Whitaker will do "cartwheels" over how well I'm doing --- hmmm --- probably not, but I can always wish!!
Another blessing in regard to another worry was that I would be bored during recovery as I am used to being out and about, working in the morning, and being around people. The other day, at exactly the four week mark, was the first day that the thought crossed my mind, hmmm, what shall I do today. For me, that is a HUGE answer to prayer, that I have been pretty content healing here at home. Of course, I've been so blessed with lots of visits, cards, and prayers.
Finally, I must say how blessed Elgin and I have been by all the random acts of kindness that people continue to show us. One friend is off on Tues and Thurs so she takes it upon herself to walk me in the mornings --- all this on HER day off. Another neighbor wanted to start exercising so she is my partner for the afternoons. We've had tasty meals delivered here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights --- next week is the last week of meals and that will be FIVE weeks of meals!!!! Several friends came over last week and cleaned our home and did the laundry. Another friend delivered a latte to me and we just sat and chatted. A nurse friend of mine tells me she is on call for me 24/7. Another friend checks in frequently by phone or text to see if I need anything. I know I've forgotten some but WOW! the body of Christ is just amazing!!! So privileged to be the recepient of all those blessings.
Thought I should try to go off the Lortab that I was on for pain and just use Tylenol --- not successful. Too early to try that. As a friend reminded me yesterday of what I had told her another time "Don't try to be a hero! Use that pain medication!" Another friend told me to pull out my copy of the x-ray with all that hardware in me and remind myself that it's only been four weeks. Okay, got the message --- I'm just trying to cut down on the amount.
Well, that's the latest thoughts that are rumbling around in my head. My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday, Feb. 15 so I'm sure there will be an update posted after that. I'm hoping that Dr. Whitaker will do "cartwheels" over how well I'm doing --- hmmm --- probably not, but I can always wish!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Another First
As we've said before, the only way to recover from this type of back surgery is to walk, so each day I try to walk. We've been blessed with such wonderful weather here in Abilene that has allowed me to get outside to do my walking. On top of that, I've been blessed to have friends volunteer to "walk me". My goal is to walk in both the morning and afternoon.
Today was a first --- I put on sox and tennis shoes. Previously, I've been walking in some slip-on shoes. Today I decided it was time to try to put on sox and tied walking shoes. It was kinda challenging as I'm unable to bend at my waist, so I propped one leg up on top of the other, put the sock on, then the shoe. The shoes are tied off-center, but they are tied.
Putting shoes and sox on is just another in an entire list of things that will have to be done in a "new normal" manner. It's amazing how careful I am as I handle things --- sure don't want it to fall to the floor 'cause then I have to kneel down, pick the "whatever" up, and bring myself back up to a standing position.
Nothing bad --- just a new way of doing things!
Today was a first --- I put on sox and tennis shoes. Previously, I've been walking in some slip-on shoes. Today I decided it was time to try to put on sox and tied walking shoes. It was kinda challenging as I'm unable to bend at my waist, so I propped one leg up on top of the other, put the sock on, then the shoe. The shoes are tied off-center, but they are tied.
Putting shoes and sox on is just another in an entire list of things that will have to be done in a "new normal" manner. It's amazing how careful I am as I handle things --- sure don't want it to fall to the floor 'cause then I have to kneel down, pick the "whatever" up, and bring myself back up to a standing position.
Nothing bad --- just a new way of doing things!
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