2 Year Surgerversary: SPINE-ally Back at Blogging

Hello everyone! After an eventful year, I am finally BACK ;) at blogging. It seems surreal that is has been TWO YEARS since my spinal fusion. While I have come a long way in many aspects, there is definitely still room for improvement, which I will talk all about in this article. 

Because I am a positive person and all, I will cover the successes I have had in my recovery. So first off, my sharp pain is almost gone. I still have dull back aches that I feel most of the time, but the debilitating, sharp, just laid-on-a-pinecone, feelings are basically nonexistent. This feels amazing because I can focus on things other than pain.

Second, I have, since my last blog post, traveled beyond the borders of my state. I took a trip to Boston and D.C. to tour some colleges, which, traveling from Arizona, is pretty far. Regardless, I found the 5-hour plane ride, and the marathon we walked everyday do-able. This was especially exciting, as I am looking at colleges on the east coast where long distance walking will be a necessity. Seeing that I am not in too much pain, I feel ready to get BACK to business (sorry, I can’t help it).

Third, I CAN WALK UP/DOWN STAIRS. This doesn’t sound exciting, but my school has a sketchy elevator that sometimes moves before the doors close (think Tower of Terror) that I can finally avoid.

Now, because the world is not rainbows and unicorns, I will admit there have been some struggles for me throughout recovery. The achey-pain is still there and does affect my ability to sit through my classes (the hard-back chairs are uncomfortable). Also, by the end of the day, my shoulder and hip pain is rather extreme and often winds me as I am crawling into bed. Upon asking my doctor about these issues, he said it is pretty consistent with spinal fusion patients because they are finding new balance and using unused muscles that were long dormant. Also, because my spine developed crookedly (is that a word?), my legs developed at different lengths to compensate for the curve. Once matters were “straightened out,” the leg-length discrepancy became apparent and contributed to my hip and lower-back pain. 

My doctor recommended another bout of physical therapy  to help strengthen my core and lower the strain on my lower back vertebrae. I took his advice, and committed to physical therapy for 3x a week-- all. summer. long. My physical therapy place used a bunch of different methods to bring release. There were massages, dry-needling, and my favorite (this is sarcasm, it is just hard to detect in writing): cupping. 

Well as I am sure anyone reading this knows, in Summer 2016, cupping was all the craze. The olympic swimmers received a lot of media coverage for the small discolored circles that decorated their shoulders and backs. The idea behind cupping is to bring blood flow to the muscles, allowing for faster recovery time and release of sore muscles. The amount of comparisons I got to Michael Phelps were astounding, especially considering I am not an olympian and I can barely swim. PLUS, I started cupping before the Olympics started, so, let’s be real, Michael Phelps is like me.

At physical therapy, they literally attached large suction cups to the entirety of my back, connected the cups to a vacuum-like machine, and literally pinched my skin up into like cups. It was very painful, to be honest, and subsequently left marks much darker than those on the olympians. 

Before I conclude this post, I wanted to share a funny story from my Economics class. To set the scene, we were learning about scarcity in Economics. Our table groups were presented with a hypothetical scenario where we were stranded on an island with access to only a few resources. The objective was to determine which resources were considered scarce. I (mistakenly) left to go to the restroom while we were completing this assignment. When I came back, I was informed that my TABLE MADE ME A SCARE RESOURCE! "What does that mean?” you might ask. It means they literally decided to kill me and harvest my rods and screws because it would benefit them more than my presence! This joke received a chuckle/laugh from nearly everyone in my class (myself included). The end. 

While I still have room for improvement, I am happy to say I have recovered tremendously throughout this year. I guess you could say adversity can’t hold me BACK*. That concludes this post; I will continue to update this blog.

Alaine

*Disclaimer: I am truly sorry about the back puns. They come to me in the moment, and I can’t help it!! \

1 year SURGERVERSARY: BACK at blogging

Hello to those of you still reading my blog! I haven't had much to say over summer, but now I'm BACK;) and ready to share!

 So, first off, I will start with how I am feeling. I'm still not 100% or even where I was pre-surgery, but I am making progress and that is what's important! 

A year ago today, on 9/2/14 I stayed up into the weary hours of the morning watching 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' because I was too nervous to sleep. With a total of 2 hours of sleep, I made the treacherous journey to the hospital. I say "treacherous" because, let's be real, nothing is easy to do with just 2 hours of sleep. Anyway, I'm not a morning person, so I just put my headphones in and waited to be admitted. That morning I convinced my nurse to take pics of my surgery (I'll include them in this post too since its been awhile) and they wheeled me into the OR, playing the beach boys Fun, Fun, Fun as they put me under. 

I awoke from the surgery in pain, knowing the recovery period wouldn't be as quick as I wanted it to be. Over the year, I joined physical therapy, pain management, and went to many doctors appointments. Unfortunately, I got easily frustrated with the slowness of the recovery, and I think I gave up on myself. For a short while, I failed to push myself or even feel motivated to do so. I thought I would never feel normal again. 

BUT

One year later, I’m almost BACK to normal! This year has had its ups and downs. I have felt some bad pain (somedays worse than others), but I think the experience has made me stronger—and i am not JUST referring to the titanium rods and screws throughout my back. I think the best this was having such a strong support system; between help from my teachers, friends, family, school, I was able to have such a successful recovery. 

The other day, I had a doctor’s appointment where I was prescribed Physical Therapy and pain management, just to nip the problems in the bud and get back to 100%. I would say i am still not at the point I was at before surgery, but I have high hopes of getting there soon. I also got another handicap sticker, so if you see my VW bug parked in front of a building, it could be me!

I am very proud of what I have accomplished this year, despite the big obstacle with which i was faced. Even though there is still pain, I know the surgery was necessary, so i am glad it’s done! To be honest, I am most excited for my school’s spirit week where we have a “Throwback Thursday” where I can reuse my open back costume as seen below:)

Below are some pics from year ago, just to show how far I have come!

 

Just as I concluded my post a year ago, and as Nixon once gestured, PEACE!

Looking BACK, Moving Forward

Hello Everyone!

I have some exciting news to share! Exactly 1 year ago today, I was diagnosed with scoliosis!  It's amazing to think I have since had spinal fusion and am 7 months post op.

About 1 1/2 years ago, I began to develop a "bump" of sorts on my left mid-lower back. Being the hypochondriac I was, I claimed many different ailments were the cause (scoliosis, cancer, I absorbed my twin in the womb, etc.). I am actually happy it was scoliosis and not some absorbed sibling or cancer.

Anyway, I am on a path to getting better! I have stopped taking PT, but I will likely begin again over summer. I can't sit without a back on a chair or a pillow, but most of the time, my back does NOT bother me.

Unfortunately, today was standardized testing day, so my back began to cramp, and I got some sharp pains. I also got quite nauseous from the pain, but it usually isn't this bad.

I have also resumed some after school activities. I was cast in my school's production of Urinetown, so I have been staying at school until 8 every night. By the end of the night, my back is usually hurting, but I just use a heating pad and take some meds.

I am hoping to be able to meet with my doctor soon to discuss why my back is still not at 100%, and see what I can do!

I will update y'all soon!

⚓️Alaine⚓️

Bouncin' BACK

Hello Everybody!

I am officially 6 MONTHS POST OP! WHOOO HOOOO! Honestly, time has flown by crazy fast, and it seems surreal that my surgery was 6 months ago.

6 month ago, I had 20 something screws drilled into my spine, 2 titanium rods attached to the screws, and grew 2 inches—all in a span of 4 hours.

To be honest, life is still more difficult after the surgery than it was prior. Recently, I have had the worst back pain flare-ups. It has gotten to the point where I am crying out and in tears from the pain. I am not sure as to why that happens, but luckily it doesn’t happen too often.

I am currently still in physical therapy. It definitely helps to stretch my muscles and gain mobility, but I am still unable to walk up stairs, sit without a pillow, and bend down.

Personally, my recovery seems to be behind schedule, so I am unsure as to what limitations are normal at 6 months.  Despite some setbacks, I feel like my surgery has inspired me to focus my energy and time into my schoolwork and school activities.

I was also able to get rid of my hospital bed awhile back! For a while, I slept on the couch because it was firmer, but we bought a piece of plywood for under my bed mattress to make it more comfortable.

At this point, I can do almost everything I did before, but I get tired quicker—which is understandable.

My school is still working great to accommodate me as well! I continue to leave class 3-5 minutes early because it takes me longer to get to the next class. Also, I tend to be trampled, shoved against walls, beat up, etc. if I don’t (that may be dramatized). Honestly, huge shout out to my backpack buddy, Rachel, and my blog editor and assistant backpack buddy, Caitlin. Without them, I would’ve died like 5 months ago.

Cant wait till things get all betterJ

⚓️Alaine⚓️

not quite BACK to normal

Hello!

Thank you so much for all of the support and encouragement, especially through my blog.
It has been over a month since my last post, so I have a lot to share! This coming Tuesday, 12/30, I will be 18 WEEKS post-op--which still has me in shock! I have some accomplishments and setbacks I wanna post on here...

Accomplishments:

 I was able to fully stop using my walker as of 11/11! It honestly still hurts to walk without it, but I feel the strength in my back increasing. I still cannot climb stairs without sharp pains, so my teachers are continuing to accommodate me, by letting me use the elevator :)

I have also turned 16 (yay!) and was able to get my license! Although it hurts my back to sit continuously in the car for awhile, short drives are tolerable. I feel so great to be able to drive because one if my earlier goals was to not let the surgery keep me from driving.

I have also been able to stop using my hospital bed for sleeping. The setback of not having the firm bed leads to more back pain, so I often sleep on our coach.

Setbacks:

I am still taking at least 1 or 2 pills a day for pain. I feel I am still constantly aching, which makes days nearly impossible to get through without rest or medication.

 I continue to bring an ice pack and a pillow around (especially where there are hard chairs). This helps me the most to be comfortable, and, while I look like I'm going to a sleepover every time I go to school, it helps so much!

Finally, I have to start physical therapy tomorrow because I am unable to achieve pre-surgical movement that other kids regain.


Despite my setbacks, I feel so much better than the initial weeks following my surgery. I know those of you still following my progress are probably wondering why it's taking longer for me to heal than what I have said earlier. It's mainly that every individual heals at a different time, and, though it may not seem like it, I am trying very hard to bounce BACK. Thank you for supporting me and listening to my complaints :)

I'm almost BACK to normal!

⚓️Alaine⚓️

P.S I will write about my 4th month post op experience on January 2nd.
P.P.S I will also write a what you need to know for surgery updat for those who are interested :)

My BACK Story-9 weeks post op!

Hello Everyone! 

So for those of you who have come across my blog because you are having (or interested in having) spinal fusion, I want to reintroduce myself! My name is Alaine, and I was diagnosed with double scoliosis in April of 2014. I have made this blog as a way for my family and friends to watch my recovery. I had spinal fusion on September 2nd, 2014 and have been blogging about the experience. To see my other blogposts scroll downward on the home page and have fun reading:)

ANYWAY:) ONTO MY PROGRESS!

I have survived 9 weeks with titanium rods in my back! My doctor has made it very clear that my rods will not be able to break or shift, so I kinda have an indestructible back...groovy, right?! I often have this scenario in my mind where I wonder if my back were to be hit by a car ( morbid, I know) which would be broken-the car or me?  My bet is on me. 

I have officially returned to school full time, but I am still on Hydrochodon (probably not spelled right) and Valium. The pain is still present, and I am still using my walker, but I feel that I have come a long way from my surgery 9 weeks ago!

FIRST, I HAVE A LIST OF MY NEW GOALS:)

-as it is 11/4 today (9 weeks since I became indestructible) I hope to stop using my walker next week (11/11)!

-I want to get my license on my birthday, which is in December, so I want to start driving again (I sincerely hope that I gained some super ability to navigate the roads since my surgery, cuz I'm not the best driver). 

-I have to get rid of my super rad hospital bed (unfortunately), so I need to practice sleeping in my real bed. 

-My final goal is to finish making up all school work!

I am confident in my abilities to accomplish these goals:)

Because I like my blog to share what recovery is actually like, not just unicorns and rainbows, I will share a few setbacks I have experienced:

-I am still unable to walk too quickly or far as it winds me and hurts my back

-I am still getting sick from the medication and the pain 

-it still hurts to wear tight fitting shirts as it hugs my incision site

Speaking of which, MY SCAR LOOKS GREAT! I am so happy with how it looks, and I apply vitamin e oil and scar cream to it to reduce the color!

Funny story actually, my dear family friends bought me this "attachable spine" and, in honor of Halloween, I decided it was a great time to share it with others! Hahahah it got a good amount of gasps and laughs :)

I also want to thank my study hall class of 7th hour-I don't know about you, but I feel like we have truly bonded over my back surgery, and I thank and credit you with many of my back puns:)

I will write a blog post later this week on my tips and tricks to make it through the day after surgery. It will give you a sneak peak into the exciting, adventurous, addicting "life of alaine"

I'll be BACK soon

⚓️Alaine⚓️

(check) up and at 'em

Hello Everyone! 

I am so sorry that I haven't updated my blog for a little while! As the recovery process is slow, I generally wait to write about something exciting happening. Since my last blog post, I have reached 7 weeks post-op and was able to meet with my doctor! 

I feel "pros and cons" are the best way to explain how I am feeling throughout recovery. 

PROs: 

-I have officially have made it through my first full day back at school on October 22nd!

-I have been working with my teachers to make up work, and they are all amazingly helpful!

-My great friend from school, Rachel, helps me get from class to class without becoming high school road kill!

-And, drum roll please......I was able to showcase my Halloween costume at my school's dance! (Everyone asked if my walker was apart of the costume)

ALSO, LOOK HOW FAR I HAVE COME FROM MY SURGERY :) YAY!

CONs: I have quite a few cons (unfortunately). 

-I am still in a TON of pain (instead of easing off my medication, I was prescribed more to help with the severe pain). 

-I am still working to make up all of the assignments that I missed, which seems a little intimidating. 

-I am still reacting poorly to my medication. After my first full day at school, I came home and threw up throughout the night due to the pain. 

-I'm not healing as quickly as I had hoped and expected. 

At this point, I am upset that the pain levels have not decreased as soon as I hoped. I also feel like I need to act "all healed" at school, but the pain is unbearable at times. 

For those of you who have come across my blog while preparing for your surgery, I would suggest purchasing MANY MANY MANY ice packs. I am talking about enough to build an igloo mansion. Heating irritates my back more and the ice takes the edge off my pain. 

Also, upon meeting with my doctor, I am now cleared to take baths, go swimming, ride bikes, etc. I am so glad I am finally getting back to normal (well, as normal as I can be). 

I am so thankful to all of my friends, family, and teachers who are working with me to bounce back. 

I have high hopes of recovering fully soon! 

⚓️Alaine⚓️