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⚓️

BACK at School

Hello!

I know it has been over a week since my last blog update, but I got tons of new information to share:)

The biggest news yet is: I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK TO SCHOOL! (I'm returning to school at 5weeks post-op)!

So far my school timeline has been-

October 3- One hour of School
October 6- Two hours of School
October 7- Two hours of School
October 8- Three hours of School
October 9- Four hours of School

I go to an Arts school, where all of the academics are in the morning and the arts are in the afternoon. Because I haven't been well enough to stay at school long, I generally leave during/after academics. I'm not going to lie, going back to school is tough, so I think it would be best to partition the experience into "pros" and "cons"

PROs:
-I get to see my friends and teachers that I haven't see for over a month
-I get to distract myself from the back pain, which makes a lot better
-I was able to work with my teachers to reduce my workload, saving me a ton of stress

CONs:
-I am constantly in pain (the chairs at my school are not the comfiest, so I bring a pillow to relieve the pain).
-I feel lost/behind going back to school because I have missed a lot.
-It is difficult for me to maneuver my way around the hallways because I am still unstable on my feet, and my walker is quite bulky.
-I have classes on the 1st and 2nd floors of my school, so I have to wait for the elevator a lot.
-The biggest con is STRESS! My teachers and peers have been amazing in working with me, but there is a certain amount of stress that is inevitable upon returning to school after a major surgery.

So far school is a little crazy and hectic, but I have decorated my walker (it was necessary, of course) and talked to my teachers about making up work!

I am still on all of my medications, as the pain still hasn't subsided, but hopefully I can ease off them soon.

As for any other updates, I have been getting really sick from my medication (AGAIN), and I have thrown up the last couple of days. We also rented a hospital bed for me to use during recovery, and the company is letting us keep it for an additional month (YAY!).  I have also made a point to decorate my house for Halloween!

For those of you who came across this blog because you are having the surgery, I have a few tips I will share at the next blog post :)

Thanks for the SUPPORT ;) and for putting up with my puns.

⚓️Alaine⚓️


Sent from my iPhone

Bad to the Bone-4 Weeks Post Op

Hello everyone!

That's right, I am one month post-op! 29 days ago, my back had two 45 degree curves (causing me plenty of pain). However, 28 days ago is when I went from having double scoliosis to a straight spine--all in a matter of hours. 

Below are a few more images from my surgery:

M

This month definitely has NOT been easy. I wish I could say I am doing better 1 month post-op than I was doing 1 month pre-op, but this blog is supposed to capture an honest recovery. I still struggle with basic functions such as walking, sitting, showering, etc. But, with everyday, I gain a little more mobility, making recovery easier.  I am still using my pain medicine and still throw up from it, but the pain is significantly less than it was in previous weeks. Currently, I am trying to catch up on schoolwork I have missed, which seems to the cause the most stress for me. Because sitting is hard, I have to take breaks to lay down every half an hour. Although recovery is still difficult, I do feel improvement with everyday. 

Now that I have the bad news about my recovery out of the way, I can share some positive things! I will start with last Friday night. My dad took me to my last baseball game of the season, and I was able to sit through 5 innings! I know it doesn't seem like that long, but it was a HUGE sign of improvement for me! The kind workers at the game got me front row seats right behind first base! Additionally, upon leaving the game, they offered me a wheelchair, so I didn't have to walk the long distance to the car. Although I was exhausted upon arriving home, I was touched that so many strangers were willing to help me out. I also was able to decorate my walker this weekend! For those of you who know, becoming president in the 2036 election is a
dream of mine; I decided there was no better way to campaign than using my walker! :)  

I am so grateful for the support everyone has offered me, and I will continue to update my blog as I recover! 

⚓️Alaine⚓️

One Step BACK, Two Steps Foreword:

Hello Everyone!

I apologize from my small absence from blogging; it is difficult to write every couple of days when nothing new has happened. Today is my 3rd week post-op!

So let's start with the bad news since my last post: 

I am still VERY sick. I throw up everything I eat, and this is because of my pain medication. The difficult thing is I am in so much pain that I need the medication, however it doesn't do anything when I throw it up. I have also discovered my center of gravity is off (I am not as well balanced as I thought I was). Last Thursday, I was trying to put on my pajama pants after my shower, I lost my balance, and I slammed my back against the floor. That was probably one of my worst nights. My muscles still ache, and there is still constant pain throughout my body. Now, despite these setbacks, I have some good news to share about my accomplishments. 

Good News:)

Although I am still in a ton of pain, I feel as if I have a lot more mobility throughout my body (when compared to previous weeks). I have moved on to eating more solid meals-as opposed to the apples and carrots I have been eating. Although my sister and aunt left, my grandma came to stay with us to help me. I am so appreciative to have someone looking out for me. I also got to take the steri-strips off my incision, so I can see my scar-YAY! 

Additionally, I went to my first post-op appointment yesterday! MY CURVES IN MY BACK ARE NOW NON-EXISTANT! Additionally, my doctor decided to change my meds, and I was able to get a handicap parking sticker! The only bad news we got is that I have vocal chord paralysis, that caused me to lost my voice really easily. I am also working on my homework (something I didn't do before because of the severity of the pain). 

I feel that information covers the majority of my progress. I will be writing more soon! 

⚓️Alaine⚓️

emBRACING my new body:)

Hello!

To begin this post, I feel it's important to say there is not improvement present everyday , so I only write in my blog when  something new has happened.

Since my last post, I have still been in a ton of pain. I am supposed to ease off my medication, but the pain is too severe to do so. The mornings are the worst. I wake up really stiff and nauseous, and it takes me hours to begin my day.

I have tried to set goals for myself everyday, in hopes of  speeding up my recovery time. I find that it is really hard to sit and stand, so I try to do those activities more often.  Something I recommend for those of you getting the surgery is to purchase an airplane neck pillow. It really helps when you are sitting and cannot control your neck.

My biggest accomplishment since last Saturday was my "big-outing" on Sunday.  I went all the way to the outlet malls (30 minute drive) to go to my favorite store-Kate Spade.  I had to lay down in the back of my family-friend's car. Once at the store, I hobbled in with my walker. I lasted about 15 minutes before I needed to sit down, but I was able to purchase some sunglasses and headbands before having to leave. Also, upon arriving in the store, I fell in love with this little purse, and my family-friend got it for me as a recovery gift--I was overjoyed!

Once arriving home from the outing, I immediately crashed. I couldn't keep my self awake after a 15 shopping trip.  My friend came over that afternoon and caught me up on school drama, and she brought me movies to watch (thank you!).

I woke up on  Monday morning to a text  from my family-friend saying she had just been rear-ended by another car.  Luckily, she was okay,  but I am VERY fortunate  the accident didn't occur the day before (when  she drove me to the mall). Every single bump hurts when driving, and if I had been with her when she got hit, the pain would've killed me.

I will continue to write as I accomplished more and more ! Thanks for the SUPPORT!

⚓️Alaine⚓️

When Life Throws a Curve (or Two)

Hello Everyone!

I cannot even begin to express my appreciation for every single person who has had MY back throughout this surgery/recovery. I sincerely tear up when I receive cards/gifts/encouragement from church members, friends, and family-you never know how much you're loved until you've had spinal fusion.

Here are my X-Rays: Before and After

I know I left my last post on a negative note, and, considering the amount of pain I was in, it was honest. But today I have decided to share my accomplishments through a timeline:)

9/1-My sister flys in to help look out for me

9/2-I undergo surgery for scoliosis

9/3-I leave the ICU, and begin oral medication

9/6-I am cleared to leave the hospital, however find myself in an unexplainable state of pain

9/7-Woke up at home, lost all vision (eyes went black), and nearly passed out. (The next two days I acted similarly in terms of reaction to pain)

9/8- I allowed my sister the ABSOLUTE honor of bathing me/rubbing my feet;)

I will begin writing more about the last few days:

September 10th-

In the I was able to drink a full Gatorade bottle (for the first time). Shortly after my accomplishment, I had a major setback and threw up all over myself (for the first time since the hospital). As "That So Raven" would say: NASTY. Let me tell you, out with my stomach vile, in with a miracle. My friends came to visit me just after I had finished showering, and brought me IN-N-OUT {my favorite restaurant. if you ever happen to drive by, I get a grilled cheese}. The miracle was (and I haven't eaten a single meal since the hospital) I are the entire meal! YAY! But my improvement didn't stop there, I was able to leave the house for the first time since surgery. My friends and I got out my lovely walker, and we drove to a nearby bakery for macaroons :). My aunt also flew in from Ohio to support me. That was my first day I was starting to really recover.

September 11th-

I woke up rather stiff from pushing myself so much the day before. I turned on the TV and saw all of the news stories covering the events of 9/11, and I cannot say how heartbroken I am for the victims and their families (RIP). I also decided that was the day I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself, and appreciate what I am going to accomplish. I was able to leave the house for frozen yogurt (my stomach has NEEDS-what can I say). I relaxed with my family, and my executive editor, Caitlin, came by to keep me up-to-date on schoolwork (and drama). I continued to improve that day, making a point to watch "Herbie - Fully Loaded" to motivate myself to get back behind the wheel.

September 12th-

Today has been very relaxed. There is incredible pain in my hips and shoulders that probably exist from my compensation of limbs so I do not use my back to support me. My good friend stopped by, and my family supported me (like always). My aunt even did the unthinkable-combed/blow-dried (AKA Transformed) my rat's nest hair into a beautiful, tangle free situation. Basically, think Anne Hathaway- "Princess Diaries".


I have to say, my biggest accomplishment of the week is being able to SHOWER MYSELF! As much as I love other people bathing me, yo nessecito bañarme de las mañanas.


I thank you all again for your support! I will keep you updated!

Also: props to you if you read this whole post :)

⚓️Alaine⚓️

Back Home-One Week Later

Hello!

Today marks the one-week checkpoint since my spinal fusion.  WHOO-HOO! I am actually happy because I do improve immensely everyday. I have tried to set little goals for myself to get better.

Here are some of them:
•go shopping for Halloween costume
•get fitted for my Halloween costume
•survive to Halloween so I can wear said costume

In case you haven't realized, Halloween is my favorite Holliday :)

In all seriousness, I have set some goals to help me get better. I try to sit up on my own, walk around with my walker, eat & drink more, and shower. It's honestly a really hard process, but I appreciate the support from others.

I was able to eat my first real meal today, which consisted of frozen waffles. I hope to start walking more soon, so I can function with other things. The medicine I'm on makes me nauseous and tired, so I hope to ease off of it in the next few weeks.

Thanks for the support:

⚓️Alaine⚓️

Looking Straight Ahead

Hello Guys!

I sincerely apologize for the lack of blog posts because, despite my previous beliefs, I am not a superhero who can magically heal immediately.

 I feel the best way to write these posts are to be honest. I am in probably the worst pain I have ever been in. I am uncomfortable, dizzy, and find it hard to breath.

 I came home from the hospital yesterday, which was a difficult journey, but I am glad to be home. It was actually funny as I attempted to leave the hospital. I sat up (something really hard for me) and as the nurse was grabbing the wheelchair, I fell backwards. I say there flopping around on the bed saying, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" Eventually I made it to the car, via wheelchair, and embarked on the long journey home (it was only 15 minutes long, but felt like eternity).

I have spent my day laying on the couch, getting up occasionally only to use the bathroom. I am sorry to sound like such a "downer," but I feel I should be honest about this experience. I genuinely hope I will get better soon, and I appreciate the amounts of support from others.

Just beginning the STRAIGHT journey ahead,

⚓️ Alaine ⚓️

Baby Got Back (Surgery)

Legit best title yet.

Hello everybody!
Where do I begin? I apologize for being absent from blogging yesterday. Recovery is not as easy as it seems. I keep throwing up a lot and I'm kind of grossing myself out. To help with the throwing up, I am hooked to countless machines. I have a heart monitor hooked up to my finger and every time I move, I flatline. The nurses and doctors rush in trying to save me. At this point I have died 12 times. Those prayers sure are working.


Let's move on to my favorite subject: The catheter (dun dun dun). You know, peeing in a bag seems like a really good idea but when you cant muster up the urine, nurses pressing on your already hurting stomach isn't the best solution. However, I feel free at last as my catheter was removed this morning.
Furthermore, physical therapy is Hades (Shoutout to Ms. Casillas). I have been able to sit up and walk with my super rad walker (as you can see below).

My back hurts a lot, as can be imagined, and the nausea isn't exactly fun, but I hope it will get better each day.


Thank you all, my lovely family and friends, who are supporting me. I genuinely thought three people would visit me in the hospital. You guys have been so supportive. I seriously can not thank you enough for the countless gifts, flowers, candy, and love.

Shoutout to Dr. White for the morphine. I owe you one. Have fun in Alaska.
I may still be influenced by pain medication, but I'm getting better. As Richard Nixon once gestured, peace. I bid you farewell.

⚓️Alaine⚓️
P.S. Thank you Caitlin for being my editor and current writer because all these IVs hooked to my hands make it difficult to type.

I Just got Back Surgery, and I am all screwed up:

Hello Everybody! It's Alaine, and my day 2 of surgery recovery. So much has happened that it's crazy!

So starting off with last night: I was in the absolute worst pain! My back ached constantly. In order to ease the pain, i had to push this morphine button every 8 minutes. The morphine helped with the back pain, but did not react well with my stomach. Every time I took a sip of water, apple juice, or sprite, I would throw it up immediately. I cannot explain how much I HATE throwing up. Throughout the night, I was given Valium to relax my muscles. It seemed every time I fell asleep, I was awoken 5 minutes later.

Warning: this next paragraph is a little gross-

So, before going into surgery, I asked the nurse to take pictures of the surgery so I could have them :)
This is one of them below:

Once back in the ICU, I passed out immediately. Apparently the first words i said to my doctor went like this (influenced by anesthesia of course):

doctor: your surgery went excellent
me: super rad
doctor: your morphine is to the left
me: groovy

Throughout the night, the nurses would empty the blood drainage from the surgical sight (which is seen below):

And here is the worst part: my catheter wouldn't pick up any urine so they had to push on my stomach to empty it. Also, like said before, I threw up whatever I had eaten.

As of now, I have eaten breakfast, and will eat lunch in a couple of minutes. Below is a picture of my dressing on my back:)

Also if you wanna visit, I will text you the details. :)

Keep Praying?

⚓️Alaine⚓️

Brace Yourselves:

Hello everybody! I am currently sitting in the hospital waiting room, waiting to begin the process leading up to surgery. My surgery should begin around 2 hours from now (7:30). Honestly, I am just bummed I had to get up so early :(
Pretty soon, once the paper work is filled out, I will head back to the pre-op room to begin an IV.
In this blog post, I will update it as things are occurring. :)

As of 5:59, I have been sitting in the Pre-op room. I just changed into my hospital gown and stockings--yay! I also just had my IV placed into my hand.

.

It's right after surgery and I'm still feeling the effects of the anaesthesia so I'm dictating this.

I feel pretty darn good, except my muscles hurt.
The surgeons played "Fun, Fun, Fun" by the Beach Boys in the operating room. Now that I'm up in the Intensive Care Unit I have to lay on my side.
I have no idea why I'm making this post now.
I have blood pressure things that are massaging my legs. I feel like I can run a marathon right now, but it's probably all the drugs. My throat is sore and I sound like man when I talk. I will give more detail about that later.

According to my doctor I'm PFS - pretty freakin' straight. My blurred vision is coming back into focus but I need glasses. I'm sorry there is no structure to this entry.
These drugs are magnificent.
I am afraid to look down at my catheter, but it feels pretty good to pee laying down.
These leg massagers are amazing, I need to get these for home.
My first words were "where am I?" and "get out (of my room.)". I said that to the nice Resident doctor that came to check on me.  When the surgeon came to ask how I felt, I said I "felt Rad." I feel good, I want to walk.
This may sound like rambling.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
I'll be back soon.


8:00 pm update: my body is not reacting to morphine well. I have thrown up non-stop. If I don't take the morphine, I stop puking, but I am in crazy amounts of pain.  Please pray for me.

⚓️Alaine⚓️

BACK Talk:

Hello my lovely blog followers (mom, dad, and Rachel)! I cannot believe it, but my surgery is just around the corner! I had my pre-op appointment on Friday, and it's crazy how real this is all becoming. Upon arriving at the hospital for my pre-op, I was directed to fill out some paperwork with my father. Within no time, that was completed, and I was sent into the pre-op suits for blood and urine testing. The nurse who took my blood was pretty funny; she poked at one vein for about 3 minutes murmuring, "squishy vein" over and over again. When I was asked to do the urine sample, I sort of panicked because I had used the bathroom immediately before my appointment (oops!). Instead, I was handed a bottle of water and instructed to drink it all. The appointment was rather short, and not too exciting to write about.

So, in addition to writing about my hospital stay, I put together a list of things I packed for the surgery for all of you who are having spinal fusion.

THINGS I PACKED:

Clothing:
-TWO pairs of pajamas (with buttons down the front, since I heard its hard to lift your arms)
-ONE bathrobe
-ONE pair of fuzzy socks

Toiletries (separated into different ziplock):
-Toothbrush, toothpaste, and retainer (oral hygiene)
-Vaseline[for dry lips] and moist face wipes (facial hygiene)
-Hair-ties and a comb (for hair)

Comfort:
-A body pillow (everyone I've talked to said they're amazing to hold on to)
-Regular pillows (I feel more comfortable bringing my own from home)
-My favorite blanket (to keep me warm in the already 109* weather)

Entertainment:
-My iPad
-Headphones
-Movies (the "Lego Movie," "the Breakfast Club," and "Easy A" were among my choices)
-My laptop
-Homework
-A DVD player to hook up to the TV in my room
-A power strip to charge all my devices at once

I hope my list helped all of you getting the surgery soon, and I wish you the best of luck! Additionally, I thank you all for supporting me on this "curvy" journey, and I will wrote again soon!

NO WORRIES: MORE BACK TALK WITH BE AVAILABLE SOON :))

⚓️Alaine⚓️

BACK to the future: (these puns just get better and better)

Hello everyone! Like I said in my last blog post, I am hoping to write more frequently as my surgery is a mere 6 days away (the last few months have flown by). After touring the hospital yesterday, I felt like I had some new information to share. (By the way, I sincerely thank you all for listening to me complain for so long! If I had to listen to me complain all of this time, I would have likely thrown myself out the window). 

So moving on to review my hospital tour:

I must admit, the experience was interesting. We arrived at the hospital lobby with two other families. We then talked to the physical therapist who informed us when they would begin teaching us to function again (considering I can barely function now, it will be interesting to see how I am after surgery). 

I got the biggest kick out of the PT explaining "log rolls" where, because of my limited ability to twist, I must resort to imitating a block of wood to begin my daily functions. But, sarcasm aside, I feel ready for this surgery. 

After we finished talking to the physical therapist, the nurse led us around the hospital to the pre-op, OR, ICU, and recovery suites. My hospital is extremely nice, and I am glad I don't have to share a room with anyone. 

The most interesting part of the tour was the explanation of what machinery I will be hooked up to. I have a heart monitor, an IV, and (god-forbid) a catheter. 

I actually have a funny little story about the catheter. Once the nurse explained the catheter's purpose, another girl from the tour who already had the surgery said she had thought the catheter would be great until she actually had to use it. When I asked her why, she simply replied with "who doesn't wanna pee in a bag at least once in their life"

My family got to ask questions of the girls who already had the surgery, and they were so expressive of how happy they were to get the operation. I feel even more confident about the surgery, and I cannot wait to have a great last weekend before surgery. 

FYI, I have declared this week ALW (Alaine's Last Week), so spread the word! #ALW

I will be BACK to post more soon,

⚓️Alaine⚓️

Watch Your Back:

Hello everyone! Some pretty exciting things have occurred since my last blog post. Last week I had to miss school because I had a severe ear infection that caused my ear drum to rupture (yes, I am currently deaf in my right ear). I feel I honestly have the worst luck when it comes to  medical problems :(. Well, over the past week, my ear has slowly begun the healing process, which is great!  Now moving on to the "back talk"

I HAD MY MEETING WITH THE DOCTOR TODAY :)🎉

I took some extra x-rays, and my family had an opportunity to ask the doctor questions about the surgery and recovery. Some of my parent's questions included:

1. How long after surgery can Alaine return to school?
2. How soon after the surgery can she shower?
3. How does the surgery work?

As you can see, they were the responsible ones when it came to asking questions. My questions went something along the lines of:

1. How soon after surgery can I ride roller coasters?
2. Is it possible to get a handicap parking sticker?
3. Exactly HOW good is the food in the cafeteria?

The doctor gladly answered both sets of questions, reassuring us the surgery would be fine! I honestly feel great about the surgery and all of my preexisting fears have disappeared. I cannot wait to increase my height by 1 1/2 inches!

With my surgery just a week away, I will be updating my blog more frequently. Until next time!

I will be BACK,
⚓️ Alaine ⚓️

Thank you Caitlin for being my Executive Editor
and Finn as my Marketing Manager

Surgery (Disc)ussion Time {see what I did there}

So, after starting my blog, I felt it was necessary to explain the surgery and recovery process.  I will begin with the surgical procedure :). A spinal fusion surgery varies with every patient according to the severity and needs of their case. In my surgery, the doctor will make an incision down my back (from neck to lower back) and move the skin and muscles aside to achieve access to my spine. He will then attach screws to the individual vertebrae all the way down my spine (isn't that groovy). After the screws are in place, the doctor will secure 1 or 2 titanium rods to the top and bottom vertebrae, pulling my spine straight.  An artificial bone graft will be used to begin the fusion of the vertebrae. The doctor will then use plastic surgeon stitching techniques to create a thinner scar.

After awaking from the surgery, the pain is said to be rather severe, but with everyday, the pain becomes less. The hospital stay is between 5-7 days and the rest of the recovery process will be at home. I will be returning to school after approximately 4 weeks (depending on the manageability of the pain).

Although the surgery sounds intimidating and scary, it will change my life for the better by eliminating back pain in the long run.

The surgery will forever better me, but I will have some limitations due to the spinal fusion.  Basically, my spine will fuse into one bone, so I will not be able to bend at any point in my back. I cannot twist too quickly, or soon, after surgery. Driving will be a challenge, but of course, all of these challenges can be overcome.  I will be BACK ;) soon to share my journey.

⚓️Alaine⚓

I've Got Your Back

Hello! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Alaine. I was diagnosed with double scoliosis (a spinal deformity that causes the vertebrae to twist and curve) in April. So to explain where I am now, I believe a little background info is
necessary :)

So, growing up, I have always been known to be quite the hypochondriac. For those of you who know me, yes I know it is hard to believe. I would constantly claim I had acquired many different illnesses and diseases that would cause me to perish fairly soon. Well, after hearing about scoliosis, I became sure I had it too, although my body showed no signs supporting my definitive claims. I began to complain of my back pain (this was actually present; not just a figment of my imagination) to my parents and friends telling them, "I have scoliosis" in many different variations and sentences. However many different ways I swore it true, all receivers of the news would reply in a similar way-a smile and laugh. 

In February of 2014, a large "muscle mass" became present on my lower left back. It was fairly large, and I immediately began to swear I have cancer (yes, I may STILL be a hypochondriac). My parents did admit it was weird and often traced my seemingly straight spine, concluding amongst themselves I, in fact, did NOT have scoliosis-dismissing me once again with a smile and laugh. As the mass began to become larger and larger, my parents agreed to take me to my pediatrician in mid-April. Upon showing my doctor the bump, he immediately said he thought it was a scoliosis case. From my bent over stance, I looked up at my dad (who stood there in disbelief), and 3 words  escaped from my mouth- "I told you". We were then sent to take x-rays to confirm the doctor's diagnosis. 

Within the end of the day, it was confirmed, I have double scoliosis with two 45 degree curves located in my thoracic and lumbar region.

Within the month, I was sent to a specialist (referred to by everyone my family knew) and the unthinkable was confirmed-scoliosis surgery was the only way to fix my curved spine.

So, with that background information in order, I begin my blog--less than a month before surgery.  I am scheduled for my spinal fusion on September 2nd, the day following Labor Day. I am determined to maintain this blog so my friends and family can monitor my progress. I also hope to be an example for those interested in the surgery, or are  receiving the surgery. So with that, I begin my journey!

⚓️Alaine⚓️