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⚓️