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⚓️