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Just another quick post on milestones for you who are concerned about traveling.
Before surgery, I would only last an hour at the most before becoming very uncomfortable. It was necessary to take vicodin before any travel, and I HATE taking meds. The nerve pain, sciatica, and compressed feeling in the torso were just so much worse when sitting for long distances. Since surgery, we have been taking progressively longer and longer trips and have done fine.
I decided to take a gamble and drove alone to see my daughter and her family 2 weeks ago. It was a 6 hour drive, and I'm happy to report that I did AMAZING. And my car is pretty small. There isn't much room to move around. I can not believe that I drove the entire ways with no more pain. I do drive with a little pillow strategically placed, but I did it! Then I slept on the floor for 3 nights. Granted, it was padded with lots of blankets and a camping pad, but it was fine. Then to top it off, I drove home without stopping, not even to stretch like I normally do, in order to make it to a birthday party for my mother in law. And in NO PAIN again.
A couple days ago we went hiking back in to some waterfalls. My strength is getting better, but it definitely has a ways to go still. And my endurance is limited. The steep hills and stairs/steps were pretty tough, but I just paced myself and rested when I need to. It was so great to get out into the forest again. So peaceful and beautiful!
Yesterday I went for my 6 month check up and my doctor just shook her head and said I was amazing. My husband shakes his head and says I'm stubborn! I do push it sometimes, but never out of the realm of safety. I am paranoid about twisting or stressing the spine, but know my limits and what I can or cannot do comfortably and with the right mechanics. Everything I've done so far has worked for me. I know I heal faster if I keep active and not just sit around.
So keep on walking, girls!!! It is worth it and so important for recovery. And if you are in recovery, you will be amazed at how you progress. I am doing things I didn't do just a month ago, and some things I haven't done for years-or at least not been able to do pain free for a long, long time!
Before surgery, I would only last an hour at the most before becoming very uncomfortable. It was necessary to take vicodin before any travel, and I HATE taking meds. The nerve pain, sciatica, and compressed feeling in the torso were just so much worse when sitting for long distances. Since surgery, we have been taking progressively longer and longer trips and have done fine.
I decided to take a gamble and drove alone to see my daughter and her family 2 weeks ago. It was a 6 hour drive, and I'm happy to report that I did AMAZING. And my car is pretty small. There isn't much room to move around. I can not believe that I drove the entire ways with no more pain. I do drive with a little pillow strategically placed, but I did it! Then I slept on the floor for 3 nights. Granted, it was padded with lots of blankets and a camping pad, but it was fine. Then to top it off, I drove home without stopping, not even to stretch like I normally do, in order to make it to a birthday party for my mother in law. And in NO PAIN again.
A couple days ago we went hiking back in to some waterfalls. My strength is getting better, but it definitely has a ways to go still. And my endurance is limited. The steep hills and stairs/steps were pretty tough, but I just paced myself and rested when I need to. It was so great to get out into the forest again. So peaceful and beautiful!
Yesterday I went for my 6 month check up and my doctor just shook her head and said I was amazing. My husband shakes his head and says I'm stubborn! I do push it sometimes, but never out of the realm of safety. I am paranoid about twisting or stressing the spine, but know my limits and what I can or cannot do comfortably and with the right mechanics. Everything I've done so far has worked for me. I know I heal faster if I keep active and not just sit around.
So keep on walking, girls!!! It is worth it and so important for recovery. And if you are in recovery, you will be amazed at how you progress. I am doing things I didn't do just a month ago, and some things I haven't done for years-or at least not been able to do pain free for a long, long time!
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