I had my 2 month check and things still look good. I think they were surprised I opted not to wear the brace but it hurt me too much since my left rib area is still so sore because of all the movement They felt that since I was more active sooner my new posture was just taking more time to adjust. Got a massage that helped a bunch and my primary care gave me some mild pain med patches and some lidodern patches to help with the muscle pain. Going for rehab evaluation on Friday and see what they feel I may need to add to my walking, biking and pool exercises. I had to quit doing anything before due to the sore rib and pain in low back on left side. Since the patches were given I feel much better and feel I can actually move in a more natural way than I have in a while. The downside of not being able to stand the brace was the non-movement that I had to endure because I would get so tired and weak with muscle spasms and pain, but the upside is that I have been able to not become dependent on the brace and have retained more of what little muscle strength I had before the surgery. The patches have no bowel side effects or appetite issues so I am eating again. Going back to work just to telecommute beginning January 3 so we will see how that goes only 6 to 7 hours a day. But since the patches I have been able to sit up in chairs and actually drove a few blocks today since the patches are so mild they don't have restrictions. I have made a place in my bedroom to work in the event I can't sit up for that long but I have had 3 days with no naps. Huge stride for me. I'm still sore and can't really do things I would like to do - like pick up shells on the beach. Tried that last weekend before I got the patches and it just seemed like I couldn't get down to get them or get a handful of them at a time -just very stiff and couldnt move around without feeling boxy or robotic so I came home depressed. So.....this week with the massage, more hot baths and the patches it has certainly given me the boost of hope I needed. I'm told that 3 months should be another real corner turn. Hoping that is true.
. Next holiday season I hope to make up for the ones this year.

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