Three years and all's well

[JenniferG]

Today marks three years since my surgery. The time has sped by. Life is very busy and I'm one of the lucky ones who has no pain and can do pretty much anything. (Doc says no heavy lifting and no running.) I still walk most days and life's good.

Unfortunately 5 months ago I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a thickened heart muscle, which is probably genetic, (as is my scoli, which my maternal grandmother had) though we don't know of anyone in the family with heart problems. This means I need to take beta blockers every day. The medication makes me feel generally unwell, but without it, my heart will gradually fail.

But again, I feel I've been lucky, because it was discovered, and is treatable and I'm still able to do anything I want.

I have my business and I have three lovely little granddaughters who play a big part in my life, to keep me busy. The surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself and it's not just on my anniversary that I think gratefully of Dr. Askin and what he achieved for me.

[backissues]

Congratulations on your third anniversary!

You have been an inspiration and mentor to those of us who have come after you with pre-surgery and recovery. Though it has been three years, you remain an active voice on this Forum. Thank you very much for all your advice.

Luckily, the doctors found your heart problem and there is medication to help. "Better living through chemistry." lol

Wishing you many pain-free years ahead to enjoy your "new" back.

Cheers, Irene

[kennedy]

jennfier congrads

[jrnyc]

Jennifer, i am so glad to hear how well you are doing 3 years after your surgery...
you are the kindest person, and always ready to share your own experience on
this forum....
it is nice when someone so nice has such good news!
wishing you an eternity of continued support from your new, straight spine...
glad to hear your heart problem is being treated and under control...

jess...& Sparky

[golfnut]

Jennifer,
Congratulations on your third year anniversary. You have given me such wonderful advice and encouragement, as well. I am sorry to hear of your heart condition, but it is good that it can be treated. You are an inspiration to so many of us on the forum. Thank you!!!!

[JenniferG]

Thank you all for your lovely words. I've learned so much from this forum and "met" so many great people here, despite being half a world away, it's been a real pleasure.

We're going down the beach tonight, to have fish and chips on the sand and that will be our celebration. (Of course, I'll take a low beach chair for comfort!)

[titaniumed]

Jen

Congratulations. You have done well especially since scoliosis curves run backwards down under. lol

Someday, I will come visit you. Its on my list.

Thx for all the great posts!
Ed

[Doodles]

Jennifer--
Congratulations! I've always felt we were sort of kindred spirits being the same age--I'm 60 now too--got to change that signature!--and having very similar surgeries and just a few weeks apart. You are always such a positive help! I'm very sorry that the heart problem has surfaced but hope the meds will help and not continue to make you feel less than your best. Of course, it's so important it was found. Enjoy your beach celebration. Best wishes on continued improvement. Janet

[loves to skate]

Jennifer,

I am so happy for you that your three year anniversary from scoliosis surgery has proven to be such a great success. You deserve it. Your compassion and advice to others is so mature and right on the money. Most of the time when you post, I have nothing else to say because you have already said it all. Thanks for being a major asset of this great Forum.

I'm sorry about your heart problems but glad there is medication to help. Hopefully after you have been on it awhile, you will start to feel much better. My brother was put on heart medication more than a year ago and is now finally getting his stamina back.

My best to you, Sally

[JenniferG]

Thanks Janet! I've felt the same - kindred spirits - you're my scoli twin. <smiley face> Having very similar scoli experiences but more than that, you are such a warm person, I've always felt drawn to you.

Ed, I'll hold you to that. We have the HMAS Brisbane sunk just off the coast here which is fast becoming a popular dive spot.

Tell me, how's your neck? Perhaps you've written about it elsewhere. I'll have a look.

[titaniumed]

No, I have not, my visit was yesterday.....My C5/6 is taking a dump and I have bone spurs in the area. Age related stuff. The rest of my spine is fine.

You just don’t jump in and do surgery....it’s the same situation as before and I will basically wait this one out. He recommended shots....I have no experience with those.

What are you going to do? I think the next time my neck acts up, I will lay down on my bed supine, and hang my neck off so the disc will expand.....I sure hope it doesn’t herniate, that has got to hurt like the dickens.

I will look up that shipwreck.
Ed

[JenniferG]

Thank you Sally.

That's good news to me, about your brother getting his stamina back. I think I can detect slight improvement over the last 5 months, so I am hoping the same will happen to me.

[JenniferG]

Are these steroid shots Ed? I can't help but think it's not fair, you've been through enough. But hopefully the shots will give you relief long term. If you go the surgery route some day, do you know what it is they do about the spurs etc.? Could they be a result of having the spine below, fused?

[Doodles]

Awww...thanks, Jennifer, feel the same here!

Ed--Do you know what the surgery might be like? Not sure if this is similar but my mother-in-law just had laminectomy surgery on her 3 bottom vertebra. Scraped away all arthritis/spurs, etc. which caused her dreadful leg pains due to the stenosis. 2 hour surgery. She literally was in the hospital 48 hours and out. She's 87! She is so happy--has her life back. In fact, I'm taking my 86-year-oldmother to the same doctor from Omaha in March. Her back/neck is a mess. Not so sure he can do anything but thought it was worth a try. Don't know if this applies but thought I'd throw that in. Janet

[rockycarm]

Jennifer, i am so glad to hear how well you are doing 3 years after your surgery...
you are the kindest person, and always ready to share your own experience on
this forum....
it is nice when someone so nice has such good news!
wishing you an eternity of continued support from your new, straight spine...
glad to hear your heart problem is being treated and under control...

jess...& Sparky

I couldn't have said it better!