One year!

[cathydrew]

April 8 was my one year mark. After nearly 40 years of waiting, knowing and fearing this surgery, making it to the year mark is quite emotional. I feel really pretty good. Still some numbness on my lower back and right hip, neck pain still, occasional sciatica, and constant fear of something going wrong again. The vertebrae at the top and bottom of my thoracic curve is very prominent when I look in the mirror. I keep looking and comparing my back to the days after surgery when I was so psyched to have it done. I almost feel like the rib hump is getting worse but I think it's my imagination. I mean I have no pain, no stiffness, nothing. I also worry because I am really pretty flexible still, socks are the only thing I can't do comfortably....which I do not care about lol I hate socks..... I have been able to take care of business in every way since very early. Silly, but this actually worries me, I mean shouldn't I be more limited? Lol.... I'm a psycho I know. Anyway, I lost a bunch of weight right away, gained nearly 3 inches in height, and I have enjoyed this new body shape very much. Last summer was so quiet and mellow since I was still so early in recovery, this summer is going to be so great! Bikinis and boats again 👍

[susancook]

Congratulations! This summer will be so much more active for you! Enjoy and stop worrying about a problem cropping up. I'very got that area covered.
Susan

[titaniumed]

Cathy, You made it. (I like typing these words)

Use the arm of a chair for socks. Set heel of foot on arm for support. I use a wooden chair with a wooden arm for this. Eventually, you should be able to limber up more and do this on the floor. I can post photos of me doing this if you wish...just let me know. For complete recovery it took me 2 years. 90% in the first year, the last 10% took another year....it gets better...

I see that you say you are flexible still. And everyone thought it was just me.....Amazing stuff huh?

Ed

[susancook]

Need photos!

Cathy, You made it. (I like typing these words)

Use the arm of a chair for socks. Set heel of foot on arm for support. I use a wooden chair with a wooden arm for this. Eventually, you should be able to limber up more and do this on the floor. I can post photos of me doing this if you wish...just let me know. For complete recovery it took me 2 years. 90% in the first year, the last 10% took another year....it gets better...

I see that you say you are flexible still. And everyone thought it was just me.....Amazing stuff huh?

Ed

You lost me with the "get the foot on the arm of the chair".
Send video!
S.

[Mom of 4]

Congratulations, Cathy!!! I am SO happy for you!

You sound like me...worried about all the things that could go wrong. But, you made it!!!

Have an AWESOME summer!!!

[mabeckoff]

Way to go! Glad that you are doing well

Melissa

[nybw51mr42]

Congratulations, I love hearing great stories like this. I met with Dr. Lonner too and he seemed great and was my second choice. 3 inches in height?? That is wonderful!

[lduran]

yay!

So happy for you! Great to hear that you feel amazing and there is nothing stopping you! Keep it going.

[ksmom0611]

Fantastic Cathy! I'm so glad to hear this. I knew you'd have an amazing recovery. I hope the summer is everything you want it to be!

[golfnut]

Congratulations, Cathy. Enjoy your new figure!

[ADMoul]

Congratulations Cathy and it was great to hear from you. It will still keep getting better. I envy that you lost weight after your surgery. For some of us it was the other way around, but I'll trade a few extra pounds for a pain-free back, any day! Wishing you the very best as you go forward!