3 months post op!! T2-S1 fusion

[shortlilnikki]

So, it has been interesting... to say the least. I didn't know exactly how hard it was going to be for like, a couple MONTHS after surgery!! I ended up going through 17 hours of surgery, 7 blood transfusions, and 11 days in the hospital. I have plans for the next few days to get on here and do updates.. with the whole experience/story to share.. I am at home finally (I had to stay at my mom's while i was post op for a while because I have a little girl that my mom was caring for, and even though I couldn't do anything, I couldn't bare to be away from her).

I have my pictures from surgery stuff on facebook.. Im gonna try and post the link to the pictures like everyone does but I'm not too familiar with doing that so I hope it works, if not-- message me or just add me on face book (Nikki Shuman)... there are some crazy pictures-- OH! And check this out: (dont worry they're not in the album) but I convinced my doctor to take a couple pictures for me DURING surgery. Yeah, he rocks. If anyone is having surgery in the Chicago area... Dr. Christopher Dewald. I swear by him. He's awesome and I would have driven from California if I had to for him... thank God I'm only 3 hours away.

Facebook pics:
The hospital pictures
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...37&id=58202825

Some after pictures (the difference is remarkable, I look like a whole new person. For the first time in my life, I feel pretty. I hope that doesn't seem shallow, but I have NEVER felt like someone who had a 'nice body' or anything like that... now, I feel like I look normal... I dont feel normal by any means, but I think I look more normal. ANYWAY- some after pics!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=1bb52d2e2e

OH! My baby girl just turned 1, there are some better pics in this album too if you all wanna take a look!! YAY!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=4236b93ab7

[JenniferG]

That brought back a few memories! 17 hours! Hope you will tell us a bit more about your surgery and I for one would love to see the pics your surgeon took.

I have to say you managed to look beautiful the whole way through your ordeal and your little girl's a little doll.

[sed78]

Nikki,

I looked at every one of your pictures on Facebook - you are an inspiration to me! You seem like such a wonderful woman and now you have such a straight spine, woohoo!

I am now 2 weeks post-op and in the thick of it. My pain is still very bad and I am struggling to sit up for 20 minutes at a time, but your pictures show me that it will get better, and I thank you for that.

By the way, I also live in the Midwest ~3 hours from Chicago, in Champaign-Urbana, IL. The pictures of you walking out in the country with the corn in the background look just like where I live.

I hope your recovery continues to be successful! Also, your daughter is such a cutie!!

--Steph

2 wks post-op
Fusion & instrumentation from T9 - L2 on Sept. 23rd, 2009

[Jimbo]

Thanks for sharing those pictures. They really gave a great insight into this surgery.

Is it common for people's bellies to poke out like that after surgery? I aint gonna be lookin forward to that

[sillycoffeegirl]

yea u are also an inspiration to me as well. im 25 and my large curve is 74 degrees and i think it will progress. I hope things continue to get better for you everyday. are you really happy you did it?

[Vali]

Niki,
17 hours? Wow! Seriously though, hope all is well, bet wishes on the road to recovery.

Hey Steph,
Hang in there, it does get better everyday! Just rest rest and more rest!

Jimbo,
your surgeon usually tells you if about your tummy if your having anterior surgery. The crappy part about it is that, you can't do situps to make it go away - only abdominal bracing!