Well, friends, I am almost 13 months post op, and this week I will be getting on a plane for the first time since surgery. I'm not too concerned about the metal detectors - from what I've read, it shouldn't be a problem. My biggest worries are about trying to get my shoes back on after I get through the chaos of security, and the sitting for long periods. I'm bringing my wedge seat cushion and my little back pillow and my inflatable neck pillow. I think I'm going to be well-padded in my seat! But I'm feeling pretty good these days, and I'm not too worried overall about traveling. Sitting still kind of sucks, but I'll just have to annoy the flight attendants by standing up a lot. I hate trotting out the "I'm recovering from back surgery" line to get special treatment, but I may have to at some point during the day. It's two 2-3 hour flights with a layover in between. Fortunately my husband will be with me to do any heavy lifting of suitcases if it comes to that.
Anybody have any handy tips for getting through a day of travel with a fused spine?
Saw Dr. Errico this week as well, for my one-year check up, and he says everything looks good and is still bolted into place. He says "year two is crucial," and I should keep my weight down, keep going to PT, and don't take any falls. And then I was released into the wild. I was so excited about how good my X rays looked that I forgot to tell him about all my little complaints about my various aches and pains (my feet hurt, my ribs still hurt, my tailbone hurts when I sit, etc.) But this past weekend I made it through a day of chores and errands without needing a nap, and I took a drink from a drinking fountain the other day just like a normal person would, bending at the hips. Well, sort of like a normal person. I didn't have to squat down with the knees at least. I am beginning to think this saga may some day come to an end, and I will be just like any other human being, albeit one who can only bend at the hips!
Anybody have any handy tips for getting through a day of travel with a fused spine?
Saw Dr. Errico this week as well, for my one-year check up, and he says everything looks good and is still bolted into place. He says "year two is crucial," and I should keep my weight down, keep going to PT, and don't take any falls. And then I was released into the wild. I was so excited about how good my X rays looked that I forgot to tell him about all my little complaints about my various aches and pains (my feet hurt, my ribs still hurt, my tailbone hurts when I sit, etc.) But this past weekend I made it through a day of chores and errands without needing a nap, and I took a drink from a drinking fountain the other day just like a normal person would, bending at the hips. Well, sort of like a normal person. I didn't have to squat down with the knees at least. I am beginning to think this saga may some day come to an end, and I will be just like any other human being, albeit one who can only bend at the hips!
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