
Originally Posted by
mistybowe
It has been so long since I have checked in with the site after religiously checking in daily throughout my recovery. I am about 16 months post now and have done really well, all things considered. I healed fairly quickly right out of the gate, and by 9 months, was cleared to do most activities. My doctor said that the hardware all looked really good, so he was comfortable with me getting 'back on the horse', so they say. I was able to golf, travel and even dance a bit over the summer and through this fall with little issues. Even though I have a desk job and sit the majority of my day, I try to stay as active as possible and work out 3-4 days a week on my Peloton or treadmill and I think it has really helped.
I do still feel like I am still in healing mode some days. My pain is usually at the top of my fusion (T-6 and above) and can sometimes force me to lie down for a bit if I do too much. Just recently this pain has seemed worse and is concerning me a bit so have scheduled a visit with the doc this Friday. I am sure that it's nothing and just normal aches and pains, but I am always nervous that something will go wrong. Better to be safe than sorry
I just wanted to let all of the supporters know on here how much your support and advice meant to me. I probably didn't express that enough in the early months when my only concern was getting better, but a very big thank you is in order. A special thanks goes out to Ed in particular. The time that you put in here is noticed and admired.
Much love!
Misty
Hi, Misty! It is good to hear from you! I'm so happy that you are doing well, and I hope that your aches and pains are nothing serious, just part of the healing process.
I will say, I felt pretty good at my 1-year post op check up, but not 100% great. I did notice more healing from 12 months to 16 months. I'm now 18 months out and I feel like I'm as good as it's gonna get. I can't complain as I am SO MUCH better than before my surgery. But, I have certainly make life adjustments, and I'm OK with that. I'm sure the "18 month healing time" for me was partly due to my age.
Please let us know how your appointment goes.
Kathy
Decompression surgery L4/L5
April 3, 2015
Twin Cities Spine Center - Dr. Joseph Perra
Fused from T11 - Sacrum anterior/posterior
June 24, 2016 - 55 years old at surgery
Twin Cities Spine Center - Dr. Joseph Perra
Before Surgery: 42 degrees lumbar, 28 degrees thoracic
After Surgery: 10 degrees lumbar, ?? Thoracic
2 inches taller