best shape for surgery

[Guest guest]

Tom,

While my last surgery was not CMT related, it was going to require a

slow, lengthy recovery. (spinal fusion) My doc/surgeon was very candid

with me in explaining everything and answering EVERY question I had,

even at a moment's notice. I grew to have a wonderful relational trust

with this man, unlike any doctor before. I feel this was KEY to a

successful surgery.

Even with all the paperwork uppdating and telling all my friends, the

BEST THING I DID FOR MYSELF was to emotionally and spiritually prepare

for this 'process'. For me that started with a renewed committment to

the 11th step in my 12 step program, watching all the comedy and funny

movies I could, and taking some time away from everything to visit a

local natural hotsprings for a retreat.

Exercise wise, I had Physical Therapy/Aquatics before surgery 3X a week.

Following surgery the next day I began Physical Therapy, gradually

progressing to where I could get to the point of WANTING to participate

in our Aquatics program because it is so fun and I feel great after.

But, that whole process was slow and lengthy. I lost considerable muscle

mass after surgery and the medically supervised Aquatics I started and

still do not only helped me regain that, but helped improve my overall

physical being. I strengthed foot, ankle, leg muscles first, before

progressing onto upper extremities. It has also seemed to have a

positive effect on my balance.

Aquatics is not just swimming for me. I only do laps at the end of an

hour's time in which just about every land-based movement can be

simulated in the 15 foot 92 degree pool against a 3 to 5 mile current

depending on activity.

As for weight, I learned in my 30's that women gain as they age, so

began counting calories and slowly started to make changes in what and

how I ate. This, with biking, hiking and now the aquatics 3X a week

keeps me in shape. I can now integrate meditation with my routine and

get alot out of it.

I was 4 months shy of my 50th birthday when I had the spinal fusion. Am

now 51.

~ Gretchen

So. Calif.