Almost 4 month progress report

[Guest guest]

I went for my almost 4 month checkup with Dr Bridwell this week. He

said that everything is looking good. At this point, he doesn't

think I will need the anterior surgery unless a problem develops with

my fusion.

He said I can do water aerobics, an upright stationary bike, increase

my weights for working out to 5 pounds on each arm (but still no

overhead exercises with weights), and I can go back to work -- light

duty, no bending, no lifting over 15-20 pounds. I still can't use

the hottub in my back yard (but I can use the one at the pool since

it has stairs to get in and out), and I still can't drive my standard

shift car. I can start using the styrofoam weights at the pool.

He said I can have another cortisone injection in my shoulder but

that when I have surgery to make sure they know that they need to be

careful moving me around.

I have a lump that is growing in my belly. I am seeing a surgeon in

two weeks. Dr Bridwell thinks it is a hernia. Strange since I

haven't been lifting anything.

I am feeling good. No pain pills since the middle of May. I rarely

put a lidoderm patch on my hip -- more often when I first quit taking

the pain pills. It wasn't exactly pain in my hip -- more of an

uncomfortable tightness when I would try to fall asleep. I did have

pain on the 8 hour drive to and from St Louis. My husband only

stopped twice -- about an hour after I told him I really needed to

get out and walk around. I used a lidoderm patch on the way home and

it helped a lot.

I have been going to the pool 2 hours per day, 4 days per week for

the past 6 weeks. I use a flotation belt and just jog/walk around

the pool -- during aerobics class I can only do a couple of the

exercises, so I just jog in place and exercise my arms. I am glad to

be able to add the styrofoam weights -- my underarms have been

getting flabby! On the days I don't go to the pool, I walk 2 - 3

miles per day -- either around the neighborhood, in the mall, or at

WalMart or Sam's.

I had company last week and walked more than 3 miles in the house

while cleaning up for company! I don't have carpet, so I used the

wand on the vacuum cleaner to get up all the cat hair out of the

corners. We finally finished unpacking and hanging up photographs

from our move two years ago. It is nice to finally have the house

clean again. My husband bought me a swiffer duster with a long

handle so I can reach the low shelves to dust. My son is getting

pretty good at mopping the floor.

I can't say I am happy to be going back to work, but it is amazing

how well I feel. I almost forget that I have had surgery. I am so

glad to be feeling normal and standing up straight. I love running

into people that haven't seen me in awhile. Between the new posture,

the lost weight, and the haircut, folks are amazed.

I am very glad I finally decided to have the surgery. Dr Bridwell

did a fantastic job.