I'm back - Kathy W

[Guest guest]

Hi All! I'm back - 9wks post-op. Sorry I didn't check in sooner, but we had a modem crash, then computer not happy, etc. I want to thank you all for your well wishes and support, especially the e-cards -they meant alot since I was so far from home. And of course my sincere thanks to my mentor , and to for all the phone calls. you really have a way of putting things in perspective, and your strength and courage just seemed to come across the phone line! I'm doing okay I think, but I do feel sort of like a slug. Not alot of motivation. I am driving a little around town (not sure I'm supposed to), so am getting errands done. And I'm able to make meals, make the bed and do laundry. I have some concerns of course, mainly that involve my continued neuropathy. But I knew that was probably

going to happen. Question - the doc said he got great correction in the sagittal plane, and I can stand up straight so easily. It feels great. However, when I'm tired I find myself leaning forward again and it's hard to stay up. I think of it as "muscle memory" in that my body was used to that lean for most of my life. My muscles are even developed abnormally in compensation. So when I'm tired, they take over. I have exercises I'm supposed to do, but they are mainly leg and arm strengthening. Don't really address that issue. Have any of you run into that? Is that something that will just come with time? My new hardware is titanium screws with cobalt chromium rods. I was told it was MRI compatible, but now I'm wondering if that means it will be MRI diagnostic. Anybody know? I am still on pain meds, though I've cut down a little. I wasn't given any guidelines on cutting back. I'm now taking Oxy 10mg tid, and 2 Norco 4x/day. I go for my first check-up next Tues (6th). It seems like a long time to go since my surgery. Again, thanks to all of you for your help and well wishes. It feels good to be back and on "the other side." I want to extend my own good thoughts and prayers for those of you who have recently had surgery or will soon have it. Kathy W. __________________________________________________