Yesterday, I walked next-door to my 83-yr old neighbor's house to give her the little basket of cupcakes I'd made for Christmas. We sat in her soft, well-worn living room chairs and talked for an hour or more. I love her so much. She is cut from the same cloth as we are, being a ranch woman who owned cattle and ranches all of her life with her husband in Wyoming and Nevada and then Washington.
When I stood up to leave, Esther said, "My, it's wonderful to see you standing so tall and straight!" I was so pleased, yet surprised, to hear this. I hadn't thought about my posture having changed since my surgery. Esther explained that she was used to seeing me sort of hunched over and that the change was quite noticeable.
When I later told my husband, he readily agreed and even said that I look 20 years younger since the surgery. Wow....(she says shaking her head)...this was all quite unexpected. Yet, it pleases me no end. I still hurt from the surgery and am still on pain medication, and I'm taking it very slow and following the instructions I was given from the physical therapist at the hospital in NY. But I still believe this surgery is a success. Just the near-miraculous change in my bladder symptoms is enough to cause me to tag the operation successful.
Tomorrow, at 10, I'll go to my first PT appointment. I'm not looking forward to it. I simply can't do anything that brings up any energy, things that are repetitive, or do anything that makes me sweat. That will trigger so many symptoms from the instability in my neck and whatever is being compressed there. We'll see how it goes.
2 comments:
I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well. This post nearly brought tears to my eyes.
As for the PT, if it's anything like I've had a couple of times, don't worry too much.
Usually, in the beginning, they will start slowly with heat, ice, ultra-sound, tens, etc. My PT was so sympathetic since he'd had a similar surgery a few years back.
Even now that I've "graduated" (worker's comp would not approve more PT) and I go 3 to 5 times a week on a "gym membership", I'll hear him call out encouragement or a gentle "take it easy."
Yes, sometimes it's hard work and sometimes it's beyond uncomfortable, but the results are so worth it.
Happy New Year!
Love, Cleo
v,
hey again glad all is well and thanks for the book. i received it last night and cant wait to read some. as for the PT visit... no worries! the first trip is the evaluation.. all the background and good feeling stuff (heat, ultrasound, estim) just remember all of it is going to benefit you! they may tell you to make sure to take your pain meds about half hour before your appt. you can do it, look how far you have come!
talk to you soon, and if you have any PT related questions, im your gal!
take care, krista
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