Once again, I am humbly accepting the need to act. Beginning today.

I had surgery on my cervical spine 7 weeks (and three days) ago; I am still in my immobilizing collar. However, I have regained my motivation to move following this recuperation period.  This seems like a perfect time. I have two more weeks before I return to work, and I’m feeling well. Well enough to begin again, to set the direction--life begins when you move, so here I go.  Stay tuned. Small steps to come, but in the right direction. Keep me in your prayers.

Thanks for listening.

Glad you on the road to recovery!

Looking forward to hearing of your progress!

I had my 8 week appointment with my surgeon today. He was very pleased with my progress. One of my fusions is 100% fused, and the other is well on its way.  I will begin wearing a soft collar in the morning, beginning tomorrow, then back into the hard collar in the afternoon. I will be working to increase the wearing of the soft collar, and decreasing the hard collar.  I hope to continue on my 10/14 pain medication track, although I was told that I might need it more when I am doing physical therapy.  That’s a wait and see.

I am limited to lifting 25-30 lbs, but I am allowed to do cardio and light weights, so I’ll be getting on the treadmill tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

Congratulations on starting your journey.  Take it slow and steady and I’m sure it will help speed your recovery.

Glad to hear that things are going well for you.  As you begin in your journey to move please take it nice and slow.  I know the tempation is jump right in and hit it hard.  Take it easy and you will do just fine.  You are in my prayers and thoughts during this time.  Please keep us posted on your progress and let us know how it is going for you.  The journey of many miles starts with one small step.

Scooby

Wow, may I ask why you needed surgery?

I’m happy you’re recovering nicely, keep taking care of yourself so you can continue on the road to wellness. I will definitely add you to my prayers.

Bree

Hi Bree,
I had a swimming accident in ‘98. ( I swam backstroke at sprint speed, with flippers, into the concrete block wall of the pool.  It was about this time of the year as I was thinking about my sweet 16 basketball picks; I wasn’t paying attention and I didn’t see the flags above.  It was about 6:15AM, so I was probably still half asleep.) I compressed several discs in my cervical spine.  Over the past ten years, the discs continued to degenerate, and herniate, so that by last fall the bulging discs and spurs were pressing against my spinal cord resulting in pain radiating down into my hand. Plus, the pain in my neck got in the way so that I couldn’t play my French horn any longer. (I am a professional musician.) So, I opted for surgery, and it was the BEST decision I’ve made!  The pain in my arm/hand is GONE, and, having moved to a soft collar for several hours yesterday, I already have painless movement in my neck (L-R, front to back). Granted, I don’t have much range of movement yet, having been in the immobilizer collar for the past 8 weeks, but I will be starting PT soon to work on that range of movement and to strengthen the muscles.  That’s the long and the short of it, Bree.

I am allowed to walk, and I may lift up to 30lbs.  Working within these restrictions, I certainly can get back into the LSB, but I am still building up my stamina.

So, as far as moving and “the journal of my journey” goes, I’m focusing on my eating most right now.  Here were my stats from yesterday:

1,293calories 152g carbs 34g fat 27g protein

I would like to increase my protein intake, but otherwise I’m pleased with yesterday’s food numbers.

I didn’t exercise yesterday, although I did move; an outing last evening for a children’s chorus rehearsal. (I took the stairs more than the elevator, and I was active for part of the rehearsal.)

Today I will be driving about 10 miles (my first driving since January 9th!-wish me luck) to get my haircut, and then a friend is meeting me for a light lunch and some shopping.  As I said, I’m still working on my building my stamina--I might even make it today without taking a nap! (Never underestimate the need for slowing down to allow the body to heal!)

Have a great day!

Holy crudmuffins! That must’ve been some speed! I’m glad the surgery went well and did what it was supposed to do.

You are starting up wonderfully! Have fun with your day!

Bree

"Holy crudmuffins!” You must be from the midwest! : )

I am! South Dakota.

How was driving for the first time in 8 weeks?

Bree

Hi Bree,
Driving was good--no problems, but I was really slow and careful about turning to look for oncoming traffic.  I begin physical therapy next week, so improvement is on the way.  Best part is that there is NO PAIN from the pre-op condition. Woohoo!

I went back to work 4 weeks ago, and boy, did that rock my world!  Pain the first week. Pain the second week. Less pain the third week. No pain the 4th week. I’m a bit stiff, but my PT is addressing that. Best part is that I am pain free.  PAIN FREE! I never thought I would be able to say that!

Today has been a beautiful spring day in Southeastern PA. After PT I came home (early) and took a walk down at the park.  I listened to 5 daily and fitness boosts along the way. Tomorrow I head for a conference, and you know what? I’m going to MAKE TIME TO MOVE.

Life is good. Thanks for listening.
Kristen

That’s awesome Kris! I’m thrilled to hear pain free, must be a huge relief.

What kind of moving do you have planned?

Bree

Hi Bree,
I will be walking only. I am still in PT with my upper body, and I meet with my surgeon again on May 5 to hopefully have more of my restrictions lifted.  Walking is a good start, yes?
Kristen

Walking is wonderful. Have you scouted a beautiful spot to walk in? Somewhere that has flowers and trees and you can hear the birds?

Bree

Another beautiful day in Eastern PA. I’m working toward the click. I so want it, but it’s not happened yet.  But I’m not giving up.  I walked for an hour this evening, listening to 1 MTM show, and 3 FB/DB’s til all was said and done.  It was a good workout. I broke a sweat. ; ) The best part about this evening is that around 6:15 after dinner was over, I was looking at the hours that I had ahead. I was feeling a bit stressed as this weekend is a huge weekend in my music/worklife, being in charge of 100 kids to put on the final big spring concert for the season. How do I channel my anxiety Do I sit down and read a book? Or do I stand up, take a step, and repeat.  Well, I chose to move, and if I had chose the other alternative, I would be sound asleep in bed by now (probably would have been by 8:30). 

I’ve been wearing a pedometer over the past week and a half, just to see what sort of activity level I am hitting.  Some days were pitifully around 2000 steps, but since I’m more aware, I’m trying for at least 10,000 steps.  Stand up, take a step, and repeat.  Tomorrow morning is an early morning with lots of activity between 8 and noon. It will be interesting to see how much I will have moved just running these rehearsals with 100 kids.  I will keep you posted.

THanks for listening.