Week 12 Update

Wow, I made it: this my three-month update, which means I am now cleared to return to work as a nurse without restrictions. How do I feel? Amazing! No comparison to the shadow of myself that I was almost four months ago when I had my last day at work. The transformation I went through since then is undeniable…

Coming home after last day of work before the surgery:

First day back to work:

Especially over the last four weeks, I feel as if my recovery efforts just “took off”, and with every passing week, I've become stronger and being able to do more. Of course, I will be careful to not over-do it (either at work or during my workouts) and to establish a consistent workout/rehab routine, which I can stick to.

So, what did I do this week? Ralf and I went to the Cross-Seminole Trail, where I went for my first bike ride after surgery! It was only 10 miles but it felt amazing (even though my butt was a tad sore thereafter). I pedaled like a hamster to make it up the bridge (both ways), and I managed to get over it without dismounting my bike, ha!

Did I mention that the Cross-Seminole Trail also has a calisthenics park? There I had a little pre-ride workout and discovered something amazing: remember how I had that nasty “pull” in my back while doing pull-ups and hanging knee-tucks? Well, I did some rowing pull ups to see how they feel and I had absolutely no pain doing them. Then I thought, well, let me try a hanging knee-tuck to see if there is a difference to last week. NO pulling sensation! Ok, let me do a pull-up…NO pulling sensation! In fact, there was no unusual pain or discomfort (besides being weak as hell) at all!!! I have been doing those stretches to loosen up the fascia every day but I was so surprised that this issue went away so quickly! Or maybe it was the rowing pull-ups that made a difference, who knows. But that made me so very happy! More progress! I also did some planks, knee-tucks on the parallel bars, and step-ups but I didn’t want to tax my muscles too much prior the bike ride.

I also returned to Split Oak Forest and for a run this time (of course with intermittent walking) and that also felt good. I like running on soft ground while sneaking in some step-ups on a tree trunk here, or push-ups against a log there. It’s very hot in Florida right now but it feels so good to be active outside again!

As I mentioned earlier, the 12-week mark also means that I am returning to work. In fact, I went to see Occupational Health at the VA Hospital today to get medically cleared. That was actually a lot of fun:

Doctor: “So, what kind of surgery did you have”

Me: “I had an lumbar artificial disc replacement at L5/S1

Doctor: “…. Say what?”

Me (as I pulled out my phone to show self-explanatory pictures): “So, in the US, they wanted to fuse me but I refused. That’s why I ended up going to Germany to have this done and guess what? I am pain free and I can move!”

Doctor: “Why aren’t they doing this amazing operation in the US???”

Me: “Beats me. Most Insurances are still blocking this procedure for some reason”

Doctor: *mumbles to himself*

Doctor: “Let me see the incision” (as he is looking at my back)

Me: “Ahem, they actually go in through the front (as I am showing him my 2-inch scar on my belly)

Doctor: “What? That’s it???”

Me: “Yup”

Doctor: “Amazing…”

Cleared!

So, I left with my “all clear” paperwork to turn in to my manager. Today (Wednesday, June 27^th) was my first day back. Now look at how crazy my schedule (Blue Vertical Line) is already! I'm so glad I got some re-orientation time for the first couple weeks …! Let’s see how this goes: Emergency Department, here I come!