Over the last couple of weeks, I have seen the following pattern: especially during very stressful shifts at work, my back (at T3) gets very tight around the “tender spot”. In fact, the soreness is quite palpable when I push on it. Interestingly enough, rest (as in sleeping) as well as physical therapy tend to reverse those episodes. That shows me how important structured physical therapy is for the recovery process. Everything, from basic stretches to high intensity activities (rehab and recreational) has been essential in my recovery. I am still very careful and selective in what I do and try to listen to my body, though. I hope that in time I can reduce or even eliminate those episodes of “tightness” altogether. I have to remind myself that I am only four months post-op, and I think it is pretty amazing how well I am healing.
Overall, I feel really good: I can bend, twist, carry groceries, pick up my dog, and perform many other activities I wasn’t able to do anymore before the surgery. I am still amazed about the lack of pain when I move, and I will never, ever, take my back for granted again! It is safe to say that I re-discovered my joy for movement!
So far, I was able to stick to my once-per-week PT sessions, and I even got a nice bike ride in, even though frequent thunderstorms and downpours have made it difficult to discover the outdoors. I don’t mind getting wet so much but I have come too far to be hit by lightning now! I sometimes wonder if the titanium addition in my spine would actually attract a lightning bolt, lol!
Speaking of the great outdoors, this time we explored the Orlando Wetlands Park. We discovered the leftovers of a gator snack (poor turtle), lots of birds, and a couple alligators swimming here and there. Unfortunately, it was way too hot for gators to sunbathe on the side of the trails (a common sight during the winter).
The trails within the Orlando Wetlands Park are overall very rider-friendly but have some segments that are quite difficult for my still weak chicken legs to keep up with. I forgot how much effort it takes to pedal through higher grass while avoiding deep ruts. In addition, the weather was incredibly hot and steamy, and I guess I lost about half my body weight in sweat. At one point, I was surrounded by group of vultures while riding the trails, but even though I was quite cooked, I was not ready to become dinner yet.
Next week, I will reach another mile stone: my goal before surgery was to be able to be a medical volunteer at this year’s “Wheelchair Games”, which are about to start at the end of July! I signed up for three shifts during which I will help disabled athletes in need of medical attention. It is actually ironic to use the term “disabled” in conjunction with these incredible athletes. I remember seeing a guy who lost both legs and one arm during the war, chained to a rowing machine and winning his heat in the indoor-rowing discipline at the Invictus Games in 2016. This definitely puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?