5 Months Update: The Struggle is Real!

As I am sitting down to write this update, I came to realize that rehabilitation efforts can easily drift off to the sidelines. Even before surgery, my entire focus was on ADR and how to best rehab my back when it’s all said and done. Those of you who have been following my recovery, know how dedicated and consistent I have been with my rehab from day one. But looking back over the last two weeks made me aware that working a high-stress job with long hours along with all those responsibilities that come with adulthood can put a serious dent into my efforts! Life kind of sneaks up on you and before you know it, it’s been more than two weeks that I was able to do PT with Bill. I have also neglected my regular stretching exercises, meaning to do them in the morning before work but somehow not getting them done after all.

As a result, I had a few days where my lower (and upper) back was quite sore and tight, even along the “old route” to the right and into the right upper buttock (I guess the body will always remember). No, it was NOTHING like before and I am still waking up in the morning being able to roll out of bed without pain, but the soreness was pronounced enough to get my attention. I started doing my stretches a lot more often and even went on a couple bike rides (one local, one further away). I also went swimming at the local YMCA, which initially made the tightness worse, which then thankfully subsided.

I am happy to say that my back improved quickly again but this was a reminder that I am still in recovery and that I am still healing from this surgery. After all, I am only 5 ½ months post-op today! Writing this blog makes me reflect on what I am doing/not doing, which is great. Especially since I am adding another layer of stress and time commitment to my life: GRADUATE SCHOOL! This last Monday, I resumed classes at the University of Central Florida to finish the last year of my Master of Science in Nurse Education. Now it will be even more important to keep my rehab on track and to hold myself accountable for my own health.

As for the bike rides, the local outing took us to Moss Park, which is only 6 miles away and can be reached mostly by using bike lanes/sidewalks (our neighborhood is quite bike friendly). I felt pretty weak but that was also due to being tired from work and the intense heat. Moss Park abuts Lake Mary Jane, and I owned a house I wish it was on that beautiful lake 😉 The only downside of this route turned out to me the 2-mile stretch on the country road, where no designated bike lane exists. I don’t know what’s wrong with people sometimes, but this guy in his giant black truck really hated our guts and almost ran us off the road! I think we have him on video but I didn’t have time to look through all the GoPro footage yet. That’s why I don’t like road biking, especially in Florida! Anyways, we did make it back alive and in one piece, which I am very grateful for…

Melting away...

For the second bike ride, went to yet another new place (for me anyways): the Apopka Scenic Trails. Unfortunately, the portion that actually goes along the shore of Lake Apopka has been closed ever since Hurricane Mathew last year but the trails leading to it are still very nice. The added challenge to our bike outings is the extreme heat of the Florida summer, but so far, I have been holding up ok, even after sweating out liters of water (again) within a 3-hour ride. We made it to one of the observation towers, overlooking Lake Apopka.

Preview of next update: I filed my appeal to get reimbursed by BCBS, so stay tuned for that outcome! I am also going on a 4-day trip to New York City (first time!) with a couple old-time girlfriends of mine. We met 18 years ago during the Walt Disney World International program, where we were stuffed into “traditional” dirndl outfits that made me cringe, lol. I also got a letter to report for Jury Duty, which makes me feel like a real American now. My next update also marks my 6-month post-op date, so I need to get xrays ordered to sent to Dr. Desai!!! Stay tuned!