Lumbar fusion surgery has officially been scheduled for Monday, March 5th...that means I have one week to get things in order and myself physically and emotionally prepared for the upcoming LONG recovery period...to say I am scared out of my mind is just one way to put it!
I was diagnosed this past summer with spondylolisthesis (check out my complete profile to the right for some more information), and thought writing a blog would not only help myself with some of the anxiety I feel about what's to come, but that it would serve as an outlet for my family and friends who want to check in on my progress. Please stop back often, and leave comments or questions if there's anything I've left out that you want to learn about!
I am also hoping that other people who google this condition looking for more information stumble upon this blog and have some of their questions answered. I'm no expert, but I've tried to educate myself on the condition ever since I was diagnosed. I have been a google nut about this topic, trying to read up on as many personal stories as I could find regarding the diagnosis and upcoming surgery, and I have found both support and encouragement on some sites...and I hope that this blog will serve as a source of support and encouragement for other people suffering from similar symptoms as I am.
Some short notes about the upcoming surgery: I should be the first case in the morning, pending any emergency case (which excited me since I do enjoy my breakfast and will not be a fan of not eating before surgery!), I should be released from the hospital no later than Friday (so long as everything goes well), I will be off of work full-time for six weeks, and I have amazing support group of family and friends who have been willing to help me out both before and after the big day, and I don't know what I'd do without them!! My mom has offered to take two weeks off of work once I am released from the hospital so that my husband Leo won't have to take an extended leave from his work, and I am very excited to have that support at home. I'm not exactly sure what my restrictions will be when I come home, but I'm betting that there will be a lot of time spent lying in bed. I have another appointment this upcoming Friday when I will meet with my surgeon and finalize all plans and details about the surgery.
It's Sunday today (Monday's always seem to come way too fast once Friday starts, don't they?!), and this weekend has been spent readying things around the house in preparation for my return after surgery. I moved most of my work clothes down to the basement and made room for a stash of sweatpants and zip-up hoodies in my closet (pajamas, everyday?! yes, please!!). I purchased myself a cane, a grabber for when I drop things (which I'm already pretty good at before surgery!), and some new pillows for the bed (it sounded like a good excuse to invest in some new fluffy pillows and get rid of those flat ones we've been using for years!). I've rearraged things around the house, including moving the Wii into the bedroom so I can watch Netflix instant movies whenever I desire! I've also bought myself a Nook Tablet so I can read whatever book I want to while lying around. This week will be spent trying to finish up cleaning around the house and taking care of some errands that I need to since I won't be up moving around or driving for quite awhile.
Well, this has already turned into a novel, hasn't it?! Like I said, this blog is also for my own benefit, trying to work out some of my fears and anxiety, so bear with me!!
And now, it is finally official, the countdown has begun!!
