Well, heyyy there! I know I promised to share regular updates about my post-surgery experience. I wasn’t sure how much I’d be able to do after surgery, but I figured I’d be alert enough to type out a few sentences and hit publish every day or two.
And I WAS alert enough for that. What I didn’t take into account was whether I’d be physically capable of typing on my laptop or sitting at a desk. Now, that’s a whole different story.
Up until the last couple of days, I spent most of my rest time laying on my back or side. Sitting upright was not an option, and neither was typing while laying down. I’m now able to prop myself up pretty well, and I can even sit in a chair for a few minutes at a time. Still, laying down is by far the most comfortable – which is why I’m typing this blog post on my phone, from my bed.
Anyway, since writing on a phone pretty much sucks, I’m going to keep this short & sweet. I plan to share a more detailed account of the last 2 weeks when I’m feeling up for it. Also, I’ve been posting pretty regularly on Instagram and Facebook, so you can always check on me there if you’re wondering how I’m doing.
So, how am I? I’m pretty darn good – relatively speaking, of course. I mean, I did just get a bunch of rods & screws stuck in my back. I’m at least 1000 times better than I was when I came home from the hospital 12 days ago. My main post-surgery issue has been nerve pain in my left leg and hip. The pain was severe for about a week, but it’s slowly gotten more manageable.
When I first got home, I was more or less stuck in bed 24 hours a day. Even trips to the bathroom, which is about 10 steps from my bed, were an ordeal. My husband brought all my meals to me in bed. We moved a TV into the bedroom and watched House of Cards at night, but other than that I think I mostly just dozed off & on all day.
In contrast, at 13 days post-op, I can now:
- Walk around the house without a walker
- Walk up & down the stairs
- Shower by myself
- Shave my legs
- Eat meals with the family at the kitchen table
- Sleep most of the night with only a couple of wakings
- Write a blog post from my phone
My surgery & recovery have been much more difficult than I bargained for, but I I’ll elaborate on that in a future post. For now, I’ll just say that my pre-surgery back & hip pain is gone and my recovery seems to be going as expected (not necessarily as I expected it to go, but my doctors & physical therapist are pleased).
Stay tuned for future updates – and in the meantime, let’s connect on social media!
Deborah Vahab says
This blog was reassuring. I’m 16 days post TLIF L5Si and worried too much of the time about the aches and pains i’m feeling. So good to hear about other recoveries. Thanks!!
Sharon Wilhelm says
Hi Deborah! Hang in there – it gets better. <3
Jenn says
I actually just finished reading your 3 day Refresh blog/review. Shit cracked me up but was so honest and legit and totally what I needed to read. I know I’m a day or a few late on this :/ … hope all is well in regards to your back. -jenn
sharon says
Haha, thanks. 🙂 I’m doing great, especially without all the GAS.
Heather says
I’ve never had surgery, so I can’t even imagine the pain you had to endure during your recovery. Seems like you were healing up pretty quickly though, and I’m sure it will benefit you in the long run. Thanks for sharing!
sharon says
Thanks, Heather! Fortunately I’m doing a lot better these days. <3
Carol LeBaron says
I just came across this by some random reason. I wanted to share I had a spinal fusion in 2012. I am 61 years old. I have been backpacking with my sisters since 2013. We did a fourteen mile total two day trip in 2015 and this year Mt Lafayette. Life is good four years post surgery. Hang in there.
Alexandra says
Dear Sharon, I just found your blog. I have spondylolisthesis and I’m walking with a cane, facing possible back surgery, too, so I am following your progress with great interest. Thank you so much for sharing the details of your surgery. It is much appreciated and I look forwarded to reading more. Good luck!!
sharon says
Hi Alexandra! I’m so glad you found me, but not so glad that we share this unfortunate medical mess. If you have questions or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me! You can ask me anything. I’m doing really well, but I can still only sit upright comfortably for short stretches of time – so it’s been hard to write new posts.You can email me any time – mommyrunsit(at)gmail(dot)com. Sending lots of love your way. xo
Morgan says
Oh my goodness! You’re making so much progress! Recovery is never fun, but you’ll feel so much better once it’s over! Congratulations on all of the accomplishments you’ve made!
sharon says
Thank you, Morgan! xo
Mary beth Jackson says
Speedy recovery wishes to you! Thinking of you- keep smiling!
sharon says
Thank you!!!
Mom says
I am very happy that you are starting to feel more like yourself. Keep up the good work. I am very proud of you. I love you forever!!
sharon says
Love you, mama.
Brianne says
I’m so happy you’re improving & feeling a little better & that you’re more mobile. Love you! Xoxo
sharon says
xoxo