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Day 247. Time will tell. 

11/3/2015

1 Comment

 
I'm feeling nervous and excited at the same time this week. My post op appointment is on Thursday in Toronto....at 7.30am. It wasn't originally set for that time but the Tuesday clinic got cancelled and I'm being fit in. It's the worst time of the day for me. I'm so stiff after sleeping that it takes a while for me to warm up. It means having to stay in Toronto the night before so we booked a hotel and we drive down on Wednesday. At least it was rescheduled the same week. Normally I'm very nonchalant about these things; but if you have been with me awhile you will remember this is the point at which I found out that the last surgery failed.
I have symptoms that could be seen as concerning, but they could be normal healing so until I have that appointment and the appropriate testing I will assume it is normal healing.
My leg often bothers me and is jumpy at night. I have some nerve pain, and there has been a peculiar sound in my back at times. My foot as with the last surgery is not perfect. I have nerve pain in it and sweeping and discomfort. All those signs refer back to the L4-5 vertebrae. Time will tell and that time is coming up soon.
The following week I am back to Toronto again to have an assessment at the osteoporosis clinic. That assessment will tell me how wide spread it is and where to go from here.
I haven't been able to get out for a walk since I had the injection last Tuesday. Taking a week to let it work is always a good idea and to let the inflammation die down. It was great to get back out there last night. I didn't walk as far as I normally do because it felt difficult so I went three quarters of the distance I usually walk. My knee certainly felt better than the last time I walked so that's a positive sign.
I'm still using a walker for distance. When I use canes, walking sticks or any other form of aids that require me to use my arms more, I get neck and shoulder pain. It makes me nervous because I had injured my shoulder years ago from using the cane. Right now I am trying to find a good balance. I have to transition from the walker to unaided but those darn canes are in between. I think I have a plan. My treadmill has safety features, a clip that is attached to me and turns the machine off if it is pulled, and guard rails down the sides. My plan is to use the thread mill to build strength. I am doing this at Physio on the underwater treadmill, so I can do it at home with the help of my physiotherapists guidance.
These next two weeks will tell the story of my future and what to expect for my physical health. Honestly I'm feeling hopeful. The eternal optimist in me hasn't died despite being challenged time and time again. Those of you who are inclined to please pray for me and I will take all the positive vibes you want to send my way.
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1 Comment
Mary
11/4/2015 11:37:10 pm

Maureen I'm praying for you and hoping to hear good news tomorrow.
Xo

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    Maureen Clout

    I'm going in for a 4th neurosurgery; this time it's a repair to my lumbar fusion. Here, I will post my daily updates on dealing with diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Join me on my journey.

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