Wednesday, January 31, 2007

a big day

Today I am taking down my back surgery countdown ticker. I have enjoyed noting how much time has passed since my operation. As of today it has been three months, one week, and four days since I had surgery on my low back. In some ways it's hard to believe it has been that long. Yet my surgery and the long chapter of my life that held discomfort, pain, fatigue, sleepless nights, and troubled heavy walking seems years ago. I feel better than I have in years. I am taking this ticker down today because yesterday I saw Dr. Schoettle, my neurosurgeon, and I am officially released from his care! He is happy with the progress I have made. He said the occasional weird twinge I experience in my left leg is "normal" and to be expected as my sciatic nerve heals. When I think about the years of stress that nerve endured it makes sense that it's going to take some time. Actually, I'm amazed that I had such immediate relief within days of my surgery. I still have some soreness and stiffness in my low back, especially after sitting for long periods. But I just need to keep on moving and keep up with my exercises and continue to regain my muscle strength.

Some people have asked me if I wish I had had back surgery long before I did. But I really don’t. I am happy with the timeline that I took. I knew that it was the right decision for me at the right time for me. When I think about where I have been...I can only praise God for the healing He has brought about.

1 comment:

Sarah W. said...

I'm glad you feel so good!