I've decided to document my journey through spinal fusion surgery and recovery. It may be interesting to some, inconsequential to others. It will definitely be sometimes comical, sometimes serious. I thought it might be neat to write about the whole process from pre-op prep all the way through recovery. Basically, it's just a good way for me to help keep myself busy, especially seeing as how I have been ordered to my chair. Why have I been relegated to my chair and who would demand such a thing of me you may ask? In answer to the first question according to some in my life, I have been working too hard and doing things I'm not really supposed to in my preparations for surgery next week. My reasoning in doing these things? Simple. They are things no one else does or remotely wants to do and my normal spring cleaning falls right smack in the middle of my recovery period. Being that I am sometimes extremely obsessive-compulsive about cleaning and my schedule, I felt it necessary to complete these tasks so that I wasn't sitting there staring at dust bunnies, not so fresh curtains and carpets, and unorganized cabinets, closets, and drawers, driving myself insane because I can't do anything about them. See? That seems logical, right? But no! Wait! Apparently if I do all this cleaning and organizing I may just burst into a ball of flames, (spontaneous combustion is always intriguing though, I think), or there may possibly be the chance that I will simply crumble like a stale saltine.
Even though I am tougher than your average chick, I am not Superwoman. This is a new revelation for me. I've always done whatever I want, whenever I want. I've never been the kind of gal that asks for help, depends on others to care for me all the time, makes up a huge honey-do list or waits for the hubby to get home to fix something. I've worked, taken care of the kids, husband, and the house. I've cooked nice dinners almost every night, started a business, gone to school full-time, and remodeled the house. I've taken care of friends and extended family, practiced martial arts, played softball, and spent much quality time with loved ones. I did all this at the same time. I even have a Superwoman shirt! However, through this whole back issue adventure over the past several years I have had to change my routine, leave my job, ask for help, wait for Coco to get home to do things, and generally change my entire life. I can no longer do all that I used to. When I try, I pay for it in pain, stiffness, and general misery. This has been quite an adjustment and I'm still not used to it. I do not like it.
Now, the question of who it is that has relegated me to my chair? Why that would be my mom, husband, and best friend. These are the people that know more than anyone that: 1.) I don't like being told I can't do something and 2.) Sitting still drives me nuts, (well, more nuts than I already am). Despite the fact that this angers me beyond belief, I know the only reason they're asking this of me (ORDERING) is because they care. Yes, I fully realize this and I also understand that I need rest to be strong for my surgery. That does not mean that I have to like it or that I will keep my mouth shut about it. Anyone that knows me knows that I rarely keep my mouth shut anyway! Adjustments and changes. I'm not really a big fan of either. But, this is my life for the time being. At least until after my recovery.
I want to say that I am immensely thankful for these people in my life that want to see me functioning at full capacity again without pain and love me so much that they are willing to endure my sometimes maniacal wrath to help me accomplish that goal. Mom: thanks for coming all the way up here to be with me through my surgery and the first rough days after. Angie: thanks for the shoulder to cry on and your amazing help with "THE LIST". And Brian a.k.a Coco: You are my rock, my light, my love. You didn't bargain for all this trouble but you have handled it with strength and grace. You've been there for me every step of the way, never wavering. Thank you. I love you all and sincerely hope that after spending 3 months or so of recovery with me, you will all still want to be a part of my life! hehe
