(no subject)

[cabenson]

I left for my post-op doc appt at 12:20pm today. I returned at 6:10. They had re-scheduled the day's appointments (had actually tried to cancel this one for a second time until they realized I was post-op) and didn't call to tell me that my new appt time was 3:20pm. I didn't want to drive across town to go home and wait because I am just getting used to driving again and I am still not comfortable. So, I went shopping. Three Batman graphic novels, 3 new sports bras, 1 Israel Kamakawiwo'ole Cd (love the "Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" mix), 1 pair of swim bottoms-a size smaller, thank you very much, and a Starbucks iced Mocha later, I arrived for my 3:20 appointment. I am used to a couple hour at this office, but I did worry that they would all leave and lock me in when I spent an hour waiting in the exam room. They remembered.

So, an update. The surgeon not only removed a portion of the spinal facet (the load bearing part of the vertebra), but also removed a pinched off piece of disc that had become lodged under the nerve root. That explains why I am still having pain and burning in my leg...the nerve is still pissed off. I was encouraged to increase my walking, and most importantly, to start swimming again. I know that it will help strengthen my whole back better than any structured PT program. I can start stretching and doing some of the low-impact back exercises at home. If I don't feel that I am getting better, they will send me to PT. I just need to use common sense...which is harder than you might think. So I guess I need to reconsider standing around downtown for a Pride concert on Friday night :(

Because I am recovering from a second surgery, there are more things to be concerned with as I heal. The first 3 months post-op is the most likely time for a pinch to re-occur. I will also be dealing with scar tissue which can possibly adhere to the nerve root which cannot be treated. So, taking all of this into consideration, I will not be returning to work for at least another month. I am both disappointed and relieved by this news. I want to feel productive again, but I also know that I went back too early the last time. I see the doc again in 4 weeks, and by that time, I will have worked on stretching and strengthening. I most definitly do not want this to happen again. Next time I will have steel rods placed in my back and having had that done to my arm, I assure you, it fucking hurts.

So, tomorrow Mrs.B is taking a kick-boxing class at the YMCA and I will be getting a membership so I can start swimming. I wonder how many people pee in that pool?

Comments

[bast2.livejournal.com]

yay--you're doing better--but boo to pain that is to come.

(remember what benny hill said: the silent "p" in swimming pool).

[maroukian.livejournal.com]

Ooh, after reading this, Maroukian feels like taking the hardline with CB tonight:
Fuck work for the month, your health is most important, you want to feel productive again? then listen to the docs and don't pull the same shit as last time: I also know that I went back too early the last time. (a-huh)
stretching and strengthening
good idea! and you'll look even sexier in your new sports bras and swim bottoms (already a smaller size, hey good for you CB!)
You wanna have have steel rods placed in your back? Ya, I didn't think so.
I wonder how many people pee in that pool?
Doesn't matter, swimming in pee is good for you (all natural and shit, no pee...you know what i mean)
And! to demonstrate my confidence in your total recovery, I give you my word, I'll swim in the Y-pee with you next time I'm in Columbus... Get going Champ! You are going to be all better very soon! xo

[cabenson.livejournal.com]

It will be good pain...progress pain. I am looking forward to hitting the pool. Think I might even get may hair cut shorter.

[cabenson.livejournal.com]

Smackdown duly noted. Keep in mind that I am a recovering Catholic. Guilt is all I know. One minute I feel bad about being off work most of the summer, then I remember how they trated me when I went back after the first surgery. At least I'll be skinnier when I go back.

And thanks!

[jandyle.livejournal.com]

Oooh, bummer about not being able to go back to work. But at least you are taking your time and taking care of yourself. That's important. It's a month now vs. how many more if you have to go through the surgery again? I'd say the month now is worth it.

Keep kickin', you'll make it. :)

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

omg HAHAHAHAHA you did make a gay yankees icon! I love it! XD ::ahem:: Now that I've gotten that out of my system...

Well, I'm sure it's frustrating being out of work for yet another month, but do make the best of it. Just relax, enjoy the wife and the kitties, and focus on getting healthy.

Yay for swimming! Don't think about pee in the pool, they usually put in so much goddamn chlorine it kills everything. (Although I admit I hate seeing floating, abandoned band-aids floating around in pools...GAG.)

Mrs.B is taking a kick-boxing class

Mrs. CB was kung-fu fighting...HUH! Her feet are fast as lightning...and it is a little bit frightening...HUH!

[cabenson.livejournal.com]

I love the way the animation on the icon goes all the way down, then up to their asses and back down again before starting over.

Kung Fu Fighting...I oughta kick your ass for putting THAT in my head :)

[cabenson.livejournal.com]

Well, I am now a member of the Y so I have this month to get abck in to fighting condition. Cause fighting is a daily activity at my job.