Yes, I am pleased. I had a fusion from T12-S2. Stenosis and slipped disc, and scoliosis. I still feel very much a back patient, and only 6weeks into PT. The cage feeling is gone, but I still feel muscle tension and tenderness. I still love to lay on heating pad.
Walking again is such a gift as is simply standing to cook or talk in the hall.... the stuff we used to take for granted.
I walk over 3 miles a day now. And on vaca.....increased to 4-6, but I felt it by the end of the week.
I went for a 2nd swim for 15 minute (Treading water in the deep end). It felt great, but felt it the next day. As my PT says, increase in 5% increments. Slow progress but still progress.
I am optimistic, I will continue to heal, but I am back to a pretty normal life. Do not do much lifting or cleaning. I will never give up my paid housekeeping. 🙂
The people I talked to on this site that had similar surgeries, both stated it does take a year to truly feel "normal". And two years out back to some sports etc.
Hope this info is helpful.
@sassytwo you sound like me! I swam last week and overdid it a little, but I have to say, after I got over the extra soreness, it made me feel better a few days later. My therapist has been massaging my back each session to loosen up my muscles. They were solid as a rock when I first started but she’s been slowly loosening them up and helping them to engage in my day-to-day activities.
I too love my heating pad and my big gel ice packs. There are days that I prefer one over the other 😊
I actually do a lot of lifting as I have horses and dogs and cats and everything that goes along with that. And in talking with my therapist, as long as I keep the weight close to my body and don’t lean over and put that stress on my lower back, I am good.
I am so thrilled at how much better I have felt over the past couple weeks! I know everyone heals at different rates, but this seems to be the tipping point for me and I am so excited for every week in the future!
I say this, with the hope that it gives others encouragement for their healing❤️🙏