Good Morning All!!
It's been 6 weeks since I had my X-Lift Fusion surgery for L3/4. I went to the neurosurgeon for my check-up. I'm not quite where I should be, which is a surprise since I usually heal faster than expected. Anyway, another 6 weeks of wearing a back brace and taking all the precautions. One good thing added is the ability for me to go into my pool. I live in Florida and it is still in the mid to upper 80s and sunny. I can't swim, but at least I can walk around. The doctor does not want me to us any assistive walking devices. That's harder than it sounds since I've been using the walker since surgery (as per the physical therapist in the hospital said) and a cane before that. He told me that if I fall it would be a disaster. Needless to say my hubby and I are now nervous. So, for now, I try to walk unaided only in the house and use the walker outside.

The pain has eased up except in the mornings! The pain when I try to sleep, getting up and in the morning is HORRIBLE. I not only have pain, but I get spasms, too. I rarely take pain pills but I do take meds for the spasms. When I went to the surgeon, I told him it would have been helpful to be told what to expect. I told him, too, that because I had no problems with the cervical surgery, I expected the same with this surgery. He said not everyone has the issues I do. I suggested that telling patients what they might expect would be very helpful!

Tomorrow I go to the pain doctor for my leg. He will be doing a test tomorrow and next week to see if the procedure he wants to do will help. Sadly, the pain in my leg is not helping with my overall pain. I hope these tests will prove that the procedure should help.

Beyond that, last night, Halloween, was so sweet. I live in Florida so I am able to sit outside to hand out the candy. The kids are as sweet as the candy.

Hoping for a pain-free day for us all!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)