Hello again,
Well yesterday was a day that I have been waiting for since...well too long. Ever since my first surgery on October 15, 2007 I have been unable to make it into a grocery store to get even a couple things due to the pain from healing. I have made it into a couple stores like Wal Mart but only able to manage maybe a max of 10 minutes before being in so much pain that I had to go back to the mini van. Well yesterday.....drum roll (lol)... I went into the grocery store and managed to walk around a bit and lasted for about 20 minutes!!! You have no idea how big of a smile is on my face right now-trust me though, it's from ear to ear! I got to walk through the produce section and past the milk and frozen section and down a couple isles! It felt odd because in a way it felt familiar like I hadn't missed it for that long but so neat because I knew I had and the significance of it as well. Oh and things have changed a bit. First there are products that have new flavors I was not aware of which is odd because usually everything is advertised on tv but I guess some products arent. Second, I got to see what those new pay pass things look like. The pay pass came out after my first surgery-at least where I live anyways. It was a little frustrating because I still do not have the strength to even move the cart and anything heavier than a 2 litre jug of milk was too heavy but even with those issues it was amazing. At first I was reminded of how limited I still am with alot of simple tasks which was very frustrating but then I realized that this is a big huge step forward and remembered that I now have one less thing to conquer. It was still difficult in the sense that it was painful still (but a managable level of pain) and very tiring so I probably won't be doing this weekly. Though I know that quick trips to the grocery store are possible now and I have the option to go if I want to. I am still quite tired from my outing yesterday but I completely don't mind because it was very worth it. It is still a strange thought to think I have not been in a grocery store for almost 1.5 yrs! Well I can happily say I have gotten one step closer to recovering and living a normal life that has been out of my grasp for so long!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A quote by Crystal Hunt
Never regret anything you have been through, because only with those trials will you become a better person the next day." Crystal Hunt
I love this quote because it reminds me that everything we go through shapes us into who we are and that trials we face help us to become better than we were before. We can choose to regret them and ask why me or we can take those circumstances and allow them to change us for the better. I feel there is always something good that comes out of every trial or problem, even though sometimes it seems as though nothing good can come of it. My experience with Kyphosis and the challenges that came with this disorder have helped me to learn patience (though still a work in progress lol) and has enabled me to be better equipped to help others. While I would have loved learning these things any other way, sometimes the only way to learn and understand is to experience it first hand.
I love this quote because it reminds me that everything we go through shapes us into who we are and that trials we face help us to become better than we were before. We can choose to regret them and ask why me or we can take those circumstances and allow them to change us for the better. I feel there is always something good that comes out of every trial or problem, even though sometimes it seems as though nothing good can come of it. My experience with Kyphosis and the challenges that came with this disorder have helped me to learn patience (though still a work in progress lol) and has enabled me to be better equipped to help others. While I would have loved learning these things any other way, sometimes the only way to learn and understand is to experience it first hand.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A New Goal
Hello again,
Today I have decided to set my next goal to be able to sit up for 45 minutes at a time. I was going to aim for an hour but I think that is pushing it slightly. In my opinion there should be no reason why I can not already do this but for some reason I am still struggling with a fair bit of back pain when sitting. I have managed to sit for this length of time before but with great difficulty so I am aiming to be able to do this comfortably. I am sharing this goal so that when I reach this next milestone, it may be that much more exciting. Also I have it in writing so I will work harder to accomplish this. If I am in a reclined position I am able to last longer so this is going to be sitting in an upright chair-no cheating! Here is hoping I can accomplish this as quickly as I am planning.
Today I have decided to set my next goal to be able to sit up for 45 minutes at a time. I was going to aim for an hour but I think that is pushing it slightly. In my opinion there should be no reason why I can not already do this but for some reason I am still struggling with a fair bit of back pain when sitting. I have managed to sit for this length of time before but with great difficulty so I am aiming to be able to do this comfortably. I am sharing this goal so that when I reach this next milestone, it may be that much more exciting. Also I have it in writing so I will work harder to accomplish this. If I am in a reclined position I am able to last longer so this is going to be sitting in an upright chair-no cheating! Here is hoping I can accomplish this as quickly as I am planning.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Getting out of the house
Hi again,
Getting out of the house has definitely been a challenge the past year and a half or so-due to having surgery and the healing process being painful. Lately I have been needing to visit the dentist which has got me out of the house once in awhile and while difficult, it has been incredibly nice. Right now I can only manage neccessary trips because my back gets quite sore. My mom still gets any groceries I need for me as well which is a huge help. I then just hand her a cheque at the end of the month what I owe her for what she picked up for me. I have to admit I have not been in a grocery store since before my first surgery in October 2007. It is funny that I can't wait till I can walk through a grocery store again and get what I need. There is so much I have missed during these past couple of years that are such common tasks that I used to do regularely. The day I visit a grocery store again will definitely deserve a blog entry! It will also be a definite sign of improvement for me as well. Stay tuned for that. lol
Getting out of the house has definitely been a challenge the past year and a half or so-due to having surgery and the healing process being painful. Lately I have been needing to visit the dentist which has got me out of the house once in awhile and while difficult, it has been incredibly nice. Right now I can only manage neccessary trips because my back gets quite sore. My mom still gets any groceries I need for me as well which is a huge help. I then just hand her a cheque at the end of the month what I owe her for what she picked up for me. I have to admit I have not been in a grocery store since before my first surgery in October 2007. It is funny that I can't wait till I can walk through a grocery store again and get what I need. There is so much I have missed during these past couple of years that are such common tasks that I used to do regularely. The day I visit a grocery store again will definitely deserve a blog entry! It will also be a definite sign of improvement for me as well. Stay tuned for that. lol
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What is Kyphosis-an excerpt from the Mayo Clinic website
Hello again,
Today I thought I would copy the introduction of Kyphosis from the Mayo Clinic that explains a bit about what Kyphosis is. Here is a quote from the Mayo Clinic website:
"Kyphosis is a forward rounding of your upper back. Some rounding is normal, but the term "kyphosis" usually refers to an exaggerated rounding, more than 40 to 45 degrees. This deformity is also called round back or hunchback.
With kyphosis, your spine may look normal or you may develop a hump. Kyphosis can occur as a result of developmental problems; degenerative diseases, such as arthritis of the spine; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae; or trauma to the spine. It can affect children, adolescents and adults.
Mild cases of kyphosis may cause few problems. But severe cases can affect your lungs, nerves and other tissues and organs, causing pain and other problems. Treatment for kyphosis depends on the cause of the curvature and its effects.
Kyphosis symptoms may include:
§ Slouching posture or hunchback
§ Mild back pain
§ Spinal stiffness or tenderness
§ Fatigue
In mild cases, kyphosis may produce no noticeable signs or symptoms "
Excerpt from the Mayo Clinic
In my case I had a severe form and I was having difficulty breathing and severe back pain and pain running down my legs that made it difficult to stand very long. I was also in danger of further problems which is part of the reason I had surgery. The main reason was to help the pain I was experiencing every day that was keeping me from being able to work and affecting my ability to do simple day to day tasks.
Today I thought I would copy the introduction of Kyphosis from the Mayo Clinic that explains a bit about what Kyphosis is. Here is a quote from the Mayo Clinic website:
"Kyphosis is a forward rounding of your upper back. Some rounding is normal, but the term "kyphosis" usually refers to an exaggerated rounding, more than 40 to 45 degrees. This deformity is also called round back or hunchback.
With kyphosis, your spine may look normal or you may develop a hump. Kyphosis can occur as a result of developmental problems; degenerative diseases, such as arthritis of the spine; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae; or trauma to the spine. It can affect children, adolescents and adults.
Mild cases of kyphosis may cause few problems. But severe cases can affect your lungs, nerves and other tissues and organs, causing pain and other problems. Treatment for kyphosis depends on the cause of the curvature and its effects.
Kyphosis symptoms may include:
§ Slouching posture or hunchback
§ Mild back pain
§ Spinal stiffness or tenderness
§ Fatigue
In mild cases, kyphosis may produce no noticeable signs or symptoms "
Excerpt from the Mayo Clinic
In my case I had a severe form and I was having difficulty breathing and severe back pain and pain running down my legs that made it difficult to stand very long. I was also in danger of further problems which is part of the reason I had surgery. The main reason was to help the pain I was experiencing every day that was keeping me from being able to work and affecting my ability to do simple day to day tasks.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A Favorite Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
"To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Another appointment-January 20, 2009
Hello again,
Time for another appointment again. Thankfully this appointment was able to be at the hospital again and we were able to sit in better chairs while waiting. As some may have noticed, this is the same day of the Innaugeration of President Obama. I was able to catch the swearing in ceremony at home while getting ready to leave for Edmonton. At the hospital, the tv was on an American channel and showing the parade and they were talking about the new President and it kept my thoughts off of my back which was in pain as usual. I had brought a book along but found that I kept turning my attention to the television to listen to the news people sharing information about the whole day. For the first time, I can't even recall looking at the clock at any point wondering when I would get in to see the specialist. I do know my appointment was scheduled for 2:15pm and I was not finished until about 4pm. I was probably in the area with the beds for a good hour before seeing him but I had a good book so the time passed reletively quickly. The first person to see me was a resident who I talked with for a bit until my specialist came in to see me. The appointment went good and there was no surprises. I remembered to mention to him that I had finally found a book on Kyphosis which I had been searching for for awhile. I want to learn as much as I can about Kyphosis so that I can share this information with other people so that maybe I can help them in some way. There is really only one book that I can find on Kyphosis that is meant for regular people like me to read and understand. I have searched online through many websites to find information on Kyphosis but the information is quite basic and doesn't actually explain it to the point that I am looking for. My specialist seemed quite interested in the book and wants me to bring it along to the next appointment. I also asked him if he felt I would be well enough by summer to possibly travel to the B.C coast to visit a friend in the summer and he felt that is definitely possible. So I have something to look forward to if I can manage to afford it and I continue to do my physio and get better. Anyways there isn't much else that was discussed since the actual time spent with him was probably only maybe 15 minutes so. Overall another good appointment.
Time for another appointment again. Thankfully this appointment was able to be at the hospital again and we were able to sit in better chairs while waiting. As some may have noticed, this is the same day of the Innaugeration of President Obama. I was able to catch the swearing in ceremony at home while getting ready to leave for Edmonton. At the hospital, the tv was on an American channel and showing the parade and they were talking about the new President and it kept my thoughts off of my back which was in pain as usual. I had brought a book along but found that I kept turning my attention to the television to listen to the news people sharing information about the whole day. For the first time, I can't even recall looking at the clock at any point wondering when I would get in to see the specialist. I do know my appointment was scheduled for 2:15pm and I was not finished until about 4pm. I was probably in the area with the beds for a good hour before seeing him but I had a good book so the time passed reletively quickly. The first person to see me was a resident who I talked with for a bit until my specialist came in to see me. The appointment went good and there was no surprises. I remembered to mention to him that I had finally found a book on Kyphosis which I had been searching for for awhile. I want to learn as much as I can about Kyphosis so that I can share this information with other people so that maybe I can help them in some way. There is really only one book that I can find on Kyphosis that is meant for regular people like me to read and understand. I have searched online through many websites to find information on Kyphosis but the information is quite basic and doesn't actually explain it to the point that I am looking for. My specialist seemed quite interested in the book and wants me to bring it along to the next appointment. I also asked him if he felt I would be well enough by summer to possibly travel to the B.C coast to visit a friend in the summer and he felt that is definitely possible. So I have something to look forward to if I can manage to afford it and I continue to do my physio and get better. Anyways there isn't much else that was discussed since the actual time spent with him was probably only maybe 15 minutes so. Overall another good appointment.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A quote by Richard Nixon
"Only if you've been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain."
- Richard Nixon
- Richard Nixon
New Years Day 2009
Hi again,
New Year's Day, a brand New year! Every year at this time I look ahead and wonder what the year will be like and where I will be sitting a year from that point. My thoughts for this year are that it will be a good year. For the first time in a couple years I am not waiting for any surgery of any kind! For the first time I am facing recovery instead of just trying to get through the year without getting any worse. This is the first year in a long time I am headed upwards towards getting healthy instead of downwards or staying the same. I can almost dedicate this year to getting my life back on track and hopefully look for a job at some point which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Ever since 2004 when I had to quit my job because I was no longer able to work, I have longed for the day I could work again. I feel that there is more certainty for 2009 that I will get through this stuff finally and be able to live my life to the fullest I possibly can. I am almost putting a lot of expectations on this year but I hope to fulfill them. I need to also mention I don't normally make New Year's resolutions because I find that making resolutions once a year is a bad way to go. Though I guess this year is going slightly differently and I have made a few year long resolutions. I prefer to make monthly goals so that if I fail, I don't feel that the rest of the year is toast. Setting monthly goals is a good way to go because on the first day of every month I re evaluate and and set new goals for the month ahead. I find focusing on what I want to accomplish in each month vs each year is better because then I make smaller more attainable goals and I am not so overwhelmed. For the past couple yrs each month was basically just get myself through to next month, stay positive,which books I planned to read and then after surgery I tried to continue to recover from surgery and not get worse instead of better. Finally I should be able to start making some more substantial goals which is really exciting. I still wonder what this year will bring though.
New Year's Day, a brand New year! Every year at this time I look ahead and wonder what the year will be like and where I will be sitting a year from that point. My thoughts for this year are that it will be a good year. For the first time in a couple years I am not waiting for any surgery of any kind! For the first time I am facing recovery instead of just trying to get through the year without getting any worse. This is the first year in a long time I am headed upwards towards getting healthy instead of downwards or staying the same. I can almost dedicate this year to getting my life back on track and hopefully look for a job at some point which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Ever since 2004 when I had to quit my job because I was no longer able to work, I have longed for the day I could work again. I feel that there is more certainty for 2009 that I will get through this stuff finally and be able to live my life to the fullest I possibly can. I am almost putting a lot of expectations on this year but I hope to fulfill them. I need to also mention I don't normally make New Year's resolutions because I find that making resolutions once a year is a bad way to go. Though I guess this year is going slightly differently and I have made a few year long resolutions. I prefer to make monthly goals so that if I fail, I don't feel that the rest of the year is toast. Setting monthly goals is a good way to go because on the first day of every month I re evaluate and and set new goals for the month ahead. I find focusing on what I want to accomplish in each month vs each year is better because then I make smaller more attainable goals and I am not so overwhelmed. For the past couple yrs each month was basically just get myself through to next month, stay positive,which books I planned to read and then after surgery I tried to continue to recover from surgery and not get worse instead of better. Finally I should be able to start making some more substantial goals which is really exciting. I still wonder what this year will bring though.
Christmas 2008
Hello again,
Christmas 2008 (this year) went much better than Christmas 2007. I was in better shape this year and didn't have to wear that nasty brace! Also this year I was able to go into a couple stores for a few minutes during the Christmas season and hear Christmas music filling the stores and walking through the brisk winter air which is really what reminds me that Christmas is coming. Being able to experience this is something I missed out on last year. I love the Christmas season and how all the stores and houses get decorated so beautifully this time of year. Last Christmas I was not in a store once during the entire time that the Christmas music was being played which says alot about how much I could not get out of the house! I found it very depressing, as well as not having any money to get anyone anything and I was unable to sit up long enough to even make anything. My thinking did turn around when my mom explained that I didn't need to get anything and I realized that was not the point of Christmas. This year I had a tiny bit of money that I could spend a few dollars on each person and took advantage of online shopping as well since I still was not really up to going into stores too much yet. As I mentioned, I did get to go into a couple stores after being to Physio the one time and that was fun even though it was only for a few moments. For some reason the excursion really made my day! Weird I know, but when you are stuck at home so much-anything you do that you are out of the house is really quite fun. We started going to Wendys every once in awhile after Physio appointments which was and still is a definite highlight for me-in the last couple years I have not had the ability to have many burgers and I love Wendys burgers. My family found it amusing that getting fast food was something so exciting! The joke "you don't get out much" really fit. lol Anyways this year I was able to play a bigger role in preparing for Christmas. I was able to help decorate the tree and do a bit of Christmas baking which I missed out on last year. For Christmas day I was able to take part in more activities than last year and helped make a puzzle which we do every Christmas. I still had to continue to take breaks and rest my back but not as often as in Christmas 07. I was also able to stay up during the entire supper meal with out needing to lay down part way through to rest my back! No more cold food to come back to! lol We always open presents at night and I did have to lay down a couple moments between supper and opening gifts- but not long. I did need to still take a nap in the afternoon as well because by about half way through the day I am exausted. Overall I really enjoyed this Christmas and had a good time. Next year should be better because I won't have to rest my back hopefully at all and can spend the entire day with my family! But it was nice and a great reminder that things are improving! It just takes a time I guess.
Christmas 2008 (this year) went much better than Christmas 2007. I was in better shape this year and didn't have to wear that nasty brace! Also this year I was able to go into a couple stores for a few minutes during the Christmas season and hear Christmas music filling the stores and walking through the brisk winter air which is really what reminds me that Christmas is coming. Being able to experience this is something I missed out on last year. I love the Christmas season and how all the stores and houses get decorated so beautifully this time of year. Last Christmas I was not in a store once during the entire time that the Christmas music was being played which says alot about how much I could not get out of the house! I found it very depressing, as well as not having any money to get anyone anything and I was unable to sit up long enough to even make anything. My thinking did turn around when my mom explained that I didn't need to get anything and I realized that was not the point of Christmas. This year I had a tiny bit of money that I could spend a few dollars on each person and took advantage of online shopping as well since I still was not really up to going into stores too much yet. As I mentioned, I did get to go into a couple stores after being to Physio the one time and that was fun even though it was only for a few moments. For some reason the excursion really made my day! Weird I know, but when you are stuck at home so much-anything you do that you are out of the house is really quite fun. We started going to Wendys every once in awhile after Physio appointments which was and still is a definite highlight for me-in the last couple years I have not had the ability to have many burgers and I love Wendys burgers. My family found it amusing that getting fast food was something so exciting! The joke "you don't get out much" really fit. lol Anyways this year I was able to play a bigger role in preparing for Christmas. I was able to help decorate the tree and do a bit of Christmas baking which I missed out on last year. For Christmas day I was able to take part in more activities than last year and helped make a puzzle which we do every Christmas. I still had to continue to take breaks and rest my back but not as often as in Christmas 07. I was also able to stay up during the entire supper meal with out needing to lay down part way through to rest my back! No more cold food to come back to! lol We always open presents at night and I did have to lay down a couple moments between supper and opening gifts- but not long. I did need to still take a nap in the afternoon as well because by about half way through the day I am exausted. Overall I really enjoyed this Christmas and had a good time. Next year should be better because I won't have to rest my back hopefully at all and can spend the entire day with my family! But it was nice and a great reminder that things are improving! It just takes a time I guess.
Yet another appointment! November 3, 2008
Hello again,
Another appointment! I have given up on numbering the appointments (i.e-first follow up, 2nd follow up etc) because it is getting confusing. For this appointment I was supposed to go to my specialist's office which I haven't done too much-I normally see him at the hospital. I REALLY dislike going to his office because the waiting room has probably the most uncomfortable chairs I have ever sat in! They are wood and hard and shaped funny and not pleasent to sit in for very long if you are in pain. Even my family have a hard time sitting in them. Anyways, we had to wait quite a long time again and I can't even remember how long exactly (over an hour I think) but I remember my back was getting so bad that I started to feel sick and really dizzy and almost passed out but I didn't thankfully. I know shortly after, my back actually started to go a little numb so the pain kind of eased a little. But it is worth it I guess to wait because he is a really good doctor. I just wish that my specialist would get some comfier chairs! lol We eventually got into a room where I could lay down and rest my back which helped alot. The appointment went well and I feel bad because by the point I saw my specialist I had been up for most of the day (due to traveling to Edmonton and xrays before coming to the office) and I wasn't in the best shape any longer. But he felt that I was showing improvement so I must have improved if I was looking better still at that point! The neat thing was that being at the office, he was able to show me what the rod and screws looked like that were put in my back which was neat! He also gave me a screw to keep that is like the ones put in my back. When I first saw the screw, my jaw dropped just at the size of the screw. This screw is about 2 1/2 inches long! My mom and I both had the same question of how these screws are screwed into my spine and how one of these screws had come loose? Anyways I can post a picture of it because it is quite neat to see for anyone who has had surgery and even anyone just curious. Overall it was another good appointment with no surprises which is how I love the appointments to go! Another bonus was that my next appointment could be at the hospital again! lol
This is the screw I was given that is like the ones in my back holding my spine in place.
Another appointment! I have given up on numbering the appointments (i.e-first follow up, 2nd follow up etc) because it is getting confusing. For this appointment I was supposed to go to my specialist's office which I haven't done too much-I normally see him at the hospital. I REALLY dislike going to his office because the waiting room has probably the most uncomfortable chairs I have ever sat in! They are wood and hard and shaped funny and not pleasent to sit in for very long if you are in pain. Even my family have a hard time sitting in them. Anyways, we had to wait quite a long time again and I can't even remember how long exactly (over an hour I think) but I remember my back was getting so bad that I started to feel sick and really dizzy and almost passed out but I didn't thankfully. I know shortly after, my back actually started to go a little numb so the pain kind of eased a little. But it is worth it I guess to wait because he is a really good doctor. I just wish that my specialist would get some comfier chairs! lol We eventually got into a room where I could lay down and rest my back which helped alot. The appointment went well and I feel bad because by the point I saw my specialist I had been up for most of the day (due to traveling to Edmonton and xrays before coming to the office) and I wasn't in the best shape any longer. But he felt that I was showing improvement so I must have improved if I was looking better still at that point! The neat thing was that being at the office, he was able to show me what the rod and screws looked like that were put in my back which was neat! He also gave me a screw to keep that is like the ones put in my back. When I first saw the screw, my jaw dropped just at the size of the screw. This screw is about 2 1/2 inches long! My mom and I both had the same question of how these screws are screwed into my spine and how one of these screws had come loose? Anyways I can post a picture of it because it is quite neat to see for anyone who has had surgery and even anyone just curious. Overall it was another good appointment with no surprises which is how I love the appointments to go! Another bonus was that my next appointment could be at the hospital again! lol
This is the screw I was given that is like the ones in my back holding my spine in place.
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