MY BACK OPERATION WEEK 2

So post my back operation, it’s all going pretty well, but I’m definitely having to take it easy.  I’m now past Week 2 and feeling pretty good although too much standing or sitting makes my back feel very uncomfortable and I’m harbouring a fairly revolting hump at the moment owing to the amount of swelling there is about the wound.  I hope that’s going to settle down and all I’ll be left with is a 6″ scar. I’ve still got the leg symptoms too – pins and needles and numbness – but the surgeon said they wouldn’t properly diminish until all the swelling had died down – which I think is going to take at least 8 weeks.

The staples came out on day 10 – not overly comfortable, but not that bad either and then the nurse put on steri-strips just to keep the wound in place.  It all looked fairly horrendous tbh and she said definitely don’t have a bath or go swimming for at least another month as you could get a bacterial infection and that’s not what you want when it’s your spine and spinal cord at risk.  However, my surgeon said you can have baths and go swimming immediately after the staples have come out – so who to listen to?  I guess the surgeon probably knows the latest protocols but I would think it’s better to err on the side of caution and not get back to the pool or have baths for a while unless it’s all covered with a waterproof plaster.

I’m managing to get out and walk further distances and am having to do less lying down now, so it’s all definitely heading in the right direction.  I’m even doing some gentle Pilates already as strengthening gluts and abdominals can be done without bothering the spine.  You just need to listen to your own body and don’t overdo it. I haven’t driven yet, but will do soon. Apparently you can drive just 24 hours after an anaesthetic as long as you are confident you can deal with an emergency stop – but that seems a bit extreme to me after back surgery – it’s a bit uncomfortable to sit in a car, so definitely worth waiting until you’re a bit more healed.

My cat is back in the cone of shame….clearly come out in sympathy with me (oh and I’m drinking already – clearly – just have to make sure that you don’t overdo it the point where you could risk falling over!):-

My brother’s bought me a care package including lots of retro sweets I hadn’t had for 40 years! This Sherbert Fountain tasted the same, but the plastic casing was all a bit of a palava! Preferred it when the liquorice just stuck out of the top – although I do understand the health and safety issues of that:-

Still getting lots of lovely visitors and flowers and there are still lots of people offering to cook – so it’s brilliant! I feel so lucky! My daughter thinks I’m a fraud and that I don’t deserve any of the attention and support because clearly I’m absolutely fine!

Delicious chicken pie:-