MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

It’s hard to believe it’s May 4th, which is a very significant date for me.  It has been three years since my three spinal surgeries (ALIF, XLIF, and PLIF) happened on May 1 and May 4.  If you’ve been reading my blog you’ll know what I’ve gone through in the years leading up to my surgeries.  As long as I live these dates will always be a reminder of what I went through and how far I’ve come.

Every day when I tie my walking shoes and head out the front door I’m reminded of why I’m so dedicated to my exercise routine.  I absolutely love taking my morning walks!  This is the reason I had my surgeries - so I could walk and enjoy life once again.  I feel so very fortunate and grateful that I feel as good as I do.  But that wasn’t always the case.

While I was out taking my hour-long walk this morning I was thinking about how much effort I have put into my recovery.  The first year my main focus and goal was to learn how to walk again.  My 3 surgeries were a huge success, but my right leg had suffered severe nerve damage from all my spine issues and couldn’t support my body after the surgeries.  That first year was doing lots of physical therapy and doing daily walks.  I started out using a walker and walking in a park that had a paved path around it.  Little by little my endurance improved and I could add more laps around the park.  

Eventually I was ready to leave the park and start walking around where I live, which is somewhat hilly and has more ups and downs.  At that point I was using a cane to walk. I finished that first year post op walking 30 minutes 4-5 times a week.  My right leg and drop foot were continuing to improve and eventually I retired my trusty cane.  By the time I finished my second year post op I was walking 45 minutes a day 4-5 times a week.  

During those first two years post op I continued to do PT exercises at home and included stretching exercises as well.  My goal for the third year post op was to start walking an hour a day, 5 days a week, which I do.  I’ve now reached my 3 year post op anniversary and I couldn’t be happier as I’ve accomplished the goals I’ve set each year.

Now as I start entering my fourth year post op I’ve set new goals for myself.  I’ll keep my walking schedule the way it is, but I’ve added strength training with light weights and bands, plus a lot more flexibility and balance exercises.  I’ve just started being able to lower myself onto my mat and get back up again without holding on to a piece of furniture which pleases me greatly.

What I’ve learned from this whole experience is to keep moving as best you can.  Even if it’s chair exercises or bed exercises, (I’ve done both) just keep moving and watch what happens and how you feel weeks and months later.