Training has begun

I have started training for the Star Wars 5k and 10k. While I was in Williamsburg I walked my June virtual 5k. My time was an hour and a half to finish but it's a start. Aqua therapy has been set up and I'm talking with a personal trainer to help me. 

292 days!

Osteoclast and Osteoblast

Saw the neurosurgeon today and we talked about how to handle the pain that I am in. There was pictures drawn and examining x-rays. We talked about osteoclast and osteoblast. The quick explanation is clast reabsorb old bone tissue while blast create new bone tissue. Right now I have more clast than blast. That means the fusion is not as stable. Around 6 months post-op the scale starts to tip towards more blasts. So it was decided that we would take the watch and see approach. In 3 months I will have another x-ray to see if there has been more bone growth. We will also re-evaluate my pain level. Hopefully in that time there will be a steady decrease in my pain and increased bone growth. If that happens we will not have to go through another surgery.

Next time I might just take the gown to keep. I'm really thinking that I could start a fashion trend if I be-dazzled it and added a belt.

As a family we traveled to Williamsburg, VA. for a lacrosse tournament. I was able to pack, drive, go to a water park, attend 5 lacrosse games and take care of my husband who was having a gallbladder attack. 

Adding to our stress we added 2 new members to the family. They are keeping us very busy but are helping me to stay active.

I wasn't able to attend Girl Scout camp this year. On Wednesday evening I did go for the campfire and received a few gifts while I was there. I miss being there but right now taking care of myself is priority number one.

Epidural Injection Day

Not me or my doctors - Shock photo

I swore that I would NEVER do another epidural injection.

Today was my 4th and hopefully last epidural injection EVER! My anxiety was through the roof today. I asked to go home several times today but my husband would not allow it. The neurosurgeon wanted us to do due diligence and see if injected I would experience pain relief. Not holding my breath.

Size of the needle that was used

It starts with you being taken back into the procedure room. Here you get to pull your pants down past your butt and climb on the table. You lay down on your stomach, not so easy with back pain. Your back is washed with cold, brown soap (from my old pediatric ER days) and drapes are placed to have a sterile work space. Today I was lucky enough to receive 4 lidocaine injections. One at L4 and one at L5. When they tried to insert the needle (see above) there was some discussion of pain, some tears, 2 more lidocaine injections and some more tears. After the table and x-ray machines was adjusted several (thousand) times (see the first photo) we were ready for the needles.

This is were being a nurse that has assisted with lumbar punctures (spinal taps) does not help with your anxiety. Yes that is the size of the needles. No that is not my back. Since the area is numb the placement of the needles does not hurt. Placement is checked using radioactive dye. You can feel the dye being injected. More adjustments are made to the table and x-ray machine (not sure about the needles). 

Now they will inject lidocaine and steroids into both needles. You can feel this injection as well. Needles are removed and they clean up all the cold, brown soap. Now I get to slowly sit up and wipe the tears away. The x-ray tech let me know that I seemed to be an old pro. Made my walk to the recovery room and had some ginger ale. Met up with my driver and support system for the day after 15 minutes to head home.

Don't let the smile fool you. Trying to hide my anxiety.

I was at home and sleeping by 11:00. Not calling it a nap since I slept to 3. Thank goodness my family was here to support me today. Don't know how I would do this without them.

Every mile gets easier?

 

Every mile gets easier?

 

I decided to start with a virtual race since I'm still healing. No need to worry about a golf cart picking me on this one.

 

One 5k a month with the goal of crossing the finish line.

 

If you are interested in joining in on the fun head to the runDisney website and register.