CHERYL PUMPS.....SALT?

2 MONTHS POST OP
It is easy for me to forget just how far I've come. This weekend I re-read my surgery journal and was reminded of those early days of not being able to even roll over or lift my head. I needed help for everything. I needed to be reminded of this because I easily get bummed that I have little energy, endurance or muscle strength.

Last week I worked on the exercise bike and lifting some hand weights. The limit on the bike is to be 20 minutes and only 3-4x week. I did it on Thursday and it is now Monday and my quads still are screaming. I had no idea that I would have to start over completely. I am to lift weights for my upper body. Guess what my limit is -- a salt box.... thus the photo.

So much of long surgery and slow rehab has been a mystery to me. I am 2 months post op and I foolishly thought I'd be back to my normal strength and energy. Not even close! I'm learning to look at the week and make choices of how much I can do. Going to the grocery store is a big deal. Yesterday I went and wouldn't you know one the objects I wanted was on the bottom shelf. My flexibility is sparse. I can barely barely reach my knees BUT I am told that at 12 months I might touch my toes -- and will be able to capture all the good tuff on the bottom shelfs. You all know the bargains are not at waist level but are on the bottom shelves.

If you're a prayer, I would appreciate prayers for developing muscle strength and to be persistent. It's hard but oh the results will be so wonderful.

NEWS FLASH - Cheryl Swims

Glad you all "enjoyed" the xray photos. They are as good for me as you because seeing is believing. I am so proud of my new back & the new me. It makes recovery much more pleasant and the future bright.

The surgeon gave me exercise instructions.
Walking -- no problem
Stationary exercise bike - no problem
Light free weights - no problem
Swimming -- you're kidding!!

Yesterday I tackled swimming. First I had to find a bathing suit that I could get out of when wet. Only women know the fun of getting out of wet suit but for me you have to add that you can't twist or bend!

The swimming experience was a little weird. I cautiously entered the shallow end. No problem. Then it came to the moment of needing to launch my body. I have now idea how much the "hardware" weighs and it if would weigh me down. I put my head down and my feet up and I felt kind of heavy. I quickly made sure I would not leave the shallow end :) I began kicking and stroking and presto I was swimming into deep water. YEA --it worked. It didn't feel like normal. It felt like what I imagine a turtle experiences -- arms and legs doing their thing while the middle stays in place. It was actually kind of fun once I got going and the physical comfort of being non-weight bearing was delightful.

My muscles are still really tight. At my post op appt I asked about my shoulders and upper back being so tight and in spasms. Normal they replied. What about my legs -- my hamstrings are in a wad and the range of motion of my legs is very small. Again, normal they said. My regime is to be 20 minutes of exercise 3x a week. Doesn't seem like much but I can guarantee each one takes a chunk out of my energy. I'm beginning to understand why I was told that total recovery is 12 months. I'm almost at 2 months. I have come a long way but feel very much like a decrepit old lady shuffling along and working hard getting into my car -- remember no twisting or bending.

I cannot tell you how emotional I am about ALL your interest and support of me through all this in so many creative ways. As I went to the doctor last week seeing so many hurting and physically restricted people, I became even more aware of how very much I owe where I am to each of you. Going through hard stuff is much easier when others are carrying you. I cannot describe it but those who have been in similar shoes know what I mean.

Why didn't I post a photo -- because it wouldn't be pretty!

Pray for persistence on my part with the exercise.

1st POST OP APPT

Yesterday was my long awaited 1st Post Op appt. It went fantastic and was a great encouragement to me. The thing I wanted to see the most was those metal rods. The xray in my world was beautiful. I immediately came home to see the previous xrays. One can almost not believe the difference and the pictures let you see them too.

The doctor said I was far "ahead of the game". These were also words I wanted to hear. I attribute it to God's hand on me through your prayers. As I said earlier I have felt them in the most comfortable and comforting way likening it to floating. I truly do not believe many who have walked in my shoes have been cared for to the degree and with the tenderness that I have. The prayers are more then I will ever know. I have been tended to by God's people in His body and in my family. The cards... I could have started a store :). The emails let me be with you while I recovered. The meals upon meals have healed my struggling body. Thank you to all who read this.

What's next? There are many small steps ahead. I can drive... but carefully. There is to be no twisting. I am starting rehab: light weights, more walking, stationary bike, swimming, stretching. The swimming sounds crazy but I'll try. I still have to pace myself a lot. My body is trying to repair itself and needs a combination of working it and resting it. It is inch by inch.

I mistakenly thought I would be able to see some bone growth but was told not to expect any til after 3 months. Rats. Yes - I'm overzealous. I also asked about my memory and was told with the length of my surgery it would be about 3 months for all the anesthesia to leave and my memory to be as it was ..... for what it is worth :)

As you can see yesterday was a great day. The docs I saw were all super encouraging and said I was one tough lady. I kind of laughed because I don't see myself that way -- I just want to get better and to have a strong body. I can now say I am grateful that I had the surgery and for what God has ahead for me. To take me through something so "massive" (the common word used by the docs) is an indication to me that God has good stuff waiting! YEA!!