Coming up to a year!

Can't believe I'm coming up 12 months post-op. Pretty much everyone asks me if it was all worth it and I can say without hesitation that it has been. I believe though, that my response says a lot about my expectations from the outset. You see, my surgeon was always very clear about the potential outcomes/risk of Dynesys, so I knew that following the op I could be :-

1. pain-free
2. in less pain
3. the same, or
4. worse off

I was always optimistic of the outcome but law of averages told me that I would be pretty lucky to come out completely pain free. It's interesting though, that the Facebook group (now numbering 62 members) pretty much divides as above - we have members who are completely pain-free following the recovery period, as well as others for whom there has been no change, or failure...

So where do I fit? Well I fall solidly into the 2nd category. I'm pretty much drug-free but not pain-free. I still experience pain daily, but it is wholly manageable. It's not the jump out the window, no sleep, can't do anything type of pain. I continue to exercise daily either in the pool or Pilates and when I don't exercise, I know it. I still have an afternoon siesta. I am mindful of the things I do, and for how long I do them. But I can do more than before. Sure, I have my moments but a handful of paracetamol /co-codamol seems to do it for me. One thing for sure though, the recovery was lengthier and far more difficult than I ever imagined. To this day I still have to be extremely disciplined and work hard to maintain my 'new' back - exercising daily and forcing myself to rest when things are not so great is crucial.

Overall, Dynesys has been a resounding success for me. I feel more like the old me - 46 instead of 96! The reduction in pain obviously plays a massive part but I hadn't realised 'til a few months ago how the cocktail of drugs had affected me. How 'un-me' I've been! Not nasty, horrible or anything, just "The Kelster" but 'dampened down', if that makes sense.

Now... gggRRR, there's a tiger in my tank (again), and I've got a million and one things going on in my head!! I've just had to accept that I will never downhill ski again (my passion), but look forward to cross-country, snow-shoeing and bedding down at the Ice Hotel in Quebec! As for heels girlies, well they don't agree with me any more. I salivate over Manola, Lamboutin & Choo but the reality is I'm wearing Fitflops, MBTs, New Balance, Ecco & Clarks!!! None of which do anything for "me ol' street cred" LOL xxx

Back to 'normal'

Amazing what a few days rest can do...

Ooops

Took days to recover from holiday - only started exercising again on Monday. Then... just as things were getting back to normal I did a new move at my Pilates class yesterday and felt something 'ping' in my back. Combination of pain, realisation that I'd done something wrong and fear meant that tears were not far behind. What a wimp eh??? Mind you, it's only the 2nd time in 6 years that I've burst into tears during class. Spent pretty much the rest of the day in bed.

Hips and back are pretty bad now. Tried swimming (lengths) this morning to shift the pain. Popping Advils like they're going out of fashion. Ain't looking good. Hey ho, more bed rest...

DYNESYS - doing what it says on the tin!

Sorry for radio silence these past 12 days, been with in-laws in Toronto and totally powered down! Wedding was fab. Did I dance my ass off? You bet! Paid for it the next day, but boy was it worth it :-) Did plenty of walking and even got some gentle canoeing / kayaking in up at the lakes. Got back this morning after a 7 hr flight - pain was do-able but feet swelled up elephant-man stylie despite getting up plenty and exercising during the journey. Stiff now.

If you'd told me a year ago I'd be doing any of this stuff I would've laughed. And hard... Sure I suffer afterwards but with the right exercise and some meds, it passes.

So... all you out there post-op, hang in there. 11 months on, I'm doing 'stuff' and pretty much drug free!!! Woop woop. Recovery's been slow and I've had setbacks BUT dynesys is doing what it says on the tin! Please don't despair or give up.

Something to look forward to...

Well, I never thought I'd be contemplating it but... it is my intention to dance my ass off this weekend at my niece's wedding. Just like the ol' days...

Gosh, how I miss dancing...

Yep, the frock fits, JUST. And... my dancing shoes have heels, not skyscrapers you understand but definitely not flats!

Yeh, I know I'll suffer for it big-time for a few days following, but you know what, it WILL be worth it. Hopefully Pilates and the pool will sort me out afterwards, either that or a large bottle of Pinot!

Glad to report that the Dynesys group on Facebook now has 55 members, over 550 posts and is still growing!!! Stay strong guys...

New mantra...

Travel a lot. Learn more. Try to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. If I want to do something I won't hold back. But equally I won't feel pressured to do things I don't want to do, and I won't waste time or effort on things that don't warrant it.

Back on an even keel...

Not much to report this week - I'm back to my normal routine and doing it without drugs! Special thanks for your continued support and to all of you who blogged, emailed or phoned whilst I was poorly, you really lifted my spirits guys, cheers!