Onwards & upwards on the downhill !!!

Just back from Quebec City and I can report that I finally returned to the hills after 6 pre-op years of sitting on-my-lonesome glugging gluhwein and jagermeister! Yah!!!!

For those of you that have followed this blog you will know that skiing was a passion and one of the things that was a HUGE miss during those horrendous pre-op years. When I decided to go forward with the op I made Dr Vic (hubs) promise that he would get me back on skis the following season, no matter what! Many people thought I was mad to take the risk and told me so, but you know what, I had the op to get my life back and skiing is part of the life I want back!

As always, the gorgeous Dr Vic kept his promise! I purchased some Forcefield Body Armour (women's lumbar support)... it's v. comfortable, non-restrictive and offered unbelievable support. I believe it's being worn by Team GB at the Winter Olympics, Whistler - check it out http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product_selector.asp. Now I must clarify... I wasn't doing double-blacks, off-piste or moguls but as a once fast and confident skiier I wore the support whilst doing what I would consider some 'decent' runs on the downhill no less (can't believe it myself, thought I'd just about manage x-country)! It may well be psychological, but the 'armour' gave me the confidence boost and support I needed.

I skiied maximum 2 hours x 3 non-consecutive days - it was my threshold without going into Tramadol-popping pain. Back at the ranch I 'jumped' straight in the hot tub and sauna and then spent an hour or so resting. Good enough for me folks. RESULT!

So for those of you out there in pain, please please don't give up hope that your quality of life can improve. It's entirely possible, believe me.

PRICELESS...

... not long back from annual rendez-vous with my surgeon. Couple of x-rays showed that 15 months on, my Dynesys remains stable and doing what it says on the tin! On a long-term monitoring programme so thankfully it's carry on as before for another 12 months! Just cannot put a price on the change in my life since the op.

ps. Ruth from Stroud - just read your comment on my previous post. Unfortunately I am unable to reply via the Blog but if you become a member of the Facebook Group called Dynesis: stabilising back surgery - a support community (Dynesys) you can talk to me and another 70+ spineys who have undergone Dynesys surgery. Facebook is free, as is the group. I look forward to catching up with you.

Happy New Year!

May 2010 bring everyone peace, happiness, prosperity and a lot less pain. Happy New Year folks x

Time marches on...

Long time, no speak... but it really is a good thing. Lots of activity in the household what with our up-coming move to different shores. As you can imagine loads and loads to do. Finding it challenging to strike a balance between running (metaphorically speaking) around like a headless chicken trying to get everything in order for emigration AND staying focussed on my usual routine - exercise, not overdoing it, with some rest chucked in for good order! 18 months ago we could not have contemplated such a move, what with the parlous state of my back, healthcare considerations etc. Funny and darn wonderful really, how fast life can change. Big, nay HUGE, nod of thanks to Mr Shepperd, surgeon extraordinaire.

Fair to say I've never been one to take the well travelled path... you know, stay with what's easy or comfy or known. I've constantly challenged myself. Made mistakes it's true. Been reckless some might say. Hungry for knowledge and experiences. Not one to settle for mediocrity. My mum said "be the best that you can be" and that is what I'm striving to do.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
(The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost)

Life's bloody good. O Canada... bring it on!!!

Getting it all into perspective...

Below is an extract from a dear friend's story regarding CANCER. As I am at the one year stage regarding Dynesys, I quote her at the same stage in her recovery (thankfully she is celebrating 2 years in remission this month). I include this because there are times in our lives when it doesn't do any harm to put our own shyte into perspective...

QUOTE
So, what happens when everything finishes. Certainly no trumpet fanfare, but I have to say everybody keeps their eye on you. My headaches continued resulting in a brain scan. Niggling pain in my shoulder resulting in X-ray. Urine infection resulting in Bladder and Kidney scan. All accompanied with sirens and whistles in my head each time I have to wait for the results. This panic when awaiting results, will hopefully diminish in time, but will probably never completely leave me.

It is now a year on. I have had my mammogram, everything is fine. I frequently think of the past year and during the early months would have given anything to have my body and mind back as they were pre 20/07/07. It is such a cliché, but, without a doubt everything has to happen for a reason. Making sense of the reasons can be hard. Something had to happen to slow me down. Yes, I would rather have sprained my ankle, but, as my mum said ‘It would take more than that to stop you’. I would have carried on with crutches!!

Why me?

Well, I just know I really could not have coped if my children or family members were given the diagnosis of cancer. And, the same for my friends who are lucky enough to have not been directly affected by Cancer…

I was the best person for the job…

It just had to be me…
UNQUOTE

In awe! Floored!

You're one special lady J who deserves THE BEST and ALL that life has to give x

The witching hour approaches...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOLKS!!

Here's hoping that all family, friends and spineys out there have a fun and safe evening.

1 year on...

Can't believe it... 1 year post op today! Feeling pretty good. Thought it deserved a little treat from Hobbs... so last night I managed to pour myself into a size smaller than usual dress and jeans. Tempted fate even further this morning by jumping on the scales, to reveal an overall 11lbs weight loss. RESULT. Slimming World Green and all the exercise is finally doing it for me (and Dr Vic who's lost 13lbs)!

As for celebrating champagne-stylie - well I'm not in much of a celebrating mood on account of sad news this morning that one of my closest pal's dad has died... yet another good life taken by that evil disease cancer - how I despise it! God Bless Mr T.