Happy Updates and Thank-you to Everyone

Feeling significantly better - completely off the pain medications, walking around like a champ, and went to work yesterday for the first time in a month. Overall, everything seems to be looking up. I really truly believe this surgery was the best thing to happen to me, not only have I secured a healthy future with a decreased risk of progression of the curve, I have a different outlook on my current health. For the first time in a while I can look in the mirror and not see an obvious deviation of my hips from normal. I am holding myself taller and stronger, I feel like my breathing capacity is greatly improved, and lastly, I can actually stand in one place for longer then 5 minutes without my hips and lower back flaring into pain. 

My appointment with Dr. Mahood is on May 6 and my X-rays are on May 5. I will be able to post pictures of the screws and rods along and in my spine at that point. I am excited to be able to show off how "made of metal" I am. I have had a couple questions from people asking what exactly went into my back; therefore, here is the explanation ----- 

I have two rods in my back both are about 10" or 12" long and I have 6 screws which are about 2" long screwed into my spine holding the rods in place. Dr. Mahood used bone grafting to fuse my spine. This process is like " welding bone to my spine" ultimately it is this fusion which has corrected my spine the rods and screws are just support for when the fusion is healing. However, the rods and screws stay in forever because the surgery to remove them is not worth the risks. Some patients do need to have the rods removed later on in life due to complications or severe pain. However, I am crossing my fingers that will not have to happen to me. I will explain more about the rods and screws and instruments used when I have the awesome X-ray pictures. 

I really want to say thank-you to everyone, my family and friends have been unbelievable with their support and love. My grandma, who used to be a nurse, was there the entire time I was in the hospital making sure I was safe and healing properly. My aunt from Toronto has been calling me with words of support, and hooking me up with some awesome reading material to help speed up the at home recovery. My parents have been here every time I have any needs, driving me around, cooking for me, and being some of the best company I could have asked for. My boyfriend has been my personal nurse, and my best friend, Ayleen, has been wonderful girly company to help make me laugh and smile through this. Holli- Anne, a friend from university, who has been through many of her surgeries has been passing on tid bits of wisdom to help me know what to expect. Overall thank-you everyone - you are very special to me and I could have not gone through this without you!