What I Know For Sure

The surgery is over.
Here is a before pic of my spine (L3-S1)






and an after:





They took out the lower hardware and fused the top.
Aren't "before" and "after" pics usually of your outsides? sigh. Maybe someday!


I'm relieved that the horrible hospital part is behind me, but there are still a lot of questions. I did not wake up pain free.
Nevertheless, here is some of what I know for sure:
*I am still at peace that it's absolutely the procedure that needed to be done.
*I am happy to be home soaking in the simple pleasures of my little family.
*Toddlers look older when you haven't seen them (in even a little) while.
*I am more in love with my husband than ever.
*I still have nerve pain in my legs. No, I don't know why. Yes, it is deeply discouraging.
*While I planned to wax intellectual during recovery reading books and watching deep movies, instead I give a special shout-out to People Magazine and TV, my closest companions ;)
*A fabulous new nail color adds some fun as I tap tap tap away on the computer.
*Make-up helps me feel pretty even just hanging around the house (didn't realize how many mirrors we have hanging around. yikes. ;)
*I am way stronger and braver than I have ever given myself credit for.

"Never, never, never give up."--Winston Churchill