Tag: Rehab

1 Year Since Spinal Surgery

1 year ago today I underwent emergency spinal surgery to remove a tumor on my cervical spine. That night in the ICU I couldn’t move my head even a millimeter without the most excruciating pain I’d ever experienced. I had no idea how I would ever recover or walk or use my right arm and hand again. Through intensive OT, PT, chiropractic, and an insane amount of grit, I am still working to regain function and control pain, while learning to live with the consequences caused by the tumor, surgery, and radiation.

Tonight (and every day) we celebrate. We celebrate Life. Being alive. Being home with my family. Being able to walk without an assistive device. Being here to watch my kids grow. To experience simple pleasures in life and continue working towards healing and many more years together.
Thank you, God! 🙏 Here’s to even better days ahead 💖

Home from the Hospital!

I made it home!! I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning, and got to go home for the first time in 16 days! I am very happy to be out and back with Brandon and the kids again! Now I need to be careful not to overdo it with all the unpacking & laundry, in addition to the things I want to do 😏 I can say my own bed has never felt so good!!

Outpatient therapy will start this week, and I have lots of exercises and stretches to work on in the meantime to progress in my recovery. I’m still waiting to hear back from Mayo about their final recommendations on next steps. Trying not to think too much about it all, because it instantly puts a weight in my stomach and a dark cloud over my day.

As excited as I’ve been to get out of the hospital, it was very hard to say goodbye to my rehab team on Friday. My doctor was truly one of the best I’ve ever met: both professionally and personally. My lead OT and PT were pure gems. I cried saying goodbye to all of them.

I will continue to update through my recovery, but wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that I’m safely back home, and so very grateful to be here! 💜❤️