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Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery | Part 4 of 13

ADR Surgery

The roadblock.

Shirt | similar skirt | Shoes | Hoops

In my experience – roadblocks are more of a when situation as opposed to an if situation. AND I think they can come in many different forms, often helping us realize how much we want something. Is the roadblock going to keep us away? Or do we muster up the courage to break it down and press on!

The roadblock I dealt with before surgery came in the form of an infection. In my last post, I mentioned that even though I was a perfect candidate for this surgery, I was still apprehensive. Instead of thinking about the positives, I was fixated on the hard parts.

The day I took my pre-surgery screening tests, my doctor called to tell me there was a problem. He said I had a bladder infection which would postpone my upcoming surgery (5 days away). To my surprise, I was distraught! For the first time, I thought about not having the surgery and how it would affect my life. Through this roadblock, I was forced to recognize the positives. I noted a few things: my daily pain level, the fight it took to get up everyday and get ready, how hard it would be to go back to work in my current condition, and you might remember the quick 5 minute ab video I posted (here). After performing all those V-ups, I couldn’t move for 3 days. That is not normal! I realized the shape I was in and even if the recovery would be long and arduous or if I ended up worse than before, I knew I needed to take action to improve my quality of life.

The infection scare gave me the confidence I needed to go forward into the unknown. I was no longer apprehensive and unsure, I was ready and confident! I retook the test and flew to Dallas, still not sure I would be cleared. I didn’t want to lose my chance and time slot I had waited for all summer. The wonderful staff at The Texas Back Institute welcomed my arrival and assured me they would do everything they could so I could have the surgery as planned. My surgery was scheduled for Tuesday at 7am, I got word of final clearance at 4pm Monday afternoon. I was clear, and I was excited. A huge change from just 5 days before!

My parents were flying in the morning of surgery and I realized I would be going in all alone. I immediately told myself it would be the most brave thing I would ever do, and then reminded myself all I had to do was show up! Literally… just get my body to the hospital.

โ€œSometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.โ€ – Brene Brown

I took a Lyft to the hospital Tuesday morning at 5:30am and the most amazing nurse prepped me and cheered me on. Every doctor, nurse, and PA involved in the surgery introduced themselves, greeted me, and shook my hand. One doctor and I shared a sweet moment. She was in charge of monitoring my spinal cord, and told me she would place tabs on certain areas of my body to see nerve activity. She also explained she would be attaching several more while I was in the operating room. While listening and taking in the information, a moment of fear washed over me- the thought of possible paralyzation crept into my mind and Iย  welled up with tears. She looked at me, I looked at her, and I put my hand out for her to hold. She squeezed my hand, looked me dead in the eyes and told me, “We are the dream team. We do this together every Tuesday, you are in the best hands.” It was just what I needed to hear, she calmed my fears and gave me strength, just like everyone involved in this experience. I truly felt angels all around me.

I remember being wheeled into the operating room and then I remember being covered in blankets, just like I like. I looked at my next angel nurse and asked her 5 questions…

Is it over? Do I have my disc? Can I move my feet? Where is my mom? Where is my dad?

My mom and dad walked in and both held my hand – my dad said he was wearing a shirt I gave him, and my mom was wearing a scarf I gave her. It touched my heart and I realized it was all over!

Thank you so much for reading and following along. It has now been 6.5 weeks since my surgery- everyday hasn’t been perfect, but the good days have heavily outweighed the bad! Next I’ll be sharing my recovery, pain levels, physical therapy, and upcoming workout plan.

If you’d like to continue reading, I’ve linked each post here:

Previous Posts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |

Next Post: Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12

*Surgeon – Dr. Scott Blumenthal of the Texas Back Institute – Center for Disc Replacement

Hospital – Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery

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