This morning I followed up with the neurosurgeon. He reviewed my scoliosis xrays I did last week. All hardware is intact and I’m healing well. In 9 months (12 months post op), I’ll have a CT scan to evaluate bone fusion. 

I’m released from all restrictions! I can lift weights, ride my motorcycle, yoga, pilates, acupuncture, take NSAIDS. I can do anything my body will allow me to do. That was great news to hear. I didn’t think I’d be released this quick.

After the Dr, I went to PT. I told my therapist the restrictions are lifted. He had me bend over, bend side to side, etc to see what my flexibility was and how my body moves. I’m able to bend from the hips and my fingers are about 8″ from the floor. I have no side to side movement. Very little flexion bending back. I can bend over and reach my arm to opposite leg, still 8″ above the floor. I can do these things but it’s not easy. And my low back muscles weren’t happy. New goals were set and I’ll be working on strengthening my back and legs. I’m going to put myself into Wonder Woman mode and start really pushing myself in PT. I have been, but cautiously. Now I can really go for the gold.

After PT, I went for a consult at the medical marijuana doctor. In Florida, a medical marijuana card is needed to purchase cannabis products. He reviewed my medical information and explained the process for evaluation, application, card renewals and he gave me a patient booklet. The booklet has all kinds of info about what terpenes and strains are used for certain conditions. Now I have an idea of what to shop for. The budtenders can also help as they’re trained in everything. The neurosurgeon also recommended medical marijuana for the chronic nerve pain in my left leg.

I told my neurosurgeon about this blog and he asked me to leave the website address. I told him I’d be happy to talk to patients too.

I’m so happy I finally made the decision to have this surgery. I could say I wish I did it sooner, but sooner wasn’t the right time. Now was the right time for me. And now it’s time for me to start a new life with a new shiny titanium spine.