Slowly seeing some improvement

7 weeks post op TLIF now. I am now able to kneel and carry out such thrilling tasks as brushing the dog and cleaning the toilet....Yay for me! 

 I have also done 2 x small wash ups this week.

Anyhow it's all progress.

Would not have been able to do this even one week ago.

Walking a bit further as well.

I saw my surgeon for the 6 weeks post op checkup and he was very encouraging.

I left feeling as though I was walking on air.

He said just the way I walked into his room was great.

He was also very impressed that I am taking only over the counter pain killers.

He told me a lot of other patients take morphine based pain relief for up to 6 months.

WOW!

I only took that sort of medication for 2 1/2 weeks.

I have to say that the side effects from coming off Endone and Oxycontin were horrendous.

Thumping heart beats, insomnia, anxiety etc.

Not good.

Only lasted for 2 days but was just terrible.

Anyhow Dr said not to expect too much for at least 3-6 months and probably more like 12 months.

Will see him then with a follow up CT scan.

The fuse is not even expected to 'take' for at least 6 months.

This week also had a surprise visit from my parents.

I was out walking, a car horn tooted at me, I looked up and saw them, did a double take, it was funny.

They decided to go for a long drive, 1 1/2 hrs from Karrabin to Oakey, so came up to see me.

Mum and I went for a long walk after lunch and ended up at the local cemetery which is always an interesting place to visit.

I have not been living here for very long and the names are not familiar to me but they are still similar to the names from home.

 A mix of german, irish, scottish & english, so the same mix as my home area of Rosewood/Ipswich.

Mum also brought my show winning cards and prize money from the Rosewood Show 2011.

I won 7 x 1sts, 2 x 2nds, and Champion Off Page Scrapbooking for a 70th birthday box I made for Mum in 2010.

$71 prize money does not sound like a lot but it is in the needlework section. LOL

Started a card for my SIL yesterday. She is not well atm, so I thought it might cheer her somewhat. I am having trouble as usual trying to fit too many elements onto one card. So I clear it all and try to keep it simple. I'll post a photo of the card if I am happy enough with it.

Warmer here on The Downs this morning so that is welcome. Only wearing 3 layers instead of the usual 5-6. We are in the dead centre of winter atm so there is sure to be lots more cold weather ahead.

Talk soon.