July 20, 2011

What's happening in my world....

I had spinal surgery on June 27 (cervical fusion C4-C6). They went in through the front of my neck and I was put on a breathing tube for the 2 hour procedure. I had a titanium plate put in with 6 screws and 2 spacers. This is my second spinal surgery in two years and it was by far the worse of the two! The first week was very hard. The day after I came home from the hospital my incision got infected. I was put on an antibiotic and 2 days into that I had every side effect possible (hard to breath, headache, nausea, and a few others I'll keep to myself). I was quickly taken off that antibiotic and felt better within a day. Here are pictures of just after surgery and 2 days later when my incision got infected:
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Here are my 2 best friends. The first is my neck brace and I wear it in the car (which I've only been in twice!) and every night when my kids are around. My son gave me a good elbow jab in the neck the first week and I learned early on to wear my brace when he's around! ;) I also wear it when I try to help around the house (ie. folding laundry, picking up rattles and toys, etc.). The second picture is my bone growth stimulator. It looks like a steering wheel with a cord and remote. Everyday for 8 weeks I have to prop myself up against this bad boy (on the back of my neck) and turn it on for 30 minutes. It doesn't feel like anything when it's on, but after I'm done using it, I feel like I've just worked out and need a nap! lol Seriously!
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At this point it's been 3 weeks since the surgery. I am feeling better and healing more every day. The recovery time is between 6-8 weeks, but I'm only getting help for 5 weeks because I want my family life back to normal already!!

I was going to wear scarves every post for the next 6 months and hide my scar from everyone including myself, but FUCK IT! ;) This is a part of me and I'm making scars the new black! lol
Just thought I should warn people because I can't put cover up on it (no way chancing getting infected again) and it will for sure be showing in my new outfit posts!

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I hope everyone is enjoying all the guest posts and giveaways, I will be back up and running in no time! And thank you all again for all the positive comments and sweet remarks and FB and Twitter! My readers are the best! xo

20 comments:

Alicia xoxxo said...

i hope you feel much better very soon!!! i will keep you in my prayers that you make a full recovery asap!!! you look amazing and do not worry about your scar, it is not that noticeable! i promise! hang in there momma!

Heather (GurleeGirrl) said...

Lisa - sounds like you have the fighting spirit! Love it girl! I too have a scar (or as I refer to mine "badge of honor") from where my chemo port was in my chest last year (Stage 3 Breast Cancer). At first I tried to cover it, but now it's just a sign of the fight I won :) Good thoughts for your continued smooth recovery! Look forward to many more posts.

Rachel The Hat said...

Gosh, You brave girl! Best wishes for a smooth and quick recovery!
Ps scars are totally in, haven't you heard,lol. Rock that scar proudly!
:-D
Rachel
http://yummymummysgalore.blogspot.com/

Style Journey said...

I am a new follower to your blog. You seriously have some spunk and a great fighting spirit! Hopefully you will be back and like new before you know it. Take care and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Christy Sparks-Arrajj said...

Oh Lisa! :(( My heart completely breaks for you! You are far more than an inspiration to me!! I do not know how you do it! Through all of that you still manage to look amazing and that scar is your new accessory! It shows what you've over come and how amazingly strong you are!! So show it off proudly!! You continue to be in my thoughts and I wish for the next 5 weeks of recover to go by quickly and smoothly! xoxoxoxo

Cat said...

Oh my goodness ... girl, you are amazing in your strength, spirit, and attitude. Spinal surgery is a such a scary thing and here you are on #2?!?!? I am going to double down on that "fuck it" and say pish posh to scarves ... you are a gorgeous gal and there is no need to hide the incision point {look how fast it is healing up already!}.

Wishing you a continued speedy recovery, brave gal!

❤ Cat brideblu

Unknown said...

You are a rockstar. You look beautiful and you own that scar girl! You're in my thoughts for a quick recovery!

FashionJazz said...

Wow babe, u really have a fighting spirit! Am so glad u are ok and I agree, u should be proud of ur scar, it symbolises ur strength : ) about my hair i have had my hair brunette before, but because my hair is naturally light brown with blonde streaks, my streaks come out within a few days and makes the brunetter colour look horrible..so thats why my blonde works better : ) xx

Balancing Lisa said...

You guys are the best! I'm feeling better each and every day!! I am actually loving taking naps and having no idea what my kids schedules are! lol Man am I going to miss my mom here everyday when these 5 weeks are over! ;)

Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers} said...

Yowza, you poor girl. Your neck must hard so badly. I am happy you are starting to feel better, it is always a long road to recovery after sugery. Benn thinking about you and praying for you!

Lara Paches said...

Rock that scar, girl! You look beautiful! I'm so glad you're feeling better, can't wait until you're back full time :)

KaNini's said...

So glad you're getting better! Hope you feel also better! Stay strong!
Kisses
K.

Gwen said...

I am so glad you are sharing with everyone, what has been happening. You have truly been through so much, and you continue to stay so strong. You are an inspiration to us all! Take care of yourself, we all can't wait for you to be back to yourself again! :)

Ali Grace said...

You have a great attitude, show off that scar! You wear it well ;) You are beautiful and that little mark can't change that! Glad to see you are feeling better! Keep hangin in there!!!
XOXXOX

Kristin Hassan said...

XO, ur a trooper!

Make Mommy Chic said...

Lisa, I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this, but it looks like you are nothing short of a warrior. I wish you a happy and speedy recovery :)

erica said...

Wow! I am sorry that you have to go through this. I hope you are back to normal as soon as possible.

xo

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Lisa you are one strong woman!! The best part about this is that you still manage to have a smile on your face and the best attitude. Sending hugs and well wishes you way! And you work that scar sister!! xo

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said...

Feel better soon, Lisa...

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