Journal entry by Signe McKie —
Hi everyone! Thanks for all the texts, calls, cards, etc! Yes, I had to have surgery again, here are the details:
I have/had been feeling pretty great. I was starting to be more active, etc. Then sciatica crept in. I suffered from sciatica for about 6 weeks back in 2019. I went to PT and it was gone. Well, not this time. To make a long story short, starting in January, I did PT and had a nerve root injection, with no relief from my full leg sciatic pain. (Left leg to go along with my left rectus abdominal muscle that was removed) So, 2 days ago (Friday) I had a discectomy to remove the portion of my disc that was herniated and pinching my nerve.
I assume this 2nd surgery was needed since the last surgery took out a major portion of my core, and since there is a huge relationship between your back and your core, my guess is that this was inevitable. Maybe I should have seen this coming, I’m not sure. Good thing I’m very low risk, so this was considered ‘minor spine surgery’, and done at a surgery center in Eagan. I was home before lunch!
So, 2-days post surgery and I’m on the mend. I save my narcotics for the night so I’m functional during the day. I’m icing my back 5-6x per day and I’m trying to keep moving. (Per doctors orders)
First day I felt great! Yesterday, I became more sore as the day went on, and today I feel how you’d typically feel 3 days after any injury, which is not awesome. But, the best thing is that no pain can compare to sciatica.... and especially sciatica for 6-7 weeks!! Man, that was rough. So, I’ll take what I got going on, hands down.
So, this means I maxed out my deductible again! Yay “health insurance.” (If you care to donate, my Go Fund Me is still active, and you can find it on my main story page)
BTW- my 4 month post-op scans and check-in at Mayo went amazingly well. Mesh is good to go, and all the teams seemed quite pleased with themselves! Basically they said I don’t ever need to come back unless I feel another lump, but I’m welcome to come for yearly scans. My choice! 😊
So, I’m still convinced that 2021 is going to be great. Even with a few minor set backs! I may need to get myself an ‘old woman’ recliner, 😂 but maybe that’s just what 2021 needs!!
Thanks for all the support, it really means a lot.
Signe
-
Benji is a rescue, and a project. He was very worried about me ...
My L5, S1 not lookin’ so hot!
Post tumor, pre sciatica!Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Signe Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Signe's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
Invite friends and family to visit the site
