Recap: I had spinal fusion of the L4-L5-S1 vertebrae back in August of 2007 to correct a congenital condition called Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. I was in the hospital for six days, out of work for eight weeks and in a back brace for six months. You can read about that here .

About a month ago my orthopedic surgeon told me that I no longer have to wear my back brace. This was huge! I can’t explain the level of excitement those words created in me. He said that I’m recovering well and he sees lots of bone growth and did I mention…I can stop wearing my back brace? Getting rid of this brace is the most wonderful news. I am usually a very shy person but I found myself talking to everyone on my way out of the doctor’s office. Telling them about my surgery and how my brace was horrible…OK. I’m exaggerating. I really only talked with two people who asked about the brace I was carrying. There is no exaggeration about how big, clunky, and uncomfortable it was to wear the brace. It went against my fashionista tendencies. The brace was not exactly the perfect accessory.

FINALLY! A little more than three weeks ago I started physical therapy. Generally PT is one the most difficult steps in recovery because you have to start using muscles that were previously restricted. I have not felt this sore in a long time. I’m going about 3 times a week for the next 6-8 weeks. They start me off by having me lay down on my stomach with a heat pad on my lower back. This is to relax the muscles. Then the physical therapist comes in and helps me stretch. So, basically she turns me into a human pretzel before putting me on the bicycle for 5-7 minutes. Followed by some leg/back exercises with weight machines then onto some floor exercises and more stretching. Once finished, its back on my stomach for some ice and muscle stim. I think I walk into PT better than when I leave but it should get better…I need it to get better. But right now its just kicking my ass.