PATIENCE

"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end." Margaret Thatcher, in Observer April 4, 1989 British politician (1925 - )

I've had to learn a lot about patience in the past few weeks. Being patient is not always easy. There are so many times when patience is necessary. I had already learned about patience with my eight-year-old daughter. Guiding her through her daily routine sometimes requires more patience than I feel I can muster. Waiting for Spring in the Northeast can be a frustrating experience, especially with the three inches of snow we had yesterday! In the weeks since my surgery, the healing process has left me feeling more impatient than I've ever felt before. Things are moving much slower than I had expected. As I know from family and friends who have gone through surgeries, healing can be a slow process. One day I feel pretty good, the next, more tired and sore than before. Every morning I wake up and pray for strength and patience to get through the day. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to call, send cards, emails, etc. It warms my heart, makes me smile and makes the waiting process much more tolerable!

Dancing With The Stars

If any of you watch "Dancing With The Stars", you will understand what I am about to say. I totally have a new hero. Professional Dancer, Karina Smirnoff, who is partnered with R&B Singer, Mario. She is currently recovering from cervical herniated disc surgery. You certainly would never know by her dancing!

So, today I had my two week follow-up visit with the surgeon's very knowledgeable and personable male nurse, Dan. All is healing well. Mark and I were shown the x-rays and I am just amazed at what it going on in my neck! I have two less discs, some new bone in their place, all held together by a metal plate and three screws! Now you could say that I'm really screwed up!

I was reassured that all of the symptoms I've been experiencing are part of the normal healing process and things should get better with time. I have to keep the neck brace on for three more weeks, but I can take it off at night to sleep. Yeah! I can also start to drive a little and I must walk, walk, walk, walk, walk in order to get my strength back and aid the healing process. I'm glad it's spring and the weather is getting better outside for my trips around the block! Maybe I should also take up ballroom dancing?

Torture Chamber

24/7. Need I say more?

The Tiny Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Well, it's been almost two weeks since my cervical spine surgery and I think I am finally seeing a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. Every day gets a little better, less painful, more energy filled. The symptoms that lead me to surgery are starting to fade. The numbness and tingling in my arms. My heavy "sand-filled" legs are feeling a little lighter. The electric buzzing throughout my body seems to be gone. I went for my first outdoor walk yesterday. It felt good. It was just around the block, probably less than a mile, but as I found out maybe a little more than I should have attempted on my first try. I felt very tired and weak at about the halfway point. My legs felt like rubber, but I trudged on and made it home safe and sound. I guess I didn't realize how really out of shape I am due to the lack of exercise in the three or so months before my surgery and the two weeks of recovery on the couch since. I couldn't help but be awestruck as I walked along how wonderful it is to be actually mobile after a major surgery. Truly a miracle! My husband has been wonderful during my recovery. I have been unable to do any of the household chores required of a mother on a daily basis. It's funny to think that I imagined everything would fall apart during my recovery. Sure, the beds are unmade and there are dustbunnies the size of Texas under them, but the major tasks have been completed and the family rolls along! My daughter didn't realize her dad was such a good cook. I knew it, but hadn't seen it since before we were married. It's been hard on him juggling work and home, but he's doing great. We've been through a lot in our 9+ years of marriage and I wouldn't have wanted to go through it with anyone else!

First Day of Blogging

My name is Lisa. Probably obvious from looking at my title. I've never blogged before and I'm not sure anyone will be interested in what I will write, but I thought "hey, why not?" Things to expect in this blog:

1. Random thoughts Maybe some pictures
2. Who knows???

Things not to expect in this blog:

1. Deep words of wisdom
2. Gossip
3. Perfect grammar or spelling

It may take a while for me to get things going, so please be patient until I find my "blog rhythm".

Please bear with me!