1 Year Post Spinal Surgery

Oct 28, 2026 would be 1 year since my spinal surgery.

1 year ago to this day, I was not able to sit, stand or walk for very long. Towards the end of October 2025, I was not able to lay down either. Everything was just painful. I was on a long list of medications which was not helping. The last resort was a dose of Hydromorphone - 8 times stronger than Morphine - and it didn't even hit me. 

1 year later...well, a lot has happened as you know. But from a spinal perspective, the sciatica is mostly gone. The burning sensation is gone. The sharp shooting pain is gone. All I've had to deal with was mostly just random muscle aches. 

I've attended physio as much as I could, to learn all the proper body mechanics and exercises to continue when I feel aches. The key is, to keep moving. Once you get lazy and stop or stay stagnant, the aches will come back. On-going proper posture is also key in maintaining good spinal health. 

I was hoping to celebrate my 1 year post surgery, but unfortunately dad didn't get to make it to this day. It's not so much of a celebration now, but more of a throwback. 

Overall, I had maintained all the postures, all the exercises leading up to dad's hospitalization. Once he physically depended on us to help him, the repeated duties started to strain my back. Sometimes in the spur of the moment, I forget that I'm suppose to do this or that, and end up straining myself more than I should. Because I was just too focused on dad's well-being that I threw mine out the window.

Eventually I had to stop myself (along with my family scolding me that I pushed myself too much) if I didn't want to go through with another spinal injury and surgery. I had to remind myself to not twist or bend too much, but use my core if I wanted to help dad. I had to rewire my brain again. 

Ever since dad passed, my back has continued to ache. I meant to go back to physio, but once again, I'm stuck in my time phase. I know I need to do my exercises but haven't gotten to them just yet. However, I keep myself moving instead of staying still. 

My scar has healed nicely. I mean it could've healed much nicer if I had continuously used my scar cream but I got lazy in between and didn't put it on as frequently as I should. 

Aside from random cold feelings on my leg, or just this random feeling of numbness at times, overall I feel way better than last year. The surgery was a blessing in disguise. I'm still amazed how quick I was seen, and I thank God everyday that the surgery happened last year, and not this year. Otherwise there was no way I could help look after dad in the state that he was in. Physically it would've been very challenging. Given that I had time to heal, it gave me all the opportunity to help dad this year. God is wonderful, and I got to thank Him for sending me an amazing surgeon who took care of me. 

I don't use a cane anymore (woohoo). And although it's been more than a year since I wore heels, I was cleared from the surgeon to wear them again. But fair warning, to not fall over. Got it doc!

Last night, I went to watch Resident Evil (honestly, it was stupid. I prefer the first one 20+ years ago which had way more action) and wore my Loub heels for the first time in over a year. Thankfully it was a short walk because my feet started to really ache. I know I should work my way up to heels again. I just can't find my wedges. But anyways, it's a work in progress. Now that winter is just around the corner, I'm taking a long break from wearing heels. Maybe next year I'll try again. 

Although I'm cleared to now twist and bend, I still have to be very cautious I don't overdo it. Climbing into the sports cars is much better now, although I'm still cautious and take my time getting in and out of them. At least I can drive comfortably now versus last year. 

I still try to be very careful around very heavy items. I know I can't push myself too much, but I use proper body mechanics to do any heavy lifting. Most times, other people will take on the heavy lifting or moving while I do the light things as everyone is terrified I will re-herniate again. Anything is possible.

For those who are in a similar situation as I was last year, keep telling your doctors. Push for answers. Don't sit back and just let them dictate for you. If you've tried all the conservative therapies and it's getting worse, tell your doctor to refer to a spinal surgeon. Don't want too long to get it looked at. 

October is spinal health month. We only have one spine in this lifetime. Make sure to take care of it.