Wicked Scar

It's been exactly 10 weeks post surgery. The scar still looks pretty wicked even though I've been using Mederma (gel applied topically to diminish the appearance of scars). Most of the swelling has gone down around the incision. To the touch, there are certain areas along the scar that is completely numb and you can definitely feel the scar tissue. I believe there is some permanent nerve damage along the incision. It has been more than 2 months and the sensation has yet to return. Oh well. The scar looks unsightly for sure, but on the upside the pain and itching subsided. Here's what it looks like:

Wicked Scar

8th Week of Physiotherapy

This week marks the 8th week of physiotherapy here in the states. And yes, I'm still going 3 days a week. Since my last reevaluation not much has changed. At least from my standpoint. My range of motion feels about the same, but I will know for sure when I go in for another evaluation. The only thing that has changed since then is my workout routine. Weights have been incorporated to build up the strength in my legs and my abdominal muscles.

Here's my current workout routine:

• 10 minutes (3.3 miles) on the recumbent exercise bike 
• 3 sets of sidesteps with green resistant bands around ankles = 60 sidesteps
• 20 squats on bosu ball with 2 lbs weights in each hand
• 40 repetitions of alternating leg and arm lifts on medicine ball using 2 lbs weights on each ankle and 2 lbs weights in each hand
• 40 pelvic tilts on medicine ball simultaneously with bicep curls - 4 lbs dumbbells for each hand
• 2 sets of 10 for three-way leg lifts with 4lb ankle weights
• 20 reverse crunches with ball
• 40 (20 for each side) upper body rotation using red resistant bands 
• 10 cat and camel stretch
• 3 sets of hamstring stretches for both legs (30 secs per stretch) 
• manual stretch for hamstrings by the therapist

My current routine lasts about one hour. I opted out for the heat and electro stimulation simply because I've never felt any relief from it. In my personal opinion it was just a waste of time.

I do feel much better as a result of the surgery, but want to emphasize the point that I am not 100% pain free. I still have lots of pain in my sciatic nerves, glutes, and in my calf. With the exception of the glutes, the pain seems to be isolated primarily in the right leg. I have absolutely no idea why that is, but I've already come to terms that the existing pain will most likely last forever. It's not a shooting pain, but more so a throbbing pain in isolated areas. Now it's not constant, it is intermittent which is something I can deal with.

Tomorrow I will post a picture of the scar. :) For any of you whom are interested in getting an artificial disc surgery please feel free to ask any questions you may have (either about the surgery and/or recovery, about Dr. Pablo Clavel, Barcelona Spine Center at Quiron Hospital, or about Stenum Hospital).