Hello hello! I'm back...

After a year long hiatus I have lots of catching up to do. So much has gone on since my last post that I figured I should give you guys an update on everything that has taken place since then 'til now. Of course, I completely forgot what was last written and I had to take a look to refresh my memory. It also gave me an insight as to why I put this blog on the back burner in the first place... From the time that I made my last entry, it took Dr. Clavel or perhaps I should say his assistant Yolanda approximately 6 months to email his remarks after having reviewed the results of the CT myelogram. Here is his commentary:

“Posterior microsurgical revision of the lumbar nerves is not a complex surgery. Done under the microscope. Medial microsurgical facetectomy to unroof the nerves in the lateral recess.

The EMG states there is no acute radiculopathy and that they only detect chronic right S1 radiculopathy. Symptoms suggest right L5 distribution besides S1.

The CT myelogram does not show clear lateral recess stenosis.

Still the surgery may be done since we will cause no harm.

Still, we cannot guarantee improvement.”

Initially, I thought this procedure might help with the pain I'm still experiencing in my sciatic nerves. That is until I consulted Dr. Asdourian. Dr. Asdourian stated that that procedure is simple. It is a decompression of the nerves in the posterior area, but it will not address the issue. Since the nerve pain is caused by the bone spur impinging on them the only way to correct that is to remove said bone spur. That surgical procedure could possibly lead to more permanent nerve damage. Hence, the reason why Dr. Asdourian originally stated surgery being very risky.

I've come to the conclusion I am done with surgery. I will not be having anymore procedures trying to correct the issue. I'm also happy to announce I've been medication-free for several months. I no longer take Lyrica for the nerve pain nor do I take any anti-inflammatory meds. Obviously, I'm not pain-free nor will I ever be, but physically my life has been much easier since I had the ADR surgery almost two years ago.

On another note, I've managed to enjoy some activities without experiencing pain. Here are a couple of photos of me kayaking:

Kayaking in St. Thomas

Kayaking with Dolphins in Virginia Beach :)
 Sadly, there are no dolphins in this shot.

Over the course of the past few months, I've learned how long I can be sedentary without feeling pain. The time limit is approximately 2 1/2 hours. I figured this out while driving to and from Virginia Beach. The drive is about 5 hours or so depending on traffic. Unfortunately, I tend to be very stubborn whilst driving. What I mean by that is I do not make any unnecessary stops. Although I was writhing in agony for more than 3 hours I refused to pull over. Rather I endured the pain just so I could get to my destination quicker. I know it's not a logical way of thinking but like I said I'm stubborn. Anyway, the moment I got out of the vehicle I felt immediate relief. Will I be foolish enough to do that again?! Most likely, but at least now I know what to expect after 2 1/2 hours of sitting. 

Aside from kayaking I've taken up swimming. I presumed this would be a therapeutic activity for my back as well as a good way for me to be active. Perhaps this is the case for those who were already active swimmers prior to having back pain, but I must say for me being a beginner adult it is rather difficult, not to mention very painful. I've had five one-on-one sessions along with several hours of solo practice sessions for the past three weeks. Although I can swim, I cannot stay afloat. If my lungs are full of air I have no problem but the second I exhale I sink no matter what. And I digress...that is another story. Not only that but after 30 minutes of swimming my left leg cramps up every time; I cannot figure out why. After about an hour I start to have minor pain in the lumbar region. I've also noticed my left leg is much weaker than my right. (It would make sense if it was the other way around.) Consequently, I realize swimming is more arduous than I anticipated. The only thing that comes to mind is what my first orthopedist told me about 12 years ago... He asked if I swam to which I said, 'No, but I plan on taking swimming lessons this summer.' He replied, 'Don't bother. You won't be able to.' At the time I was only 21 years old and not very good at questioning doctors. I now wish I had taken the time to ask him why. Nevertheless it's a little too late. But I can't help wonder if there is truth to what he said. Clearly I'm struggling with swimming on so many levels. If any of you have some insight please feel free to share your thoughts.