11-27-24 Update continues

Making progress but much slower than I had anticipated. Pain continues, but nothing sharp as before. Still using brace after all and have not been dancing yet - finger crossed for maybe next week. Debi continues teaching.

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11-19-24 Fall Update

Saw Dr - way better news than I had excepted! What damage was done will heal in 6-8 weeks on it's own. His demo of my disc cushion was crushing a styrofoam coffee cup. Brace was not put on correctly at ER - might not have felt so bad, had it been done right. Don't even need if sitting. He showed me correct way and use if helps, if not, don't. It won't hurt anything if I don't use it. It should help with walking and that's when the pain is the most now. I've been walking around very gingerly when I've not had it on for nothing. No surgery needed and the kyphoplasty isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Due to my osteopenia, it might cause more problems down the road than it's worth. But it would have eliminated the pain almost immediately though. When I asked about dancing, his first reply was wait the 6-8 week but changed his mind when he saw the tears welling. Now its, take a little at a time and stop if it hurts. I can live with that! No bending, twisting, 10 lbs on lifting. He's ordered a MRI and will need a follow up appt. I asked why no bruising and he said it's all on the inside. I think I dodge the bullet on this one! See you all in class, along side Debi! Thanks again for caring.​

 

11-16-24 My Fall

Some of you know a lot, some know a little and some know nothing. Hoping this is the easiest way to get everyone on the same page. Trying to keep as short as possible Excuse poor grammar…

 

Fell Sun from only 2nd step of a “platform” style ladder. Landed on my back n then onto floor. Back hit square on the rounded countertop edge at the sink. Apple Watch called EMS n was taken Foley ER. X-rays found nothing broken. BTW get a watch!!!  It was amazing and saved time and stress on Frank trying to call 911, who then called me for details. There is an option to ignore fall indicated.

 

Due to continued sporadic sharp pains, went to new Gulf Shores ER Thurs. CT scan found a compression fracture with body loss. Put me in a brace. Gave me pain RX. Made an appt for this Tuesday w Foley neurosurgeon, Dr Juan Ronderos. Told me to take it easy, minimal walking n sent me on my way. Very nice people and place.

 

Debi Robbins, a long-time friend and longer-time dancer and teacher in Fairhope, subbed for me this week. She'll be around until mid Dec at least. All classes will continue as usual one way or another. Probably will visit quite often. December 10th Christmas dance is still a go, as well as my Christmas class party but no date yet.

 

The “stylish” black brace keeps me out of positions that cause the sharp pain plus prevents further damage. Definitely has a learning curve though on how to adjust it. Yesterday was quite uncomfortable. Poor little boobs thought they were in a continuous mammogram and hadn’t been that far north for more than a few minutes in 30 years!  Can be removed at night and for showers. So far today is a bit better.

 

Spent a lot of time yesterday reading up on this doctor and his techniques/procedures. Very excited about both. Specialty is minimally invasive surgeries and kyphoplasty, an outpatient procedure with good results and short recovery periods. Hoping to be a candidate.

 

Thanks so much for the numerous offers of help which I appreciate greatly. My to do list of things inside and outside has nothing on it that can't wait. Should be good. Frank can always run to the store.  Have two dancers in sub, another only 2 subs away and lots of great neighbors. I'm very fortunate!

 

Continuing my couch potato state until Tuesday and will post doctor visit results then. Had to laugh earlier when the watch sent alert like “seeing an unusual change in your daily routine”!