That is GREAT news my friend!! Great news!!

They say swimming is the best exercise one can do. Please do not over do but you know when to stop I am sure.

I am so sorry you must still swollow down pain pills like candy but we must do what we have to do and you have long known your limit.

Tony if I could share some of my wonderful pain relief with others....you and our friend Jim(Jhowie) would be at the very top of my list!!

Before long this pain you are now in will be a thing of the past. Keep hanging in there and do not worry about feeling sorry for yourself. Each and everyone of us do that at times too!!

Patsy W

I'm so relieved to hear the good news about your doctor's appointment! I wanted to post something about the need to expect setbacks on your other thread, but held off because of your desire to have the thread closed.

Being more active will help more and more over a period of time (the long slog, as you've put it), but as the others have said, back off as soon as your back or your "gut" starts to tell you you've had enough activity for the time being. We all care about you so much, Tony! Hang in there and do what your doctor says, which it sounds like you've been doing, and progress will be made in your recovery.
Love 'n , Ess

I know you're still in pain and feeling like death warmed up some days, but thank G-d your surgeon has been so positive and encouraging today. It must be such a relief to hear him being so uplifting about your current awful pain issues and at least he does not seem concerned about the hardware etc., so it's all good!

It must give you some reassurance that what you're going through is expected in the long road to recovery, even though it's a blimming hard road for you to travel on most days.

It's great that you can start swimming. I am sure you won't overdo anything. Just getting in/out of the pool might be exhausting the first couple of times and all you can manage for now, but at least you will be seeing other people in the real world going about their normal life and being a part of it, albeit a small part.

You'll get there, I'm sure. Just take it very slowly and when/if it hurts, STOP!

If I was a drinking person, I'd raise a glass to you right now!!! WELL DONE TO YOU, your Kath and your surgeon!

PS - I did try and phone you back, but left a message as I couldn't get through.

its always a worry going back to hospital for the first time and to be honest i was a little disappointed AT FIRST that he did not x ray me but when explained i understood it was a waste of time a money and he could see that i was stressed .i don't do {out of my house too well as i have been almost house bone for many years }.i did say swimming i was WRONG he said it was ok to pool walk and not to swim until the next time i visit him {sue not a problem }
tony

Have been following all your posts since your surgery and before. Really hope that this one will bring you some pain relief and stability to your spine. Does the doctor have you wearing a brace? Hang in there Tony, you are a fighter, although you may not think that of yourself sometimes. Greetings from Canada.

You may not feel better physically but it had to be a relief to know that what you are feeling physically & emotional is normal

AND he did not rip you a new one for chewing the pills - all in all a very good update, for which I am THRILLED for you!!!!

However you are still remaining in my thoughts/prayers as I know this was just 1 of many speed bumps to get over

flamboyant to say the least .he is not one for the RULES if it works for you and not for others ..what the hell!! .he is very refreshing and the hospital staff treat him like a god and all the patients want to see him rather than another consultant lower down the food chain .so yes grate that he is cool about not attending physio .as long as i am doing something else .no problems with the meds as long as i am taken them sensibly ..get the picture ? and no back brace ,just a waling stick
tony

I am so happy to hear about your positive doctor's appointment! Your consultant sounds wonderful. I have been thinking of you and was hoping for good news from your appointment.

Fantastic that you can get into the water and water walk:) This is something that I too am really looking forward to. Although I too, was pretty much housebound before surgery I did go to the pool for a couple of weeks before surgery and just walked around and it felt wonderful.

I can definitely see the no swimming at this point. I know before surgery that motion was impossible for me due to the extension (ouch) but walking in the water is the greatest feeling. It felt great to walk around without a walking aid.

Definitely this is a milestone in your recovery... One of many to come.

Big gentle and
Karen

When your Dr. tells you that things are going just as he expected them to to go.
That has to take a load off of your mind!
Jim

Hi Tony. I'm glad to hear that you're progressing properly. When you're hurting so bad, not sleeping, can't do things you want to and having just had major surgery, it can be a relief to have your doctor tell you that you're progressing the way they want you to. Sometimes you just need that reassurance and I'm so happy that you got it. It may not help physically, but it's got to make you happier to know nothing else is wrong and you're moving forward, albeit slowly, as is normal.

Take care of yourself and I hope to hear that you're moving around in the pool soon!

Cathie

Hi Tony Popping in to see how your doing

I realize that seems a bit silly to be cheering to hear that your intense pain is normal, but well . . . there it is. I suppose what I'm most happy to hear is that you can get in the pool. For now, just getting in the water and feeling the freedom to move without worrying about falling will be wonderful for you. Walk, stretch, make gentle movements to get those muscles going. I'm so glad he's not taking your pain meds away. I know some docs try to wean people off way too soon. My doctor seems to understand pain very well and knows I still have issues even 3.5 years after surgery. It will be a long haul, Tony, but I think you have a good chance of a recovery. Blessings to you. Time to start the gentle baby steps.