This is part of an on-going series of posts by Julie Hemker, a young woman born with sacral agenesis, and her Mom, Charlotte Schild. In this latest piece, Julie writes about how good it feels to be getting back to normal after her 49th surgery. Always joyful, Julie call this piece, “Sunshine.” If you would like to read the whole series, please scroll to the bottom where you will find links to the other posts in this series. – Pat
by Julie Hemker
Julie Hemker, author of “Living with Sacral Agenesis” series on TDWI
Time has passed since I last wrote. Why? The post-operative phase of this process proves challenging and it will be lengthy. Funny how I couldn’t wait to be on the other side of the spinal surgeries and I thought I could be eternally patient. Good news! I have passed the first of three hurtles in this recovery process. I started physical therapy this week and I’ve started walking with my walker and doing domestic chores around the house. Ahhh…finally a sense of normal. Every day I’m able to shower and get ready for my day, however limited it may seem to those around me. Each task accomplished feels like a win!
It’s as if I’ve found myself again. I’m back! I find myself laughing and smiling more. Of course, the pain is slowly coming down which helps. Rarely do I lay down for naps but do when I need one. By the end of the day I’m exhausted. It occurred to me, just yesterday, that perhaps I need to pace myself a bit more. Although I can do more I need to be at a slow consistent pace. As I’ve said before, “the turtle wins the race.” Already past stress fractures in my foot and femur are flaring up. I never even considered being on bed rest for nearly a year I’d have to ease into walking. So…I’m still able to challenge myself and remain on track for recovery only I will do it the correct way. Pushing and pushing to the point of near exhaustion proves that, yes, I can do certain tasks, but what does it say I’m doing to my body?
The most wonderful thing happened. I was able to have my first “outing” besides doctors’ appointments and surgeries. All I wanted (and I know this sounds crazy) was to go to the mall. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve seen real merchandise in stores. We were able to go to the café at Nordstrom’s and shop at a couple small places. Uh…I was so happy – interacting with people and feeling “normal” was fantastic. I’m glad we did this early in the month before it’s too hectic to get out and I just get to go out on little “outings,” with my husband. Already we’re getting a life. Just the fact that I can eat in the other room and am not on bed rest is progress. We watch TV out in the family room because I don’t need to lay down so much. Finally Mark and I are able to enjoy life more and the stress is lessening. Mark doesn’t have to worry, as much, about laundry and meals and I feel important. It feels like the “old me” making dinner. I love to cook. It’s an expression for me so it is an outlet which I’ve been missing for over a year. It’s exciting and I’m so grateful to have made it this far and cannot wait to continue on the path to recovery. [click to continue…]
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