Back in May I fell running and hit my hip hard but I felt ok after so didn't really think about it much. The next day after teaching spin I went to crossfit and my back killed by the time I finished class. I took a couple of weeks off to let it heal then again a few weeks after I was back running, spinning and doing crossfit I threw my back out worse than I ever have in my life. I couldn't put pressure on either of my legs and Todd pretty much carried me out of the gym and got me into bed. After a few days of my mom working on my back I was able to walk and function. I got an MRI which showed bulging discs on both the right and left side at L4, L5 and S1.
Todd and Eric gave me a blessing (Eric's first time to give a blessing) and in it they said that I would be able to deal with the pain and that the people taking care of me would know what to do for a full recovery. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but it was exactly what I needed. For about 6 weeks I worked through the pain as best I could. I got through Cancun with very little pain but no matter what the pain in my left leg and numbness in my left lower leg and toes wouldn't go away.
On July 4th I went to the gym and could tell something just wasn't right so I didn't finish my workout and when I got home I just laid down and tried to relax. All day my leg hurt so bad. Finally that night I took 2 muscle relaxers hoping that a good night sleep would help my back feel better. Around 1:00 am I woke up in excruciating pain and sent Todd a text that said "i need you". I couldn't get comfortable and was just laying there crying. I tried heat, ice, moving, changing positions, everything I could think of that had worked over the past 2 months. Nothing helped everything just kept getting worse. We finally decided it was time to go the ER. Todd was helping me pull up my sweat pants in the bathroom and I passed out. He said I was out for about 10 seconds and twitching. When I came to Todd was smacking my cheek and yelling my name right in front of my face. I couldn't remember where I was or how long I had been asleep. I remember it feeling so peaceful when I was passed out and when I came to I was completely lethargic. Eric came over to watch the girls (the boys were in Vegas for the weekend with my parents) and we got to the ER just before 2:00 am. It took about an hour to get checked in and then they managed my pain so I could wait to hear what the surgeon on call wanted to do in the morning. It was so nice to be out of pain. The drugs made me nauseous and I threw up a few times but for the most part I just slept off and on for a few hours. Poor Todd had to try to get sleep in the chair in the ER.
Once Dr. Reichman (the best neurosurgeon in Utah) got in he sent me to get another MRI and then they moved me upstairs to the orthopedic floor. I stayed there all day Saturday and my surgery was scheduled for Sunday morning. Todd stayed with me and took great care of me. Megan was with me so much and hooked me up with great nurses my entire stay. Sunday morning Todd and Megan came to be with me for my surgery. At 10:00 am a cute couple brought in the sacrament and gave us a short message. Todd even blessed the water. Then at 10:45 they took me down to pre-op. I almost didn't get my surgery though because of taking the sacrament! Thank goodness they said it would be ok. Before the knocked me out they gave me versaid so I wouldn't remember anything and when they came in to talk to me Todd said I was being very funny. The nurse asked me if I had any teeth, jewelry or body piercings that could be removed and I said "I'd rather you leave them all in" (meaning my teeth). Then she asked if I was wearing any undergarments and I said "nope just this hosptial gown and you can have it, it unties in the back". Then they wheeled me off to surgery.
According to the doctor the surgery went perfect. And when I woke up I wasn't in pain at all. I would be at the hospital one more day. I had lots of fun visitors over the 2 days. And once I was off pain medication started getting some serious reading done.
Once I got home all I could do was lay flat and stand up. I couldn't sit for more than a couple of minutes. I took a full 2 weeks off work and didn't leave the house at all. Except for short walks around the block. My family and friends and ward took such good care of me. I had dinners brought in for 2 straight weeks and it was such a blessing. I had a few bad days the first week (I even passed out again because my head hurt so bad) but only needed pain pills about 5 times and feel great now. Todd had to travel the second week so my parents drove the kids to all the activities and the ward brought in dinner every single night. I have never felt as loved in my entire life as I have through this entire process.
I see Heavenly Fathers hand directing everything. I made it through Cancun then got the very best doctor. Before my surgery I had the feeling we should postpone Claire's 8 year old trip (scheduled for July 17) until the fall sometime and we decided to move Todd's Canada week out from July 6th until the 13th. Todd had already changed all his arrangements before I ended up in the ER. I'm not signed up for any races so I don't feel bad that I can't run or workout for 2 months. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me and is actively involved in the details of my life.
Since the surgery 4 weeks ago I have read 17 books. I am back at work with a standing desk and I stand in meetings. I have only gone walking for exercise and I'm getting some of the feeling back in my toes. I am so excited to be back to normal. I can't bend down, twist or lift anything over 8 lbs so Todd and the kids are having to do EVERYTHING around the house. They are amazing and I am so grateful for them and how much they are doing to help me.
