12/03/2025
3 week post-op update:
It truly has looked worse than it feels! I'm SO thankful to have very minimal/ manageable pain!
Only pain that I've had to complain about is some bad muscle pain, as I'm sure it's from nerves being set free and now I also complain of being sore after sitting around for 2.5 weeks and then suddenly working (part-time) again.
My voice is still MIA. I constantly have to repeat myself (even more than usual 🙄😂). I do, however, sound better than I did right after surgery. I have to sip on drinks, otherwise I end up choking on whatever it is I'm drinking and spit it everywhere. I also occasionally send myself into a coughing fit due to crud getting stuck in my throat yet. This is all due to the surgeon going in the front and shoving everything over to get to my spine. They prefer to do surgery this way if the patient is OK with it being it is a much easier recovery because they aren't having to cut through any muscle.
Anyway, I'm doing pretty well considering how big of a surgery it was. I have been SO very grateful for those that have brought food, sent their thoughts/ prayers and have checked in! No small gesture has gone unnoticed!
Oh! I also forgot to add that this surgery has so far been worth it!! I don't have the grinding and pain in my neck anymore or any numbness/ tingling through my right arm that I was having! My range of motion is limited yet and I'm still under certain restrictions but I am so thankful to have doctors that listened and a surgeon that specializes in this!
