Most obviously, I have a straighter spine. My curves went from 52 and 57 degrees to about 22 and 20 degrees.
I also have the addition of two rods and 18 screws in my back. That means that I can no longer bend or twist my back. It really bothered me at first, but not for long. It just means that I have really good posture and I don't have to work for it. People often compliment my posture, and if I have time, I will explain. If it's in passing, I just say thanks and pretend that I actually have the other option of slouching.
I also grew about an inch and a half. I was really hoping for 6 feet, but I'm just about an inch short. Oh well.
If I ever wear a shirt with a little lower back, of course I'm going to wear my hair up. I didn't go through all that not to show off my scar!
One change that I'm still trying to get used to is when the weather changes. Especially rain. I get pretty stiff and sore on those days. But I have gotten pretty good at predicting the rain! Sometimes I wonder if I was called to be a meteorologist...
Hi Katie, I just stumbled upon this blog. I've been looking for someone who can "relate" to me. I have 2 rods, 1 crossbar, 8 screw, 2 pins. I was in a major car accident 2 yrs ago, and 8 vertebraes in my back were crushed almost to smithers, so I also have reconstructed vertebraes...I can't lift over 10 pounds (realistically over 4 otherwise I'm in pain), bend, run, jump,etc. I'm in pain constantly and it worsens all the time. Despite this, thankfully, I can still walk..It's funny you mention the weather predicting. I'm the same way!
ReplyDeleteHere is my blog: http://www.danaesupdates.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteIt talks about my accident, recovery, and journey with Christ.