Tuesday 31 July 2012

Usain Bolt has Scoliosis!

I read the other day that Usain Bolt, the "fastest man in the world" has scoliosis. 

I'm not sure how bad his scoliosis is but I myself found it very inspiring that the fastest man in the world has the same condition as me as he has obviously not let his back stop him from achieving his dreams.

I found an interview with Bolt here where he discusses the importance of keeping his core and back strong, something I have been working on alot myself recently. 

I don't think I'll be sprinting anytime soon but it just goes to show that anything is possible and makes me more determined than ever to train hard at the gym and achieve everything I want to, despite my scoliosis.

Sunday 29 July 2012

2 years post op!

I can't believe it but today I am 2 years post op! I can't believe it was a whole two years ago today that I had my scoliosis surgery.

I thought I'd do a quick update on how I'm feeling now in myself and how my back is. 

I'd say at 2 years post op I'm pretty much back to normal, I work full time and I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. 

I still get bad pain days from time to time but I don't take painkillers everyday now and I'm just really thankful for everything I can do. 

Everytime I go to the gym, drive my car, go shopping, even getting out of bed by myself (things I used to take for granted) I really appreciate that I can do them. 

I think this surgey has made me look at my life in a different way and just be thankful for every thing I can do and thankful for life in general. I think it's only when these things are taken away or made difficult after this kind of surgery, that you realise how much you really rely on using your back in every day life. People really do take it for granted. Everytime I do something new that I havent done since surgery I feel so happy that I'm able to do it.

It's a long, slow recovery and it's only very recently that I've been able to do things like lie on my side in bed comfortably but I got there eventually! 

I also still feel stiff sometimes, I dont know if this will ever go but I'm kind of used to it now. If I had the option, I still wouldn't change my back for a "normal" one without the rods, as in a way I quite enjoy being unique and the rods make my back feel strong and supported. 

I don't think my back will ever feel 100% normal, but who knows it might improve even further in 6 months time!

I don't have my 2 year post op appointment until October (the hospital forgot about me!!) so I just prey everything is ok with the fusion and metalwork until then.

I'd say to people early on in their recovery - you still have a long way to go but eventually you do start getting back to "normal" and getting on with and enjoying your life again.

Louise x