2012

So it's nearly the end of another year and it's got me thinking about how good of a year it's been for my back and all the things I've managed to do. At the start of the year I was still doing physio, my back still felt weak and stiff and I was scared of doing things which might cause damage.

As the year progressed, I found myself gaining more strength and more confidence to push myself as I began to realise that I'm stronger and can do more than I first thought.  

My scoliosis surgery gave me a new zest for life and one of my resolutions last year was to try new things and get as much as I can out of life, despite my back condition.

This year I have climbed mount Snowdon in Wales, which was very difficult and a huge personal challenge for me, travelled to Marrakech, Turkey and Denmark, bought my first car, taken up Zumba (which I never thought I'd be able to do post surgery) completed a web design course and started a Masters degree in digital marketing communications whilst working full time, which keeps me very busy! 2012 was also the year I was given the all clear by my surgeon that finally, after over 10 years of annual scoliosis checkups, I now no longer need to go back to the hospital for X-rays each year.

My back has also never felt stronger, although I still get the odd pain days, I don't take painkillers as frequently anymore and I can now bend and pick things up more easily, although my grabber still comes in handy especially when tidying things off the floor. I also still believe, even though it's been two years since my surgery, that there is still a way to go and it will continue to improve over the coming months. 

The important thing is a couple of years ago my back condition consumed me, now I rarely think about it and get on with my life - and for that I am thankful.

I hope that in 2013 I can continue to push myself, aim high and not let my scoliosis hold me back, so to speak ;)

Happy new year!

Louise x

Image by pepemczolz via Flickr