Long story short, but 6 weeks post neck surgery and I got the thumbs up on Tuesday from my neurosurgeon! X-rays show everything is healing properly, the screws are still in place and I can now raise my arms above my head again, which is something no one should take for granted, not ever. Imagine, if you will, not being allowed to lift your arms above your head, or bend your neck forward for 6 weeks. All I can say, right now, is that my hair is in desperate need of the best shampooing of its life.
I can do most things again without fear of keeping my neck as straight as the proverbial arrow. I have had a weird feeling for the past 6 weeks, a feeling that if I turn my head too quickly or too far in one direction (you know, like an owl) that the plastic plate in my neck with snap, and the two screws holding it in place will float around on the inside of my body. Impossible for sure, but creepy to think about (even creepier if you've seen my x-rays).
So, now that I'm officially on the mend, and can begin incorporating more strenuous exercise back into my routine, I'm one happy girl. On a sad note (dripping with sarcasm), I no longer have to wear my beautiful neck brace. That thing can just about walk on its own now anyway...a turn through the washing machine would have been nice. I'm thinking a funeral for the neck brace may be a good idea, like a symbolic step toward normalcy. That and I'd be putting it out of its misery.
--Amphritite
