Update 9/14.

3 weeks and 1 day post surgery. Thanks for all the great wishes and good advice to take it easy. Still healing really well and walking almost daily at least 3 miles. I'm limited by 2 things - one, after about 30 minutes of walking the pressure of the brace on my left side lower back and hip starts causing my other (left) leg and hip to hurt and two, I can't stretch much at all because I can't bend much at all. I'm desperate to stretch my hamstrings and quads and other muscles and tendons that are waking up after a long time. Not being able to stretch means the chance of other areas hurting, so this also slows me down for sure. And still - it's glorious to move and wear gear and be outside, even though I've been rained on almost every time I've walked. Started driving this week too. Not anxious to drive or ride in a car very far, but it's nice to be able to get out to errands and appointments on my own again. My husband took great care of me, though, so I didn't feel shut in at all for those 3 weeks. No complaints! 2.5 more weeks of the brace, I can do it.

Have a nice weekend everyone, and my thoughts are out to our friends in NC and SC this weekend.

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Hi gang,
I'm getting back in the swing after my back surgery on 8/23, and I am so ecstatic about not being in pain any more I just had to share. I am not, by nature, a cheerful person but the last few days I cannot even contain myself!

I have been able to walk miles already, because the pain down my right leg that has plagued me for the last 3 years -- esp the last year -- is completely gone. I am on the road to get back being to the active, athletic person I have always been. I've missed that active person. Literally I had not worn my running shoes for months before this surgery. I could barely do yoga at the end. I used to burn through 2 pairs of Nikes a year! I plan to take it slowly, follow all orders and build from my feet up. I can't wait to work with my yoga instructor!

It's rare to get immediate pain relief from anything. It's like being able to breathe after having a weight on my chest. Believe me, my back hurts plenty but it's expected and bearable pain. The first 9 days after surgery were not fun due to severe headaches and nausea, but I turned this huge corner yesterday when I woke up without a headache, and with energy and appetite. I literally cried with joy when I was walking yesterday. And I started thinking how great it will be to walk around Boston for the first time without pain, and NY and all the places it's been hard to travel to for work. Plus, all the places I've been putting off going to for fun are now back on the table.

Fashion notes: 1) A rigid back brace is not a fashion accessory. It's like wearing your desk chair on your back all day. 2) I'm still glad I've gotten rid of my high heels, but I am looking forward to shoes with some heel again when the time is right.

Feeling super lucky.

Thanks to all who sent me good wishes!