October 20, 2021 is a big day in my life.

One year ago today, I went under the knife for the second time in less than 6 months.

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First, I had a microdiscectomy which is a, "minimally invasive spinal surgery to remove any disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or spinal cord," on July 7, 2021.

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The incision was about an inch or two long and I went home from the hospital on the same day.

Two months later, almost to the day, I heard something pop.

The same disc had re-herniated and was now putting pressure on nerves in my spine which is intensely painful if you did not know.

As a result, I underwent a double spinal fusion in October and now one year later, I am still very much in recovery.

To anyone currently experiencing chronic pain, going through recovery or anything in-between, I get it and I have a piece of advice.

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I still have good weeks where I can attend everything I'd hoped to or it is the worst week ever and I have to cancel on everyone.

When this happens, I used to find myself getting concerned that I look inconsistent or like I was picking and choosing my top priorities and throwing the rest by the wayside.

I regret thinking like that and letting it effect any decision related to my health.

So I am here to tell you: you do what is best for you.

It sounds so simple, but it can be tough to put those words into action.

If you need to cancel or miss out on a big event because of pain, do it.

I do no care how many people you upset or what other pressures are life are coming at you.

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If you do not take the proper steps now, you will not heal properly which could have permanent effects on the rest of your life.

I wish I had learned this lesson sooner.

Oh, and call your doctor as many times as you need to because that is what they are there for. Call for questions, comments, concerns, medications, increased pain levels. Just take care of you and if that means calling your doctor multiple times for week, do it.

Recovery is not a straight line. It is the most unpredictable, annoying zig zag that curves in the most inconvenient ways possible.

It is not easy. I know it is not easy.

I feel like a chunk of my personality has gone missing throughout this process because instead of thinking about creative concepts, dogs and wine, a lot of my thought process is now dominated by the pain.

There is definitely improvement. The question my doctor always asks is: "Do you feel better than a month ago?"

Confident doctor posing at the hospital
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My answer is always yes which means I just have to keep going.

Backs specifically are so intricate and apparently it is not uncommon for me to still be on my way to recovery.

I'm frustrated. I'm exhausted. And I may be tearing up as I write this right now....but if I keep going, you have to too.

Deal?

And if you need someone to talk to: Nicole.Murray@townsquaremedia.com.

Good luck and do your exercises no matter how much you hate them!

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