Day 2 Post-Surgery: Gratitude, Pain, and Reflections
Hi everyone,
I’m now on Day 2 post-surgery, and I’ll be honest—today has been the hardest so far in terms of pain. The medications are making me feel nauseous, dizzy, and light-headed, and I’m also experiencing annoying heart palpitations. Despite this, I managed to get out for a short walk with my husband (there’s no way I could safely walk alone), and it actually helped me feel a little better.
I was also spoiled today by my best friend, who dropped by with muffins, magazines, dinner, and a decaf latte. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing people in my life. Their support has been everything to me during this difficult time. I can only hope to be the same source of strength and kindness to others if they ever need it—though I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone.
What Led to My Spinal Surgery?
The short answer: a severely herniated disk pressing on my S1 nerve. This caused extreme, crippling sciatica that left me debilitated for the better part of eight months.
It all started after a ringette game in early March 2024. My osteopath correctly diagnosed the herniation, and I took it easy for about 6–8 weeks, missing the playoffs. By late spring, I felt better and cautiously resumed some activities, including light weightlifting and spring ringette. I even organized a lifting competition in April, though I didn’t participate.
Then, in June, things took a turn. I started working with a trainer to ease back into strength training. I noticed strange pain in my glutes, particularly during exercises like glute bridges. I even asked my trainer if it might be related to my disk, but they didn’t think so. In hindsight, it absolutely was.
Before leaving for a series of trips (a conference, a girls’ trip, and family visits in Europe), I tried back squatting for the first time since my injury (with the trainer). I felt okay during the session, but the next day my back hurt, and I felt off. Still, I went on my trip.
During my first week in Europe, my condition worsened rapidly. By the time I returned home, the pain was unbearable, and I went to the ER within 24 hours. Unfortunately, the Canadian healthcare system offered little help. I was told to see my GP, who had an eight-week waitlist, so I turned to private care.
I paid for a private MRI and started physiotherapy immediately. Over the next six months, I sought help from:
4 different physiotherapists (2 admitted they couldn’t help)
An acupuncturist (10 weeks)
2 osteopaths
A doctor for a spinal injection ($750, with no effect). This doc should have know better!
My GP (twice)
2 ER visits
Massage therapy
A private surgeon consultation ($600)
Despite trying every conservative treatment and taking every medication (pregabalin, naproxen, oxycodone, morphine, etc.), nothing touched the nerve pain. If you’ve experienced sciatica, you know: the burning, throbbing, and pulsating pain is relentless.
Why Surgery Became the Only Option
After months of suffering, I developed foot drop, calf numbness, and worsening weakness. Walking became nearly impossible without a walker, and my mental health was spiraling. I couldn’t be present for my kids or enjoy life.
During my second ER visit, I begged the doctor to consult a neurologist. The surgeon reviewed my scans and prioritized me for an appointment within two weeks. He explained that my type of herniation would likely never heal on its own—or could take up to five years for symptom relief. At this point, surgery was the only viable option.
Thanks to his compassion and advocacy, I had surgery within weeks. I’m incredibly grateful for his care and urgency. A young mom like me shouldn’t need a walker, and he pushed to get me back on my feet.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, I feel a mix of anger and relief. I was put through the wringer, often spending money on treatments that didn’t work. There’s so much misinformation online, promising “one move” or “one program” to cure sciatica. If you’re not improving after 8 weeks of debilitating pain, please seek a surgeon’s opinion.
Surgery was my only path to recovery, and while I didn’t want it, I’m so glad I finally had it. My advice: advocate for yourself. Don’t minimize your pain or blame yourself for a lack of progress. The pain, depression, and hopelessness are real, but you are not alone. Find a doctor or surgeon who will listen and help.
Gratitude and Things That Kept Me Sane
In these last two awful months, a few things have kept me grounded:
Chair workouts, standing Pilates, and barre for seniors (modified to my abilities)
A seated massage—life-changing when I couldn’t lie down
Support from my husband, family, and friends who checked in regularly
A heating pad and occasional ice
My ringette community...coaching and tryign to make it out to wtach my team game me good distractions. Kids are also hilarious.
I’ll share more about my surgery day and recovery in my next post. For now, I’m focusing on the better days ahead. If you’re going through something similar, know that there’s hope, even if the journey is tough.
With love and gratitude,
Erin
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