On day 2, they had her up and attempting to stand. By day three, we had been moved to a regular room. We were lucky that she didn't have anyone occupying the other half of her room. I was able to stay with her every night, sleeping in the other bed. Each day the doctors, nurses and therapists had her up, walking and re-learning how to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth or putting on your socks. For four months she was not allowed to bend or twist at the waist. They even had a mock shower stall they used to teach her how to step in and out of the bathtub safely.
On the 8th day we were finally released. It was so good to be home. We had made a make-shift bedroom in our living room, so she wouldn't have to climb the stairs. Little by little she regained mobility and stamina. After two weeks, she was ready to go in public for some shopping. We needed to find clothing that would fit over her brace. She quickly realized just how much energy shopping takes. The simple things were no longer simple. Even showering took a long time. Her back had to be completely taped and covered so water couldn't seep into her incision.
School started 5 weeks after the surgery had taken place. Her teachers were understanding of her need to bring a pillow, sit close to the door so she could stand if needed and even be late to class due to the fact that it took her much longer to walk across campus. Plus we didn't want her in the middle of the pushing and shoving that can happen when students are rushing to class.
After 4 months, she finally was able to let go of the brace. Her doctor did let her go one night without it. This was so she could attend homecoming. As she put it. The brace and the dress, just don't go together. Her doctor told her to have fun, just no "break dancing, slam dancing or mosh pits".
On February 29th, just 7 months after her surgery, Dr. Gray told her she could resume limited sports activity. She began playing softball for her high school. During the second game, I received a call from one of the coaches asking me which hospital she should be taken to. A girl on the other team should have slid to the base, but didn't know how to slide, so she just plowed her over. I was so worried about possible injuries to her back. I immediately called her Doctor who assured me that everything was fused and not to worry unless she complained of her back hurting. What a relief. However she did end up leaving the hospital on crutches and her leg in a stabilizer. After a few doctors appointments and an MRI, it was determined that she had bruised her meniscus and would just need time to heal.
April was the beginning of soccer tryouts. She was determined to make a team. She attended to league tryouts. Both leagues she had played for in the past. She had high hopes of making the division 1 team, but knew that not playing for 8 months put her at a disadvantage. Her endurance was low, she was basically out of shape. We explained to her many times that it will take time for her body to get back into the physical condition it had been in the year before. Although she didn't make the Division 1 team, she did make the Division 3 team. After a few months of training, she is back to full speed. As of last week, her doctor gave her the green light to even play goalie again.
I love to watch her in the goal. She is so determined to not let a single ball get by. It is as if she has a personal vendetta against the ball.On Sunday, July 20th, she was in her zone.
