6 Weeks

6 Weeks and counting down to my 8 week check up. I feel pretty good...Only notice the hip problem when I stand too long. Numbness in my finger still comes and goes, but actually goes sometimes. Started to take off my neck brace for a few a little bit at a time, but notice that if I keep it off to long the original symptoms come back, so I just put it back on. I wonder if would have just worn a next brace for 8 weeks, the pain would be gone...Humm.

Hope to have good news in the upcoming weeks. The 8 week x-rays will show if the fusion took or not. If not, I'll be screwed.

5 weeks

Nothing really has changed this week. Still feel pretty good. Hip is still a bit sore and the brace is bugging me, but other than that I would say it is still the same. No better no worse. My doc appointment is still 3 weeks away, but I can take the brace off on Monday.

4 Weeks

Well, 4 weeks have gone by and I'm wishing time would move a bit faster. I feel good, pain down the arm is gone and the numbness in my finger is also starting to diminish...Yes!! Minimal pain in my hip so things on that front are great. However, I am entering a new challenge with this recovery process, and that is boredom. One thing I didn't think about, was how long it would take before I could do anything and I never realized how active I really was. I guess I thought it would be nice to sit around and do nothing, but that was got old after a week. It has been 4 weeks and I am finding myself fighting not to break the doctors orders, but I just remember if I do, I will be on the D.L. even longer. You would never believe how much you miss picking up your crying kid and mowing your own lawn in just 4 weeks time. O' well, finish line is coming.

3 Weeks

So it has been 3 weeks now and the progress is moving along. The pain in my hip is still present but it has gotten about 30% better than last week. Standing while putting weight on that leg is the most painful thing. Walking, walking up hill and while sitting, I really don't notice the hip. Standing and walking down a hill or steps is the most painful.

Back pain is moving along okay. I still have numbness in my finger, which is expected to be the last to go away, and some pain around the area of the fusion. The pain running down my arm is all but gone (Thank god) so I'm hoping a few more weeks and I'll be pain free.

The one thing that is getting to be a major pain in the neck (literally) is the soft neck brace. You have to wear this thing 24/7 except when in the shower, and it is really warm. You sort of forget that it is there when your in a climate controlled area, but when outside in the warm weather, or a hot office (like mine) its like wearing a super thick scarf. You inevitably work up a sweat, so I need to wash it almost daily. I would recommend a second brace to anyone who may go do this.

I guess all in all things are going as well as expected, but I have to say, I wish I would have done this way before golf season.