L5 S1

That is the location of my ruptured disk.

That is where the doctor sliced open my back yesterday morning and removed the ruptured part of the disk.

That will - hopefully - no longer be the epicenter of pain that has ruled my life for the past three years.

Yesterday morning I had a lumbar laminectomy. After years of anti-spasmodics, narcotic and non-narcotic pain killers, anti-inflammatories, chiropractic care and physical therapy, surgery was the only option left. My pain was becoming stronger every day and I was having fewer and fewer days without pain. I didn't want to do surgery but I had finally reached my last resort.

The doctor said that it was a rather large rupture so I'm glad that I had the surgery. I am eager to recover so I can get my life back. I've had so much anger and resentment that my life could come to a screeching halt at any time because of a twinge or turning the slightly the wrong way.

Right now, my recovery involves walking as often as I can, sitting and standing as much as I can tolerate it. It also involves post-op pain but all of the sciatic pain I was feeling.... gone! Poof! I'm not allowed to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk until my follow up appointment on the 13th. I have no desire to lift anything -- it hurts! After the appointment, I'll still have restrictions and will probably do some physical therapy.

I am so determined to do my best to make this surgery a success. I'm not taking any chances; I'm asking for help or just not doing things if I can't do them.

I have a lot of hope and positivity about this surgery. I'm ready to be me again!