Thursday, July 26, 2012

Two years have passed...


I really can't believe it's been two years since my decompression surgery...  So much has happened, I will summarize:

The biggest change: My husband and I have moved to southern California.  I've also started my own business, Chowhound Photography.  My husband has started a new job, everything in life has changed.  Everything.

I am so happy to say that I am feeling better (Finally!).  My leg pain is almost non-existent.  I still get headaches, but so much less than even a year ago.  I truly believe the biggest thing that has helped me is the move to CA.  The pressure changes and the atmosphere in Washington was so difficult for me - so many changes in the weather, it was always damp and chilly.  Here, Encinitas, is so much more consistent and SUNNY. I was made to live in the sun.  If you know me, you know I will do anything to be in the sun.  And it helps that I get a fabulous tan.  I'm not bragging, it's true.

No words can accurately express how I'm feeling.  I have mixed emotions.  I remember the difficult journey that I've been through these past 7 1/2 years, and I know there are more obstacles ahead.  I know that I will never be pain-free.  I know that now.  But I finally feel like I'm starting to get myself back.  For so long I had so little control over my body - pain would dictate everything.  It would dictate my mood, what I could do that day, etc.  Pain would hang on me, wrapped me up like vines.  I finally feel like I'm wriggling free and controlling my body.

So how did I 'celebrate' my surgery anniversary?

I ran.  No music, only the sound of my feet, Georgia's feet, my breathing.

I went to the beach.  I watched the pelicans, felt the sun, listened to the waves.

I visited with friends, walked, relaxed.*

*I did start the day with a frustrating conversation regarding my camera that is being repaired, but that was the only speedbump.

I don't really know what else to say.  I am moving forward in my life, I am surrounded by an amazing support network, I'm working toward a career that I absolutely love.  It's good.  I still struggle.  It's still hard.  I still hurt.  But I feel myself moving forward.


My lady friends

Friends enjoying an evening at the beach