Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

Sorry for the cliche, but it is appropriate. Today I pulled up into a handicapped spot, as I do everyday on campus. One of the profs came up to me and said, "Hey, do you know that you parked in a handicapped spot and could get a fine." I looked at him and said, "Yes, I do know I parked in a handicapped spot and if you look at my car you will see the handicapped placards hanging from the mirror. I had a spinal fusion and am recovering." Well, he felt REALLY bad and just tried to keep digging himself out of his very deep hole. He said, "Oh, let me hold the door for you. It is the least I can do." I rejected his "kind" offer. Oy - people are weird. Yes, I'm not in a wheelchair and I am not going to pull up my shirt so everyone can see my scar. Why do people make stupid judgments like that without any information. He didn't even bother to look if I had a handicapped placard. He just made a split second judgment by looking at me. I feel kind of bad for him because he is utterly embarrassed, but hopefully it taught him a good lesson.

So, three days ago I woke up with a sudden onset of vertigo. It turns out that I most likely have an inner ear virus that should go away in 6-8 weeks. Guess I just always draw the "lucky" health card. I don't ask for much, but I hope 2008 will be much calmer with lots of good health.

5 months post-op

Tomorrow I am 5 months post-op. Wow. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe I've already made it this far. In many ways I am doing better than I expected, and in others I get quite frustrated. I still have pain, which is to be expected after such a large and grueling surgery. I got pretty down the other week because my lower back pain that I had before surgery returned and I thought, "What did I do all this for?" I think (I hope) it was just a phase, or I may have over-extended myself . . . or something. I can't freak out at every pain I get. I started pool therapy and that is going well and hopefully helping. It is too soon to tell, but I enjoy being in the water, even if I can't actually swim yet.

I'm working quite hard now and my husband is in the midst of taking his doctoral preliminary exams. NO fun! He has 10 days at home to complete the written portion before his oral exams, which means I'm trying to stay out of the way as much as possible. I also feel bad asking for his help when he is so busy, but I'm sure he understands.

My father is coming here for Thanksgiving in a few weeks and I am excited for him to see how well I'm doing now. The last time I saw him was 1 month post-op! Wow, how things have changed. I'm looking forward to the rest and the cooking.