Surgery and Recovery

As many of you already know, I had major back surgery last week.

I have had a bad back since I was a teen-ager, not unusual for those of us who have ridden horses all of our lives. My getting back into competitive riding again last year did contribute to the worsening of my symptoms, but I have always known that eventually I would need back surgery. I do not the normal disc compression problem, my problem is more than that. My spine actually slipped at L5/S1 (a grade 2+ slippage) and along with the resulting disc area complete destruction, I was experiencing severe nerve damage down my left leg and into my left foot. I had developed foot drop in my foot and was having trouble walking and standing. So, the time had come to get it fixed once and for all.
My screws from the back.

From the side. My spine was pulled back into place and screwed into place. My prognosis is great and I actually should be better than ever once I heal.

It looks like it will be a year before I can get back into the saddle- but I am just thankful that I am will be able to ride again. Jedermann will continue competing with my sister Sarah in San Diego- I w! ill be t heir groom. It is going to be a fun year for Jeder and Sarah!

I spent two days in the hospital and am now on 30 days of bed rest at home. It is extremely important that I allow the screws in my spine to fuse and hold, so I cannot do anything except rest. I am able to get around and walk, but am weak and in pain.

I will try to update everyone with the Shiloh Happenings from here. We are keeping things quiet and low key at the ranch for now, nothing major will be going on. Sally is bearing the brunt of the ranch work and is also dealing with the county inspections of our new ranch homes. Of course, we have been waiting for our house inspections for months and now they are finally moving forward when I am not there to help!

We really appreciate the extra help, understanding and support our hard working volunteers have been giving. We really can't thank everyone enough!

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