1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

I can't believe it has been one year. My wonderful Aunt Lisa and Uncle Don sent me a cookie bouquet with cookies shaped and decorated like brains.

The purpose of this blog was for my husband to communicate with family and friends while I was in New York. However, I thought I would update the blog for those of you that have ACM and need answers for an upcoming surgery.

I feel SO much better than before. I am so grateful that I have had the surgery. HOWEVER, I wish that I would not have waited. I will always wonder if I would be better now if I would have waited. I am so grateful for TCI. Before my surgery I wanted to know what it was like after....

I can sneeze, cough, etc. without feeling like my head is going to explode. However, there is still a small, small amount of pressure in my head. It is not terrible...much improved. I try not to lift more than 10 pounds. When I do, I can feel it...BUT IT IS NOT TERRIBLE. I just feel the heat and the pulling, so I try not to push it.

Now my head feels like it is going to fall off. It feels better when I lift my head and hold it with my hands. This is not a huge daily problem. I mainly notice it when I am driving or riding in a car. I am pretty sure I may need to be fused, but I am in denial. I know I need to get back to New York soon. I try not to turn my head too much. Also, when I look up my neck hurts and I feel like I am going to vomit. So, I don't do that...

My family, specifically my husband, never makes me feel bad about my limitations and for that I am grateful. I have had the opportunity to visit with several people that get much worse because they went back to a normal life after their surgery. Well, I know how bad it was before surgery and I hope to never forget so I try be careful. I would love to go on roller coaster rides, dive head first into a pool, run, etc. but I have decided to not go there. I try to stay positive....and with family and friends like mine it is easy.

You are always welcome to call or post to facebook if you have any specific questions.