Learning My New Normal After Scoliosis Surgery
I started writing this post 5 days ago. I haven’t been motivated to write recently with everything that’s going on. Lately, I just want to lay in bed and watch my Real Housewives shows. At this point, I am caught up on all of them so I have no choice but to finish this post. (scoliosis)
Although I am happy to be home, there are definitely times during each day that I still cry about everything and become super depressed. As I settle in at home, I’ve had difficulty finding my new normal and adapting to the new way I have to do things; Things that the average person including myself pre-surgery never even think about. For example, when I used to brush my teeth at my bathroom sink, I would bend down to spit into the sink and then cup some water in my hand to rinse my mouth. Since I can’t bend down and hunch over to do that, 95% of the time when I spit standing up straight, the toothpaste and water dribble down my chin and it doesn’t make it entirely into the sink. I’m sure I look silly. I have now learned that a cup needs to be used to spit into. Showering has been fun. I sit in a shower chair while Neil scrubs me with a loofa. My skin is super sensitive and actually hurts while he does this. It feels like charts of glass being ground into my skin. However, showering like this is only temporary and at least I have an awesome husband who doesn’t mind scrubbing my armpits and shaving my legs. Getting in and out of bed has to be done by rolling to my side while simultaneously getting my legs off the bed and sitting up with both hands. I have to be very careful not to twist or bend at ALL. I have a walker next to my bed that I use to get to the staircase. Once I am at the top of the staircase, I have a cane that I use with Neil to get down the stairs to another walker which I use to get around downstairs. My back brace must be worn anytime I am out of bed and that thing is freaking uncomfortable and hurts. Will and Nicky were scared of it at first,  so I told them it was a turtle shell like one of Will’s favorite cartoons. Nicky will now point to it and say turtle and it’s the cutest thing ever. I hate not being able to do things for myself including being able to pick Nicky up to hug him. It makes my heart literally ache watching him cry out saying Mama with his arms up to be held. This is something I won’t be able to do for 11-12 months and even after a year it will only be allowed for small amounts of time.  I tear up every night while Neil gets the boys ready for bed and tucks them in because that was my job since they were born. I yearn for the day that I will be able to just sit on the playroom floor and play trains or picnic with all of them. It’s pretty depressing to spend most of my time in bed away from all of them, but as time goes on I know it will get better.Has anyone seen Groundhog’s Day? That’s my reality right now.  I have to put socks on with a special sock contraption and remember that hand grabby thingy my husband bought me? I am supposed to use that to get underwear and pants on which isn’t exactly easy and next to impossible.  Right now that job has been designated to my husband and at times my 7 year old daughter. Emma has been so helpful. She loves being a waitress bringing up my meals. My husband bought walkie talkies that I originally laughed at. However, they have made things sooooo much easier. Don’t tell him I told you that! Hearing Emma on the walkie talkie asking if I want an ice pack or a drink and a cookie brought up makes me smile. She helps me with my back brace and even rubs my legs and feet with lotion.
A nurse and physical therapist have now visited me in home a few times and will continue to do so for 3-4 more weeks. They are amazed with my progress since surgery. My left leg is still numb and weak but it has gotten better. I am now working on exercises to try and “wake up” and strengthen my muscles in my left leg. Right now, my left leg is working at 30% strength while my right is at 100%. Although that is a big difference, 30% is awesome compared to the 0% after surgery. I have yet to regain control over my hip and knee, but it has become easier to place my foot while walking. Hopefully this progress continues. I try to stay positive but know in the back of my mind that it may take a long time and it may never be 100%. Last night, my friend Kitty came over after all of our kids were in bed to help walk with me outside so I could walk for a longer distance since  the only walking I really can do is back and forth in my hallway. I had the coolest most rad outfit on. I wore my pajamas, my ugly plastic brace and my big furry leopard robe. I’m sure it was a sight to see as I walked along with my walker.
I hadn’t looked in the mirror at all until recently. A big part of me was scared to see how different I looked. I wouldn’t even look at pictures that Neil would take throughout my hospital stay. Well….I finally did it. I’ll start by saying you are always your worst critic. I see all of the imperfections immediately. I have lost so much weight and honestly it looks scary. When I saw myself for the first time I cried. Not only am I way too thin, but I am now crooked from the front. My rib cage was twisted for 20 years and due to that it became deformed. My rib cage does not match up on both sides and like before, one side sticks out more than the other. I also notice my right shoulder is now higher than my left. Neil continues to remind me that once I gain weight back and swelling goes down that it may look different. I hope so. Swelling is starting to go down on my back and although my original hump is basically gone, I now have a new small hump on the opposite side higher up on my back. I try to remember why I had surgery in the first place. It was not about cosmetics but to improve pain in my daily life and keep me from being in a wheel chair. Even though I am depressed, impatient and cry a lot, I am strong and I will make it through this oh so crappy recovery.
I feel like a broken record but we want to thank all of those who have supported us and have taken the time to read about my journey. Thank you to our friends who have ordered us dinner, brought us dinner and have sent us gift cards to help with meals. Not having to worry about dinner has been so helpful for Neil who day in and day out has to be Mr. Mom to 4 kids as well as my caregiver.
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April
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I LOVE when all the flowers are blooming in our yard but man, my allergies are HORRENDOUS 🤣 I went outside to garden and came right back in 10 minutes later.
Woke up with an insane migraine….but at least my closet it clean! 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #springcleaning
Give me all the #gingham
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
Did ya read the newest post on our latest #DIY over on Apriljwagner.com (link in profile) Get in depth details on our recent entertainment space including step-by-step directions, photos, before and afters AND I linked ALL the items as well. #diyproject #diyhomeprojects
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
It’s that time of year where I can wear white pants again 🙌🏻🤣 Yay for Spring….
Always sad leaving our favorite camping spot…we’ve been bringing the kids here 2-3 times a year for the last 5 years and it never gets old. Sure, we could bring them to SoCal, where it’s warmer and packed with a crap ton of people. However, we much prefer the cooler weather (helps with my POTS), rocky cliffs, less people and you travel through the redwood forest (which looks like a storybook). We love it up here and fantasize about moving somewhere like this once Nicky graduates. See you in June Westport….
In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from Dakota Timber Co! I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Julie Bower | 4th Aug 16
You’re making great progress, April! Keep up the good work. I’m sure it’s hard and I’m sure I don’t know the half of it…but I’m proud of you! That picture of you and little Nicky walking down the hall sure is precious.
Carolyn Hewitt | 4th Aug 16
Your progress is amazing and so encouraging! I’m so happy to hear your left leg is working 30%. That is a huge improvement from 0% after surgery.
Sue m | 4th Aug 16
So glad to see this post. That was a good idea to call your back brace the turtle shell. It is great that your kids are being good and helping you. I think you will definitely look better when you gain back some weight because you won’t notice these imperfections so much.do you feel like eating or you just have no appetite at all? also when you are ready you can shave your legs by taping a razor onto a ruler with masking tape.
sue m | 4th Aug 16
P.s
How much did u grow??? What’s the new height???
Kitty| 4th Aug 16
So much progress April, it’s only going to get better from here. Coming tonight with some Ben and Jerrys!!!
Maryanne | 4th Aug 16
YAYYYYYYY April! You look so amazing! Home was good for you. I am so relieved to hear that your left foot is waking up; good news that the nerves are regenerating. New data coming out that suggests that working out peripheral nerves SUPER A LOT may contribute to healing vs the old way of just using. Sooo you go girl…as much as you can tolerate. You are an athlete so that is sooooo in your favor! xoxoxox from the Christoforou’s. Maritsa misses you and I keep her updated on how you are doing. Thanks for writing us! Maryanne
Noelle | 5th Aug 16
You look great! I know you must be feeling better being home. I’m not far if you need anything.
Lindsay S.| 2nd Sep 16
April,
I know it seems horrible but it actually looks like you’re doing amazing for the amount of surgery you had! When I had my much less intensive scoliosis surgery at age 15 I remember thinking that every little action was like, the worst thing that ever happened to me. I was a teenager and my mom put a lawn chair in the shower (apparently we were too cheap to invest in an actual medical shower chair from CVS) so that I could attempt to wash myself because I was trying to avoid having them do it for me. It was THE WORST, and that’s like half of what you’re going through. If you need something to break you out of your depression a little bit (since you’re a fellow Housewives watcher), you should listen to the podcast Bitch Sesh from Casey Wilson and Danielle Scheinder. If you haven’t discovered it yet, it is laugh-out-loud funny, and it might be a nice break for you with all that you’ve got going on 🙂
From one crooked gal to another, feel better, and I hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly!!!
~L