Kate’s story

Kate’s ONZi Journey

The Beginning Of The End…

My ONZi journey began in November of 1991, 27 years before I had ever heard the ONZi name. I had just completed post-secondary education and was living with my parents still, in a small rural community in Canada.  It was a snowy evening – darkness had set in, and I was walking home after returning a VHS tape to the local rental shop – yes, I’m dating myself here!  After snowing for most of the afternoon, the streets were heavily laden with snow drifts as the plow had not been out yet.  A low-riding car was stuck in the heavy snow across from my parent’s home, so as all good rural folk do, I assisted with a push, first at the front of the vehicle and then from the rear.  As the car successfully navigated the snow and accelerated away, I recall the excruciating pain. I had not felt anything pushing the car but straightening up from my hunched-over position was both shocking and excruciating.

I don’t remember exactly how long it was before I felt like I could move again.  I was in so much pain the thought of going or getting anywhere was inconceivable.

Nor was there a thought of calling an ambulance.  When the pain subsided enough to manage a car ride, I was off to the chiropractor’s office.  X-rays revealed a herniated disc in my lumbar spine.  I was outfitted with a lumbar support brace and instructed to rest.   I always recalled it being explained as an L4_5 herniation, however, I now understand it must have been L5_S1, as I had little to no disc at L5_S1 when I met ONZi.  In fact, I recall the surgeon commenting that I may have begun to auto-fuse.  

At 21 years of age, I was just beginning to embrace “life” and making money in my chosen career when everything came to a screeching halt.  I had previously been active, in good shape, athletically minded, and competitive, competing in most sporting activities but this would be no longer.  Just leaning over the bathroom sink to brush my teeth or wash my face was debilitating. Life as I knew it was done! I suffered pain for most of my adult life.   

The In Between

I was 21 when I herniated my disc, and I did not learn of ONZi until I was 48.  Much of it I have blocked from my memory, however, one cannot block the impact it has on one’s life.   Over the years, I did everything I could to improve or assist my physical state – regular massage and chiropractor visits, MRIs, X-rays, and Sport Medicine consultations, athletic or personal trainers, bone scans, and of course, medication.  But every twist, every bend, every sneeze, and every pothole resulted in excruciating pain.   If I had to sneeze, I would brace by wrapping my arms around myself, as the sneeze would travel down to my lumbar spine causing intense pain.  When there was no offer of a remedy from any of the medical professionals I saw, I just kept going, because that’s all I knew.    

There were years following the acute incident when I was removed from everything. Over the years I began to manage a little better, but it was still tough slugging.  I continued to go to the gym, took aerobic classes, golfed, cycled, and kayaked, but I had to medicate for everything I did in life – and then pay for it dearly afterwards. Stubborn as I was, I continued to golf, but the repetitive, rotational twist on my spine was excruciating.  I medicated myself to golf and was only ever good for about eight or nine holes. If I was required to stand or sit on a hard surface, I was good for about ten minutes before pain overtook me.  But I wasn’t about to give up on what life I had left. Sleeping was incredibly painful – I could only sleep flat on my back, and if there was absolutely no twisting, I would manage a few hours of sleep.  I was often up two or three times in the night in pain.  My back ached and I would attempt relief by shoving pillows underneath my lower back, getting up and moving to the couch, or laying on the floor. Not surprisingly, lack of sleep did not assist my coping!  Mornings were slow and difficult, to say the least.  Eventually, it got to the point where I would wake a couple of hours earlier than needed, to medicate and have it working before needing to get ready for the day.     

Even with a high pain threshold, my relationships suffered.  I was short-fused, irritable, and trying to hide my pain from everyone.  I was depressed, although I did not recognize it, and miserable.  I was suffering but rarely, if ever, admitted it to anyone. I’m not a complainer and I kept quiet.  Most people, outside of family and close loved ones, did not know that I was struggling with pain.  Who doesn’t have a bad back, especially as they age, right?! But at 48 years of age, I looked like I was 90 when getting up off the floor.  I just kept going, to the best of my ability, but it impacted my life immensely.  

Now, I’m ashamed of who I was, and many of my actions.  Unfortunately, people didn’t understand – they were unaware of what I was dealing with.  Post-surgery I connected with an acquaintance who commented that I was glowing.  She further commented that before surgery she felt I always had a grimace on my face.  I’m certain I looked unpleasant to most because unbeknownst to them, I was in incredible discomfort.  Clearly, I wasn’t hiding things as well as I had thought!

Living on acreage, I was responsible for a tremendous amount of outdoor work, both summer and winter.  I vividly recall my meltdowns.  I would often return home via a trip on a long stretch of gravel roads, spent after a day of work and pain, to be met with a snow-blocked driveway.  Living on a rural road, the plow would travel down at high speeds and throw heavy blocks of snow on my driveway entrance.  Having only a shovel at the time, I would have a meltdown at the thought of having to get out and clear the snow.  My back could not take the hunched-over, twisting position of shoveling heavy snow.  Come summer, riding the lawn tractor would send me into spasms.  When I went into spasm, I was done.  The pain was so intense I’d hold my breath, only to quickly realize that holding my breath would intensify things.  Instead, I’d have to talk myself into a relaxed state, which was extremely difficult when the pain gripped me so tightly.  I would slowly get myself into the house, and bed.  The edge of the bed was all I could manage as the pain was intense, and I could not lift my hips off the mattress to situate myself properly.  Thankfully, by the next morning, I would wake up as my 90-year-old self and struggle through another day.  As time passed, I found myself contemplating an undesirable move, as I could no longer manage the property maintenance.  

I was at the end of my rope when ONZi landed on my lap.  The pain had eroded my life! Looking back, I was miserable.  Pain affects every aspect of your life – every relationship, personal or professional.  Those who have never dealt with pain have no idea and do not understand, and it’s not their fault.  Like anything in life, until you’ve walked in somebody else’s shoes, it’s hard to comprehend.   

It wasn’t until a friend asked me, at 48, what I would feel like in five years that I agreed to explore options.  I knew the surgical option – fusion – and I wasn’t interested.    To this day I’m so grateful for this individual’s push, as in the end, it led me to ONZi.  I commenced the exploration with my family practitioner, who referred me to the Spine Clinic.  I wasn’t sure how long the wait would be for the Spine Clinic assessment, so I started to explore further on my own.  Having worked in the US, I connected with one of my friends and former colleagues, explaining my situation.  She connected me with a Neurosurgeon, and I was off to North Dakota for a consult.  The Neurosurgeon confirmed the need for surgery, but the only intervention he could offer was a fusion.  I inquired about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, as I had been investigating, but was told I was too far past the point of this intervention.  It was the Neurosurgeon, then, who planted the seed of Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) being done in Europe.  I am so grateful to him for this “seed”!   

So, I returned home to commence my investigation of artificial disc replacement, something I had never heard of.  The first organization to pop up on the internet was where I began my search, but I didn’t get far.  I’m a skeptic, and overly cautious when it comes to the internet, and was immediately uneasy in reading that funds would be required in advance of surgery…no, thank you.   It wasn’t too long after I visited with the US Neurosurgeon that I got my appointment with the Spine Clinic.  Sadly, it was a disappointing experience.  I was assessed by a physiotherapist, who deemed me “managing just fine” and screened me out from further assessment by a specialist. Instead, I would be referred to the Pain Clinic.  I had been living on medication since the age of 21, and this proposed Pain Clinic intervention was not at all acceptable to me.  I never did pursue it.    

I’m a firm believer of a higher power, and this couldn’t have been truer throughout my exploration.  The universe was opening left, right and center.  One day while out with a friend I mentioned what I was exploring.  Immediately the friend offered that two cousins had been over to Germany for spine surgery six years ago and both were pleased with their outcome.  My world was instantaneously rocked!  How had my friend never shared this before? Duh, who knew I was suffering from back pain because I kept everything so private?! I needed to speak with each cousin immediately! Each had been to ONZi  six or more  years earlier and had nothing but praise for the experience and their outcome.  They were both pain-free; off medication, and back to living a normal and healthy, active lifestyle.  This was all I needed to hear, being at the end of my rope, and I jumped at ONZi.  I was connected to an ONZi liaison, and off to the races.  My data was sent over to Germany electronically and I awaited my evaluation.  Anticipating a six to nine-month wait, in which time I would do prudent research, I was blown away when my evaluation returned in less than two weeks with a proposed surgery date just six weeks out.   

 Everything happened so fast – I was not prepared financially, or emotionally -or this quick response and decision.  But I was a candidate for an artificial disc replacement (ADR) of L5_S1 – woo-hoo!!  The proposed surgery was six weeks out. I had not furthered my research, but my body was done, completely done – I was feeling torn.  I had to decline the proposed surgery date to process it all, and in typical “Kate style”, I had only shared my exploration with a select few.  It took a week of waffling back and forth before rationalizing the out-of-pocket cost.  Some pay this kind of money for a child to play one season of elite hockey; or on a new vehicle which depreciates as soon as it is driven off the lot.  My body was my vehicle, and I was willing to invest in it.  Additionally, relatively young, I could continue to work and pay the surgery off.    

Again, in typical “Kate fashion” I kept everything quiet throughout my planning – it all happened so quickly that I didn’t have a lot of time to think or chat about it, which was probably a blessing.  Additionally, although done with good intentions, everyone seems to have an opinion to share, whether requested or not.  So, I kept it to myself and figured I’d talk all about it when I got home.  I did, however, need to share with a few colleagues providing coverage while I was away from work, and once again the universe opened.  In sharing, I learned of another colleague who had been over to Germany eight years prior.  I immediately connected with this individual, who was pleased, out of pain, and highly recommended the journey.  

The First ONZi Journey 

My first journey to better back health began June 5, 2018, with the travel arrangements being fully organized from start to finish by ONZi. Although numerous family members offered to accompany me, I made the journey on my own.  I’m independent with considerable travel experience behind me, so I was confident I could manage this.  Further, with the journey completely organized, there was nothing to think about outside of surgery and healing.  ONZi connected me with a travel agent for booking flights, and as recommended I opted for the Premium economy seating.  The flight over, via Toronto and Frankfurt, was a big journey but went smoothly.  ONZ transportation picked me up at the Dusseldorf airport and delivered me to my first hotel, which was very comfortable.    

The next morning was my pre-operative day.  I had noticed a few others hanging around the front desk and I had three surgical mates - an Australian, a New Zealander, and an American.  We immediately became each other’s support and navigated the journey together.  It was wonderful to have others going through a similar procedure at the same time, to share and receive moral support along the way.  To this day we remain in contact, and I consider them my ONZi family.   

  My surgery went smoothly but I won’t lie, the first 48 hours were rough with distraction pain until I had my medication sorted.  My surgical mates were up and navigating the halls before me, as I was dehydrated and required an IV for hydration.  I was up and mobile on day two, though.  Our hospital days consisted of physio, frequent small walks around the ward, and rest.  On day six we were all feeling pretty good and had clearance to get out for a bit.  We hailed a taxi and headed out for ice cream – about 10 minutes away.  It was our first big outing with new backs, and although extremely cautious, we all managed very well.  We had proven our readiness for transfer to the MEDICOS AufShalke to commence the rehab program.  

 It felt good to get to rehab.  Although cautious, movement & massages were more than welcomed.  We each had a pre-set daily schedule, in between lunch, and often met up in the MEDICOS VIP lounge throughout the day for a catch-up and to enjoy a latte.  In the evenings we gathered to share supper together, often with 15 to 20 patients and their supports around the table.  My ONZi family grew while at MEDICOS.  

I had a post-op appointments with Dr. Bierstedt, before heading home.  The flight home was a little more challenging, yet manageable. I had investigated a business class seat, but in the end, remained in my premium economy seat.  Sitting for such extended periods was uncomfortable, so I medicated well and was often up standing at the back of the plane.  I was ever grateful for the massage ball that my surgical mate had gifted me for the flight home.  My muscles were so tight – I used the massage ball up against the side of the aircraft to provide some pressure point relief en route home.  The massage ball was also a godsend once home.  I used it twice a day to provide some pressure point relief during my rehab.  Never ever would I place the massage ball over my spine, but rather used it for both glute and psoas tightness.  Once home, rehab was uneventful.  Don’t get me wrong – I had a lot of work in rebalancing my body, but my back pain was gone.  I continued medication at bedtime only, for the first week, to ensure a good night’s sleep.  I was off all medication by the second week.  Rehab was daily work for the first three to six months.  I started weekly visits with my athletic therapist in my second to third week at home. There was lots of walking, stretching, and necessary massages.  I commenced a GRTW program 13 weeks after surgery, in addition to a resistance training program.  Life was a gradual build, but it felt amazing – I had my life back! After my 2018 ONZi journey, my life had changed radically. Life was good, really good!  I was off all medication; partaking in any and every activity I desired, without issue or pain, and I had a new outlook on life.  My mood changed drastically, I was ready to take on the world!  But 18 short months later, my newfound life was shattered. 

My Cervical Journey, March 2022  

Dec 23, 2019 – I will never forget that day.  I had worked late, with everyone having left for the day when I headed out to my car.  I admit I was not paying attention, but neither did I expect the conditions underfoot.  I had my Merrell snow boots on, appropriate footwear on for winter conditions.  Nonetheless, as I rounded the corner of the ambulance garage both feet went out from under me, and up into the air.  It happened so fast.  In that quick moment, I recall only thinking about my head and attempting to prevent it from contacting the pavement below.  I landed on my left shoulder and neck, and my neck instantly lit like a Christmas tree, along with shoulder and wrist pain.  I hit hard – and lay there in incredible pain for some time.   

Most people, wanting to spare their ego, would jump up and brush themselves off, but that was not me. There was no jumping up.  There was no moving until the pain subsided.  I recall thinking “Holy crap, that was the biggest fall I have ever taken.”  I immediately wondered how my lumbar spine, with its recent artificial disc replacement, was. At the same time, I was thankful that my lumbar spine was fixed, or there would have been no getting up. In hindsight, I now understand that I had never fallen so hard in my life on a severely degenerative spine!  

When I was finally able to get to my feet, I struggled with intense pain, headache, and muscular tension, which intensified as the night wore on. Yet, I reported to work the next day, December 24th.  After reporting the workplace incident, I proceeded to be assessed by a local practitioner.  We both agreed nothing was felt to be broken, and merely suspected a soft tissue injury. Once again, in hindsight, I now realize that the pain associated with that fall was far more than just the pain of a routine fall, and that a standard soft tissue injury causes more discomfort after an event, rather than so intensely during. 

I was scheduled to depart on vacation that afternoon, Dec 24th. I was heading to Europe to visit my nephew for the holidays. I questioned whether this was still doable, or recommended, but both the physician and the Occupational Health Department indicated that it wouldn’t be a problem. It was the absolute worst flight of my life! I could not move my neck an inch, there was no resting it on the headrest of the seat or using a neck pillow to try to sleep. I medicated and supported my neck in an erect position for the whole eight-hour trip over the pond to the United Kingdom. I was miserable! Remarkably the 10-day trip went ok. I was worried after the flight but put on a brave face and did my best.  I was in pain and discomfort throughout but pushed on. Each day, I contemplated booking a massage, but I was hesitant to do so with a practitioner which I wasn’t familiar with and didn’t know my health history. As the days passed the swelling and tension settled into a messed up norm. Yet, when I review the trip pictures, it is evident that I am not myself.  

Fast forward to my arrival home – the return flight was far less severe – I returned to work and I’m into a rehab program.  Back to therapy, I went, as depressed as ever. YIKES! I began seeing an Athletic Therapist twice per week, along with chiropractic care. I recall feeling physically ill most days. 

I suffered headaches, pain, and imbalance on my feet.  When driving, every crack and bump in the road was felt in my neck, intensifying the headaches.  Sleep was pretty much non-existent

as there was no pillow (or lack of pillow) that could provide my neck the support it needed. I would have much preferred to stay in the “messed up norm” that was allowing me some relief.  All the while I continued to work, providing support to my neck by holding my chin, to the point that my colleagues were inquiring if I had a toothache.  

My neck eventually improved a little so that my Athletic Therapist visits became weekly.  That was until the world shut down with COVID. The pandemic itself was challenging, but adding my neck issue to the mix was doubly challenging.  I worked long, stressful hours and the impact of the shutdown of most medical services and therapy impacted me deeply.  Thankfully, “essential services” opened, and I was able to resume rehab appointments.  It was a challenging time on so many levels.  My coping mechanisms were poor; I fell back into depression with the need for resumed medication and therapy, coupled with the stress of COVID and my bleak outlook on life with neck issues.  My newfound life had quickly been ripped out from underneath me. 

Following three or four months of therapy, with no major improvement, it was time to pursue some imaging. COVID consumed my professional life too, as I worked in health care myself, so the 10 to 12 months wait for imaging slipped by quickly, and when the imaging returned, I knew exactly where it was going – ONZi.  

Was I surprised with the outcome? Yes and no.  

It was no surprise that the evaluation confirmed a severely degenerative cervical  process, nor was I terribly surprised to learn that it involved numerous levels of my cervical spine. I was surprised, however, to learn that the cervical degenerative process was just as severe in my cervical spine as was in my lumbar spine, even though it did not truly plague me until the end (post-fall).  The fall did not create my cervical degenerative process, it merely exacerbated it.   

 Unfortunately, I required artificial disc replacement (ADR) in four levels of my cervical spine (C3_7).  The fall did not create my cervical degenerative process, it merely exacerbated it.  The degeneration had been an ongoing, long-standing process which I really hadn’t recognized.  I mean, I recognized I was an accident waiting to happen when it came to shoulder checking on the highway, as it was next to impossible.  Looking down was also challenging as I did not have such a range of motion in my neck.  I required the odd neck massage, but I chalked that up to “desk neck”.  I recall one chiropractor visit when I was encouraged to seek a massage when in fact, I had just come directly from a massage appointment.  Additionally, the chiropractor would frequently inquire about headaches which amazingly were nothing out of the ordinary before the fall.    

The degeneration had been an ongoing, long-standing process. Osteophytes do not grow overnight, and I had significant bone spurs both anteriorly and posteriorly on all four vertebrae. There were times in the past that I had questioned if I was experiencing a degenerative process going on in my neck.  But I always bounced back after an episode that had me in question, so I never truly gave it a lot of thought.  I particularly recall an episode in 2014.

Connecting The Dots 

I had a tremendous amount going on in 2014 – working full-time; graduate studies part-time; and other medical conditions which had me functioning day-to-day with ferritin levels of 3 or 4, in addition to added stress with the loss of my grandmother that year.  So, to no surprise, I woke one morning debilitated.  There was so much going on in 2014 – I hardly register much of it anymore, yet I will never forget that specific early morning.  I woke in the wee hours of the morning in excruciating pain – neck pain.  All I could do was get myself to the couch.  I sat quietly, and still, while the tears streamed down my face.  I did not understand what was going on, or how it had transpired.  I only registered incredible pain and an inability to do anything but sit quietly with my neck as still as possible.  As the hours wore on, I became desperate.  The pain was overtaking me.  My massage therapist had ordered “cups” for me a handful of years prior, so, desperately, I applied them to my neck.  In hindsight, it wasn’t the wisest decision, but overcome by pain I wasn’t thinking clearly. I don’t recall how I made it through that night – I’ve blocked out those memories. Over the next couple of days, I was able to get myself to the massage therapist. When she looked at the cup marks on my neck she was horrified – noting how very close I had been to applying the cups over my carotid artery.  But at that moment, I couldn’t have cared less what the impact of such an act would be.   

Today, though, I’m just as horrified with my actions as she was!  In all honestly, the massage therapist truly couldn’t do a lot for me that day.  I could not tolerate laying down much let alone a massage, but her ultrasound treatment had me feeling a little better than when I had arrived.  Over the course of a few more days the neck began to settle a little, and I was then able to get myself to the chiropractor. I vividly recall her commenting “What has happened to you – you’ve fallen off a cliff”.  I was the second, in such a condition, that she had seen that winter, and she choked it up to a “viral illness”.   

Slowly, after a good 5 to 7 days of stretching, I was able to return to work.  Again, I haven’t a memory for a lot of it, but I know I returned to work without issue.  As quickly as the debilitation arose, it seemed to subside and dissipate.  It was so bizarre! But as I alluded, 2014 was a very challenging year for me.  I’ll never know.  The only lasting side effect of this 2014 incident was the struggles with sleep and pillows.  Although it felt like an eternity, not to mention a drain to the bank account, I did eventually find the proper neck support in a memory foam pillow.  This was a pillow comprised of memory foam pieces, allowing me to manipulate it into the necessary supportive position that my neck required. 

Outside of this incident, I never truly questioned my neck, even though I’d suffered a concussion as a child – figure skating; and had dealt with whiplash in my young adult years after being rear-ended.  It is well known that women carry stress in our necks and shoulders, so my odd neck massage was just a “typical” periodic occurrence in my understanding of the world.  Not to mention that my later employment years were at a desk, so I chalked it up to ‘desk neck’  More significantly though are my genes – genetically, my Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) added up!   For instance, my hands would go numb while lying on my back holding a laptop or book; and the odd time I was caught off guard by my dog pulling on her leash I was crippled with intense pain with the “yanK”.  Yet, day-to-day, I managed.  So, although I may have wondered from time to time about a degenerative process in my cervical spine, I never would have guessed the extent of it. 

Once I had my diagnosis, however, I was able to connect the dots.  “Shoulder checking” while driving had become increasingly more difficult, to the point where it was impossible, and I was a highway accident waiting to happen, while my love for cycling was challenged by neck and shoulder strain.  I routinely noted carrying my shoulders up around my ears but always chalked it up to stress – little did I understand it at the time, but those shoulders were providing the much-needed support and stability that my neck was lacking.  Post-fall, I already noticed the headaches, instability on my feet, poor sleep, and pain; but I also felt like I way carrying a bag of sand on my shoulders.  It was exhausting!  Any activity which had my hands/arms overhead i.e., washing my hair, was difficult as I had no arm strength to withstand the activity.  As such I had to cut my long hair as I could neither manage the weight of it on my neck nor the chore of washing it.  Neck tension was constant and intense – which had my chiropractor regularly recommending massage.  Another “post-fall constant” was my request for traction.  I needed space…there was no room in my neck, and I felt that.  It was as though the vertebrae were sitting one on top of each other – which they were!  Miserable, but feeling compelled to support my colleagues through COVID, I continued to work until the world opened a little in 2022, and then I was off to ONZi again.  This time for a 4-level, cervical artificial disc replacement (C3_7) surgery.     

The Second ONZi Journey, March 22, 2022

Unlike my first journey, this time I opted for the moral support of a travel companion, my brother. My pre-operative meeting with Dr. Illerhaus was an eye-opener.  He advised that I was basically “fused” without being anatomically “fused”.  This made sense to me, as I had a very limited range of motion in my neck.  Looking down was next to impossible, as my neck could not bend in this fashion. I was expecting Dr. Illerhaus’s report on the need for the four artificial discs but was surprised to learn that I had osteophytes (bone spurs) both anteriorly and posteriorly on all four vertebrae. Looking at my X-rays, I knew that my vertebra didn’t look normal, but I did not understand exactly what I was viewing at that time. Dr. Illerhaus explained that a considerable amount of reconstructive surgery was required before correcting the degenerative disease process with artificial discs. He warned that it was going to be a challenging journey.  He advised there would be very limited neck strength for a while, and if necessary, a brace may be required post-operatively.  Knowing, and expecting all of this in advance, I was able to prepare myself mentally for what was to come. 

Post-op day one was intense!  As Dr. Illerhaus had warned, it would be a challenging go.  I had no neck strength to lift my head off the bed, so I relied on the mechanical hospital bed and a hand to lift my head for the first handful of days.  Eventually, my neck grew in strength enough for me to manage without aids.  Although a neck brace may have assisted me, I also knew that it would weaken my neck muscles and delay healing, so I did not opt for the brace.  There was very limited mobility in my neck that first post-op morning – my neck was very swollen.  I recall dropping one of my medications, and I had zero neck mobility to locate it.  But the medication was good, and I slept most of this day away. 

But in the wee hours of the next morning, I awoke in incredible pain.  Medication was already onboard, but I felt I needed more, so, I got myself to the shower and sat with the hot water streaming over my shoulders and back.  It felt so good – and I recall needing to be in the shower numerous times that morning and over the course of the week. I also was introduced to nerve pain.  I reached out with my right hand, and in surprise, an intense electrical current seized the right side of my back. I was in shock – literally! I had never experienced anything like it before.  Additionally, I noted that my right thumb, index, and middle fingers were completely numb.   

Knowing that all of this was part and parcel of the journey, I was able to take each day as it came.  A swollen, sore, and tender throat made swallowing not so pleasant, so I lived on ice cream for the first 48 hours.  Anything to cool my throat felt good, while heat packs to my neck and shoulders were necessary!  Before my departure, my Aunt gifted me some Saje “Peppermint Halo” essential oil and I used the whole bottle while in the hospital. 

Physiotherapy was a welcomed event while in the hospital.  As the hospital days passed, my neck intensified with its reaction to all bandage adhesives – it wasn’t a pretty sight.  That did not prevent me from being up and visiting with my surgical mates, however.  For a first outing, my brother guided me in a wheelchair out to see the most magnificent Magnolia tree on the hospital grounds.  I had never seen a Magnolia tree before – it was breathtaking!  After seven days in the hospital, I was off to the MEDICOS rehab facility.  I couldn’t wait to have some physiotherapy attention to my neck and shoulders – those muscles and ligaments were rock hard.    

There were days that I felt so rough that I could not partake in my rehab appointments, however, my massage and physio appointments were a must.  The nerve pain continued during my rehab stay, and sleep proved to be the most challenging. 

Coming Home  

As is expected in rehab, I had a handful of setbacks once home.  Rarely, if ever, is rehab easy or without its hiccups!  From superficial incisional infection to pain and decreased range of neck motion, to hip flexor spasms and left-sided challenges, in general – I had my work cut out for me.  I had weekly athletic therapist and massage appointments for about nine months.  Then, when my neck was making good progress, I began to note a lot of left shoulder pain.  Eventually, extensive calcifying tendonitis of the left rotator cuff was diagnosed.  As the neck and the shoulder are so closely connected, the shoulder certainly played a role in delaying my neck’s healing progress.  As I write, 21 months post-surgery, my neck is 85-90%, but it will, no doubt, see 100 per cent yet.  

I’m a firm believe that everything works out the way it’s meant to be, and as distorted as this may sound, I believe the fall I took in 2019 was meant to occur.  It flabbergasts me how I was managing, physically, before the fall – but I was. Had I not fallen the advanced degenerative disc disease process in my neck would have had me auto-fused.  My neck was well on its way when I reached out to ONZi after the fall. The cervical osteophytes would have continued to grow until my neck had auto-fused.  I would have been “stuck in my condition” for a lifetime. 

It was a challenging cervical journey, for sure, but I do not regret it one bit!  Would I relish the idea of going through it again – heck NO!    Living the healthy pain-free life I have today, over the life or lack thereof, I would be living had I not had this surgery…I’m so eternally grateful to ONZi.