Yesterday the spine doctor gave the green light for my son to begin weaning himself off the brace. We waited until we got home for The Great Un-shelling.
It’s pretty weird, seeing him walking around without the hard plastic coating he’s been wearing for the last two months. He hasn’t bent or twisted his back since April 24. (Go on, click the link. That photo compared to the one above? My throat tightens just looking at it. He’s come such a long way.)
The first time my older daughter saw him twist from side to side, she shrieked and covered her eyes.
You can see the lump in his back from the break. Running my hand down his spine gives me the willies.
He’s moving slowly, gingerly. He says he feels stiff, but fine. His lower back is what hurts, if anything. Probably from lack of use. After a few days, he’ll no longer wear the brace at all, but he can still only lift ten pounds for the next four weeks. At that point, his bones should be eighty percent healed (it will take up to two years for the them to heal completely) and he will have resumed all ordinary activity, aside from super heavy lifting and running.
Next up: eye surgery!
This same time, years previous: the quotidian (6.30.14), blueberry pie, drying apricots, baby bunnies, and work.
6 Comments
Mama Pea
The joy evident on that face! (Your smile has got to be pretty wide also.) Keep up the good work to you all!
Margo
love the post title!!! and this is such a relief to see continued healing and good behavior. Can't be easy for an active young guy to stick to doctors' orders.
ShirleyHS
Great to high five Jonathan in person today. What a close call and what a thrill to enjoy the freedom of recovery.
Camille
Wonderful!! It must feel SO good to have that green light, and the brace OFF! Now, no crazy antics for the next two years (or, ever again). 🙂
Second Sister
So grateful for healing!
Becky
Hooray!!