Day 8 Post Removal Surgery
Happy to report that things continue to get better at just over a week post rod removal surgery.
I came in to see Dr. D for a post removal follow up w/ x rays yesterday. The x rays looked good- due to the 4 small holes in the femur where the rod screws were once held Dr. D recommended no high impact sports or heavy lifting for at least another 2 to 3 months. He mentioned during that time frame, the bone will begin to regenerate within the screw/hole area, at which point you should be clear for high impact/running/lifting, however expect to see the holes fully filled in within a 6 to 9 month month time frame. Really looking forward to playing sports, working out, and jogging again in about 2 months!
Recovery wise I continue to progressively get better each day, although I'm not 100%. My left leg is probably 90 to 95% recovered, just minor stiffness and post surgery wound pain (pain level minor at aroun 1 / 10), but my right leg is noticably worse at about 80% recovered due to soreness/discomfort at the hip area where the rod was removed. Spoke to Dr. D about it, and he mentioned it's likely because the right Stryde rod was more difficult to remove, causing a bit more surgical trauma. He mentioned this is temporary and will likely subside in the next week or two.
I was also able bring my Stryde Rods home! Nuvasive is no longer requiring that they are shipped back to HQ for review. I would take pictures and share but not much to report here, there was very minor rusting/corrosion observed around where the telescopic rods met and the screw area, Dr. D mentioned my Stryde rods were on the low end of corrosion/rust since the recall. It's a bit surreal holding these rods in your hands, knowing how they've been with you on this crazy journey and changed your life, a bit of a trophy. They've got some weight to them (would estimate a pound to 2 pounds) so having them out does make a difference in our biomechanics- my legs, even with the lingering post surgery soreness, feel lighter and I feel more nimble on my feet.
All positive so far however one thing I didn't take into account was intimacy post rod removal surgery. Plannning for the removal, I thought it would be a quick in and out in a week type process, and in many ways it was, however, at a week out, I still have my bandages/dressing on (Dr. D recommended waiting a few more days to take off), legs shaved around the surgery sites, and I'd imagine, scarring and stitches at the surgery site. I've been actively dating someone who has no idea I had this surgery done and thinks I've been away for a little vacation. Heading home in a few days and not sure I can hide this from her, especially if she wants to get intimate/physical. Bit of advice if you are actively dating someone who doesn't know about the surgery, likely no sxx or physical intimacy at least a few weeks out or a month post rod removal surgery.