My week started at a 10/10 pain on Monday and is ending with 3/10 pain today, so I’d say it’s been a great week for my surgery recovery! My best friend of 26 years (aka chosen sister) came for a visit last weekend. It was so fun hanging at the apartment together and also exploring NYC for her first time! We got pizza in the neighborhood on Friday night, and hit up the Banksy Museum on Saturday and the Museum of Modern Art on Sunday.
It was 4 degrees for most of the time we were out, so I’m very grateful she braved the weather with me! 🥶
We also ate some delicious food my brother and sister-in-law prepared while watching the Winter Olympics and Super Bowl. ⛸️ 🏈
I got around the city really well with my cane over the weekend, but had to stay in bed most of Monday to recover. I had PT on Tuesday and Thursday, and I’m happy to report the sessions are a full hour and really helpful! My physical therapist has a cervical spinal fusion, and it helps to know she gets it on a personal level. She applies a heating pad for 20 minutes and then massages the area where most of my pain is (left lumbar). Next, I do a few core-strengthening Pilates exercises on the table, at the barre, and on the reformer. I have 4 more sessions to go (insurance only approved 6). It definitely helps to be moving more and feeling stronger. 💪🏼
On Friday, I was able to make it to the Upper East Side to visit another chosen family member for a meal and a musical. 🎶
I’m now walking the dogs by myself (one at a time), and I can see all the work the trainer did with them paying off. Bella and Rex celebrated Valentine’s Day at daycare yesterday and with me today. I couldn’t ask for cuter valentines. 💘
My surgeon ordered a bone growth stimulator which arrived today. I wear it for one 2-hour session each day for the next 6+ months. 😬
It sends low-level pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) that mimic the body’s natural electrical signals to increase blood supply to the fusion site. This stimulates bone cells called osteoblasts 🚀 that help bone grow over the hardware (fusion).
It feels great to have my practice open again and I am thrilled to be resuming work with several clients. I got a new lumbar chair support so I’m ready for sessions, and #bonus- it doubles as a toy for Kaa.
Sending love to you all!
💕 Renée
Renée Gaubert, LCSW 
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