Extraordinary Sunshine Weaver

I have been missing from WordPress because on December 16, 2025, I had lumbar fusion surgery to repair my case of severe spinal stenosis, which was causing debilitating peripheral neuropathy. The part of my spine housing the nerves had collapsed onto some nerves.

Today, January 25, 2026, was the first day I have had the energy to reply to comments on my WordPress sites. This is because recovery has been tough, especially in the early stages when the incisions were healing.

The surgery lasted 6 hours. The team of surgeons operated on both the front and back of my body. I have one incision on the front of my body and three on the back. I had to recover on my back, so pain meds were a must.

This operation was not a simple procedure. During the surgery, organs and arteries were moved to allow access to the spine so they could remove the arthritis and scar tissue. New cushions with healing properties were inserted between the disks. The part of the spine that had collapsed onto the nerves was widened, and then titanium bars were hinged in place to fuse the spine.

After the surgery, they had me up and walking with a walker as soon as possible. I could feel a huge difference. I can climb stairs with no pain or leg weakness. Still, I’m camped out downstairs, close to amenities, until I feel ready to return to my own bed, which is higher off the floor than the couch.

Because I am a healthy senior, my healing is going well, but I guard my energy, saving it for booking submissions to FEED THE HOLY and MasticadoresUSA. Submissions are flowing in. I haven’t had much energy for writing poetry yet, but this surgery and recovery have released some trauma I had stored in my spine since childhood, when I was totally paralyzed by encephalitis, which is brain inflammation caused by a virus. My home then was my couch, much like it is now. New poems are incubating about the connections I see.

Initially, I was completely helpless. My husband had a lot to do to help me. I called for him constantly to help me in and out of my living room bed, which was the couch. I was never comfortable because of the incisions I had to lie on. I screamed and cried in pain, which made him feel bad. He also had to cook and do many things for me. Fortunately, friends also brought over food. He slept downstairs in the next room for quite a while, and basically, he didn’t leave my side. He was exhausted. I kept reminding him that we would get through this traumatic time. I knew that once my incicions healed, I would be well on my way to a full recovery.

During this time, he had trauma too. When I was in the hospital, he came home to find our front yard (and all the beautiful ivy he had nurtured there) completely dug up for sewer repairs. He spent hours repairing the damage. At least, the sewer was repaired. But then, our furnace broke. However, he was able to find a place to repair it on the weekend before cold temperatures set in. I think he was coming unglued, worrying about so many things. Just one thing after another.

At this point, I feel stronger and am off the pain meds except for Tylenol as needed and a muscle relaxant. Although I have restrictions, I am more flexible. I can sit for longer periods, and I do simple tasks, like a few dishes.

BLT – No Bending, Lifting, or Twisting!

This week, I see the surgeon for follow-up. I get to see an X-ray and will probably receive a prescription for physical therapy. So far, my therapy has been to walk with my walker. I never did make 2 miles a day like they encouraged me to do, but the nurse reassured me not to worry. It’s hard to find safe places to walk in winter. My husband and I have done short excursions to the store, where I push a small empty cart, and he has the food cart.

Long story short, this is why I haven’t been attentive to WordPress posts and comments. I’m adding more to my daily routine. Before the surgery, I worked hard to ensure all my outstanding submissions were processed and the links sent. Now my drafts file is full in my email. I’ve booked dates but still need to create the posts. I’ll do that little by little. The physical therapy comes first. I plan to do the exercises faithfully at home daily and not just during my physical therapy appointments.

I’m so grateful I had this surgery. It has already changed my life, and I can’t wait to take walks without the stabbing pain and leg weakness. At times, before this surgery, I actually lost the ability to walk for a few minutes at a time because of the nerve pain. This was no way to live. All my joys were falling away.

I’m not an expert on lumbar fusion surgery and spinal stenosis. I provided hyperlinks from Mayo Clinic if you are interested in learning more. And another link from my surgeon’s website is HERE.

Thank you for your good wishes. I’m grateful to have a good surgeon and a treatment plan, and to be progressing daily.