I had my 6-week post-spine surgery checkup today, was cleared for PT, and got the green light to remove my brace. It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying. This was my third spine surgery since July 2023, and I’m struggling to not carry that baggage with me and treat this as a fresh situation. Therapy (talk therapy) is helping, but I think time is needed more than anything. I asked the orthopedist’s office what protocols they have for monitoring the surrounding discs. They said none and that I need to enjoy my life and not think about that. I really need to figure out what that looks like.

For now, I’m going to spend the day working less than usual, going for a walk, researching the perfect PT office, and just existing without overthinking anything. The sun is out. It’s warm. I actually still need to remove my brace, but I will soon. Probably.