Dearest Fur Friends,
Friday January 8th I underwent back surgery for a severely herniated disk. It's not something doctors want to preform on a 24 year old, and it's certainly not what I imagined I'd be doing in 2016 but the disk was pressing on nerve roots on both sides of my spine, causing severe pain, and running the risk of permanent damage, even the loss of moving my legs. I've really kept it to myself since I'm not one to share such business or fish for attention, but I know some friends and family have had questions.

I've had pain come and go for about 6 months, but never did I think a herniated disk was the cause. In the last month I have faced some of the worst physical pain I have ever experienced in my life. After an x-ray, trying different medications, and finally and MRI, the source of my excruciating pain was discovered. I've met with a neurosurgeon twice, and he decided surgery was the nescessary route. He said it really was an emergency situation and he was even surprised I was walking at all. I guess I'm tougher than I realized. I've dealt with a lot in the last 6 months.

I went to University Hospital in Augusta that morning at 9:00 a.m. to get checked in. My surgery was scheduled for 11:00 a.m, but was actually moved up a little bit since they were done with the surgery before mine a little early.

All of my back, hip, and leg pain is gone! I just have some soreness as to be expected, where the incision is. I only spent one night in the hospital and I even walked, with the help of a walker only hours after surgery!

I have a follow up appointment January 19th to find out how long I have to use a walker and how long I will be out of work. I've already been out of work for about a month, and if it wasn't for my parents' and my mate's generosity and help I would be struggling much harder than I am money wise.

Keep me in your thoughts, fellow furry friends as I make it down this long road of recovery.