Back Surgery Update: I’m taller now…but can’t wear heels

25 Jul Back Surgery Update: I’m taller now…but can’t wear heels

💌 Notes with NJ: Back Surgery Update: I’m taller now…but can’t wear heels

Let’s start with the real talk.

I’ve been through my fair share of setbacks.
Actually, scratch that. I’ve had a collection of setbacks.
Like I could start a museum of “Well, that didn’t go as planned” moments.

From my original rock bottom before I ever got into health and fitness, to injuries, hormonal chaos, surgeries, and enough midlife plot twists to make Netflix jealous.

And every single time, before I got stronger, before I “rose up,” before I posted some empowering quote on Instagram, I had to do one thing first:

DECIDE.

I had to FIRST feel the funk, sit in the frustration, and then choose to shift. It’s never been the easy decision, but it’s always been the right one.

And today? I’m doing it again.
I’m exactly 2 weeks post L5-S1 disc replacement surgery and this one has tested me more than I expected.

THE BACK IS BETTER, BUT WHO INVITED THE NERVES?

So here’s the scoop: My spine had collapsed so badly, they had to restore ¾ of an inch of space between my vertebrae.

Yes, I’m officially taller now.

No, this does not mean I’m wearing heels anytime soon.

While my back pain is significantly improved, the nerves that were once squished like overcooked spaghetti are now stretching and reactivating… which sounds great until they wake up like toddlers from a nap: confused, dramatic, and kind of angry.

We’re talking zapping, burning, tingling leg pain down the backs and outsides of my legs.

Completely normal, they say.
Still not fun, I say.

 

Here’s what’s keeping me somewhat sane:

• Short walks often. Like mall-walker status.

• Hydrating like it’s my part-time job

• Compression leg sleeves that make me look like I’m prepping for a Marvel audition

• Spraying Beam Minerals

• Homeopathic Remedies like Arnica and Hypericum Perforatum

• My Sunlighten Red Light a few times a day

Those hilariously huge inflatable boots they strapped on me in surgery. I wear them daily. They inflate and deflate in cycles, and honestly feel like a personal massage chair for my legs.

NO REAL WORKOUTS… YET

I haven’t really worked out in 2 weeks. I’ve done some light, surgeon-approved movements (basically glorified stretching), but that’s all.

And for me? That’s weird. Like really weird.

But pain wins right now. And surprisingly, I haven’t even felt the urge to go full beast mode.

So instead, I’m in muscle preservation mode, drinking KION Aminos every single day. They help keep my muscle from pulling a disappearing act while I take this slow and steady.

On the GRAM:

I’ve been sharing daily updates on my recovery what I’m doing, how I’m feeling, and the weird things that are helping. You’ll find unfiltered, unedited updates with pajamas, leg sleeves, and probably some swelling. You can find them all on my Instagram

 On YouTube:

Before surgery, I recorded my go-to core warm-up and glute activation warm up routines…the ones that helped me function with a collapsed disc. These are lower-back friendly and super helpful if you’re dealing with pain. Go check them out and save your spine the drama. Click on the image below to watch!

 On the PODCAST:

I sat down with Alicia Erickson, who got into the best shape of her life after 50 by giving up alcohol. This is not your typical “just stop drinking” story. It’s about confidence, energy, cravings, and stepping into who you want to be.

Listen on Spotify here or iTunes here.

 Where I Am This Week

I’m in San Diego, speaking at an event… in sneakers.

I will not be wearing heels, wedges, or anything that requires ankle stability.

Let’s just say I’m rocking a new orthopedic chic vibe.

 What I’m Loving Right Now

Can we talk about digestion after surgery? Because between anesthesia, meds, stress, and sitting around, your gut pretty much gives you the middle finger.

The bloating has been real. The discomfort? Equally real.

So I doubled my BIOptimizers MassZymes dose.

I normally take 2 per meal, but I’ve been taking 4 per meal and it has made a major difference. My digestion is moving again, my belly is less inflamed, and I don’t feel like I’m smuggling a beach ball under my shirt.

If you’re not using digestive enzymes yet, this is your sign. You can grab them at a discount here and thank me later.

 PS: WANT MY FULL RECOVERY TOOLKIT?

If you’re curious about everything I’m doing for recovery, supplements, routines, helpful tools, and some weird stuff that actually works, I put it all into a free guide for you.

Grab it right here and peek into my recovery toolbox.

No gatekeeping. Just what’s actually helping me heal (and not lose my mind in the process).

xo

Natalie Jill