01 Aug I text my surgeon something inappropriate
💌 It’s another Notes from Natalie: your weekly peek into what I’m testing, trying, craving, learning, doing, and laughing about in midlife.
I may or may not have texted my disc replacement neurosurgeon this week and said, “Apparently you gave me a Brazilian booty lift as a bonus.”
Did he respond with laughing emojis? No. But I stand by it.
Here’s why: I’m officially 3 weeks post-disc replacement and apparently my spine had been folding me up like a lawn chair for years. Because now? I’m a full ¾ of an inch taller, my posture is better, and my booty arch is back. And I am not complaining 😎
It’s like I’ve been de-lawn-chaired. Unfolded. Uprighted. Booty lifted.
I wish I could say this was all part of the plan, but trust me, if this was an intentional “Brazilian booty lift,” I would’ve documented it on Instagram with hashtags, and a “before and after” carousel.
Anyway, bonus perks aside, something REALLY shifted for me this past weekend around the pain and healing that I want to share…
I had a conversation with my friend Kash that completely changed my focus and snapped me out of the pain spiral.
Before that conversation, I was laser-focused on how much pain I was in. You know that stage where every nerve is screaming, every little thing makes you cry, and you’re pretty sure you’re the only human on earth who will never feel normal again? Yeah. That was me. And the CELEBREX I was told to take for 2 weeks was NOT helping. I figured out the hard way that I am one of those rare 1% who it makes VERY depressed. Look it up if you do not believe me. It zaps your serotonin and dopamine and breaks through the blood brain barrier. I was one of those lucky 1%. Once I figured this out I tossed them.
Then I talked to Kash. And he explained this powerful connection between DNA and neuroscience and how it impacts healing.
And honestly? It was wild. Like “wait a second, I’ve been doing this all wrong” wild.
Here’s the Cliff Notes version of what he said (and you might want to tattoo this on your arm):
High-performing women (hi, us) are often wired to push harder than our bodies can handle.
That drive creates high-functioning anxiety, chronic stress, burnout… and eventually, injuries.
When your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight, you literally cannot recover and PAIN can become an addiction.
And if your DNA also makes it harder for you to detox, regulate hormones, or manage stress? Game over. You’re left wondering why your body “betrays” you when you’re doing all the things.
Once I got that, I felt like someone handed me a flashlight in a dark room. I stopped obsessing over pain and shifted my focus to supporting my nervous system and DNA. And you know what? It’s like my healing hit turbo mode.
Which is why I begged Kash to do this with me again:
Incase you missed yesterday’s email about this, 👉 we’re hosting a FREE DNA Deep Dive and you’re invited!
We only did this once before, months ago, and it filled up FAST. Save your spot now → Sign up here
Here’s why you should attend and what you’ll learn:
How your DNA could be sabotaging your healing, weight, mood, and energy (it’s not you…it’s your genes!)
Why “just do more” is the worst advice ever (and what to do instead)
Simple ways to use your genes as a roadmap instead of an obstacle
If you’re tired of feeling like your body is falling apart faster than your favorite pair of jeans, you need to be there.
📱On the GRAM:
The ultimate red light panel I’m obsessed with (video with Brooks)
The accidental booty lift (yes, I’m taller now)
If you’re a mom of a teenage girl, you’ll feel this one👇
And if you’re like “Wait, how did I miss the surgery play-by-play?” I shared the first two weeks post-op daily on my Instagram and Facebook.
🎥 On YouTube:
5-Minute Flat Belly Core Workout that is perfect for your if you’re new to core workouts OR navigating lower back pain. Click the image below to watch!
🎙️ On the PODCAST:
🎧 14 Surgeries Later… My Back and Boob Story
Yep, I’ve had 14 surgeries (who even am I?) I spill the full story: regrets, what I learned, and how it all led to my L5-S1 disc replacement. Listen on Apple or Spotify.
🎧 Why Your DNA Might Be Sabotaging Your Health (with Kashif Khan)
We recorded this before my surgery, but WOW, this hits differently now. Kashif’s personal story will blow your mind. Listen on Apple or Spotify or watch below on YouTube.
🎧 How to Rewire Your Brain for Pain Recovery
What if chronic pain is as addictive as any drug, and your brain is keeping you trapped in cycles that make healing impossible? It’s true. Joined by my friend, who overcame five years of paralysis and excruciating nerve pain after an injury, we dive into the hidden science behind why people (especially high-achievers) get stuck in chronic pain and how to break free using cutting-edge neuroscience. Listen on Apple or Spotify or watch below on YouTube.
Don’t forget:
The FREE DNA Deep Dive with Kashif WILL fill up again. If you’re tired of pushing, burning out, and wondering why your body is betraying you, you need to be there.
Talk soon (taller, straighter, and with a lifted booty),
Natalie Jill
