Shoshana Support - Surgery Recovery to Healer

My recovery from surgery for back fusion has been very challenging, and healing is taking much longer due to set backs including re-injury during therapy, clots, and additional required surgery to repair.  I am still dealing with back pain from injury during rehab, and need 2 knee replacements as well.  My funds are depleted. I am determined to heal and to get back to healing others.  I appreciate any support I am gifted on this journey.  Thank you.

Love Shoshana

Here are details on my recent journey, followed by my history and my passion to return to using my Physical Therapy talents:

In June 2019 I had a successful back surgery that was a band-aid surgery.   But the day after surgery, I herniated a new disc due to constipation that was not treated.  I immediately asked to be reopened because I knew what had happened,  and the surgeon would not believe me. So after 4 weeks I began PT and the pain worsened and worsened until I ended in the hospital and got  an MRI that showed a herniated disc at L4-5 on the left.

Months of therapy and pain management ensued while searching for next solution.   I moved from Bend, Oregon to the San Francisco Bay Area September 2019 because I needed better medical support, and I had to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed due to a growth on my ovaries.   After that I had to have another surgery to deal with the intestines.

Medications  interaction, it turns out, had also created serotonin syndrome which required mental hospitalization before one amazing pharmacist figured it out in late 2019.   I spent time healing, practicing meditation and using my physical therapy knowledge for myself.

Throughout 2020, while COVID descended, I investigated and interviewed many surgeons, pain management, and hospitals to find options for the intense pain in my back and body.  Pain treatments included every possible modality as I searched and learned.

Finally in January 2021 I found a surgeon  for a major back fusion and a plan for rehab to deal with the challenges of my situation.  The surgery was successful.  Unfortunately, during transport to rehab and PT during rehab, I was re-injured, creating clots that pressed on my spinal nerves.  Another surgery was required.  I got pneumonia and vertigo after surgeries.   Healing has been full of pain, as my body has degenerated from all the time in hospitals and rehab and without exercise.   In addition my knees are giving out which increases stress and pain in the back. 

I continue to be optimistic that healing is possible.  I am mostly in a wheelchair or with walker, but doing what exercises I can.    It is a long journey but I have strength and support from all of you.  Thank you so much.

UPDATES

10Oct2021:  Since the second back surgery, I had severe pain in left low back and the doctors and I have worked since June to figure it out. Finally on September 17, I had Transforaminal epidurals to help the levels L3/L4 and L4/L5.  Relief lasted 2 weeks.  Tests have now confirmed I am denervated (loss of nerve supply, which affect quads and hip muscles, making knee replacement difficult.)  I have  found a knee surgeon and we are discussion options to deal with the damage to my knee joint, due to the loss of strength in my muscles.  I need two total knee replacements, and the timing is critical. I  will need more medical and care support to heal.


HISTORY and GOALS:
I am a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Masters in Physical Therapy (MPT). 
My passion is solving difficult cases that do not respond well to other methods of treatment, as well as treating patients with chronic pain and athletic injuries.  I feel it is my calling to help others on their journey of wellness and healing to obtain peace, happiness and balance which often leads to a pain-free existence.


I began competing at age 5 in swimming until age 16. My desire was to go to the Olympics. I also competed in gymnastics with Mary Lou Retton, ran track and cross-country. I won multiple state titles in swimming and track. I also had begun skiing at age 6. At 16 I left to attend to ski racing academies.  Sport saved my life and kept me alive despite abuse and trauma at home.  I learned the strength and self reliance to continue to thrive .

I was ranked 10th in the nation in the downhill event. After a huge crash at age 18 while skiing 70 mph, I had to stop ski racing and found road cycling. This was my new favorite sport. I competed in 2 Olympic Trials and won 2 Collegiate National Cycling Championship Titles.



I am no stranger to injuries. I have suffered 8 knee surgeries, 9 ruptured spinal discs (cervical, thoracic and lumbar), a complete ruptured Achilles tendon, and most recently, I suffered a complete disruption (tears) of my entire shoulder girdle on Nov. 30th, 2016.  For a period in my life, I suffered CRPS,  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,  a debilitating pain condition with intense pain that does not recover normally.  I was in bed for 3 years and home bound for 5 years.  I found ways to heal myself.

All of these big injuries and others not listed have led me to be empathetic and understanding of the journey on the recovery path. I had to study persistently and learn techniques and treatments to get myself well.  It was MY responsibility to get well. Now it is a blessing to share what I have learned with my clients to help them get well too.

I have continued my work as a Physical Therapist and healer throughout and helped many people heal with the knowledge I have gained.  I am eager to return to work, but not yet able.  The time and costs of medical are difficult.

Again,  I appreciate any support I am gifted on this journey.  Thank you. 
Below are images of me now and from the past, showing the spirit I know will carry me through.
Love Shoshana