03/10/2026
For all of you and my clients. I’ve been out on Medical Leave for 2+ months. Im so thankful the L5-S1 spinal fusion was successful. 7 hours of surgery, 2 top surgeons in Oregon and a team of 10 total who operated on me. They went in through my stomach and my back. 4 screws, and a spacer between my discs to relieve my pinched nerve that has been crippling me for years now. I’m an inch taller and it’s crazy how much I can tell I am!! It’s been quite a challenge with my recovery. Heather isn’t one to sit still and be in bed for as long as I have. We are on 10 weeks now of recovery. I’m very very weak. I’m not supposed to start Physical Therapy until after 12 weeks post surgery if I’m cleared to do so. It will most likely be 12-18 months before I’m back to being somewhat normal. . So thankful for my neighbor today. A few days ago, I was outside saying Hi to a friend visiting me to check in on me. My neighbor was outside and we started chatting. I told him about my back surgery. He said “if you need me to mow your lawn let me know!” I said that would be so amazing thank you!! This morning, I heard a lawnmower close to me. I looked out front, and he was mowing my lawn as well as edging it! So thankful for friends, family and neighbors helping me with this loooonnggg back surgery recovery. God is so so good! 🙏🏼❤️ I’ll be back to work mid April part time. I cannot wait to be back in the world and see my clients and coworkers again. This challenge huge challenge in my life, will be worth it. I’ve had to learn to be patient, and trust the process. I had a couple of fall backs because I didn’t want to lay in bed all day….and boy the pain I went through for days trying to be “Heather” thinking I’m strong. My buddy said “people learn the hard way, or there is the “Heather” way.” 🤦🏼♀️ I can’t wait to be back and get my strength back! And…..to design again! I’ve been itching to design again!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️💪🏼💪🏼