1 year post-surgery update (by now 15 months 🥲)

Hi Bertolotti Friends!

I had my fusion surgery last September 2024 and wanted to share a one-year post-surgery update. Time flew by and it’s already been 15 months, but I still felt it was important to reflect on my post-surgery journey.

Today, I was officially discharged from physical therapy. I shared a post about it on social media (see screenshots) and felt incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. The journey has been a rollercoaster with many ups and downs, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. I’m deeply grateful for the community we’ve built together. Our monthly virtual meetings are such a meaningful space to connect, share how we’re feeling, and support one another. It’s incredibly healing, and I truly appreciate every single one of you for showing up and supporting each other through this condition.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DS5w-ckjuB2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve had some really good days and others that are more challenging. One day I feel fine, and the next I don’t. Bertolotti Syndrome is a complex condition to live with, it’s not just lower back pain, but often a combination of other issues. In my case, upper back and shoulder pain have been holding me back at times and have caused a few flare-ups. That can be scary, especially because it brings back the same uncertainty I felt before my Bertolotti Syndrome diagnosis, when lower back pain flare-ups would happen without explanation...

It’s so important to maintain a strong mindset, to keep pushing forward, and not let fear take over, even though that’s easier said than done. Some days, facing the world and not letting pain dominate feels incredibly difficult. Still, I always hold on to something, something I can’t quite describe, but deeply feel and it keeps me going. Hearing kind words from members who see the value of this community and find strength here means so much to me. That’s exactly what I want to spread: encouragement to keep going, even when the path forward isn’t clear.

Over time, things have become easier in a way. I now understand my limits better and no longer feel guilty when I can’t do everything. I choose my activities carefully, knowing that doing too much in a week can trigger a flare-up. Sitting or standing for long periods still causes discomfort sometimes, and if I push past those warning signs, it can set me back. It’s a constant process of trial and error, which makes it important to regularly check in with yourself.

For example, I’ve gone kayaking for over 2.5 hours and felt great at the time. I did a road trip to Vermont, driving about five hours total, and felt good. I even did an hour of cardio boxing (without kicking, since twisting doesn’t work well for me) and felt amazing. On other days, though, I can’t sit or stand for long, or I can’t pull weeds in my backyard for more than 10 minutes because the bending position causes pain. I’ve learned to constantly adapt. Some mornings I wake up feeling great, but an hour into the day I feel a migraine coming on and have to adjust my plans and expectations. I’ve become okay with that, I’d rather rest than push myself too far.

I’ve also started enjoying walks with my dog much more. I’ve noticed that I walk more consciously now, engaging my legs more actively. It’s hard to explain, but before surgery my lower back pain was so intense that walking itself was painful, and my body naturally moved in ways that minimized discomfort.

I did experience one significant flare-up where it was very painful to move from sitting to standing. Even carrying my laptop was too painful with the weight. With more rest, I recovered and I’m more mindful now about how long I sit or stand.

My sleep has improved significantly as well. Occasionally, I still move my legs in a way that unconsciously twists my lower back, causing a sharp pain. This usually happens at night when I’m half asleep, and I fall back asleep quickly, so I can’t pinpoint the exact movement that triggered it.

Dry needling has also worked really well for me, specifically for my upper back, shoulders, and neck. I’m incredibly grateful for my physical therapist, who knows exactly where to place the needles. I feel amazing afterwards. Staying consistent with my daily exercises is also essential. If I skip them, I can feel the pain creeping back. Overall, I’ve been feeling better more consistently. Traveling for work still tends to throw me off, but I love my job and will keep up with the travels and high-pace environment. I think that it really helps that I’m more in the strength-building phase of my recovery now.

I’ve also been experiencing fewer migraines over the past few months, though that might also be due to some time off from work. I jokingly called it my “Sleepcation.” My goal during that time was to rest, reset, and build strength, and it was exactly what I needed after running around for so long.

Overall, I feel much better and have zero regrets about having the surgery. Everything happens in its own time. It took over 15 years for me to be diagnosed with Bertolotti’s, but I’m grateful I didn’t undergo other surgeries before this, especially with doctors who weren’t familiar with the condition, as that could have caused more harm than good.

I’m incredibly thankful to no longer experience the constant lower back pain I lived with for so long. It was exhausting, and I honestly don’t know how I managed it day after day. Sometimes I still can’t believe that the lower back pain is completely gone, and that realization fills me with gratitude for even the smallest things in life.

The pain I experience in other areas now is nothing compared to what I lived with before, and knowing that gives me confidence that I’ll get through it too.

I don’t know what will happen in the future as realistically things can always go south, but for now I’m enjoying every moment! Next update will be around year 2 post-surgery, so stay tuned :)

If you’re still in the middle of this journey, feeling unsure or exhausted, please know you’re not alone. Healing isn’t linear, and progress doesn’t always look the way we expect but it is possible. And you are stronger than you think! 💛

Happy 2026 everyone, may this year bring you

less discomfort and more pain relief ❤️

Life lately with my biggest support 🐾