Had my 4 month follow-up at Boston Medical Center the other day. They took a set of x-rays, which looked good, and my doctor increased my weight-bearing up to 50%. I have to stay on 2 crutches still, but it feels good to stand with equal weight on both legs. I have one more appointment in Boston in a few weeks, then back to NYC for my final appointment at New York Presbyterian in September.
I’ve always wanted to be a bone marrow donor, but could never remember to research it. I was reading someone’s blog tonight and they had a link to the National Marrow Donor Program website. I got excited about signing up, until I read:
If you have any of the following conditions, you will not be allowed to register:
- Chronic back pain requiring ongoing medical treatment (including chiropractic care) and/or daily or frequent prescribed pain medication
- Herniated, bulging or slipped disc anywhere along your spine diagnosed in the past 2 years
- Single back surgery in the past 2 years
- History of a spine fracture, if caused by bone disease
- History of a spine fracture in the past 2 years, if caused by injury
- Placement of rods or pins for scoliosis
- History of a hip or pelvic fracture and/or repair
Figures. I can’t donate blood until March of 2009, due to the 4 units of someone else’s blood I received during and after my surgery. At least one day I’ll be allowed to do that again, and I’m not banned for life.