My First Surgery Experience 人生初の手術

 

コミュニティだより『あじ』に第16回目の連載を投稿しました。今回は「人生初の手術」について執筆しました。

My First Surgery Experience

"The only way to cure this is surgery." That is what the doctor told me.

It all started around the summer of 2022. I was trying to lift a large stone in my home garden when I heard a distinct "pop" near my lower back. Later, at the end of December, it happened while I was walking up the stairs. A sudden, sharp pain shot through me, and I collapsed on the spot. Since then, a persistent numbness and pain spread from my right buttock down to my toes. At its worst, I could barely walk even a few meters.

I visited various places, including clinics, orthopedic clinics, and chiropractors, but nothing improved. Believing I had to fix it myself, I dedicated myself to yoga, tai chi, stretching, and walking. Yet, the pain remained, and working in my beloved garden became increasingly difficult. I was completely at a loss for what to do.

Then one day, the numbness started spreading to my left buttock and thigh as well. Realizing how serious this was, I decided to do some deep research using AI (Artificial Intelligence) on my computer. Based on my symptoms, the AI actually guided me to a specific hospital and specialist right here in the city of Takamatsu.

I immediately visited that hospital for a thorough examination. The diagnosis was lumbar spinal stenosis. I successfully underwent surgery on 2nd June. Rehabilitation immediately commenced on 3rd June. I was discharged on 12th June and am now taking my time to rehabilitate at home, working towards full recovery. I should be able to resume my normal activities once again in early autumn.