As a proud dog mom, business, owner, and volunteer, life keeps me active and fulfilled. But like so many, Iâve faced unexpected hurdles, including chronic back pain that led to back surgeryâa journey that has shaped my outlook on health, resilience, and being my own advocate.
For years, I dealt with nagging pain in my back, neck, and shoulders. It started when I was in my teens and worsened over time. Being big-chested didnât help (shoutout to my fellow ladies who get itâbigger isnât always better!). Despite staying active and healthy, my lower back pain grew unbearable in recent years.
When the Pain Became Too Much to Bear
Three years ago, I took my first big step and got an MRI after my chiropractor noticed the severity of my discomfort. Surprisingly, the results showed no major issuesâjust the so-called ânormal agingâ of the spine. The doctor suggested steroid shots or physical therapy, and I opted for PT. With consistent effort, I finally found reliefâŠbut just for a while.
Fast forward to this year: I threw my back out not once, not twice, but THREE times. One episode woke me from a dead sleep, leaving me in excruciating pain. As I stood there crying to my husband, Troy, I knew something was seriously wrong. Physical therapy ended up no longer helping, so I went to a spine doctor and got another MRI.
Getting Answers and a Plan
This time, the MRI revealed a herniated disc in my L4-L5 vertebrae, causing severe back and left leg pain. While the diagnosis was daunting, I was relieved to finally have answers. The doctor recommended trying a steroid shot before pursuing surgery. After several weeks of waiting for approvals, appointments, and treatments, the steroid shot provided zero relief. At this point, I was exhausted, in constant pain, and ready for a solution.
During the waiting period, I had also tried prescribed pain meds, which I never take since I donât do well on them. But I was desperate and wanted to get some relief while I waited for my next appointment. Less than 24 hours after taking pain meds, I was severely sick with the chills, shakes, extreme migraine, and vomiting. It took me over two days to fully recover and needless to say I stopped the meds immediately.
The next step? Surgery. Specifically, a discectomyâone of the least invasive procedures for my condition. Although I was hesitant and the sound of any kind of surgery was scary, I ultimately knew it was my best option for me. Chronic pain had taken over my life, and I was ready to reclaim it, and get back to what I love most, dogs!
Surgery Day: December 2, 2024
I was nervous but optimistic. Troy and I documented the process so I could share my journey with others who might be experiencing something similar. Surgery day was a whirlwind of emotions, but my medical team was incredible. They answered all my questions, eased my fears, and treated me with compassion at every step.
Post-surgery, I woke up instantly crying for Troy (apparently, anesthesia makes me extra sentimental đ). But the best news? My original back and leg pain were gone. For the first time in years, I felt relief. The only discomfort I had was from the incisionâa small price to pay for a pain-free life.
Embracing Recovery
Now two weeks post-surgery, Iâm feeling stronger every day. Iâve been documenting my recovery journey on social media, and will be sharing updates about physical therapy and doctor appointment follow-ups. My restrictions will continue to include no heavy lifting, bending, or vacuuming (darn, what a shame! đ). But these are minor hurdles compared to the joy of finally living without constant pain.
Advocacy and Gratitude
This experience has taught me the importance of being your own advocate. Doctors are incredible, but theyâre human too. Donât be afraid to ask questions, seek second opinions, or trust your instincts. You know your body better than anyone else.
Iâm beyond grateful for my spine doctor, his team, and especially Troy and our dog Meatball. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey. Your kindness and empathy remind me that the world still has amazing people.
Iâm looking forward to my continued healing and canât wait to get back to volunteering and fostering dogs. Taking a step back from dog events and fostering has been difficult and I miss it so much, but sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take several steps forward and beyond.
A Message for My Fellow Dog Moms (and Dads!)
As a dog mom, weâre often juggling everythingâour dogs, work, family, and health. But we canât pour from an empty cup. If youâre struggling with pain, physical or emotional, I encourage you to seek help and prioritize yourself. Your dogs need you at your best, and you deserve to feel your best too.
Remember, healing takes time, patience, and a lot of loveâfor yourself and those around you. To my fellow chronic pain warriors: You are not alone. And to everyone reading this, thank you for allowing me to share my story.
To learn more about my surgery day and beginning of my recovery, go to our YouTube channel.Â
With love and pawsitivity,
Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom
