Back in Almost Full Action from Scoliosis Fusion Surgery

Photos, story by Cassie Hepler

I would say at this point, 6 months from scoliosis fusion surgery I am about 90 percent healed. The numbness above my right butt cheek has shrunk down even more and it is not numb anymore on the right front of my pelvis. Dr. Heller said it will continue to go away until I forget about it altogether. I can’t imagine ever forgetting it completely. However, I’m sure there will be vacation days of travel and wonder ahead that will keep my mind occupied on the beauty of the world. I am also officially allowed to twist 25 percent now which certainly makes driving and swimming easier, although the Jersey Shore ocean waves are still a challenge so far.

And the best news of all… my spine now measures 16.5 degrees (before it was 53 degrees lower lumbar and 23 above). A normal spine is within a 10 degree range. I am almost normal (but was never really normal which is fine with me)!

My scoliosis fusion as of August 2016 with a measure of 16.5 degree curve.

I have noticed, as has my massage therapist John H. from Soothe.com, that when he massaged my back in the numb spot, it turns red. We assume it is because of the blood coming back to the nerves which is never a bad thing! He is still not allowed to massage anywhere near my spine scar within a three inch radius as the bone will continue to graft for the full year. I also noticed my Freddy Krueger slash on my right side gets a little red and splotchy sometimes too after exercise.

This is John H. from Soothe.com who comes about once a month, sets up his table and hypnotic music and tames my back since before and after surgery. Now the focus is more on my shoulders and neck since that is the part taking all the movement nowadays.

The reason I am doing so well is because I have a team of people supporting me and making sure I am well taken care of including these guys, Terry and Steve, from NovaCare in Bala Cynwyd. I see them about once a week and they have taken me from weak to strong, both mentally and physically. Terry likes to torture me so I say we schedule on torture Tuesdays or Thursdays with Terry. Steve was gaining credits for grad school and is done now but you can find his smiling face at Roxborough Creamery slinging ice cream when not down the shore. Terry is leaving at the end of this month and sadly, so am I. I think I will return for monthly checkins however am doing fine on my own and visiting the gym, doing yoga and planks as much as possible as well as improvising the awesome app SworkIt when there’s no time for the gym. It’s the end of an era but this is a good thing!

Novacare rehabilitation physical therapists Terry, left, and Steve were always keeping me in tip top shape, even doing planking contests with me.

I asked Dr. Heller what to do to extend the life of my spine since there will be more wear and tear on the top and bottom vertebrae. He said running is jarring for anyone, to not gain weight “don’t get fat”, keep my core strong, no chiropractic neck cracking anymore (darn) and not to lift heavy things. So that’s the plan until my year mark in February 2017 when I will be able to fully twist and am totally healed.

In the meantime though, I have been enjoying the health benefits of having a straight spine and strong core with my modeling.

Cassie Hepler modeling some couture lingerie. Photo by BE Photography

Obviously if you scroll down in my blog, you will see a huge difference in my waist, physique and more from the before shots. It is exciting to be back in action and I’ve been making the most of it! The plan this year is to get some fitness shots as well since I am not allowed to expose my scars in the sun for a year, it’s all one piece bathing suits so far. But next year, watch out! Maybe a bikini debut in Mexico, we will see! Speaking of fun in the sun, I realized I was a little too pale for summer lately so I was thankful to my friends at Skinny Tan for sending me a kit to bronze myself without looking orange and ruining my pasty white complexion.

The Skinny Tan kit contains all the essentials for a good looking tan without becoming orange. The bronzer comes in handy for those pesky bathing suit straps and legs on the go while the body mousse is another quick full body fix that lasts a little longer. The 7 day tan I will be delving into with some help from my friends on vacation in September to Long Beach Island. I’ll have that sun kissed glow without the skin damage!

And look how tan I look here from it with my brother from another mother Jason Doran at Stratus Lounge when he won Sexy Singles 2016. — And look at the healthy glow of the Skinny Tan with my brother from another mother Jason Doran at Stratus Lounge when he won Sexy Singles 2016.

Speaking of healthy glow, I also got some help from an excellent line of makeup as well, Nakeah Cosmetics. Lip stains in two of my favorite shades, red and pale pink, were perfect as I hate reapplying lipstick all night long. Who has time for that anyway? I actually used the lip liner they sent me as eyebrow pencil for when it’s really humid out (which is all the time in Philly) and it doesn’t move until I wipe it off. Now that’s what a girl wants.

Nakeah Cosmetics Make Up Samples — Nakeah Cosmetics sent me some of my favorite lip stain shades to sample and I loved the long lasting wear with minimal flaking aspect.

And I’m also looking forward to getting back in the photography and well as business consulting groove. I have so many people ask me to pick my brain or help them start or energize their careers, I added it to my pricing page as an option, check it out! My friend, Jay Doran, above in the photo in white and blue with me, came to me for a photoshoot before he even moved to the area. We got some great, friendly shots of him to use for wherever he ends up (most likely a millionaire motivational speaker is my guess) but I wanted to share some photography as well. My lovely artistic and musically talented friend, Bonita Adele, will be back for our annual fall photos soon.

Jason Doran models a nice, friendly relaxed pose. Photo by Cassie Hepler

Since Jason Doran is heavily into fitness, it only made sense to show off his guns and those baby blues. Photo by Cassie Hepler — Since Jason Doran is heavily into fitness and the mind body connection, it only made sense to show off his guns and those baby blues too. Photo by Cassie Hepler

On another note, keep an eye out for some amazing fashion designs from the lovely Victoria Wright this fall with me modeling them! And a trip to NYC this fall as well to continue working with Healthy Guru after the amazing Hamptons trip this summer. And this just in – I will be sponsoring and photographing a red carpet wellness event this fall with The Wellness Universe. Remember you can always follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well as Snapchat (I’m cassie.hepler) for instant updates. Until next time!

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