I never realized how much a herniated disc could change my life until it happened. The pain was relentless — nerve pain that shot down and stole my breath, making everyday things like standing, walking, or even trying to sleep feel impossible. I remember feeling so small and trapped in my own body, terrified that I’d never get back to the activities that make me feel alive.

The 14 weeks of recovery felt like forever. Each day was a mix of frustration, tiny victories, and a constant battle with fear. Some mornings the progress was noticeable, other days I wondered if I’d ever get better. The hopelessness weighed heavy, but slowly, little by little, the pain began to ease and movement returned.

Now I’m finally on the other side, grateful for healing but changed by the experience. I know I’ll have to be careful — no careless bending, lifting, or twisting. But maybe that’s the lesson: to move with more awareness, to honor my body, and to carry forward the resilience I had to learn the hard way.

Most of all, I feel grateful — for the strength I didn’t know I had, for the chance to return to what I love, and for the reminder that even when life feels impossible, healing is still possible.