Spinal surgery

[seakayak]

Tomorrow morning (April 4) I will be undergoing surgery to remove two cervical discs that are pressing against my spine and to fuse two pairs of cervical vertebrae. In a forum this large, I suspect several of you have some prior knowledge about this procedure and it's aftermath. Any feedback from my pipe smoking brethren would be welcome. I admit to being a bit nervous especially after all the lawyer-inspired warnings offered by the surgeon. You can follow my progress on the blog at www.sandtreefamily.com. Pipesmagazine has become a source of both information and friendship over the past year. Know that this 21st century gathering of gentlemen is much appreciated.

 

[pstlpkr]

MY beloved War Department has had just such a surgery. She has had many difficulties that persist to this day. The only "advice" I can give you is be sure of the surgeon and do exactly what he says. There are no shortcuts.
Good luck Sea... we'll keep track.

 

[pipetrucker]

I have had the same procedure, without the fusion, in my lower back. I trust you have a good surgeon so I would expect that everything will go well. It is pretty routine these days.
Good luck to you, and keep us posted.

 

[cortezattic]

Best wishes for an uncomplicated procedure! I'm sure all of us will be praying for a speedy recovery.

 

[teamhavoc28]

I pray that the surgery and recovery are quick. Thank you for allowing us to follow your progress.

 

[forsooth]

I have a neighbor who had this type of major back surgery. He says that the recovery period was difficult, with all the physical therapy, etc. When I first got to know him about 5 or 6 years ago, he was still having some off-and-on issues with discomfort.
Now, everything is great. He uses his chainsaw regularly. About a month ago, I was helping him move a piano from a truck, onto a deck, and into his home. I mentioned that he should be careful and he said that he hadn't felt any pain in years and that he did whatever he wanted. So, here's to a good outcome for you!

 

[seakayak]

Thank you, guys. My surgeon is not only among the best spinal specialists in South Florida, but he actually has a great personality as well. Hey, cortezattic, how does one become a "Cherished Member"? Do you need to have royal blood or spiritual enlightenment?

 

[sockmonkey]

While this will be the first time you've undergone this procedure, rest assured that it will not be the first time your surgeon has performed it. Repairing people's backs is his/her job. They do it every day; you'll be in good hands.
And I believe Lawrence's advice was spot on, definitely follow all rehab instruction to the letter. I walk without a limp today because I did that very thing.
Take care. You'll be back in that kayak before you know it.

 

[westcoastrich]

On march 1, 2011 I had surgery to fuse L-5 and S-1. They installed 4 screws, 2 rods, and 4 setscrews to hold the rods in place. The first 3 weeks I was not to lift anything more than 2 lbs., I can now lift a maximum of 10 lbs. for the next 6 months, I am able to walk around ok, but getting up and down can be tough. The meds I am on are 10 mg. Norco every 4 hours, which really help, they don't take it all away but they help a lot. This is not a walk in the park, but can save you from a much worse fate. Good Luck Seakayak. Feel free to PM me for any questions.

 

[unclearthur]

Hope it all works well and easily for you. Surgery isn't an option for my back so I guess I will just wish you less pain.

 

[pstlpkr]

Hey, cortezattic, how does one become a "Cherished Member"?

Do you need to have royal blood or spiritual enlightenment?

Nope. He's just been here a long time and he is just good people.

 

[admin]

Good luck, my brother. Prayers and good thoughts are with you.

 

[seakayak]

Point taken, Lawrence. From where I sit, you're all good people. May we all be Cherished Members as the years continue to pass.

 

[fred]

Best wishes and prayers for your successful surgery and recovery...

 

[pstlpkr]

I'm sure many of us and you will be Sea.
T-11

 

[igloo]

It takes a while to heal up , had my neck done last year . But the up side is less pain . The best thing you can do is what the doc says and get up and get moving as soon as possible .Good Luck ! In my prayers .

 

[krgulick]

Hope everything goes well in surgery and afterwards in rehab. I must agree with the others that following the doc's orders and doing the rehab religiously will reap benefits in the long run for you. The rehab will sure suck big time, but stick with it and you'll be fine.

 

[wizbang]

My thought and prayers are warmly extended to you for a fast recovery Sea!

 

[ohin3]

All sugery and recovery sucks. Just gotta grin and bear it. I wish you a speedy recovery buddy.

 

[kcvet67]

I hope you have a smooth procedure and a quick recovery.