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To paraphrase the words of the doc "I am the poster boy for laminectomy and disc replacement surgery". The healing process is so far beyond all expectation that while formal physical therapy would not normally begin for at least 90 days after such surgery, mine begins tomorrow, just 41 days post-op. UUUUUUUU fukin RRRRAAAAAHHHHHH !!!
The MRI shows that the pain I am still experiencing is the other herniated discs shrinking back into place and my lower spine adjusting to "normalcy" again. While I still awaken sometimes so stiff and sore I question this whole process, something the doc tells me will continue for a while, though he won't even hazard a guess as to how long with the progress I am making, this "new man" they promised me is taking shape, and faster than anyone could have imagined. Quite frankly, I think they just never took into account what a motivated Marine can overcome and accomplish, even at my age.
There really isn't a whole lot more to say, except for this... while I am most fortunate to have had my surgery done by the man that literally "wrote the book" on this procedure, this surgery works !! There is no need for anyone to suffer from chronic back pain caused by stenosis or herniated discs. It can be fixed. Yes, it hurts, it hurts like HELL and for the first few days you are going to ask yourself why you let them do this to you. Yes, you will be frightened by certain aspects of the recovery process and the pains and sensations in odd places, and yes, you are going to have your moments of doubt and perhaps even anger. Hell, my vanity would not let me walk around the neighborhood with a walker, so I went to Wal-Mart and grabbed one of their carts and walked around the store using the cart as my walker til I could walk without it.
But if you are willing to fight through all of that, if you are willing to do whatever it takes to improvise, overcome and adapt; and that means losing the weight, quitting smoking, walking when you literally can't take a step without pain, if you are willing to do the rehab necessary, there is a new man or woman inside you, just waiting for the chance to prove to you that age happens, but back pain does NOT have to be a part of it.
Oh, and one last little "tidbit", guys... in the hope of avoiding being too "graphic" here, let's just say that "Morningwood" is no longer just the name of some new wave band anymore. Tired of the little blue or brown pill?? Ready to get back in the game "for real"?? Get your back fixed... you'll be amazed at what a dose of nerve repair and regeneration will do for you... Now I just gotta find someone to spend some mornings with, lol.
Next appointment is Sept 21st... see you then
Jeff
