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Topic: Back surgery  (Read 4716 times)

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Odonata

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2 thos of u w metal hardware, dyu set off metal detectrs at el aeropuerto?  Serious q.
heal up bros

I haven't flown anywhere since I broke my back, but after breaking my neck I had 12 screws, a plate and a rod.  Flew to Canada, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming to ice climb in the winter and had no issues flying at all.  I was advised to wear a shirt where I could unzip or unbutton to show them my surgical scars, but it was never necessary.

Now that I think about it, I probably should get my driver's license upgraded to a Real ID, unless I want to carry my passport to the airport next time :)


MontanaN8V

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Two back surgeries L5/L4 and L4/3 laminectpmy and disectomy. I need a double fusion of S1-L4. They wont do it until I REALLY need it. I cannot kayak or reel in bigger fish at all. My water sports days are done. Oh well, move onto other hobbies, like watching tv.
Live your life, the way you want to be remembered. Don't have any regrets, we only get this one dance to make it count. Start at your eulogy, and work backwards.


ZIPPER

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Hey Spiffy,
Sorry to hear about your situation and the pain. I hope your situation gets better and you get some relief. I have had 9 spinal fusions where my whole L Spine is Fused together from a incident that happened while I was in the Military. Unfortunately for me I did not get to have a choice of if I want to have the surgery it was medically necessary. I have had multiple revisions over the past few years and my last revision was done by a well known Orthopedic Surgeon from Stanford that was the best surgery I’ve had yet. A couple things I do to help me get through it all is staying active and not letting my ego determine how hard I workout. Another is to do things that I enjoy and not let the pain overwhelm my every thought. Yes I still have pain, but I have accepted the fact that I’m going to have pain and learned to live with the pain rather than living my whole life constantly thinking about the pain. Also be careful with the pain medications and always listen to your doctors and Physical therapist. I wish you the best and I will keep you in my prayers buddy.

-Zipper


scottymeboy

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I’m soooooo happy to hear you are recovering  well, Vic!!!!!!!!
I’ve had back issues but not to that degree!
Glad to have you Back!!!!  Or should I say, glad you have your back!
Scotty
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Odonata

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I hike a lot, too.  Walking is one of the best things you can do for your back.  My PT had me doing core exercises (among other things) after my last surgery, in preparation for walking.

I took a tai chi class after my surgery as well, once I was cleared by my doctor, and I still do those exercises a few times a week.  I'd been doing basic yoga since about 2000.  In my fifties now, and I can't imagine how much daily pain I'd be in otherwise.

Back surgery's record for people who have pain has a mixed record, at best (as opposed to people who have broken something and have unstable fractures, like me).  I've read that it is best to put it off as long as possible and try conservative treatments first: physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, lifestyle adjustments (such as losing weight for example), exercise.  There are other things that can be done -- I think I read about steroid injections or something like that.  Going under the knife is not guaranteed success.


robedney

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Fascinating thread.  I have spinal stenosis and have had periods where I can barely walk -- was reduced to using a walker at one point.  Oddly enough what finally worked for me was going back to work (I'm 69) in a fairly active job with lots of movement.  I'm reasonably careful, but I still lift stuff and move around a lot.  My back pain is now a side-issue as opposed to taking over my life.  Some pain most of the time, bad pain only occasionally - nothing more than ibuprofen can handle.  I suspect that part of this is psychological, but most -- I think -- is just about keeping moving.  They were gearing me up for doing some cutting before, but even my doc said that the results were hit or miss.  And that bit about stress -- believe it.  Meditation helps not only with pain reduction but living with what pain is left.  I'd suggest anyone with back issues and considering surgery try the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction clinic first -- offered now through many hospitals (Kaiser has it).  Many docs refer folks with chronic pain into it.


Fisherman X

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“Doing well” is a good thing, glad to read that. Seems you are preparing well in your considerations and PT. Also interested in hearing from others.
-Success is living the life you want-
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Dale L

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My situation is much much less severe than yours, no surgery for me.  So after reading what I wrote I just went back and bolded the message I wanted to give,,

IMHO, I don't think, "you're overthinking it" as far as preventing future problems. About 20 yrs ago I bulged a disc, nothing as bad as yours, no surgery etc, I did however need to crawl out of the shower one day because I couldn't stand on my own. For diagnosis, not even an MRI, the PT identified the location/side/direction by the pain patterns in my left leg and foot. ANYHOW, the PT told me to take care of business or I'd end up back where I started. My Recovery, got much better pretty fast but then slowly I could feel things continually improving for like 18 months. Since then I haven't had to baby my back but I'm much more thoughtful an deliberate about my actions. And if I don't my left leg reminds me that I need to.


MooMoo Outdoors

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Glad to hear you are recovering well. I really like where your mind is. All about kayak fishing! I hope you get back on the saddle soon.
https://youtube.com/channel/UC6mxd4WmuKFxDEozl7vuMzA

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WillFo

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Hey Vic, I'm glad to hear you're recovering well, and hope you are able to get back on the water soon. When you do I can hook you up with some swimbaits, I still haven't managed to lose all the ones I bought from you yet!


rockfish

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This is a feel good story on so many levels.


I cant wait till you come kayak with us and Henry in the sierra :)
Less Mental than before, Still savage AF tho <3

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IsaoK

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Wtg brotha, hope to see you on the water soon


Eddie

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“I’m going fishing.”  They said, “we will go with you.” 
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Congrats buddy!

Does that mean you can grab your ankles again?  :smt001
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Fisherman X

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There are some folks you can always count on....

On another note, back to the thread - Congrats, man, glad to hear that you have been released to the next phase! Does that include being able to paddle a kayak soon?
« Last Edit: January 29, 2020, 12:11:36 PM by Fisherman X »
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