Sad day

[_DJ_1]

Winterized the TC and tucked it away for the winter. I know, pretty early but it is in anticipation of extensive back surgery. Two surgeons have now told me I need a fusion on L2,3,4 and 5.

It will have to be done with clamps, rods and grafts from my hip bone. 6 month recovery time!!!

I am still not fully convinced to do this. A good part of me is saying to wait until I can not stand the pain anymore. Seems these type surgeries are just the beginning of many more down the road. 😞

[Sheriffdoug]

I have not had surgery since 2003. Sorry it's ten years since spinal surgery. Yes, if I lift too much, I can cause pain to come back, but no where near what is was. Fusion for me was not an option to consider, but it may be your only option. Only people who have your kind of pain understand. People with a muscle backache, do not know what you are experiencing. Pain so bad and debilitating you collapse to the ground, any form of movement, is painful and ongoing 24/7.
When I had the spinal surgery, the Tax Dept, liquidated my company, for non payment of Taxes.
That's another story. Sent me returns for money I had not earned, but as I ploughed all my money into surgery, could not afford legal appeal, at that time, but won eight years later.
I also had severe Whooping Cough, 12 years ago.
Still have my lovely wife of 35 years and 4 healthy children, a nice house metres from the River, Perth city, great Truck Camper & wonderful friends and family.
In this period, you will find who your real friends are.
Good Luck, Doug

[MikeJinCO]

Did L4-S1 fusion about 13 years ago, now looking at adding L2-L4. Remember operating is what surgeons do. Go find a non invasive back doctor and have him look at the MRI. These are Docs who give cortosteroid shots and are not surgeons, they generally do not recommend surgery until there is no other choice. If the ortho groups in Boise don't have one Salt Lake undoubtedly would. I know there are excellent ones in Vail here in Colorado at Steadman-Hawkins and Vail-Summit Ortho. We're not that far away, we were there two weeks ago on a Main Salmon raft trip. Our plans for this winter Mexico, net winter South America went on hold yesterday.

[2edgesword]

Sorry to hear about the early closing but hope the doctors can do it once and get it right so you can enjoy the RV next season.

[jmtandem]

Janet and I agree with your thinking... hang in there as long as you can.

X2

[Sheriffdoug]

Ask your surgeon about the Maverick Procedure. About 7 years ago I had four titanium discs inserted in my spine. They cut a 22 cm cut in abdomen, separate the internal organs, remove damage discs, replace with Titanium & Nylon disc that over eight weeks fuses to the vertebrae, giving full recovery & mobility. I had spent periods of months confined to bed, unable to walk. The surgery started at 2pm on a Friday and finished 10pm that night, they had me walking at 10am, the following morning.
After surgery, I had to lay face down at home, with nurse home visit and my helpful wife, for eight weeks. Not easy.
I had a Neuro spinal Surgeon, dr Paul Bannon, the second in Australia, filmed live to 3 Universities, one Sydney & two In the US. The US surgeon/inventor of the procedure was present.
I was told fusion was my only option, but waited and this was a new procedure then.
PM me and I will call you or email further details.
There is a whole lot more detail, but it was worth it, now I can sit on a camping rug, walk, cross my legs, etc, still a little pain, but nothing, compared to the pain I endured for eight years after work accident. Doug

[dakonthemountai]

Oye! sorry to hear this! I too tend to be more like you (and Sleep and wife) and just keep going until I can't take the pain anymore.... But when you DO have it done I also subscribe to Led 67's positive attitude.. You will have a LOT to look forward to after you heal.... in 6 months OR LESS! Always keep a positive thought! 🙂

Dak

[sleepy]

~DJ~ wrote:
Winterized the TC and tucked it away for the winter. I know, pretty early but it is in anticipation of extensive back surgery. Two surgeons have now told me I need a fusion on L2,3,4 and 5.

It will have to be done with clamps, rods and grafts from my hip bone. 6 month recovery time!!!

I am still not fully convinced to do this. A good part of me is saying to wait until I can not stand the pain anymore. Seems these type surgeries are just the beginning of many more down the road. 😞

Janet and I agree with your thinking... hang in there as long as you can.

[Led_67]

Hey DJ sorry about your back problems but think of this. You are not going to be down for long so just think about your TC all tucked away nice just waiting for you to get better so more adventures can be had...Good luck with the surgery and expect to see you here afterwards.

[bka0721]

I hope you get some relief soon and recovery is fast. Keep us informed.

b