You got Hardware?

I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease at the age of 19. Due to my condition I had a 65 degree forward curvature (hunch back) of the spine. Man I was in pain!!! Took me 5 years of hell jumping through the hoops to finally have my surgery. At the age of 24 (I'm 33 now) I went under the knife for 11 hours. The result, 18 screws, 2 metal rods and 11 fused vertebrae. The surgery truly saved my life as I was on a very dark path. By the grace of Jesus, I have 15 years of law enforcement under my belt and I'm still going strong. I'm also a proud father to my 10 year old son! I do still suffer from chronic back pain, but it's nothing like it use to be. I do have days where it can be pretty debilitating. Its refreshing and helpful to talk with others who have similar experiences as it has really helped me along the way. That is the reason why I started this thread. Feel free to post your story and share your experiences with others. It's nice to know you're not alone.

 

In the early 90's my brother was hit by a car when he was in high school , has rods and pins all over his leg. Was a long recovery and still has pain and discomfort especially when it's cold.

 

Ouch. The recovery can be pretty long. The weather can certainly play a part in discomfort for sure. Thank you for your post.

 

Jeez, TRD I don't think I'll ever complain about my fusion again! Mine was low, S1-L5 and didn't really affect my flexibility, just sore all the time.
When I went in for the consult I did tell the surgeon though I wish he had never showed me the screws he would use. I said they looked like something to use on a porch.
I also have the dreaded DD and the L3 seems to be collapsing now. I see kids doing all kinds of things at work and try to warn them but you know how it is. No body could have told me either.

 

Hey Brother, it doesn't matter how many screws or rods one has, a fusion is a fusion... we can all relate to the discomfort and exhaustion it can bring at times. Like I said in my original post, my surgery saved my life and it was the best decision I ever made. I feel ya on the soreness. My muscles are tender and score most of the time. Those screws do look damn creepy! I couldn't believe how long they are! It's amazing what the body can go through. And yes, warning people who have a good back falls on deaf ears at times. I didn't listen back then that's for sure. I'll pray for the L3 area. Take it easy and keep your head up. Thank you for sharing.

 

Our posts have been deleted, so the facts are gone anyway.

I'm sure he thanked the doctors and everyone.

No one commented on his faith until you said "sky wizard" in reference to his faith.

I'm done here too.

No ill will or hard feelings.

Have a good one

 

Thanks man I appreciate it.

 

Wow TRD that's alot of hardware. Glad to hear your that mobile and you didn't let it keep you down.

 

I had a 2012 ZX6R.. Absolutely loved that bike. So fast! I'm not sure how I didn't low side the damn thing.. I rode way to crazy for the street. Glad you came out ok. Most people don't walk away from a motorcycle wreck or a least that well anyways. If I lay flat on my back I can feel most of my screws! Annoying at times. Thank you for your post and sharing your experience.

 

Thanks. I'm really lucky that my fusion is located in my thoracic portion (mid spine) so it doesn't affect my movement by much.

 

Damn.. that shit must of hurt like hell man. Glad you're a gear guy. I always saw guys riding with just lids on. I always rode with my leathers even in the dead of summer. I miss mine too! Haha.