Calling all Spinal Fusion TW members

I hope it is later than sooner. Positive vibes headed your way!

 

I can take it for the most part. Only freaked out once. Needed neck scan, they put me on the table, put the cage around my head. At this point I start to worry.. they slide me in and within 30 seconds, I need out or I will fight my way out, I yell. Went back a week later with 3 two mg pills of ativan. Just took a long nap.

One on my lower back was ok at first then uncomfortable to painful, then they needed to add contrast. She injected the contrast and I could feel it run throughout my veins. When it got to the area in my lower back, it was like somebody hit me with a high voltage taser. That was not fun.

 

This is the pilates log I was talking about.
High density foam log

 

I went out in a slight drizzle today, and walked my mile. Sometimes I have to force myself to get off my butt and do my walk which is the #1 exercise recommended by my Neurosurgeon. I promised to update with the newest Xray from my surgery on 1/28/2020. I'm fused from S1-T8 and now have new 4 inch screws from S1 into my pelvic bone. The also revised the hardware vertically to hold S1 and S2 in place. The 4 inch screws are supposed to hold the S1-S2 with no movement, and I'm hoping this is a permanent fix. I'm feeling better, and I'm actually surprised at how fast my recovery has been. Best one yet. So enjoy my newest pic. If my progress continues, I'm thinking about changing my username to Mr. Titanium. Ever need a uplifting chat or support if your having a bad day, hit me up.

 

Ouch. Ow, holy fuck that hurts just to look at.... ow, ow, ow

 

The fact that you can walk at all after all that is amazing!

Much respect for your tenacity!

 

My wife and I finally got a new mattress Monday, it and a new pillow has helped me some (so far) not sure about her, she has sciatic nerve problems from a car wreck when she was 15 and broke her pelvis.

 

Congrats and sorry all in one.
Stay strong and hope it gets better at some point.

 

Well just too give everyone an update. I'm now walking 1.6 miles on a regular day. If I'm feeling froggy, I push it to 1.8 miles. Timed myself today, and it took me 43 minutes to walk the 1.8 mile route. I'll never set any speed records, but I'm happy with it. What really pisses me off, is I had a great cardio workout, and you'd think I'd sleep like a baby tonight. But I won't, I'll try and go to be around 10:00 pm, and I'll be lucky to sleep 2-3 hours before I wake up, and have to sit in my recliner and watch the idiot box for a couple of hours, and the try to sleep again. I'm going fishing on Tuesday, will be the 3rd time I've been in the last couple of weeks. After being cooped up, or as they say today "Shelter in Place" , for the last 5 years, I'm one happy camper finally being able to get out of the house again. If your going through recovery from a recent surgery, remember to start out small if your trying a walking regime. i started out just walking up and down my driveway, like 10 times a day for the first week. Just try and keep a positive attitude, that you can get better. My twin sister has just been diagnosed with 3rd stage lung cancer. She had her first chemo regiment on Friday, and will start Radiation therapy on Wednesday of next week. Then she'll start doing radiation M-F with chemo added on Wednesday. The Oncologist gives her a really good chance of beating this. Now I'm really glad I can get out and walk, because it helps me deal with the stress of her issues.

 

@Fogger , I used to have a 2007 mini cooper S with a manual transmission. When I started having problems with my lower back, I noticed it a lot when pushing the clutch in and out while shifting gears. Man I loved that car, super fast and fun as shit. but I've always been a truck guy, so when I started looking for a 4x4 Tacoma, I knew it was going to be with an automatic Tranny. Not more stick shifts for me. I really enjoy driving my 03 DC 3.4l TRD. It only had 80k miles when I bought it back in 2010? or so. Now it has 137k miles and runs really good. It has some minor issues that need fixing, but they will have to wait until later this year, or maybe next spring, unless they really become a problem. Good luck in finding a Taco with a Auto Transmission that you'll enjoy. I've heard and read some of the 2nd gens had some serious issues with the Transmission always searching for a gear, or it might have been the 3rd gens. I really can't remember.

 

I have had lumbar (TILF) and cervical (ACDF)
I was having such a hard time with the lumbar hardware ( I could feel it all the time) I had it removed.
If anyone needs info hit me up...been through allot.

 

yeah necks are really easy...the brace is a must have for the recovery.

 

I did that! A very long time ago!

 

Is the OP still around, how is recovery?

 

Ugh ,DDD here also . Arthritis too. Not looking forward to any surgery if needed . Also have 2 bulging discs in my neck since 2002 . Now my lower back hurts almost everyday. I am very active and walk pretty much daily anywhere from a mile to 5 miles sometimes . 58 years old so when I feel pain I know it’s time to stop what I’m doing .

 

the 50s must be a struggle that i am not necessarily looking forward to
especially from an NPR report i heard awhile ago about the epidemic going on, i think that is the term they used for it anyways

 

Nope, the 50's are going to suck for sure, especially if the late 40's are a indicative factor for me.

 

My back is the main reason I’m retired . Retina surgeries secondary reason

 

my Dad's 50s during the 80s were not pleasant with his various knee problems, trying my best to avoid that!

 

Nice collection of hardware you have going. Whats the price for titanium these days. I wonder sometimes how much money I have screwed into my spine.