Back surgery

[MMR]

On June 28th, while cleaning out my barn of all the Llama, Alpaca, and Goat poop....I twisted my back, injured my lumbar area, and have been in enormous pain since then. Worst pain of my life...and I have been through a few things in my life that would make a sane persons' hair curl...like the lightning strike.

The only really good news about the injury is...I am in much less pain when I am riding my motorcycle...than I am sitting at home, or walking around my place. That is probably due to the Russell Day-Long saddle, and the Utopia backrest, as my bike is ergonomically perfect for my body, and I can ride 1000 mile days...day after day...and not have bad pain.

Since that date of injury in late June, I have done about 10,000 miles on the bike...two separate trips...and things are fine...when I am riding, but have to use a cane to help me walk, when off the bike.

Been through a lot of "therapies" during the last 3 + months, seen every MD and DC I know to go to, and ultimately...nothing really helped. Got so bad that I actually had to resort to having a drink of alcohol in the late evenings, just to help me deal with the pain...and I am a guy that has spent the past 60 years never drinking, never smoking, never using drugs...not even drinking coffee, because I placed so much value on intellect, and keeping my brain cells, rather than burning thru what brain cells I have.

Ha ! The lightning strike took care of that.

Went to talk to my assigned surgeon yesterday, and it turns out that what I "thought" was going to be a MIS...minimally invasive surgery...to fix my lower back, due to Spinal Stenosis at L3 and L4....the surgeon is now telling me he wants to do a Laminectomy...which is much more involved...is NOT an outpatient surgery....but one that I will have to spend 1 or 2 nights in the hospital after the surgery before they will release me...and they will actually be removing a large section of the L4 disc.



I am not freaked out by this, as I am quite knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology. I know what is wrong, as I have seen the X-rays and the MRI myself, and I know that the primary issue is a pinched nerve at L3, but there is also further Stenosis at L4. But I am starting to have some concerns about the potential side affects, and...whether I will end up better off than I am now...or possibly worse off than I am now.

The surgery is scheduled for October 23rd, 13 days from now...but I will be out of the hospital in time for that weekends' Seahawks game.

I guess...I just needed to get this off my chest, and vent for a moment...

[hparsons]

You'll be in prayers.

[TravelinLite]

MMR, I wish you the best with the surgery.

[Toyfarm]

There's nothing worse then having constant back pain. Every move you make effects it. My worst time for pain is while I'm trying to sleep.
I wish you the best with your upcoming surgery. You need to talk to your Dr. about what to expect after the surgery. You may want to talk to a physical therapist to see what he has seen in the past. Good luck. PS. Marijuana works better then boose for the pain.

[clayusmcret]

Well, it's definitely not going to get better by doing nothing. The last 3+ months has proven that. The good thing is you're not going into the surgery with a totally used and abused body. All those years of healthy living may pay off - although, not drinking coffee can be considered a serious character flaw.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best and be sure to tell your doctor to have a GREAT day on the day of the surgery. Best wishes on your surgery and recovery!

[OkieDoc]

I had a lumbar laminectomy back in the early 90's. Worked hard with PT post op and have been pain free since. Good Luck!

[ddubya]

A friend of mine was having a lot of back painafter he threw it out, he went and had MRI's and such and the Dr scheduled surgery. Because of the Dr's schedule he had to wait 3 months so he decided to go to the chiropractor and the pain is gone in about a month (was better after the first week) he went 2 or 3 times a week.

They have canceled the surgery and he is going elk hunting on the 22 on this month. He hurt so bad that he quit driving for the car dealerships (he picked up car trades between dealers) he is also back doing this.

I know everyone is different and this might not work for you but if you haven't checked into this you might want to. Just make sure you get a good one. My friend said that they also took x rays and that he wasn't there very long when they told him part of his problem was one leg was 1/2 inch shorter than the other which was throwing his back out.

[MMR]

I want to thank all of you for the well wishes, and advice...

Ddubya, thank you too for the advice, however I did say I am quite knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology, and that I have already been through every MD and DC... I can think of in my area. The DC are chiropractors. I have even been to accupuncturists. I am an MD, with two Ph.D.s, (mathematics and physics) so I know for a fact that when an MRI shows that there is a pinched nerve at L3, due to the Foramen being closed down, due to Lumbar Stenosis, then after trying all the alternative remedies, the last resort is surgery, and that is where I am at now.

I will get through this...just hoping to come out of it better than I am going into it.

[ddubya]

Well I do wish you good luck and will say a prayer.

[Lone Ranger]

On June 28th, while cleaning out my barn of all the Llama, Alpaca, and Goat poop....I twisted my back, injured my lumbar area, and have been in enormous pain since then. Worst pain of my life...and I have been through a few things in my life that would make a sane persons' hair curl...like the lightning strike.

The only really good news about the injury is...I am in much less pain when I am riding my motorcycle...than I am sitting at home, or walking around my place. That is probably due to the Russell Day-Long saddle, and the Utopia backrest, as my bike is ergonomically perfect for my body, and I can ride 1000 mile days...day after day...and not have bad pain.

Since that date of injury in late June, I have done about 10,000 miles on the bike...two separate trips...and things are fine...when I am riding, but have to use a cane to help me walk, when off the bike.

Been through a lot of "therapies" during the last 3 + months, seen every MD and DC I know to go to, and ultimately...nothing really helped. Got so bad that I actually had to resort to having a drink of alcohol in the late evenings, just to help me deal with the pain...and I am a guy that has spent the past 60 years never drinking, never smoking, never using drugs...not even drinking coffee, because I placed so much value on intellect, and keeping my brain cells, rather than burning thru what brain cells I have.

Ha ! The lightning strike took care of that.

Went to talk to my assigned surgeon yesterday, and it turns out that what I "thought" was going to be a MIS...minimally invasive surgery...to fix my lower back, due to Spinal Stenosis at L3 and L4....the surgeon is now telling me he wants to do a Laminectomy...which is much more involved...is NOT an outpatient surgery....but one that I will have to spend 1 or 2 nights in the hospital after the surgery before they will release me...and they will actually be removing a large section of the L4 disc.



I am not freaked out by this, as I am quite knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology. I know what is wrong, as I have seen the X-rays and the MRI myself, and I know that the primary issue is a pinched nerve at L3, but there is also further Stenosis at L4. But I am starting to have some concerns about the potential side affects, and...whether I will end up better off than I am now...or possibly worse off than I am now.

The surgery is scheduled for October 23rd, 13 days from now...but I will be out of the hospital in time for that weekends' Seahawks game.

I guess...I just needed to get this off my chest, and vent for a moment...

Prayers to you. I know the pain of a bad back as I have degenerative discs. When they act up I can hardly move, walk, lay, anything. And going to the bathroom is no fun when a spasm hits. Once the pain was so bad I laid on the floor clawing the carpet, it felt like someone was reaching into my lower back and twisting and pulling on the nerves/muscles.

You said you went through therapy, I hope they had you work on your core muscles.

I use crutches when the back goes out. Helps to support the body better than relying on a cane that I use to use. I carry folding canes in the vehicles in case I need it, but around the house I use the crutches.

[flyerq68]

My wife had a ruptured disk in her lower back and put off surgery as long as she could. Now I know everyone is different, but after the surgery with a fairly quick recovery, she was sorry she didn't do it sooner. Good luck to you.

[MMR]

Well I do wish you good luck and will say a prayer.

Thank you very much. Again, thank you to all you folks. This is a great group of riders on this forum.

[Rick S]

Take care and best regards.

[In2cjs]

Good Luck and a speedy recovery, been there done that. L1-L6 with stenosis top to bottom.

[JGDJR]

MMR, I wish you the best with the surgery...keep us posted

John

[pearlblue1800]

Dear MMR I truly wish you well.

IF any of the story is remotely true.
OR
ANY of your claims, are truthful (other than the lightning strike, and the incredible 30 day ride.)

Scroll to comment #10 !

link to other website removed

[Cruiseman]

I think the position of the forum is that this should be handled through Private Messaging.

[Lone Ranger]

Dear MMR I truly wish you well. As everyone should to someone facing surgery.

IF any of the story is remotely true.
OR
ANY of your claims, are truthful This is confusing as to what you are talking about. Are you calling him a liar regarding the OP?

Maybe you just weren't clear.

[pearlblue1800]

I am reiterating what is known by the board administration..
If nothing is clear I encourage anyone who may have doubts or concerns please pm me and I will be happy to furnish you with links, and comments as to the credibility issues..

Lets see how long we have postings from a self proclaimed double MIT Doctorate

[azsandrider]

I don't what your 'beef' is with this guy, but its not appropriate to 'character assassinate' the guy on a public forum...Handle your issues with him privately...

[pearlblue1800]

I don't what your 'beef' is with this guy, but its not appropriate to 'character assassinate' the guy on a public forum...Handle your issues with him privately...

Your opinion is noted.
Others may be appreciative of knowing that there is a serious concern for their safety with this person.
AS documented by Bob Higden of the IBA.