Blew out back, selling out

[snowlover]

I didn't really know where to post this, thought I would start here. I blew out my back last month to the point I was told to discontinue my snow removal and lawn care business asap which I did, now I am selling all of my equipment. Here is my CL ad:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/grd/5746256351.html

I just hope after surgery, healing and PT I can still ride my sled and take rides in our Viking. Not sure what the future will bring but there's always a reason things happen the way they do and the man upstairs must want me to do something else. I had a MRI done and found I have 2 bi-lateral ruptured discs, pinched nerves, stenosis, arthritis, calcification and bone spurs in my lower back. It makes life pretty tough when you can't do what you are used to and if I do something I shouldn't I pay for it and am laid up for a couple days. Right now I am taking it one day at a time.

 

[ezra]

just a fyi I was told 25yrs ago to quit doing construction quit the crazy off road stuff and get surgery asap. well I did none of the above . yeah it goes out from time to time cant walk etc etc. get a few shots to the spine and back to it. for every 30 good back surgery story's there is 1 nightmare.do your deep research

 

[snowlover]

Already been down the injection road, didn't work at all. I can't sleep, walk, sit or anything without pain. I was trying to work through the pain but I couldn't take it anymore. I grew up working on our family farm with a lot of back straining work, that I could work through, not this. It literally kicked my arse. I have one of the best neurosurgeons doing what needs to be done. I have too many friends that waited too long before they had surgery and are paying for it now. I am not messing around with my body anymore I have a lot of life to live and the way I am living now in constant pain is not how I want to live.

 

[mezz]

I feel for you man, back issues are not to be taken lightly & from what you have laid out by way of issues, you have quite a list. Not to ruin your hopes, but, if you think your going to ride a side x side, forget it. If you think your going to ride a sled, forget that too, forget riding lawnmowers, or anything that is going to bounce you around. Pinched nerves, bone spurs not to mention stenosis, your mobility is nonexistent. The ruptured discs can be dealt with, but not until the other issues are resolved. Stay moving as much as reasonably possible, but don't over do it. Once you stop moving, matters get worse. I hope all goes well for you in dealing with this as well as recovery, been suffering with a number of back issues for over 23 years myself, I feel your pain. Now it's time to learn to work smarter, not harder. Good luck & keep us appraised.-Mezz

 

[skidont]

Going through this right now also , just had my MRI yesterday . I dread hearing how bad I have mistreated my body , Good luck snowlover

 

[snowlover]

Skidont- good luck man. When I went over my MRI with the Dr. she said my back was not good. My heart sank. She did say there is hope but for now rest, ice and do not do anything that will make it worse like ride my mower. I can hardly stand long enough to fold laundry. I am just taking on day at a time for now. Next Monday I will go over next steps with the neurosurgeon.

mezz- I am going to keep a positive attitude and hope to be back to doing normal stuff again after I get fixed.

 

[MZEMS2]

Grew up on a farm as well, but I only made it til I was 18 before my back went nuts! I had an entirely different issue, but I can relate to the issues that come with back pain and throwing it outta whack. I had a 4 level fusion (lumbar) when I was 18. I had a growth spurt over the summer between Junior and Senior years in high school. Trust me, throwing hay bales and milking cows didn't help the issue any. My back has been solid and pretty trustworthy, but I do still on occasion have tendon/ligament strains that put me outta commission for several days at a time. My fusion was all actual bone graft from my hip bones (this was in 1986). Back when they used real bone and body casts. Nowadays they do lananectomy and replace discs with "cages" and all sorts of cool stuff. I think you'll be surprised on the outcome with today's technology. Will you be able to continue with your current lifestyle? Doubtful, but there are other things in life. I rode sleds for 20 yrs after the surgery without any problems, but everyone is different. Keep your head up and take the necessary time to heal properly. It'll pay off in the future. Good luck

 

[mezz]

Just follow the protocol & don't get too anxious. You will eventually be able to return to some of your previous activities, you'll just have to learn to dial it down a bit. It's going to be a bit trying at times, but, it will be worth it in the end. Best of luck to you.-Mezz

 

[old abe]

Back/pain/injuries hard to understand til it happens to yourself it seems. We all need to take better care of ourselves. My son is now paying for his abusing himself wrongly. And way too young.

 

[buddah2]

snowlover......always remember, every case is different......I absolutely LOVE golf (besides sledding) but had to take the last 2 full years off due to bulging disc(s) and spinal stenosis causing severe sciatica on my right side....as in curl your toes.....had a procedure called RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) where they actually burn the nerve roots with radio waves......and I'm playing golf again.....badly, but at least playing.........

Two of my regular players both had surgery on the lower back area and both of them are still gimping around and can barely walk.....one had it last Dec. the other in March.....hope you have better results than them....Good Luck!!

 

[snowlover]

I met with the neurosurgeon today. He said surgery will be needed and as of now should be pretty easy and quick recovery. He will repair the discs first then open up the area where the spinal cord goes through so it's not being pitched of anymore. He did send me to get more X-rays because of the low back pain and binding I am having. If there are issues that show up there the plan may change. So as of now 1 month of limited activity after the surgery then a little PT and then life back to somewhat normal. He said I should be able to ride sled again by this winter. I will have to learn how to do things differently and lift differently but should be fine after I am healed.

 

[sweeperguy]

I met with the neurosurgeon today. He said surgery will be needed and as of now should be pretty easy and quick recovery. He will repair the discs first then open up the area where the spinal cord goes through so it's not being pitched of anymore. He did send me to get more X-rays because of the low back pain and binding I am having. If there are issues that show up there the plan may change. So as of now 1 month of limited activity after the surgery then a little PT and then life back to somewhat normal. He said I should be able to ride sled again by this winter. I will have to learn how to do things differently and lift differently but should be fine after I am healed.

Good to hear you may be able to ride the sled
Happy to hear that.

 

[whitedust]

I met with the neurosurgeon today. He said surgery will be needed and as of now should be pretty easy and quick recovery. He will repair the discs first then open up the area where the spinal cord goes through so it's not being pitched of anymore. He did send me to get more X-rays because of the low back pain and binding I am having. If there are issues that show up there the plan may change. So as of now 1 month of limited activity after the surgery then a little PT and then life back to somewhat normal. He said I should be able to ride sled again by this winter. I will have to learn how to do things differently and lift differently but should be fine after I am healed.

Well that's good news to motivate thru the PT!

 

[old abe]

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good news!!!!!!