The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: saltydogbk on November 02, 2008, 03:08:22 PM
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Pretty snappy title huh? What I really want to know is this, Has anyone ever had back surgery, in particular, a laminectomy and discomectomy, combined. If so, how was the recovery time? They lied about how long it would take to get over my rotator cuff, so I thought I would ask the board. Where I work sympathy is just a word between... well some other words...so I can take a joke....any and all answers are welcome. sd
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Can't stand getting stuck between Shit and Syphilis myself :'(
Your surgery sounds similar to what a good friend went through. He farms, dairy farmer, and does not follow orders well. He was walking the halls after the second day and in really good spirits. However, he was not back milking for about two months (they have a nice parlor, so it was mostly the hours on concrete that was the issue). He was driving tractor after about four months, but the only reason was that it was a big four wheel drive and he could stand in the cab and walk around the seat every fifteen minutes.
The good news is that in less than a ten months he was abusing himself again, and it has not gone bad again in about eight years.
The best advice that I can give is the same advice that I tend to not follow well - Obey the doctors and don't over do it ;)
Good Luck, cause I understand how bad any back pain can be :(
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Pretty snappy title huh? What I really want to know is this, Has anyone ever had back surgery, in particular, a laminectomy and discomectomy, combined. If so, how was the recovery time? They lied about how long it would take to get over my rotator cuff, so I thought I would ask the board. Where I work sympathy is just a word between... well some other words...so I can take a joke....any and all answers are welcome. sd
I can't speak to back work, but I had a quad bypass a few years back. I will tell you this - it is ALL up to you, not the doctors or the rehab folks. It is on you, your attitude going in and coming out of it, your support at home, your willingness to control the process. In my rehab, I actually pushed harder than they wanted to because I wanted to be done - and I was that much better.
If you go in with a bad attitude, it will be a tough haul. If you go in with a better attitude, it may still be a haul but it will not be as bad.
Joe Hyams, who trained with Bruce Lee, told a story about how he broke an arm, badly, and every "professional" was saying it would take four to six months of rehab, and he would not have the same flexibility as before. Tough for a martial artist. So he lay in bed, and every morning envisioned tiny little antibody and white corpuscle workers marching to the damage site, while the other "shift of "workers" marched out. He stayed focused and positive, and was out of rehab in 8 weeks with no limitations.
Good luck, and remember, prayer always helps too. It trumps all.
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A little practical advice I'd give from experience in healing myself: Before the surgery put together things you enjoy doing, books, magazines, hobby projects, etc. so they are handy when you need to fill your time. After they surgery is not the time to wish you had a good book or whatever else you like to do handy.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I do read alot so I better buy a couple more books before thursday.
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Please keep us informed. I think everyone on here has found over the last few weeks that we really do care about everyone.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I do read alot so I better buy a couple more books before thursday.
Take at least one good book with you, You will have absolutely NOTHING to do when you are not being worked on.
When I had a heart attack I was only in the hospital 4 days total, but they had 2 magazines (Better homes and Gardens and Newsweek) and nothing on TV. I just about lost my mind ;D
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You go Salty, and now your on the list, may your surgeons be excellent, and your recovery swift. But your on the list anyhow.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I do read alot so I better buy a couple more books before thursday.
I don't know what genre of books you favor but if I may make a suggestion, the Repairman Jack series of books by F. Paul Wilson are pretty good. They are mostly action/adventure with some sci fi mixed in, but the main character is, I believe, would be right up most gun owners alleys. He is no nonsense and definitely pro gun. If your interested, the first book is "The Tomb", followed by "Legacies" (You'll definitely want to go ahead and buy both so you won't freak out waiting to start the second book). Good luck with your surgery and you'll be in my prayers.
Swoop
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Wishing you swift healing.
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Good luck Salty and KNOW that what is said on this board is true. These people do care.
Follow the Dr's orders, maybe push a LITTLE bit and keep us informed. If ya need a 'care package' (books, whatever) let us know.
Haz
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Salty,
I have three friends who have had back surgery and two did the rehab. And they are as good as new!!
The one that didn't rehab is in pain all the time.
Rehab, Rehab.
Good luck and my prayers are with you..
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Salty, Wishing you the best with the surgery and recovery. Attitude is the biggest part of it and yes keep the mind occupied. Take care and you'll be in our prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.
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Saltydogbk,
My wife just had this surgery on Oct 14. So, I can't give you her details on how long the recovery will take. They told us no driving for at least six weeks and six months plus recovery time. At this point the surgery seems to be a success.
We put up a hospital bed in the family room with the TV. So she wouldn't have to go up the stairs as often and could be in the middle of things.
She is a tough lady and is healing well. She does not take kindly to being in bed all the time and has started doing and overdoing stuff. Yesterday I took her to the Commissary for shopping. She had to switch to one of the Amigo self propelled shopping carts they have for handicapped after about 20 mins with a push cart. But she made it through OK but felt the effects later in the day. The trip to the base is about 30 mins from our house. So, we were out a long time. Today she is happy to stay in bed and sleep and recover.
Good luck with your surgery. Follow the doctor's orders and take the darn pain pills they prescribe. You will suffer more if you don't.
By the way, it is tough to try to read lying on your back. My wife gave up on it.