Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 T minus three days and counting. Got my Covid test today in advance of back surgery on Thursday. An old lumbar issue that's time to fix. I've had major orthopedic surgery before with knee replacements and shoulder reconstruction, so the surgery & hospital experience doesn't concern me much. However, the recovery does a little bit as I don't know what to expect in terms of mobility. I could always drag a leg or reach with my other arm, but this will be different as my movements will be severely restricted in the short term. The upside is long-term recovery is supposed to be 100%, so I'm looking forward to getting this behind me. If you have any positive thoughts or energy to spare on Thursday, please send them our way. My wife Patty will especially need them as she's gonna have to put up with me for awhile. ++++++++++++++++++++ Everything went great and I get to go home today! No bending, twisting or lifting anything over 5 lbs for a month. (A gallon of milk weighs 8lbs.) That’s gonna take some adjustments!
J-BAR #18287 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Your hands should still be able to function so grab your phone and send us updates. Hang in there!
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Best wishes for a successful surgery and swift recovery!
Pat Riot Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 I had surgery for a herniated disc last May. I did not have the vertebrae fused. That is the next step should something go wrong. My overall mobility was impacted for a couple of weeks but I was back to work 2 weeks after surgery. They key was physical therapy. Stretching exercises. I did them every day and continued to do so up until my latest accident in February. I bought stretching straps and exercise bands to use at home. Doing the lower back stretches REALLY helped. Here are the items I bought for your reference should you wish to try them. BalanceFrom Resistance Loop... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y835TP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share This is an 8’ stretch strap SANKUU Yoga Strap, Multi-Loop... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H4LXTZV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share This is a 6’ stretch strap Tumaz Stretch Strap - 10 Loops &... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X931SXT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Also, get yourself a large pillow to elevate your legs when you sleep on your back, once you’re able to. Good luck and I will say a prayer for you. (Kind of opposing sentiments but I like to cover my bases) The most important thing that you can do is follow doctors orders and do your PT, even if you don’t want to. You can literally wipe out two weeks of progress by skipping PT for two days. Guess how I know.
Dantankerous Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Best wishes, Abilene! Been there myself recently. All my best energy, thoughts and prayers coming your way as requested.
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said: T minus three days and counting. Got my Covid test today in advance of back surgery on Thursday. An old lumbar issue that's time to fix. I've had major orthopedic surgery before with knee replacements and shoulder reconstruction, so the surgery & hospital experience doesn't concern me much. However, the recovery does a little bit as I don't know what to expect in terms of mobility. I could always drag a leg or reach with my other arm, but this will be different as my movements will be severely restricted in the short term. The upside is long-term recovery is supposed to be 100%, so I'm looking forward to getting this behind me. If you have any positive thoughts or energy to spare on Thursday, please send them our way. My wife Patty will especially need them as she's gonna have to put up with me for awhile. You're getting back surgery and you're looking forward to getting it behind you! HA! Hahahahhaaaa! Keep your sense of humor, Slim. Mine has always served me well. Prayers for Patty. Yeah, and for you, too.
Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 My best wishes for your surgery, and when you feel up to it go get yourself a new hat. Imis
St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Prayers up for a successful painless operation and fast healing and comfort for Abilene Slim and his wife. STL Suomi
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Adding you to the get better list. Good luck Partner.
Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 All the best for a pain free and fast recovery Pard. Blessings+
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted April 26, 2021 Author Posted April 26, 2021 1 hour ago, J-BAR #18287 said: Your hands should still be able to function so grab your phone and send us updates. Hang in there! Will do. They may not be coherent whilst I’m on the meds, so I apologize in advance!
Sedalia Dave Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Keeping you and Patty in our thoughts and prayers.
DeaconKC Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Just now, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said: Will do. They may not be coherent whilst I’m on the meds, so I apologize in advance! How will we know the difference?
Whiskey Business Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 17 minutes ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said: Will do. They may not be coherent whilst I’m on the meds, so I apologize in advance! Understandable.
Eyesa Horg Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery.
Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 Posted April 26, 2021 Posted April 26, 2021 Pat Riot's advice is sound! I can add only a very little: After surgery, when you'll be getting P.T. in hospital, TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS BEFORE YOU HAVE P.T.! (voice of experience) It takes meds taken by mouth, an average of 30 minutes to START to take effect (voice of old veteran med-surg nurse), and you want to keep ahead of the pain. Don't wait until you're hurtin' to ask for the pills!
J-BAR #18287 Posted April 27, 2021 Posted April 27, 2021 4 hours ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said: Will do. They may not be coherent whilst I’m on the meds, so I apologize in advance! Enjoy them while you can!
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted April 27, 2021 Author Posted April 27, 2021 10 minutes ago, J-BAR #18287 said: Enjoy them while you can! I plan to.
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted May 1, 2021 Posted May 1, 2021 On 4/26/2021 at 11:47 AM, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said: T minus three days and counting. Got my Covid test today in advance of back surgery on Thursday. An old lumbar issue that's time to fix. I've had major orthopedic surgery before with knee replacements and shoulder reconstruction, so the surgery & hospital experience doesn't concern me much. However, the recovery does a little bit as I don't know what to expect in terms of mobility. I could always drag a leg or reach with my other arm, but this will be different as my movements will be severely restricted in the short term. The upside is long-term recovery is supposed to be 100%, so I'm looking forward to getting this behind me. If you have any positive thoughts or energy to spare on Thursday, please send them our way. My wife Patty will especially need them as she's gonna have to put up with me for awhile. ++++++++++++++++++++ Everything went great and I get to go home today! No bending, twisting or lifting anything over 5 lbs for a month. (A gallon of milk weighs 8lbs.) That’s gonna take some adjustments! Okay, siphon off three pounds of milk and then lift the difference. Seriously, get some flex tubing and put a hole in the lid of the milk carton, put an "alligator" clip or one of those three piece spring paper clips on the down hill end, and when you need a glass of milk just open the clip, take what you want and re-clip it. Note: two clips are better thaan one, just incase. Glad it went so well.
Blackwater 53393 Posted May 1, 2021 Posted May 1, 2021 Having been through this twice, I'll add my advice to that of others. DO THE REHAB!! Don't be manly man!! Use the meds in a timely manner!! Get well soon and completely!!
Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 Posted May 1, 2021 Posted May 1, 2021 Good news. I hope they didn't take out you goozle.
Cider Creek Shootist Posted May 2, 2021 Posted May 2, 2021 Follow the Dr.'s orders in rehab ................... and your Wife's............. Couple prayers sent your way .
DeaconKC Posted May 2, 2021 Posted May 2, 2021 Still praying here, so very glad to hear the good report!
Parson Remington Posted May 2, 2021 Posted May 2, 2021 Get well soon. We missed you today, but all got an update on you and Jake. Your return will be a joy to you and many others. Best wishes.
Pat Riot Posted May 2, 2021 Posted May 2, 2021 On 4/26/2021 at 11:47 AM, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said: Everything went great and I get to go home today! No bending, twisting or lifting anything over 5 lbs for a month. (A gallon of milk weighs 8lbs.) That’s gonna take some adjustments! Excellent! That is great news. If I may...take it from someone with lots of injury and surgery experience Since you have lifting restrictions you will need to be very VERY conscientious of this. I recommend you only use one hand for everything. IN YOUR DOMINANT HAND - Carry something like a tennis ball, a lighter, a piece of wood, something light, easy to carry and something you don’t normally carry. Keep it with you all the time. Heck, carry your phone, but keep one hand occupied. When you go to lift or pickup something the thing in your hand will help be a reminder of your limitations.
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted May 2, 2021 Author Posted May 2, 2021 Thanks Pat! I’m using a walker for the next 3 weeks which has both my hands occupied. It’s meant for some protection against falls in case I lose my balance or trip over something. That’s a great suggestion for the future as recovery progresses.
Silver Creek Jack Posted May 2, 2021 Posted May 2, 2021 Hope your recovery goes way better than expected! Been there and was sooooo glad I had the surgery tho I don’t think mine was as extensive as yours, best to you and the wife! SCJ
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