Geoff's Blog - Alpha Kilinik L4/L5/S1

[Firerescuefin]

Well, it's sunday night and we will be heading home tomorrow. We will be flying directly from Munich to Denver.

We have had a wonderful week in Munich. I cannot say enough about how beautiful and historic the city is. As Americans, many of us have barely a rudimentary understanding of our own history, much less that of the rest of the world. We certainly plan on coming back sometime in the future.

Before I go on about how I am feeling I want to share a few things:
We all know what we bring to the party (the surgical table) before we get there (physically/emotionally). If we are bedridden beforehand, then we will have a harder/slower time coming back. I did everything I could do to prepare for this surgery. I worked with a sports physiologist, go my body fat % to single digits, and tried to leave no stone unturned. I knew that this guaranteed nothing, but I thought it gave me the best chance, and was my way (and continues to be) of dealing with the stress and anxiety that I have faced in this ordeal.

I feel great! I have been walking 5-7 miles a day since tuesday. I was not trying to set any records, but it feels great to move...certainly better than sitting or laying in a hotel room. Dr. Zeegers is in agreement with everything I have done...as long as my body is tolerating it. My body is not only tolerating it, it is basking in it. At the end of the day, I am tired, but not hurting. My abdomen is almost without pain (itchy though) and my back muscles are getting stronger each day (especially noticeable the last two days). I am nearly off all meds, but when I am feeling sore I take some heavy duty advil. I have noticed even today, that I am moving much less tentatively (ie, getting in and out of bed/furniture. My sitting tolerance is exponentially better than before the surgery. I feel 1000% better a week after this surgery, than after a one levle micro discectomy. That's how I know my body is ripe to heal. There is a big gap in understanding between surgery and rehabilitation...so much so, that I have looked at going back to school to get my Phd in physical therapy. Most of the people I have worked with are yahoos. Unfortunately, they are the same type of people that have jaded many on this site. But, this is not something you can just do, and then hope for the best.

Anyhow, I will not be doing anything outside the parameters of Dr. Zeegers or the physiologist suggestions, but I am really excited/thankful for this entire experience.

Well, we have things to do. I will be e-mailng Mare a couple of pics. I will keep people updated periodically as things progress....Seacrest Out!

[Cheryl]

I can't imagine it would be possible for you to feel any better than you do at this point. 5-7 miles a day is amazing. Your doing awesome. Good luck to you and your family on the plane ride home.

[Firerescuefin]

We stepped in the front door about 40 minutes ago. The wachine machine is running and we are about to get in the shower. The flight was not bad at all. I made sure that I stayed plenty mobile due to DVT considerations. What a great trip...0 regrets/excited about the future.

[mmglobal]

Geoff.... you posted just as I was typing this reply....


WELCOME HOME GEOFF, GRACE, LOGAN! It's so wonderful to read that your 'best possibe' type of recovery continues. I look forward to skiing together!

As promised... here are the photos you sent. After you recover from the trip, I'll show you how to put them up yourself.

All the best,

Mark

[Cheryl]

Keep us posted on your recovery.

[Alastair]

Hi Geoff,
I'm delighted that you're making such a good recovery, it just shows that the people who take notice of what the experienced ADR members say pays off

That was brilliant that you got your fats down to almost 0 and got really fit before you went for your surgery. I spent a year getting my BMI down before I went to my surgery and it paid off big time.

I'm a bit alarmed that you're walking up to 7 miles a day, I hope you're breaking them down into small portions -- -- -- that's the secret of recovery.

I'm looking forward to your postings when your home back in the USA
best,
Alastair

[mmglobal]

3 weeks tomorrow... time for an update???

[Eddie G]

Excellent story. Keep up the good work!

[Firerescuefin]

It's hard to believe it has been 3 weeks already. Right now I am focusing on healing and getting back into shape. If you have read my blog at all, you will know that I believe that managed activity promotes the healing process (blood flow to area/bringing muscles back online/strengthening atrophied tissues). I don't believe that lying in bed or sitting on the couch will do anything other than lead to more dysfunction. I could not be happier with my decision to move forward with the surgery or more encouraged how my body is responding. Feel free to message me with any questions.

[Alastair]

The secret in the above posting was "Managed Activity"

Keep at it Geoff
Best
Alastair