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

Firerescuefin · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 02:54 AM

Things are going well out in Colorado. No doubt glad that I had the surgery. I am still dealing with some nerve issues (bi lateral, especially upon sitting). I am not really sure whether they are healing from the surgery or facet related at L4/5.

Dr Chad Prusmak is the head Neuro for the Denver Broncos and did my Micro in 07. He is a super progressive/good guy and wanted to do all my follow up after Zeegers surgery. We work out at the same gym and he always has a few questions for me when I see him. At 3 months he did the xray review and stated everything looked great and after measuring the movement on the flexion/extension xrays said things looked to be moving well. I will be meeting him on the 25th to go over a few things. Although my facet issues at l4-5 were deemed minor, I do have bi lateral synovial cysts there. I asked Chad about them at 3 months and he said they may or may not be symptomatic and that he would not be suprised to see to see them improve. I do not have the classic facet symptoms, but am going to propose aspirating them and shooting them with a steroid. We'll see what he says. He has always been suprised with my level of interest and knowledge. He stated that I am one of the most intense patients he has come across. I have an anular tear at L3/4, but the disc looks fairly good, and a lot of guys my age have asymptomatic tears. It did not rear its head on my disco last year. I figure go til it blows...or go till they can shoot it up with a fibrin based injection.

I have been doing really well in the gym. I am working with a guy that trains professional athletes doing high level functional training. He has been "intrigued" while working with me. He says that my learned motor movements after my back injury occured have definitely changed my normal movement patterns and that although I am strong in certain areas, that my functional strength in chain movements is very low and makes me susceptible to injury. He stated that its amazing how when you get people moving correctly again, how much better they feel and how much better a position the body is in to heal. He has had clients that were able to put off total hips/total knees/ and back surgeries. It really makes you think about the cascading affects of back injuries on the other tissues in the spine. I'll keep everyone posted of anything of interest.

Geoff

Firerescuefin · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011, 09:25 PM

Had someone write me a couple of days ago, and I spent 90 minutes on the phone with him last night about my experience and questions. The back is great. I work out 3-4 times a week. On the bike 100-225 miles a week. Did a one day ride last summer called the triple bypass (14K feet of climbing/130 miles) no problems. Fly out to N. Georgia next tuesday for 4 days of riding w/ friends.

Logan is almost 3, and as healthy and vibrant as the day is long...and his brother turns 1 tomorrow....both a blessing from the Lord.

Back pain (in many cases) certainly does not have to mean an end to active/vibrant life. Special shout out to Mark and Dr. Zeegers....forever in your debt.

Geoff

Firerescuefin · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 03:00 AM

Just wanted to add, that I am not on here a lot, but my PM's are linked to my e-mail address, and I certainly will answer any questions that I can. I think the world of Mark and his services. As I mentioned in prior posts, his knowledge, experience, and genuine/caring persona makes the decision to hire him a complete no brainer IMHO.

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2011, 01:33 AM

How great your spine is and glad to hear it~ thanks for updating!

Firerescuefin · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2013, 10:43 PM

I'm going to keep this short, but plan on coming back later to expound.

The short story is that I am doing awesome. I still work as a firefighter (Captain).....I have 2 little boys and 1 on the way (due June 3rd/another boy), am in the gym 3-5 days a week, coach my oldest's soccer team, and raced (in an actual bicycle race) for the first time since 2005 2 weeks ago, and felt great.

I want to post more about this later, because I think there will be some great "lessons learned/trading of info", but I have had bilateral hip scopes over the last 2.5 years for a condition called Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI)...which my orthopod MD believe caused or rapidly accelerated my back issues, and also contributed to pelvic dysfunction. It's been a long road back, but I feel fantastic. I do (as does my wife) pinch myself day to day (never forgetting where we've been), feel blessed, take great care of myself, pick my spots....and forever remain thankful to Mark Mintzer and Dr. Zeegers.

Attached is a family pic...a little dated (about a year and a half)....but a very happy/healthy family

mmglobal · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2013, 06:15 PM

Geoff, thanks for the update. Great news about your back and congrats on the new baby coming!

I'm so glad you were able to get back to work. While many of us get a complete recovery, getting back to such a demanding job is a blessing.

Take care... keep it up!

Mark

Firerescuefin · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2013, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmglobal

Geoff, thanks for the update. Great news about your back and congrats on the new baby coming!

I'm so glad you were able to get back to work. While many of us get a complete recovery, getting back to such a demanding job is a blessing.

Take care... keep it up!

Mark

Thanks Mark...As I mentioned in the previous post...I pick my spots now

...and stay on top of strength and mobility daily...kind of like maintaining a vintage race car