L4/5 L5/S1 Mavericks

[trkdoc714]

Cathy,

Well I can't do much walking on my street as it's too hilly. Walking to the addition entrance truly is uphill both ways. I've been walking around the perimeter of my yard several times a day (maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile).

I'm doing the low, low impact execises I was shown at Stenum (great hospital by the way) and my wife will massage my lower back if needed.

I won't climb the stairs of the house to put Sean to bed which is one of my favorite events. I can't pick him up (nothing over 5 lbs) either, that's been the worst of the whole operation.

Friday will be 6 weeks post-op. I'll start tackling the golf course cart paths behind the house. My energy level is at an all time low since I've gotten back. I was walking about 2-3 miles a day before I injured my back. That was 3 years ago so I'm going to pace myself to get there at 6 months post-op.

Cathy, this recovery is the perfect doctor's excuse if you were looking for that elusive "stay home, watch TV and drink beer" note for work. You'll want to take it easy. Do exactly what the doctor orders and don't over do it. Allow yourself the time and patience to let your body heal. I feel like I've been given a great opportunity to have a new back and I'm not doing anything to jeopordize this gift. Regardless of who you choose for your surgeon or which disc you settle on, I wish you only the speediest, easiest, most pain free and successful recovery.

Godspeed,

Bob

[treefrog]

Thanks for those kind wishes Bob.

I am in exactly the same situation at home. We live at the top of a hill. I tried walking some on the weekend, and coming back up the hill was difficult (even going down the steep part was hard), and I know it will be impossible for some time after surgery. I plan on starting with walking in the house. Then I will walk around the top of the hill, it's maybe a block or a little less (I live in a townhome community) when I am ready to start outside. If I could get someone to drive me somewhere to walk on a flat surface, that would be cool, but I'm not sure who would do it.

Thanks for the details. Keep them coming as your recovery progresses. I hope you make great strides, slowly of course.

[runner]

Bob,

Don't beat yourself up about how you are feeling. It took me months to get over that sluggish, low energy feeling post-op. Feel better.

K

[trkdoc714]

Runner,

I feel great today. The bug has left the building. I've had only 25 mg of Percocet in the last 9 days. Once the cold/ virus symptoms abated, I feel noticably better (from the surgery) than I did before the cold hit.

I hope you're getting back to livable pain levels.

Godspeed,

Bob

[trkdoc714]

It's been 14+ months since the two level ADR at Stenum Hospital. The pain is gone. Completely. None. Nada. Zip.

Two weeks ago my wife, son and I flew to Phoenix to pick up my mother who is having health problems and drove back to Atlanta (2,000 miles) for her to stay for a while. We drove over 600 miles each day and got back at 1 A.M. Tuesday. Tuesday I did the grocery shopping for my wife then mowed, trimmed and edged the grass. No pain at all. None. Nada. Zip.

Bob

[Maria]

I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful experience at Stenum with the surgeon of your choice and that your recovery has been successful.

This is the perfect outcome everyone hopes for and you were fortunate enough to have! Congrats!!!

[trkdoc714]

It's been 16 months since my successful two level ADR surgery by Dr. Ritter-Lang at Stenum Hospital.

Dr. John Burkus of the Hughston Clinic released me completely at the first of March.

I have nearly no lingering issues other than faint pain similar to the pre-operative pain I experienced. This only occurs after heavy exertion and doesn't last longer than a few hours.

I'm able to work the 10 hour days without any discomfort or pain. My energy level is back to where it was before this ordeal began.

I wanted to express my appreciation to all of those that gave me positive advice and encouragement from this forum.

Bob