Aren’t there some spine specialists on here?

You are both in my prayers Chris, but it is way more fun to give you shit than Speedy.

 

Thanks dude. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll start worrying when you stop giving me shit.

 

Keep up the good spirits, a positive attitude goes a long way.

 

Thanks, I’m trying my best.

I convinced the therapists to let me try to walk on my own yesterday. They were reluctant, but agreed as long as I used the balance path (small walkway with handrails on both sides).

I rolled onto the path and stood up. But I wasn’t able to actually attempt a step. I gathered my balance and let go of everything, then I had to grab the rails (and they grabbed me) before I collapsed.

Apparently I’m not just using the Walker for balance, I’m also using it to support my Upper bodyweight.

Needless to say, it was a mental setback. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have tried. But at the time, I thought i could do it.

But they reminded me that I am still way ahead of schedule for the extent of surgery that I had.

Most importantly, I have been cleared to leave rehab facility and go home. The remaining rehab will be outpatient. So that is great news.

This is of course assuming they don’t have to go back in there, which I will find out this morning. I meet with the Neurosurgeon at 1030 to discuss the recent MRI, xrays, and numbness/pain in my legs.

I do know that nerve pain from the spine travels downhill. The surgery began at L3 and went up from there. The areas I’m having pain and numbness in originate from the L4. So logically, (or I’m hoping) that what I’m feeling is just inflammation from the surgery trauma that began at L3.

 

You do not have 3 nurses to catch you and pick you backup if you fall at home. I suggest staying a bit longer at the hospital/rehab place. Dealing with a mother who just had a hip replacement and then we'll need another one shortly. Again I suggest staying longer. Nobody likes it, but is the best place for you to get the help you need.

 

Sounds like you're well on the way to healing. Being fairly young and in good shape probably helped more than you realize. I know you want to explore the limits of what you can do, but be careful, and try to do what they tell you. The BMF in you will want to take over, but remember, you don't want to ruin the great progress you've made. You will get there, just need a little patience.

 

Patience has always been one of my strengths.

 

I get that, and don’t disagree. But regardless of how logical that sounds, im going home. I’m 4 days short of month since surgery.

Luckily the only thing upstairs at home is the gym and spare rooms. So I’ll only be working on one level. And there is only one surface change (floor to carpet) on that level.

So I should be ok.

 

Wait, what????

 

Apparently Em effers got jokes too

 

Me too !!

 

I'm stunned...stunned I tell you.

 

Their suggestion or your decision?

 

I’m sure they “suggested” it after dealing with him for a week.

 

Don't fuck it up.

 

Had back surgery in Dec. '15. Far less extensive, but I understand where you are to some extent.

If you haven't meditated on the road ahead and really accepted the length of that road, and the things you'll need to adapt to I suggest you start now. It's a better road than what you would travel without the operation, but it has it's own elevation changes and chicanes.

For me the setbacks in the beginning when I thought I had reinjured it were crushing. Once I adapted, the tweaks now happen maybe once every 18 months and they aren't that bad. I used to work dumb and hard, picking up heavy shit solo because hey, I deadlift and squat. Now I really focus on core strength in controlled ways, but avoid picking up random heavy objects that I don't have practice with. I practice with my dirt bikes so I know what I'm getting into.

Long story short, it says here your shit's fucked up.

 

It was kinda a combination of both.

It went like:

Me: “I want to go home”

Him: “We think you’d probably be better off here for another week or so.”

Me: “Look at the what I can do, and look at those candyasses who had less extensive spine surgeries; they can’t do shit. They might should stay longer, I should be allowed to leave. You know I’ve been down here before every session, and staying later after every session, putting in extra work, every single day. I shouldn’t be judged against candyasses who are doing the bare minimum and are just here for the ice cream.

Him: You aren’t being judged against anyone else. But with that being said, the other guys that you say are made of candy...<snip>

Me (interrupting): No, I said they are candyasses.

Him: Nonetheless, those guys are actually right on track. They are having a normal recovery experience, you are the outlier.

Me: Or maybe they are
having a normal experience because they are doing normal work. I have been working my ass off. So what does it take for me to get signed off so I can go home.

Him: “There is an assessment test of your abilities to conduct and support yourself in a normal lifestyle. You must be able to pass that test with no assistance”.

Me: “Give me the test”.

Him: “we have to schedule a Lead Therapist to perform the test, and then set aside a time. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete then test.

Me: “Aren’t you a lead therapis?”

Him: “Yes”

Me: “And what are you doing right now that would prevent you from giving me the test”.

Him: “Well, i don’t have any other appointments, I just need to catch up on some reports”.

Me: “So, nothing. Good. Let’s do it. Where do I start?”

...and I arrived home about 2 hours ago.

 

So patient.

 

Asshat of the year - seriously wishing you the best!

Don't screw it up!!!!!

What about the next surgery for the numb knees and shit?

 

The real Chris is back, the meds wore off!

Congrats man....just be careful.....if you can.

So....when's your next trackday?