Back Surgery #2 Update

[WSMNUT]

I’m supposed to head home today after L4/L5 Spinal Lumbar Fusion. Which is a fancy way of saying they drilled and tapped 4 screws into the bones in my lower back and put titanium rods in to raise the bones off of each other. The same L4/L5 disc ruptured about 12 years ago and I had a micro discectomy surgery then which was great while it lasted. I wish I could tell you I was doing something fun or exciting when I ruptured that disc again but it would not be true. I simply was moving a small portable 2,000 watt generator and using poor technique when I put it down I felt a pop like a rubber band had snapped in my back and after about 2 years trying to navigate through the medical field I finally was able to get help from Kevin @Hntndad and seen the surgeon who explained to me my disc was basically gone, and I was left with bone on bone and a nerve that was severely pinched. I worked through this every day until the day of the surgery. I keep thinking I would get ahead but I believe all I was able to do was not get further behind lol. So I’ll be asking for a little grace from my customers while I slowly get back to work chambering barrels. Fortunately I usually recover pretty quickly. I was able to get up and walk around the dame day after the surgery and could even climb a few flights of steps so they seem to think I’ll be back in full swing sooner than later. Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers that’s been sent this way for me and my family. They’re much appreciated and thanks to Kevin again for helping me get to the right doctors.

 

[Trigger-Jerker]

As someone with chronic back issues I literally feel your pain. My thoughts and prayers to you for a speedy recovery.

 

[rwj]

Regrets on the set back… good to hear you’re on the mend… here’s to a speedy and complete recovery!

 

[rijndael]

I just had an L4/L5 decompression surgery and I'm planning to get the same fusion in my L4/L5, I'm interested to hear how it works out for you. I will definitely keep you in my prayers.

 

[Spoonbill]

Hoping this will cheer you up sir.

 

[gkgeiger]

I had my L4/L5 fusion on Feb. 6th. I had my 3 month check up yesterday. I’m doing good, 95% pain free. Good luck with your recovery.

 

[jpx2rk]

Best wishes for a speedy & successful recovery.

 

[CharlieNC]

Good luck for a speedy recovery.

 

[hoz53]

I’m supposed to head home today after L4/L5 Spinal Lumbar Fusion. Which is a fancy way of saying they drilled and tapped 4 screws into the bones in my lower back and put titanium rods in to raise the bones off of each other. The same L4/L5 disc ruptured about 12 years ago and I had a micro discectomy surgery then which was great while it lasted. I wish I could tell you I was doing something fun or exciting when I ruptured that disc again but it would not be true. I simply was moving a small portable 2,000 watt generator and using poor technique when I put it down I felt a pop like a rubber band had snapped in my back and after about 2 years trying to navigate through the medical field I finally was able to get help from Kevin @Hntndad and seen the surgeon who explained to me my disc was basically gone, and I was left with bone on bone and a nerve that was severely pinched. I worked through this every day until the day of the surgery. I keep thinking I would get ahead but I believe all I was able to do was not get further behind lol. So I’ll be asking for a little grace from my customers while I slowly get back to work chambering barrels. Fortunately I usually recover pretty quickly. I was able to get up and walk around the dame day after the surgery and could even climb a few flights of steps so they seem to think I’ll be back in full swing sooner than later. Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers that’s been sent this way for me and my family. They’re much appreciated and thanks to Kevin again for helping me get to the right doctors.

i hope you have a successful recovery.

 

[longbow]

Just got out of hospital from THIRD back operations. Screw and rods first go,then L4 grind inside to give spinal cord some room. But still had nerve pain down left leg. Drilled around L5 on compressed disc finally did it. Dealing with this for 1 1/2 years. I cant believe no more pain!!! I hope the best for you guys. Nerve pain is thee worst thing out there. Went to a nerve specialist he stuck pins in leg and did electric shocks to find where the problem was. Pete in Montana

 

[andym686]

Hey Zack,
I'm sorry to hear about your back troubles, but also glad that you got your surgery to fix it.
I know all those girls in your house are going to help out while you recover.
We'll be thinking about you down here in NC.
Andy

P.S.
A better story would be that you ripped it out while dropping the clutch on your Chevelle!

 

[gkgeiger]

In my case, I had what you had also, a couple years ago. It’s called Laminectomy. Didn’t solve my problem. This time in addition to the screws and pins, I got a device implanted into the disc that expands it.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I've said this before, I've had 8 lumbar surgeries and I am fused from tail bone to L3, lots of screws(10), rods and support plate and my back still hurts. Discs are starting to herniate in neck and thoratic (sp) spine.
My advice take it slow, very slow, the customers can wait your spine is more important than a rifle.
Now they tell me I have blockages in my leg arteries, and that I have had a heart attack at some point.
Getting old isn't for sissies.

 

[ford32]

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Maybe a little peach mountain water in 2 weeks to help sleep.

 

[whatwind?]

take it easy, need your back for awhile

 

[johnfred1965]

I guess I was lucky my l4 l5 discectomy never gave out, I do however have all the screws and plate in my neck, c4,5,6. I consider my doc a genius. Glad you found a good one and good luck on your recovery.

 

[gkgeiger]

I had C5/6 6/7 7/1 done on my 60th birthday. That was 20+ years ago.

 

[ebb]

Peach Mountain water has been very helpful with my back and shoulder problems. I hope and pray for your swift and full recovery. I hope you get back to making rifles soon or we might have to put Bill on suicide watch.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

Get well soon

 

[Bill Norris]

Sorry you are going thru the pain and agony of back issues. Mine is beginning to act a little crazy but I'm trying to favor it as much as possible these days. Hope your recovery is speedy and you are back to normal very soon. We got a few more builds in the pipeline.