Backinthesaddle
05-11-2006, 05:03 PM
Just curious since it seems everyone goes back to work within two months as a usual basis. Does that mean everyone feels great or just suck it up because no other options exist? I do not feel I am so bad that I cannot return to work however do know that an happen. I still need the lower disks fixed next year. My OB told me about a friend who was a surgeon until he had a ACDF and now cannot do surgery due to failing to recover. My dad plays golf with a medically retired sheriff who had to retire due to pain after his ACDF. How much pain is to much? If there is anyone here who did get medically retired, or opted not to return to work due to pain how much pain was that?
Just seems to me that the PT, doctors and the human race seems to think after surgery all is OK. If so why is it not for some?
Just seems to me that the PT, doctors and the human race seems to think after surgery all is OK. If so why is it not for some?
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ThoreauFan
05-11-2006, 11:33 PM
Wow, Kelly.
You seem to have completley abandoned any hope. Becoming depressed or otherwise down is typical for all of us. You've only just begun PT, haven't taken Neurontin or any of the next level of pain relief meds, etc.
"The realisation that I had an incurable disease, that was likely to kill me in a few years, was a bit of a shock... But I didn't die. In fact, although there was a cloud hanging over my future, I found, to my surprise, that I was enjoying life in the present more than before."
The above quote is from Stephen Hawkings, who was initially diagnosed some 40 plus years ago and has been in a wheelchair for about the past 30. He also happens to be one the greatest minds of his generation and is wildly successful.
Limitations and disabilities are NOT the end of the line.
Hang in there. :wave:
You seem to have completley abandoned any hope. Becoming depressed or otherwise down is typical for all of us. You've only just begun PT, haven't taken Neurontin or any of the next level of pain relief meds, etc.
"The realisation that I had an incurable disease, that was likely to kill me in a few years, was a bit of a shock... But I didn't die. In fact, although there was a cloud hanging over my future, I found, to my surprise, that I was enjoying life in the present more than before."
The above quote is from Stephen Hawkings, who was initially diagnosed some 40 plus years ago and has been in a wheelchair for about the past 30. He also happens to be one the greatest minds of his generation and is wildly successful.
Limitations and disabilities are NOT the end of the line.
Hang in there. :wave:
neckpatient
05-12-2006, 02:40 AM
I think its the same reason none of us have exactly the same story, there are always little twists and turns and differences. I am still trying to get well, but from where i started in 2004, and 2 surgeries later, I am miles better. It gives me hope that if i continue on the journey i will find health and a life i can actually "live with"!
Backinthesaddle - i don't completely know your story I will read about it next time i can sit for a while.
Each step i took, the pain meds, PT, Neurontin, injections, esi's have all provided a baby step forward, surgeries (ok a leap). There were periods of time when I just wanted to crawl into bed and not go to work, but I only fed that monster a couple times. I found what worked best to hold off the depression and grief over things i lost was to focus on the stuff I could do - that's what gets me through, even it is means I can only work a 4 hour day, or only sit with family for a one hour dinner out, or walk to the mailbox instead of the block, etc. that's what i'll do - I try to savor every moment i do have and take care of myself when i need a rest. Take care......
Backinthesaddle - i don't completely know your story I will read about it next time i can sit for a while.
Each step i took, the pain meds, PT, Neurontin, injections, esi's have all provided a baby step forward, surgeries (ok a leap). There were periods of time when I just wanted to crawl into bed and not go to work, but I only fed that monster a couple times. I found what worked best to hold off the depression and grief over things i lost was to focus on the stuff I could do - that's what gets me through, even it is means I can only work a 4 hour day, or only sit with family for a one hour dinner out, or walk to the mailbox instead of the block, etc. that's what i'll do - I try to savor every moment i do have and take care of myself when i need a rest. Take care......
ThoreauFan
05-12-2006, 12:24 PM
Kelly-
Here's an accurate early morning report from a purported success story.
I'm about 2 1/2 months out with continued damage, primarily motor function.
First 1/2 hour and I'm a complete mess. Lots of wobbling and pain getting out of bed. I don't want to wake up and face the day, mind you. Things hurt and pieces of my body don't work as I'd like. 3 different alarm clocks and a persistent wife make sure that I get out of bed. 40 minutes later, and I'm happy that I'm up.
My wife gives me my meds. This morning is not a day I could open my med bottles without spilling them all over the bathroom. My morning beverage is served in a spill-proof container.
I'll probably be ready to shower in another 15 minutes or so, after getting my bearings.
Then I'll hit the treadmill.
Following 30 minutes on the treadmill, I'll feel ready to tackle my day.
Will I have pain and/or a few challenges throughout the day?
Absolutely.
I'm alive! :bouncing:
I know the words aren't much help. But the above is my current reality.
I try to embrace it. It's a choice.
Keep moving forward with that PT! :angel:
Here's an accurate early morning report from a purported success story.
I'm about 2 1/2 months out with continued damage, primarily motor function.
First 1/2 hour and I'm a complete mess. Lots of wobbling and pain getting out of bed. I don't want to wake up and face the day, mind you. Things hurt and pieces of my body don't work as I'd like. 3 different alarm clocks and a persistent wife make sure that I get out of bed. 40 minutes later, and I'm happy that I'm up.
My wife gives me my meds. This morning is not a day I could open my med bottles without spilling them all over the bathroom. My morning beverage is served in a spill-proof container.
I'll probably be ready to shower in another 15 minutes or so, after getting my bearings.
Then I'll hit the treadmill.
Following 30 minutes on the treadmill, I'll feel ready to tackle my day.
Will I have pain and/or a few challenges throughout the day?
Absolutely.
I'm alive! :bouncing:
I know the words aren't much help. But the above is my current reality.
I try to embrace it. It's a choice.
Keep moving forward with that PT! :angel:
Backinthesaddle
05-12-2006, 10:21 PM
NO guys I am not depressed not at all just curious. I know I feel better then I did and will continue to feel better as time goes on. Most likely I will never feel like I once did. I just think about a few officers I know at work who had to medically retire. Usually back injuries but wondered what the criterea of that was. I never got to ask them since once they went out they didn't come back, I was told they could not do a job. So you see I am just in that curious spot and almost hopeful that that would be my case. I could always find something to do :)
F4M you sound worse then me. I am like that also in the morning but with a 8mo crying for milk and to get out of the crib it is up to me to do it most mornings. If it wasn't for him I would waller in self pity. I only waller when he is sleeping..........I also do not take any meds anymore. Lately I have had to pull out the muscle relaxers and ambien but the doctor told me to stop talking pills. I need to do the treadmill. Heck I need to walk more. I take short ones with the baby. But I need to get back to walking further.
Now you guys mentione depression, truth be told it isn't about being sore for life. It is about having to leave my baby and go back to work. I had no idea I would feel like this and this time off has been such a bitter blessing and one I cannot thank God enough for but the time is nearing.
F4M you sound worse then me. I am like that also in the morning but with a 8mo crying for milk and to get out of the crib it is up to me to do it most mornings. If it wasn't for him I would waller in self pity. I only waller when he is sleeping..........I also do not take any meds anymore. Lately I have had to pull out the muscle relaxers and ambien but the doctor told me to stop talking pills. I need to do the treadmill. Heck I need to walk more. I take short ones with the baby. But I need to get back to walking further.
Now you guys mentione depression, truth be told it isn't about being sore for life. It is about having to leave my baby and go back to work. I had no idea I would feel like this and this time off has been such a bitter blessing and one I cannot thank God enough for but the time is nearing.
ThoreauFan
05-12-2006, 10:38 PM
I just think about a few officers I know at work who had to medically retire. Usually back injuries but wondered what the criterea of that was. I never got to ask them since once they went out they didn't come back, I was told they could not do a job. So you see I am just in that curious spot and almost hopeful that that would be my case. I could always find something to do :)
You may want to check with your Union or HR department.
I don't know what the term "medically retired" means.
I do know what going on "permanent disability" means.
There is also a very sticky area with respect to WC. Dunno anything about your job, but WC is generally considered to be a worker's exclusive remedy for injuries sustained while on the job. Additionally, Police/Fire waive other legal rights in return for other benefits, such as the early retirement threshold.
Keep in mind, there are a flurry of laws protecting anyone with any medical condition from being discriminated against by an employer, especially in CA.
That's the best I can do.
Happy to hear that you're doing well! :wave:
You may want to check with your Union or HR department.
I don't know what the term "medically retired" means.
I do know what going on "permanent disability" means.
There is also a very sticky area with respect to WC. Dunno anything about your job, but WC is generally considered to be a worker's exclusive remedy for injuries sustained while on the job. Additionally, Police/Fire waive other legal rights in return for other benefits, such as the early retirement threshold.
Keep in mind, there are a flurry of laws protecting anyone with any medical condition from being discriminated against by an employer, especially in CA.
That's the best I can do.
Happy to hear that you're doing well! :wave:
mb100
05-16-2006, 11:23 AM
Howdy Saddle,
Theres got to be a way to find those folks on med retirement. They could tell you for sure. I'm sure the PD or the city has their own criteria for disability with workers comp being the joker in the deck. Look them up in the phone book or on the net, they've been through it so they would know. You may have already done all this, but if not it's worth a try.
I hope you continue to improve. I know it's hard, hang tough!!!!
Take it slow....Mike
Theres got to be a way to find those folks on med retirement. They could tell you for sure. I'm sure the PD or the city has their own criteria for disability with workers comp being the joker in the deck. Look them up in the phone book or on the net, they've been through it so they would know. You may have already done all this, but if not it's worth a try.
I hope you continue to improve. I know it's hard, hang tough!!!!
Take it slow....Mike
mb100
05-16-2006, 12:29 PM
Hey Funny,
Do you feel better as the day progresses? Are you still hitting golf balls? I just wondered because I always descibed it as feeling like I woke up from a car accident every morning. It got better for me after awhile, quite a while. But it did improve. Before that, it was 2 pain pills and the hottest shower I could stand before I did anything. Trip to the store, therapy, a walk, pretty much anything. But I wasnt worth a nickle for the first few hours after I got up. I know it sucks, but it will get easier. Even if it doesnt get better, you will get used to it. But I'm preachin to the choir, right!
Take care Man, I'm thinkin about you, as are all of us I'm sure.
Mike
Do you feel better as the day progresses? Are you still hitting golf balls? I just wondered because I always descibed it as feeling like I woke up from a car accident every morning. It got better for me after awhile, quite a while. But it did improve. Before that, it was 2 pain pills and the hottest shower I could stand before I did anything. Trip to the store, therapy, a walk, pretty much anything. But I wasnt worth a nickle for the first few hours after I got up. I know it sucks, but it will get easier. Even if it doesnt get better, you will get used to it. But I'm preachin to the choir, right!
Take care Man, I'm thinkin about you, as are all of us I'm sure.
Mike
zoey1
05-16-2006, 06:36 PM
So bad for some is usualy under lining causes that contriubute to problems
There are also issues that can come up due to nerve endings causing more troubles during recovery process. Everyone heals at there own rate. I would be more inclined to believe during recovery process if there were other issues not yet determined alot of things can come to the surface then due to the strain stress of surgery.
I don't think it's a case of why some never recover it's more of a case there was a choice made at the time of surgery by different surgons that say it may or may not help . When folks are in pain they want to try anything that will help. Surgery isn't always the answer
There are also issues that can come up due to nerve endings causing more troubles during recovery process. Everyone heals at there own rate. I would be more inclined to believe during recovery process if there were other issues not yet determined alot of things can come to the surface then due to the strain stress of surgery.
I don't think it's a case of why some never recover it's more of a case there was a choice made at the time of surgery by different surgons that say it may or may not help . When folks are in pain they want to try anything that will help. Surgery isn't always the answer
ThoreauFan
05-17-2006, 06:02 AM
Hey Mike - happy to see you're coming along well.
Late response because I just returned from out of town...
Do you feel better as the day progresses? Are you still hitting golf balls? I just wondered because I always descibed it as feeling like I woke up from a car accident every morning.?
Motor function is the primary issue. I wake up and move like a drunk sailor. I either become accustomed to the deficits and compensate or my coordination improves - dunno which is the case. The morning pain does dissipate. 75-90 minutes out, and I'm in good shape (I think so, anyway).
It's not that big of thing. Life gets busy and the rest takes a backseat.
Golf balls? You bet! A solid golf swing is actually a very elegant, refined motion. The club face does the real work; it's not about swinging hard. No problems there. The endorphin (your body's own morphine) rush is invigorating. I feel great after knocking out a couple buckets or getting off the treadmill.
The pain is primarily related to issues not addressed by the surgery.
I have certain demands which are unavoidable (and discussed w/my surgeon previous to ACDF), and that's where the bumps in the road arise. I probably averaged a solid 14 hours a day sitting or driving during the past four days, with 5 hours sleep per night. Not good, I know.
Problems? Reaching for a briefcase on the floor after washing my hands during a restroom break and ZAP! I know I've pinched a nerve root (untreated). It's only extreme for a short period. Grabbing a bite to eat on the run and turning the wrong direction while holding a tray of food? Hello to tingling, numbness, twitches, and pain. That's just how it is.
It's my reality.
My reality also includes never playing in the NFL, being an astronaut, looking like Mel Gibson (or whomever), dating Cindy Crawford, living in a Chateau overlooking the French Riviera, or a million other things that I could complain about.
I'm okay with it. I consider my surgery to be quite a success. Big picture, y'know?
There's this old story about Tommy Lasorda desperately needing an injured player to pinch hit during a critical ball game. The player told Lasorda that he couldn't do it, because he was only at 75% of his "normal" self. Lasorda asked him to give 100% of that 75%. And that's what he did.
Whatever capability I have, and I'm not too hung up on thinking in terms or percentages or what should be normal, that's what I try to use. End of story.
Even if it doesnt get better, you will get used to it. But I'm preachin to the choir, right!
I am used to it. I am living a much, MUCH better life than the alternatives.
Hope everyone is continuing to improve. :bouncing:
Late response because I just returned from out of town...
Do you feel better as the day progresses? Are you still hitting golf balls? I just wondered because I always descibed it as feeling like I woke up from a car accident every morning.?
Motor function is the primary issue. I wake up and move like a drunk sailor. I either become accustomed to the deficits and compensate or my coordination improves - dunno which is the case. The morning pain does dissipate. 75-90 minutes out, and I'm in good shape (I think so, anyway).
It's not that big of thing. Life gets busy and the rest takes a backseat.
Golf balls? You bet! A solid golf swing is actually a very elegant, refined motion. The club face does the real work; it's not about swinging hard. No problems there. The endorphin (your body's own morphine) rush is invigorating. I feel great after knocking out a couple buckets or getting off the treadmill.
The pain is primarily related to issues not addressed by the surgery.
I have certain demands which are unavoidable (and discussed w/my surgeon previous to ACDF), and that's where the bumps in the road arise. I probably averaged a solid 14 hours a day sitting or driving during the past four days, with 5 hours sleep per night. Not good, I know.
Problems? Reaching for a briefcase on the floor after washing my hands during a restroom break and ZAP! I know I've pinched a nerve root (untreated). It's only extreme for a short period. Grabbing a bite to eat on the run and turning the wrong direction while holding a tray of food? Hello to tingling, numbness, twitches, and pain. That's just how it is.
It's my reality.
My reality also includes never playing in the NFL, being an astronaut, looking like Mel Gibson (or whomever), dating Cindy Crawford, living in a Chateau overlooking the French Riviera, or a million other things that I could complain about.
I'm okay with it. I consider my surgery to be quite a success. Big picture, y'know?
There's this old story about Tommy Lasorda desperately needing an injured player to pinch hit during a critical ball game. The player told Lasorda that he couldn't do it, because he was only at 75% of his "normal" self. Lasorda asked him to give 100% of that 75%. And that's what he did.
Whatever capability I have, and I'm not too hung up on thinking in terms or percentages or what should be normal, that's what I try to use. End of story.
Even if it doesnt get better, you will get used to it. But I'm preachin to the choir, right!
I am used to it. I am living a much, MUCH better life than the alternatives.
Hope everyone is continuing to improve. :bouncing:
mb100
05-17-2006, 01:35 PM
Hey Funny,
Great post as usual, I got a kick out of it. It's good to hear such a positive attitude, while at the same time sharing the hard stuff. If we dont share the bad stuff the folks that are hurtin wont be able to relate to us, and I worry that it might run a few of em off that could otherwise benefit from this site. The pain and fear is what they'll relate to first, hell, thats what brought us here. I've been on other sites that seemed to be kinda uptight and afraid to talk about themselves. This is OUR safe haven where we can talk to folks that will understand and be able to relate to us, unlike "Joe normal".
I know you hate the word but everybody has there own normal anyway, not just us. We just have a new one.
In my case, I think my morning problems are from the way I sleep. Once I fall asleep, I tend to roll over on my stomach, or side which puts my neck in a bind. I've tried everything just about to relieve it, with little sucess. Believe it or not, the best way for me to fall asleep is sitting up. I'll only sleep a few hours before waking, but I dont wake up in as much pain. I've got all the ortho pillows and such, but none seem to help. There are times when I'll go out like a light and sleep 6 or 8 hrs straight, maybe I'm staying in the correct sleeping posture then, or just exausted, I dont know. Anyway, I dont have your kinda problems with my hands as much as my legs. Spastisity somewhat controlled by baclofen, but still there. My dr has wanted to put in a pump for it from day one, but I resisted it. It's a double edged sword, It helps with the spastisity, but makes you feel fatigued all the time. I go off of it occasionally because of that. I hear it's fun to watch me walk then! A little gimper humor.
Anyway Funny, thanks for sharing. I can relate.
Take it slow....Mike
Great post as usual, I got a kick out of it. It's good to hear such a positive attitude, while at the same time sharing the hard stuff. If we dont share the bad stuff the folks that are hurtin wont be able to relate to us, and I worry that it might run a few of em off that could otherwise benefit from this site. The pain and fear is what they'll relate to first, hell, thats what brought us here. I've been on other sites that seemed to be kinda uptight and afraid to talk about themselves. This is OUR safe haven where we can talk to folks that will understand and be able to relate to us, unlike "Joe normal".
I know you hate the word but everybody has there own normal anyway, not just us. We just have a new one.
In my case, I think my morning problems are from the way I sleep. Once I fall asleep, I tend to roll over on my stomach, or side which puts my neck in a bind. I've tried everything just about to relieve it, with little sucess. Believe it or not, the best way for me to fall asleep is sitting up. I'll only sleep a few hours before waking, but I dont wake up in as much pain. I've got all the ortho pillows and such, but none seem to help. There are times when I'll go out like a light and sleep 6 or 8 hrs straight, maybe I'm staying in the correct sleeping posture then, or just exausted, I dont know. Anyway, I dont have your kinda problems with my hands as much as my legs. Spastisity somewhat controlled by baclofen, but still there. My dr has wanted to put in a pump for it from day one, but I resisted it. It's a double edged sword, It helps with the spastisity, but makes you feel fatigued all the time. I go off of it occasionally because of that. I hear it's fun to watch me walk then! A little gimper humor.
Anyway Funny, thanks for sharing. I can relate.
Take it slow....Mike
Backinthesaddle
05-17-2006, 10:03 PM
I go out of town for a few days and see all I miss.
I started PT today. She went totally easy on me so I am not in awful pain. I had a few bad days like usual then I have a few good days. Good enough that if it weren't 95 degrees I would have been out riding. I swear that is so confusing to me. I am going to PT 2-3X a week for 12 visits and see what then. She tested my neck flexion at my intro visit and I am really bad to the right. I have poor ( for lack of better words as I am not sure what word she used) nerve response to both biceps and right tricep. She said my forearms were normal. Hmm not sure what that means. And today she said my first rib was out of place so she worked on getting it back.
So wierd that we all feel like drunk sailors when we wake up. I am glad it is not only me. I also feel better after about an hour or so.
American Idol is on...........gatta go....hhhehehehe
I started PT today. She went totally easy on me so I am not in awful pain. I had a few bad days like usual then I have a few good days. Good enough that if it weren't 95 degrees I would have been out riding. I swear that is so confusing to me. I am going to PT 2-3X a week for 12 visits and see what then. She tested my neck flexion at my intro visit and I am really bad to the right. I have poor ( for lack of better words as I am not sure what word she used) nerve response to both biceps and right tricep. She said my forearms were normal. Hmm not sure what that means. And today she said my first rib was out of place so she worked on getting it back.
So wierd that we all feel like drunk sailors when we wake up. I am glad it is not only me. I also feel better after about an hour or so.
American Idol is on...........gatta go....hhhehehehe
acdfouch
05-18-2006, 08:35 AM
I go out of town for a few days and see all I miss.
I started PT today. She went totally easy on me so I am not in awful pain. I had a few bad days like usual then I have a few good days. Good enough that if it weren't 95 degrees I would have been out riding. I swear that is so confusing to me. I am going to PT 2-3X a week for 12 visits and see what then. She tested my neck flexion at my intro visit and I am really bad to the right. I have poor ( for lack of better words as I am not sure what word she used) nerve response to both biceps and right tricep. She said my forearms were normal. Hmm not sure what that means. And today she said my first rib was out of place so she worked on getting it back.
So wierd that we all feel like drunk sailors when we wake up. I am glad it is not only me. I also feel better after about an hour or so.
American Idol is on...........gatta go....hhhehehehe
Any good day is better than before right???? Hopefully this will be your turning point as well!
I started PT today. She went totally easy on me so I am not in awful pain. I had a few bad days like usual then I have a few good days. Good enough that if it weren't 95 degrees I would have been out riding. I swear that is so confusing to me. I am going to PT 2-3X a week for 12 visits and see what then. She tested my neck flexion at my intro visit and I am really bad to the right. I have poor ( for lack of better words as I am not sure what word she used) nerve response to both biceps and right tricep. She said my forearms were normal. Hmm not sure what that means. And today she said my first rib was out of place so she worked on getting it back.
So wierd that we all feel like drunk sailors when we wake up. I am glad it is not only me. I also feel better after about an hour or so.
American Idol is on...........gatta go....hhhehehehe
Any good day is better than before right???? Hopefully this will be your turning point as well!
dennisgb
05-18-2006, 11:37 AM
NO guys I am not depressed not at all just curious. I know I feel better then I did and will continue to feel better as time goes on. Most likely I will never feel like I once did. I just think about a few officers I know at work who had to medically retire. Usually back injuries but wondered what the criterea of that was. I never got to ask them since once they went out they didn't come back, I was told they could not do a job. So you see I am just in that curious spot and almost hopeful that that would be my case. I could always find something to do :)
F4M you sound worse then me. I am like that also in the morning but with a 8mo crying for milk and to get out of the crib it is up to me to do it most mornings. If it wasn't for him I would waller in self pity. I only waller when he is sleeping..........I also do not take any meds anymore. Lately I have had to pull out the muscle relaxers and ambien but the doctor told me to stop talking pills. I need to do the treadmill. Heck I need to walk more. I take short ones with the baby. But I need to get back to walking further.
Now you guys mentione depression, truth be told it isn't about being sore for life. It is about having to leave my baby and go back to work. I had no idea I would feel like this and this time off has been such a bitter blessing and one I cannot thank God enough for but the time is nearing.
BITS,
I feel like I did when I was in my 20's two years out from double ACDF (I'll be 54 in August). It took about six months before I started to feel decent, and another 6 months before I felt totally normal. Now I don't think about it anymore.
I think there are those that don't recover 100%, but I think it's more that people heal differently. Some take a little longer.
Hang in there.
Dennis
F4M you sound worse then me. I am like that also in the morning but with a 8mo crying for milk and to get out of the crib it is up to me to do it most mornings. If it wasn't for him I would waller in self pity. I only waller when he is sleeping..........I also do not take any meds anymore. Lately I have had to pull out the muscle relaxers and ambien but the doctor told me to stop talking pills. I need to do the treadmill. Heck I need to walk more. I take short ones with the baby. But I need to get back to walking further.
Now you guys mentione depression, truth be told it isn't about being sore for life. It is about having to leave my baby and go back to work. I had no idea I would feel like this and this time off has been such a bitter blessing and one I cannot thank God enough for but the time is nearing.
BITS,
I feel like I did when I was in my 20's two years out from double ACDF (I'll be 54 in August). It took about six months before I started to feel decent, and another 6 months before I felt totally normal. Now I don't think about it anymore.
I think there are those that don't recover 100%, but I think it's more that people heal differently. Some take a little longer.
Hang in there.
Dennis
ThoreauFan
05-18-2006, 02:26 PM
If we dont share the bad stuff the folks that are hurtin wont be able to relate to us, and I worry that it might run a few of em off that could otherwise benefit from this site.
This is an interesting thought. I believe the absolute reverse is true.
There are about 200K ACDFs performed in the U.S. each year. Most of those people will just move on with life and be completely fine. This board is where the horror stories exist. It is in no way representative of ACDF outcomes in general.
People can and do arrive on these boards (or any health site) and decide that a perfectly harmless "symptom" is now worthy of tremendous worry, testing, treatment, etc. I have read countless rundowns of symptom lists that are in no way related to ACDF or its underlying conditions. Flat out, some people are complainers.
The majority of people over age 50 have MRIs that are not unlike many of us. However, they are not treated because they have no symptoms or do not find their symptoms worthy of complaint. Individuals have different expectations.
I've heard a joke about health sites on the internet, particularly with respect to symptoms. A person can peruse most any of the subject areas on this site and rightfully conclude, "I have those symptoms!"
The punchline to the joke? "Of course I do. It's called life." ;)
This is an interesting thought. I believe the absolute reverse is true.
There are about 200K ACDFs performed in the U.S. each year. Most of those people will just move on with life and be completely fine. This board is where the horror stories exist. It is in no way representative of ACDF outcomes in general.
People can and do arrive on these boards (or any health site) and decide that a perfectly harmless "symptom" is now worthy of tremendous worry, testing, treatment, etc. I have read countless rundowns of symptom lists that are in no way related to ACDF or its underlying conditions. Flat out, some people are complainers.
The majority of people over age 50 have MRIs that are not unlike many of us. However, they are not treated because they have no symptoms or do not find their symptoms worthy of complaint. Individuals have different expectations.
I've heard a joke about health sites on the internet, particularly with respect to symptoms. A person can peruse most any of the subject areas on this site and rightfully conclude, "I have those symptoms!"
The punchline to the joke? "Of course I do. It's called life." ;)
mb100
05-18-2006, 05:16 PM
Hey Funny,
I had to chuckle when I read your post, and maybe you're right!
I was just a little suprised to hear that from you. I guess I thought you were in the full recovery group. I couldnt relate to hitting balls 10 days in, but I can sure relate to the morning thing!
You were fun to talk to, but I wasnt really feelin you until you shared your pain, ya know?
Is the reverse true? Dont know. I was looking for someone with the same problems as me, if I didnt find that here I woulda went back to google.
Take er slow....Mike
I had to chuckle when I read your post, and maybe you're right!
I was just a little suprised to hear that from you. I guess I thought you were in the full recovery group. I couldnt relate to hitting balls 10 days in, but I can sure relate to the morning thing!
You were fun to talk to, but I wasnt really feelin you until you shared your pain, ya know?
Is the reverse true? Dont know. I was looking for someone with the same problems as me, if I didnt find that here I woulda went back to google.
Take er slow....Mike
ThoreauFan
05-18-2006, 05:39 PM
Don't take things the wrong way, Mike.
People here have very bad medical problems. Certainly, you're at the top of the list.
I don't think I'm one of those people.
I'm not sure what a "full recovery" means, exactly.
Keep in mind, pain is only one issue.
Those nerves and spinal tracts do a WHOLE lot more than sense things.
My biggest worry is that someone in need of treatment will read a horror story on these boards and decide NOT to move forward. Many people suffer permanent damage because, well, they just plain waited too long. :angel:
People here have very bad medical problems. Certainly, you're at the top of the list.
I don't think I'm one of those people.
I'm not sure what a "full recovery" means, exactly.
Keep in mind, pain is only one issue.
Those nerves and spinal tracts do a WHOLE lot more than sense things.
My biggest worry is that someone in need of treatment will read a horror story on these boards and decide NOT to move forward. Many people suffer permanent damage because, well, they just plain waited too long. :angel:
mb100
05-18-2006, 09:33 PM
Hey Funny,
You've got me chucklin again man. I LIKE my chances this time around. Maybe I'm just a little too willing to fill in the gaps in my experience making me come off badly, I certainly didnt mean to. I dont consider myself at the top of the list by any measure, believe me.
Full recovery, back to normal, never lost a step, ya know? Like Allstott. Like the folks that come on here for about a week and say how it came out perfect and their good to go. I thought thats where you were, exept for the bookin after a week. Kinda like our buddy Dennis. Just stickin around to lend a hand.
I've shared this before but, I felt like that the first time around, after 2 or 3 weeks in therapy I felt like superman again. Something went terribly wrong and I'll never know what. Hopefully it's fixed and I would hate to see anyone else go through the same thing. Hence, take it slow. It's one mans opinion, based on one mans experience.
I guess we just see the newbie thing from different sides of the road, huh? We're probably both right, and both wrong. I think theres room for both ways and theres certainly both "types" on here. Maybe I should keep my big trap shut. I always do better when I stick to what I do know, which is my own experience. I always get in trouble when I try to play Dr. I've been watchin way too much House. I always try to send folks back to the doc, or a new one, for direction. Only a fool would follow medical advise off the internet without checking with their Dr. first. That was not meant to offend anyone reading this by the way.
Anyway my friend it's great to be talking to you again.
Take it slow....Mike
You've got me chucklin again man. I LIKE my chances this time around. Maybe I'm just a little too willing to fill in the gaps in my experience making me come off badly, I certainly didnt mean to. I dont consider myself at the top of the list by any measure, believe me.
Full recovery, back to normal, never lost a step, ya know? Like Allstott. Like the folks that come on here for about a week and say how it came out perfect and their good to go. I thought thats where you were, exept for the bookin after a week. Kinda like our buddy Dennis. Just stickin around to lend a hand.
I've shared this before but, I felt like that the first time around, after 2 or 3 weeks in therapy I felt like superman again. Something went terribly wrong and I'll never know what. Hopefully it's fixed and I would hate to see anyone else go through the same thing. Hence, take it slow. It's one mans opinion, based on one mans experience.
I guess we just see the newbie thing from different sides of the road, huh? We're probably both right, and both wrong. I think theres room for both ways and theres certainly both "types" on here. Maybe I should keep my big trap shut. I always do better when I stick to what I do know, which is my own experience. I always get in trouble when I try to play Dr. I've been watchin way too much House. I always try to send folks back to the doc, or a new one, for direction. Only a fool would follow medical advise off the internet without checking with their Dr. first. That was not meant to offend anyone reading this by the way.
Anyway my friend it's great to be talking to you again.
Take it slow....Mike
ThoreauFan
05-19-2006, 12:50 AM
I dont consider myself at the top of the list by any measure, believe me.
C'mon, Mike. The regulars on this board have very serious issues. You, BITS, Ouch, Sunshine, Jackie (both), Bob, Whacked, FeelBad, and others - even my case - are not run of the mill. The weakened muscles, spasms, motor problems are all very, very big issues. Most people never need Baclofen or Neurontin - that's heavy duty stuff. I am scared to death when I see the worst of all symptoms posted to this board, which aren't pain or spasms, BTW.
Full recovery, back to normal, never lost a step, ya know? Like Allstott..
Maybe a full recovery from the procedure itself - a succesful fusion and the prevention of further spinal cord damage. From my perspective, I saw a dramatic improvement. I can do things now that I couldn't do before. I didn't expect the surgery to heal non-treated areas, which remain a reality.
I don't see myself EVER being in Dennis' shoes.
I guess we just see the newbie thing from different sides of the road, huh? We're probably both right, and both wrong.
I don't see it as a right/wrong thing.
Like you wrote, "different sides of the road." I'm thinking of people who are facing the prospect of surgery, particularly in cases of myelopathy. Maybe you're thinking of people who are not having a good recovery. On the latter, I would agree. People definitely need to get it out when things aren't going well. It builds up. The last place people should stay is inside their own heads, IMHO. Let it out.
I don't disagree with taking it slow. In fact, I think I do. Really.
I got a big laugh from the House comments. My favorite quote, "Not only do people WANT to know they have holes, they want to know WHERE the holes are!" I have long had the first season on DVD. Waiting for #2. :D
I don't think you're playing Dr. If you are, keep doing it! :bouncing:
Everyone has his/her own experience to share. :wave:
C'mon, Mike. The regulars on this board have very serious issues. You, BITS, Ouch, Sunshine, Jackie (both), Bob, Whacked, FeelBad, and others - even my case - are not run of the mill. The weakened muscles, spasms, motor problems are all very, very big issues. Most people never need Baclofen or Neurontin - that's heavy duty stuff. I am scared to death when I see the worst of all symptoms posted to this board, which aren't pain or spasms, BTW.
Full recovery, back to normal, never lost a step, ya know? Like Allstott..
Maybe a full recovery from the procedure itself - a succesful fusion and the prevention of further spinal cord damage. From my perspective, I saw a dramatic improvement. I can do things now that I couldn't do before. I didn't expect the surgery to heal non-treated areas, which remain a reality.
I don't see myself EVER being in Dennis' shoes.
I guess we just see the newbie thing from different sides of the road, huh? We're probably both right, and both wrong.
I don't see it as a right/wrong thing.
Like you wrote, "different sides of the road." I'm thinking of people who are facing the prospect of surgery, particularly in cases of myelopathy. Maybe you're thinking of people who are not having a good recovery. On the latter, I would agree. People definitely need to get it out when things aren't going well. It builds up. The last place people should stay is inside their own heads, IMHO. Let it out.
I don't disagree with taking it slow. In fact, I think I do. Really.
I got a big laugh from the House comments. My favorite quote, "Not only do people WANT to know they have holes, they want to know WHERE the holes are!" I have long had the first season on DVD. Waiting for #2. :D
I don't think you're playing Dr. If you are, keep doing it! :bouncing:
Everyone has his/her own experience to share. :wave:
Backinthesaddle
05-19-2006, 12:26 PM
Hi boys I know that years ago when I found this site I loved to read both the good and the bad outcomes. I am such a realist and believe that only one who has been down a path can be an expert. Doctors maybe book smart but unless they have been there and done that they are just guessing at how one will feel afterwards. Everyones pain threshold is different, bodies are different and expectations are different. I know mine is. I have always had a high pain threshold but demand nothing less then the best. Hence my complaining about not being able to move on with life as I did before the injury (not the surgery). I was happy to see that most moved on without any real complaints. But I loved to see that there others like F4M mentioned who didn't just move on without issues. That made me feel normal. Sure I complain it is my right I am female! hahaha. I actually worry more the days I feel good and wonder what is going on?
I know I never dreampt I would have issues post surgery since my Ortho doc just said in 4 weeks I would be back to work on the streets and doing fine. I think he didn't even know who I was or what I did. He changed his tune post surgery. I am feeling much much better not then I did a few days ago. I am beginning to believe that in a month or two I will be back jogging and lifting weights (not those bands or 1 pounders either).
I do know that I was told when I had the posterior decompression of C6/7 in 2003 my NS told me that the disks above and below would be weakened. He was right. My ortho doc wants to do disk replacement in a year for C5/6. I do refuse to lay down and give up dispite my grumping. I love getting out and about way to much and with a 9mo I am not going to age 20 years because of my neck he will do that for me....or keep me young...
Kelly
I know I never dreampt I would have issues post surgery since my Ortho doc just said in 4 weeks I would be back to work on the streets and doing fine. I think he didn't even know who I was or what I did. He changed his tune post surgery. I am feeling much much better not then I did a few days ago. I am beginning to believe that in a month or two I will be back jogging and lifting weights (not those bands or 1 pounders either).
I do know that I was told when I had the posterior decompression of C6/7 in 2003 my NS told me that the disks above and below would be weakened. He was right. My ortho doc wants to do disk replacement in a year for C5/6. I do refuse to lay down and give up dispite my grumping. I love getting out and about way to much and with a 9mo I am not going to age 20 years because of my neck he will do that for me....or keep me young...
Kelly
mb100
05-19-2006, 03:01 PM
Hey Kelly,
I had to laugh reading that your doc didnt remember what you do. My primary, who sent me to the neuro still asks me how my back is doin every time I see him. He's the same guy that diagnosed me inititialy and brought his whole damn staff in to show them what cervical myelopathy does. In my underwear, gals included of course. He's a funny guy.
I know wisdom is learning from other peoples mistakes. I just forget that at all the wrong times.
I share pretty much right where I'm at, and I hope maybe that will help someone who reads it. I'm always tellin folks to be cautious, but the quickest way to get me to do something, still, is to tell me I shouldnt do it. Go figger, do as I say, not as I do. I'm not always like that though, today was the first time I ventured out for a walk and I'm a month post op. Tryin to follow Dr's orders to the letter. He said since it's a "redo", we have to be extry cautious. OK doc.
Where I get myself in trouble is when I give too much advise (play Dr.), or tell someone else how to share THEIR experience. (Funny 4 Money) I get a little carried away sometimes. But it really struck a cord when he said those things, or was it just me? Take Ouch for example, I feel like I've known him for years. It just made it real for me.
Hey, were you a patrol officer? I thought you were a dispatcher, or was that you? I've worked in communications, mostly public safety for the last 15 years. It made me wonder when you said get back to work on the streets.
Hey Funny I'll shoot you a note later. I'll be shoppin for that first season tonight.
When my girlfriend asks me anything I'll look at her and say, did you get those blood gases I asked for?????
Take care guys....Mike
I had to laugh reading that your doc didnt remember what you do. My primary, who sent me to the neuro still asks me how my back is doin every time I see him. He's the same guy that diagnosed me inititialy and brought his whole damn staff in to show them what cervical myelopathy does. In my underwear, gals included of course. He's a funny guy.
I know wisdom is learning from other peoples mistakes. I just forget that at all the wrong times.
I share pretty much right where I'm at, and I hope maybe that will help someone who reads it. I'm always tellin folks to be cautious, but the quickest way to get me to do something, still, is to tell me I shouldnt do it. Go figger, do as I say, not as I do. I'm not always like that though, today was the first time I ventured out for a walk and I'm a month post op. Tryin to follow Dr's orders to the letter. He said since it's a "redo", we have to be extry cautious. OK doc.
Where I get myself in trouble is when I give too much advise (play Dr.), or tell someone else how to share THEIR experience. (Funny 4 Money) I get a little carried away sometimes. But it really struck a cord when he said those things, or was it just me? Take Ouch for example, I feel like I've known him for years. It just made it real for me.
Hey, were you a patrol officer? I thought you were a dispatcher, or was that you? I've worked in communications, mostly public safety for the last 15 years. It made me wonder when you said get back to work on the streets.
Hey Funny I'll shoot you a note later. I'll be shoppin for that first season tonight.
When my girlfriend asks me anything I'll look at her and say, did you get those blood gases I asked for?????
Take care guys....Mike
acdfouch
05-19-2006, 07:03 PM
Hey Kelly,
I had to laugh reading that your doc didnt remember what you do. My primary, who sent me to the neuro still asks me how my back is doin every time I see him. He's the same guy that diagnosed me inititialy and brought his whole damn staff in to show them what cervical myelopathy does. In my underwear, gals included of course. He's a funny guy.
I know wisdom is learning from other peoples mistakes. I just forget that at all the wrong times.
I share pretty much right where I'm at, and I hope maybe that will help someone who reads it. I'm always tellin folks to be cautious, but the quickest way to get me to do something, still, is to tell me I shouldnt do it. Go figger, do as I say, not as I do. I'm not always like that though, today was the first time I ventured out for a walk and I'm a month post op. Tryin to follow Dr's orders to the letter. He said since it's a "redo", we have to be extry cautious. OK doc.
Where I get myself in trouble is when I give too much advise (play Dr.), or tell someone else how to share THEIR experience. (Funny 4 Money) I get a little carried away sometimes. But it really struck a cord when he said those things, or was it just me? Take Ouch for example, I feel like I've known him for years. It just made it real for me.
Hey, were you a patrol officer? I thought you were a dispatcher, or was that you? I've worked in communications, mostly public safety for the last 15 years. It made me wonder when you said get back to work on the streets.
Hey Funny I'll shoot you a note later. I'll be shoppin for that first season tonight.
When my girlfriend asks me anything I'll look at her and say, did you get those blood gases I asked for?????
Take care guys....Mike
Years, eh? :)
I guess its my style of writing.. Apparently my friends and people that know me say I have an odd style of writing emails .. I guess it flows into thread stuff too...
Apparently I write like I talk.. Shrug. Dunno if thats a good thing or not!
:)
I had to laugh reading that your doc didnt remember what you do. My primary, who sent me to the neuro still asks me how my back is doin every time I see him. He's the same guy that diagnosed me inititialy and brought his whole damn staff in to show them what cervical myelopathy does. In my underwear, gals included of course. He's a funny guy.
I know wisdom is learning from other peoples mistakes. I just forget that at all the wrong times.
I share pretty much right where I'm at, and I hope maybe that will help someone who reads it. I'm always tellin folks to be cautious, but the quickest way to get me to do something, still, is to tell me I shouldnt do it. Go figger, do as I say, not as I do. I'm not always like that though, today was the first time I ventured out for a walk and I'm a month post op. Tryin to follow Dr's orders to the letter. He said since it's a "redo", we have to be extry cautious. OK doc.
Where I get myself in trouble is when I give too much advise (play Dr.), or tell someone else how to share THEIR experience. (Funny 4 Money) I get a little carried away sometimes. But it really struck a cord when he said those things, or was it just me? Take Ouch for example, I feel like I've known him for years. It just made it real for me.
Hey, were you a patrol officer? I thought you were a dispatcher, or was that you? I've worked in communications, mostly public safety for the last 15 years. It made me wonder when you said get back to work on the streets.
Hey Funny I'll shoot you a note later. I'll be shoppin for that first season tonight.
When my girlfriend asks me anything I'll look at her and say, did you get those blood gases I asked for?????
Take care guys....Mike
Years, eh? :)
I guess its my style of writing.. Apparently my friends and people that know me say I have an odd style of writing emails .. I guess it flows into thread stuff too...
Apparently I write like I talk.. Shrug. Dunno if thats a good thing or not!
:)
Backinthesaddle
05-19-2006, 09:27 PM
HI Mike nope that's me, I am headed to dispatch. I work Dallas PD. I spent almost 16 full years on the streets of the East side and downtown. I had 2 high speed car wrecks and two other slower speed ones, countless foot chases, dogpiles and fights. Which got me my first injury of C6/7. Then a rear ended the second. My NS told me to find a new line of work. He was concerned about the rest of my disks so with his advice I did. I went to traffic where I spent my pregnancy and was supposed to stay there but a rookie got his light duty paper work in before I did and I got banished to communications. Tell me something good about it????? I am so bummed out about going back to work in a place I really do not want to go for the next 5 years. Other then the hours and days off are OK for the baby and my husbands schedule.
Yeah my Ortho was a bit dingy. My NS retired and he referred me to him for the second surgery and I trusted my NS opinion about getting off the streets. Not to mention I was not willing to get into anything at work and end up hurt worse so best for me to get off.
My husband and I are also House fans.................Can't wait to see what happens next.
I also started walking, just two days so far but felt good. I finally feel like I can without hurting and I even pushed the stroller. Yeah!
Tell me what does myelopathy look like?
Yeah my Ortho was a bit dingy. My NS retired and he referred me to him for the second surgery and I trusted my NS opinion about getting off the streets. Not to mention I was not willing to get into anything at work and end up hurt worse so best for me to get off.
My husband and I are also House fans.................Can't wait to see what happens next.
I also started walking, just two days so far but felt good. I finally feel like I can without hurting and I even pushed the stroller. Yeah!
Tell me what does myelopathy look like?
ThoreauFan
05-20-2006, 02:34 AM
Mike, I'll prep you for a House marathon:
"Ativan!" and "Lumbar puncture."
It's like playing the "Hi Bob" drinking game while watching Newhart. ;)
But I loved to see that there others like F4M mentioned who didn't just move on without issues.
Kelly, if it makes you feel any better, there is NO WAY that I could drive/sit 10 hours a day. I think I'm in great shape as far as the surgery went. But based on a recent conference I attended (meaning, sitting for long periods), I'd probably be out on leave after a week or two of sitting at a normal job for eight hours a day. Nothing worse than sitting/driving for me.
I'll leave the discussion of myelopathy to Mike.
It's not pretty.
I just had a completely random thought. I have a cat with a spinal cord injury (always try to adopt the one that nobody else wants). He broke his back as a kitten but nobody seemed to tell him. His rear end doesn't move with his front and he's a lovable, clumsy goof. Fate, I guess. At least I'm a member of the species with the opposable thumbs. :cool:
"Ativan!" and "Lumbar puncture."
It's like playing the "Hi Bob" drinking game while watching Newhart. ;)
But I loved to see that there others like F4M mentioned who didn't just move on without issues.
Kelly, if it makes you feel any better, there is NO WAY that I could drive/sit 10 hours a day. I think I'm in great shape as far as the surgery went. But based on a recent conference I attended (meaning, sitting for long periods), I'd probably be out on leave after a week or two of sitting at a normal job for eight hours a day. Nothing worse than sitting/driving for me.
I'll leave the discussion of myelopathy to Mike.
It's not pretty.
I just had a completely random thought. I have a cat with a spinal cord injury (always try to adopt the one that nobody else wants). He broke his back as a kitten but nobody seemed to tell him. His rear end doesn't move with his front and he's a lovable, clumsy goof. Fate, I guess. At least I'm a member of the species with the opposable thumbs. :cool:
Backinthesaddle
05-20-2006, 01:08 PM
I knew I liked you funny I am an underdog lover too. I have 3 cats all of which found me and were homeless. One was abandoned by mom after her eyes opened. I made dh learn how to teach her to eat and potty......I told dh that if we get another car for some ungodly reason like the baby I want one from the shelter that is older and known to be gentle around kids. He like most people think you should get a kitten. No way been there and done that over and over and over and over again (finally the females in the area stopped littering in my barn, that or I got them all fixed). I want to retire and do pet rescue for large animals. I would love to show an animal who wasn't wanted that it can be loved............
And thanks for the words about 10 hour days. I am not looking forward to it. My drive is an hour each way without traffic and I will be sitting in a chair at least 1-2 hours on and 30 min off unless it is a 3 channel relief and then it is 3 hours on with 30 min off.
I walked with the baby again this morning while it was cool. I felt pretty good. I am not the fastest these days it took me about 50 min to walk 3 miles and I had to rest every .5-1 mile but my heartrate was good (too low to loose this the extra 8lbs left). I am a bit sore in the shoulders, neck and hands but I have no hard chores for the day.
K
And thanks for the words about 10 hour days. I am not looking forward to it. My drive is an hour each way without traffic and I will be sitting in a chair at least 1-2 hours on and 30 min off unless it is a 3 channel relief and then it is 3 hours on with 30 min off.
I walked with the baby again this morning while it was cool. I felt pretty good. I am not the fastest these days it took me about 50 min to walk 3 miles and I had to rest every .5-1 mile but my heartrate was good (too low to loose this the extra 8lbs left). I am a bit sore in the shoulders, neck and hands but I have no hard chores for the day.
K
mb100
05-21-2006, 01:56 AM
Hey Guys,
Saddle, Doc was showing everyone the loss of mass on my right calf. Now it's about 15 inch circumference on the left and 12 on the right. zero muscle tone on the right. When flexing on the left I have that nice solid kinda diamond shaped muscle but on the right it would just kinda spasm a little, or not move at all. It reminded me of that steak on the counter in poltergeist. Also had hyper reflex's on the right. I about kicked his *** right through the wall, he made sure to hold it when he did it for the troops. Just a little example of what myelopathy "looks" like. It causes alot of other problems but thats a couple that are visable.
I worked for a comm. contractor, so I cant tell you what dispatch is like from the copper's side. I just built/ installed the equipment. I do like the lighting in the com centers though. Relaxing, ya know? It will surely be a big change from the streets. I hate being confined and always loved working at different locations all the time. We'll both have to get used to a different work environment huh? No sweat.
Hey Ouch ol' bud,,,I never used the internet much, exept for work so I dont really know much from e-mail writing style. I write pretty much the way I talk too. Do you catch any of that hillbilly vernacular....Yeah, thats me.
What I was referring to was the fact that you gave us all the details. Kinda got to know you along the way. Your thread has had a ton of hits, and if someone has a question about our "condition" they can find alot of answers right there. Not to mention alot of great dialog from you, saddle, denny, Funny, and the rest of our friends on here. We've all taken different paths to recovery and sharing that stuff, good and bad, is important.
Hey Funny, I bought it last night. I think I'm on #7. Great stuff, but it kept me up most of the night. Thanks for the tip.
Take er' slow......Mike
Saddle, Doc was showing everyone the loss of mass on my right calf. Now it's about 15 inch circumference on the left and 12 on the right. zero muscle tone on the right. When flexing on the left I have that nice solid kinda diamond shaped muscle but on the right it would just kinda spasm a little, or not move at all. It reminded me of that steak on the counter in poltergeist. Also had hyper reflex's on the right. I about kicked his *** right through the wall, he made sure to hold it when he did it for the troops. Just a little example of what myelopathy "looks" like. It causes alot of other problems but thats a couple that are visable.
I worked for a comm. contractor, so I cant tell you what dispatch is like from the copper's side. I just built/ installed the equipment. I do like the lighting in the com centers though. Relaxing, ya know? It will surely be a big change from the streets. I hate being confined and always loved working at different locations all the time. We'll both have to get used to a different work environment huh? No sweat.
Hey Ouch ol' bud,,,I never used the internet much, exept for work so I dont really know much from e-mail writing style. I write pretty much the way I talk too. Do you catch any of that hillbilly vernacular....Yeah, thats me.
What I was referring to was the fact that you gave us all the details. Kinda got to know you along the way. Your thread has had a ton of hits, and if someone has a question about our "condition" they can find alot of answers right there. Not to mention alot of great dialog from you, saddle, denny, Funny, and the rest of our friends on here. We've all taken different paths to recovery and sharing that stuff, good and bad, is important.
Hey Funny, I bought it last night. I think I'm on #7. Great stuff, but it kept me up most of the night. Thanks for the tip.
Take er' slow......Mike
Backinthesaddle
05-21-2006, 02:37 PM
Wow Mike how long does the mylopathy stick around? Do you walk funny?
ME TOO I am not looking forward to not being able to get up and move at will. Even at a desk job I could get up and move but not when I am up at work. You are kinda stuck. At least on days it shouldn't be to busy.
I have to tell you guys I am so excited.............I rode my horse two times now. I got up on him yesterday and then I took the baby out this morning when it was nice and cool and mounted again. Mind you it has been since November of 2005. He did great. He is really a high spirited pony I used to run barrels on so I didn't know what to expect but he was mellow. We just walked around the back pasture and trotted a bit as he hates to walk much. I think around 15 min but a good start for both of us. I cannot tell you how good that felt. I felt like my old self again. And suprisingly the baby did great just sitting in the stroller watching. I want him to start riding soon too so I need to gentle the boys and be strong enough to fight them.
How odd is that, I went from terrible pain on Monday, so bad I was shoving my arm and shoulder into the corners of the wall. And now I feel pretty good. Sure I am sore but at a level that I can do things. Of course for me that will mean overdoing them. I feel some running come on.........
Kelly
ME TOO I am not looking forward to not being able to get up and move at will. Even at a desk job I could get up and move but not when I am up at work. You are kinda stuck. At least on days it shouldn't be to busy.
I have to tell you guys I am so excited.............I rode my horse two times now. I got up on him yesterday and then I took the baby out this morning when it was nice and cool and mounted again. Mind you it has been since November of 2005. He did great. He is really a high spirited pony I used to run barrels on so I didn't know what to expect but he was mellow. We just walked around the back pasture and trotted a bit as he hates to walk much. I think around 15 min but a good start for both of us. I cannot tell you how good that felt. I felt like my old self again. And suprisingly the baby did great just sitting in the stroller watching. I want him to start riding soon too so I need to gentle the boys and be strong enough to fight them.
How odd is that, I went from terrible pain on Monday, so bad I was shoving my arm and shoulder into the corners of the wall. And now I feel pretty good. Sure I am sore but at a level that I can do things. Of course for me that will mean overdoing them. I feel some running come on.........
Kelly
ThoreauFan
05-21-2006, 08:24 PM
Kelly, I am so happy to hear you were able to mount one of those horses and trot around a little bit. I'm sure that's a big part of your life. It's nice to see you experience some joy. Hopefully, you'll be sharing that with your son soon.
I wanted to add a little bit about my case of myelopathy.
I'm pretty sure Feelbad probably knows the most about this particular area, though.
Myelopathy is injury to the tracts in the spinal cord itself.
Keep in mind, cord compression does not necessarily mean injury to the cord. And the relief of the compression can often produce great results, even when the cord is injured. It's kinda the end of the line when the damage is bad, though. Short of severing the cord itself, it's the mother of all conditions on this board.
At the worst level, my cord was reduced to about 1/3 of its normal diameter. One of my untreated levels still has cord flattening (as opposed to displacement). A nerve root/foraminal area went untreated because of priorities. Cord INJURY can get into some very, very dangerous areas.
We talk a lot about pain here.
About half of myelopathy cases present without pain.
Even at the nerve root level, one of the venting nerves is non-sensory.
Many of the symptoms fall into the more subtle "strange things" category.
Following my vehicle accident, an Ortho treated a torn MCL. Months later, I told him that I didn't think the knee was the problem. It felt as if my left leg wasn't plugged into my hip correctly, and I wasn't walking the same. No hip pain, though, so it was just some continued PT.
Playing softball, I took an off-kilter step while running and ripped part of the patellar tendon on the same leg. With myelopathy, particularly with respect to certain motor tracts, one can lose the sense of where one's limbs are in space without a visual cue. Nobody suspected a thing, though.
The above symptoms indicate motor problems, or the brain's ability to sense where one's limbs are in space. It's pretty obvious if the Dr. is looking for it. It's insidious when no one suspects it.
Tremors, fasticulations, spasms? I'm a type A personality. Take some Klonopin or Diazepam. And no caffeine or other stimulants. It took care of the tremors, etc., alright. And pretty much masked my underlying condition, IMHO.
Complaints of discomfort in my upper back went unheeded, because I didn't initailly have sensory symptoms in my limbs.
I had tests for other conditions.
One test revealed an abnormal heart rhythm/arrythmia. That's okay, I was told, because it was consistent with an underlying condition, which was being treated. What happened when the abnormal heart rhythm was still present following treatement? Nobody had answers (I sought out more than one opinion, including a Neurologist).
My typing skills slowly eroded (motor function/coordination).
Maybe it was all unrelated. But it all seems to add up now.
Finally, I began dropping things, bumping into doorways, and losing my balance. After this, there was a lot of CYA on the part of my Dr.s. I had been under the care of a Neurologist for more than two years.
The bottom of the list: bladder & bowel function.
When and if someone runs into those problems along with cord injury, it's a medical emergency.
My point in sharing this is that the most insidious symptoms need not be pain-related and most everything discussed here is about pain. Even at the nerve root level, one nerve root is generally a non-sensory, motor nerve. Pain, of course, is overwhelmingly the most common complaint in any Dr.'s office. But it's not all about pain when it comes to nerve problems.
Breathing, motor function, digestion, circulation, etc. are all controlled by the nervous system.
Watch for anything strange (not pain) going on as well. ;)
I wanted to add a little bit about my case of myelopathy.
I'm pretty sure Feelbad probably knows the most about this particular area, though.
Myelopathy is injury to the tracts in the spinal cord itself.
Keep in mind, cord compression does not necessarily mean injury to the cord. And the relief of the compression can often produce great results, even when the cord is injured. It's kinda the end of the line when the damage is bad, though. Short of severing the cord itself, it's the mother of all conditions on this board.
At the worst level, my cord was reduced to about 1/3 of its normal diameter. One of my untreated levels still has cord flattening (as opposed to displacement). A nerve root/foraminal area went untreated because of priorities. Cord INJURY can get into some very, very dangerous areas.
We talk a lot about pain here.
About half of myelopathy cases present without pain.
Even at the nerve root level, one of the venting nerves is non-sensory.
Many of the symptoms fall into the more subtle "strange things" category.
Following my vehicle accident, an Ortho treated a torn MCL. Months later, I told him that I didn't think the knee was the problem. It felt as if my left leg wasn't plugged into my hip correctly, and I wasn't walking the same. No hip pain, though, so it was just some continued PT.
Playing softball, I took an off-kilter step while running and ripped part of the patellar tendon on the same leg. With myelopathy, particularly with respect to certain motor tracts, one can lose the sense of where one's limbs are in space without a visual cue. Nobody suspected a thing, though.
The above symptoms indicate motor problems, or the brain's ability to sense where one's limbs are in space. It's pretty obvious if the Dr. is looking for it. It's insidious when no one suspects it.
Tremors, fasticulations, spasms? I'm a type A personality. Take some Klonopin or Diazepam. And no caffeine or other stimulants. It took care of the tremors, etc., alright. And pretty much masked my underlying condition, IMHO.
Complaints of discomfort in my upper back went unheeded, because I didn't initailly have sensory symptoms in my limbs.
I had tests for other conditions.
One test revealed an abnormal heart rhythm/arrythmia. That's okay, I was told, because it was consistent with an underlying condition, which was being treated. What happened when the abnormal heart rhythm was still present following treatement? Nobody had answers (I sought out more than one opinion, including a Neurologist).
My typing skills slowly eroded (motor function/coordination).
Maybe it was all unrelated. But it all seems to add up now.
Finally, I began dropping things, bumping into doorways, and losing my balance. After this, there was a lot of CYA on the part of my Dr.s. I had been under the care of a Neurologist for more than two years.
The bottom of the list: bladder & bowel function.
When and if someone runs into those problems along with cord injury, it's a medical emergency.
My point in sharing this is that the most insidious symptoms need not be pain-related and most everything discussed here is about pain. Even at the nerve root level, one nerve root is generally a non-sensory, motor nerve. Pain, of course, is overwhelmingly the most common complaint in any Dr.'s office. But it's not all about pain when it comes to nerve problems.
Breathing, motor function, digestion, circulation, etc. are all controlled by the nervous system.
Watch for anything strange (not pain) going on as well. ;)
dennisgb
05-22-2006, 11:12 AM
This is an interesting thought. I believe the absolute reverse is true.
There are about 200K ACDFs performed in the U.S. each year. Most of those people will just move on with life and be completely fine. This board is where the horror stories exist. It is in no way representative of ACDF outcomes in general.
People can and do arrive on these boards (or any health site) and decide that a perfectly harmless "symptom" is now worthy of tremendous worry, testing, treatment, etc. I have read countless rundowns of symptom lists that are in no way related to ACDF or its underlying conditions. Flat out, some people are complainers.
The majority of people over age 50 have MRIs that are not unlike many of us. However, they are not treated because they have no symptoms or do not find their symptoms worthy of complaint. Individuals have different expectations.
I've heard a joke about health sites on the internet, particularly with respect to symptoms. A person can peruse most any of the subject areas on this site and rightfully conclude, "I have those symptoms!"
The punchline to the joke? "Of course I do. It's called life." ;)
While I agree that many people come here because they have problems, and that you don't see much positive here as a result, I will disagree with your point on the difference between those that have ACDF and those that do not.
The issue is root cause. In my case, I had a bone spur the size of a finger pressing on the nerve in my neck. The key difference is, that as people age, we all have changes occur. The guy next door may have a bone spur the size of a finger, but it is not pressing on the nerve. While his MRI might be similar to mine, it does not cause him the pain that I had...
You really need to consider that there are real problems that need to be treated with this surgery...not to even think that someone might have an accident that requires repair...
There are about 200K ACDFs performed in the U.S. each year. Most of those people will just move on with life and be completely fine. This board is where the horror stories exist. It is in no way representative of ACDF outcomes in general.
People can and do arrive on these boards (or any health site) and decide that a perfectly harmless "symptom" is now worthy of tremendous worry, testing, treatment, etc. I have read countless rundowns of symptom lists that are in no way related to ACDF or its underlying conditions. Flat out, some people are complainers.
The majority of people over age 50 have MRIs that are not unlike many of us. However, they are not treated because they have no symptoms or do not find their symptoms worthy of complaint. Individuals have different expectations.
I've heard a joke about health sites on the internet, particularly with respect to symptoms. A person can peruse most any of the subject areas on this site and rightfully conclude, "I have those symptoms!"
The punchline to the joke? "Of course I do. It's called life." ;)
While I agree that many people come here because they have problems, and that you don't see much positive here as a result, I will disagree with your point on the difference between those that have ACDF and those that do not.
The issue is root cause. In my case, I had a bone spur the size of a finger pressing on the nerve in my neck. The key difference is, that as people age, we all have changes occur. The guy next door may have a bone spur the size of a finger, but it is not pressing on the nerve. While his MRI might be similar to mine, it does not cause him the pain that I had...
You really need to consider that there are real problems that need to be treated with this surgery...not to even think that someone might have an accident that requires repair...
ThoreauFan
05-22-2006, 04:44 PM
While I agree that many people come here because they have problems, and that you don't see much positive here as a result, I will disagree with your point on the difference between those that have ACDF and those that do not.
The issue is root cause. In my case, I had a bone spur the size of a finger pressing on the nerve in my neck. The key difference is, that as people age, we all have changes occur. The guy next door may have a bone spur the size of a finger, but it is not pressing on the nerve. While his MRI might be similar to mine, it does not cause him the pain that I had...
You really need to consider that there are real problems that need to be treated with this surgery...not to even think that someone might have an accident that requires repair...
Wow. We're really swinging from one extreme to the other here.
I 100% agree with your last paragraph. I don't know why you would think that I believe otherwise; I'm fall into that category. In fact, I believe "real problems" often go untreated. And I believe that happens very, very often.
A friend of the family died last fall. His only complaints were fatigue (unheeded) and then, later, some MILD back pain. Finally, after many visits to the Dr., he was scheduled for an MRI. He never made it to that MRI. He took a fall, wound up in the E.R., and a large untreatable tumor was discovered on his spinal cord (lymphoma). He was dead within 2 or 3 weeks.
About two years ago, a neighbor fell about 30 feet while doing some work in the yard. Multiple compression fractures of his vertebrae, herniations - it was a real mess all along his spine. Today? He races cars, which has been a long time family tradition. Both road rallies and high speed BMW Club racing on desert tracks. He doesn't have any complaints of pain.
Where we disagree, if we do: Physicians do not treat tests.
An MRI may reveal a symptomless condition (yes, even nerve/cord compression). In fact, it's not uncommon.
The issue is root cause. In my case, I had a bone spur the size of a finger pressing on the nerve in my neck. The key difference is, that as people age, we all have changes occur. The guy next door may have a bone spur the size of a finger, but it is not pressing on the nerve. While his MRI might be similar to mine, it does not cause him the pain that I had...
You really need to consider that there are real problems that need to be treated with this surgery...not to even think that someone might have an accident that requires repair...
Wow. We're really swinging from one extreme to the other here.
I 100% agree with your last paragraph. I don't know why you would think that I believe otherwise; I'm fall into that category. In fact, I believe "real problems" often go untreated. And I believe that happens very, very often.
A friend of the family died last fall. His only complaints were fatigue (unheeded) and then, later, some MILD back pain. Finally, after many visits to the Dr., he was scheduled for an MRI. He never made it to that MRI. He took a fall, wound up in the E.R., and a large untreatable tumor was discovered on his spinal cord (lymphoma). He was dead within 2 or 3 weeks.
About two years ago, a neighbor fell about 30 feet while doing some work in the yard. Multiple compression fractures of his vertebrae, herniations - it was a real mess all along his spine. Today? He races cars, which has been a long time family tradition. Both road rallies and high speed BMW Club racing on desert tracks. He doesn't have any complaints of pain.
Where we disagree, if we do: Physicians do not treat tests.
An MRI may reveal a symptomless condition (yes, even nerve/cord compression). In fact, it's not uncommon.
dennisgb
05-22-2006, 06:19 PM
Wow. We're really swinging from one extreme to the other here.
I 100% agree with your last paragraph. I don't know why you would think that I believe otherwise; I'm fall into that category. In fact, I believe "real problems" often go untreated. And I believe that happens very, very often.
A friend of the family died last fall. His only complaints were fatigue (unheeded) and then, later, some MILD back pain. Finally, after many visits to the Dr., he was scheduled for an MRI. He never made it to that MRI. He took a fall, wound up in the E.R., and a large untreatable tumor was discovered on his spinal cord (lymphoma). He was dead within 2 or 3 weeks.
About two years ago, a neighbor fell about 30 feet while doing some work in the yard. Multiple compression fractures of his vertebrae, herniations - it was a real mess all along his spine. Today? He races cars, which has been a long time family tradition. Both road rallies and high speed BMW Club racing on desert tracks. He doesn't have any complaints of pain.
Where we disagree, if we do: Physicians do not treat tests.
An MRI may reveal a symptomless condition (yes, even nerve/cord compression). In fact, it's not uncommon.
I'm not sure what that means 'Physicians do not treat tests'. The tests are to find out the problem. I would think that most times the tests are ordered do to a patient complaint.
I must have misread what you were saying (it's easy to do that), but it sounded like you were saying that a lot of people complain for no reason, or believe they have something they don't. It's easy to make that statement when you read only complaints on these boards...
At one time I and others have tried to start positive threads, only to have posters complain that we weren't seeing the "whole" picture.
My postings here try to reassure people who are going through this that there is a strong possiblity of a good outcome. It was important for me going through this to have that positive re-inforcement...for the very reasons that you stated, too many people come here with problems, and make it sound like ACDF surgery is dangerous, and or not successful. There is a very high success rate, and it can make your quality of life much better than the alternative...It has in my case.
I have a number of friends that have cervical problems and refuse to have treatment. They are locked in pain management...I never considered that an option. The reason they took this path is fear. If they were to read some of the threads on this board, they would only reinforce their fear.
We should be careful in how we approach this, as I know if I go back to before my surgery, I had a lot of fear about this. It's very important that people be informed and have as much info as they can as they enter into this. It's as important as selecting the best surgeon you can find...
Dennis
I 100% agree with your last paragraph. I don't know why you would think that I believe otherwise; I'm fall into that category. In fact, I believe "real problems" often go untreated. And I believe that happens very, very often.
A friend of the family died last fall. His only complaints were fatigue (unheeded) and then, later, some MILD back pain. Finally, after many visits to the Dr., he was scheduled for an MRI. He never made it to that MRI. He took a fall, wound up in the E.R., and a large untreatable tumor was discovered on his spinal cord (lymphoma). He was dead within 2 or 3 weeks.
About two years ago, a neighbor fell about 30 feet while doing some work in the yard. Multiple compression fractures of his vertebrae, herniations - it was a real mess all along his spine. Today? He races cars, which has been a long time family tradition. Both road rallies and high speed BMW Club racing on desert tracks. He doesn't have any complaints of pain.
Where we disagree, if we do: Physicians do not treat tests.
An MRI may reveal a symptomless condition (yes, even nerve/cord compression). In fact, it's not uncommon.
I'm not sure what that means 'Physicians do not treat tests'. The tests are to find out the problem. I would think that most times the tests are ordered do to a patient complaint.
I must have misread what you were saying (it's easy to do that), but it sounded like you were saying that a lot of people complain for no reason, or believe they have something they don't. It's easy to make that statement when you read only complaints on these boards...
At one time I and others have tried to start positive threads, only to have posters complain that we weren't seeing the "whole" picture.
My postings here try to reassure people who are going through this that there is a strong possiblity of a good outcome. It was important for me going through this to have that positive re-inforcement...for the very reasons that you stated, too many people come here with problems, and make it sound like ACDF surgery is dangerous, and or not successful. There is a very high success rate, and it can make your quality of life much better than the alternative...It has in my case.
I have a number of friends that have cervical problems and refuse to have treatment. They are locked in pain management...I never considered that an option. The reason they took this path is fear. If they were to read some of the threads on this board, they would only reinforce their fear.
We should be careful in how we approach this, as I know if I go back to before my surgery, I had a lot of fear about this. It's very important that people be informed and have as much info as they can as they enter into this. It's as important as selecting the best surgeon you can find...
Dennis
ThoreauFan
05-22-2006, 09:51 PM
I'm not sure what that means 'Physicians do not treat tests'. The tests are to find out the problem. I would think that most times the tests are ordered do to a patient complaint.
Hopefully, these examples will provide some clarity:
Frequently, a patient's complaints do not match the areas of "abnormal" test results. Often, residual injuries or degenerative conditions are revealed that do not correlate to the patient's complaints. Even during a clinical exam, a physician may detect the result of a past serious trauma, of which the patient may have never ever complained or been aware.
The above scenarios are not uncommon and do not necessarily require treatment.
Conversely, tests are sometimes ordered multiple times because the symptoms and clinical presentation indicate that the test(s) itself may not have properly revealed the underlying condition.
Sometimes tests are ordered to acquire a baseline.
Some people visit those "full/partial body MRI" places.
Physicians treat humans. "Do not harm" is the first rule of medicine.
We should be careful in how we approach this, as I know if I go back to before my surgery, I had a lot of fear about this. It's very important that people be informed and have as much info as they can as they enter into this. It's as important as selecting the best surgeon you can find...
Dennis
I very, very much agree with those sentiments.
Fear, anxiety, frustration, depression -- facing surgery or other health issues is an emotional roller coaster. I don't believe that someone facing a potential surgery needs to have the bejesus scared out of them; they are already scared. Someone requiring more surgery need not feel that he/she did something wrong. Sometimes, that's just gonna be the case.
Constant worry and excess stress will not help a recovery. I am referencing actual, physical changes that occur in the human body. Prolonged stress can affect the body's immune system and ability to heal. I'm not talking about psychobabble; I'm talking about fundamental human biology.
Someone facing the prospect of surgery may be left believing the procedure is ineffective because of a personal story in which someone mistakenly believes a past ACDF or other surgery is to blame for a future surgery, unpleasant symptoms, or an otherwise self-described poor outcome.
Forgetting ACDF, a significant percentage of fractures do not heal normally.
Nerves are funny animals.
It very well could be that an ACDF PREVENTS a much worse condition from arising. Yet, many people will consider the procedure a failure if they are not as good as new in a short time, or ever, for that matter. The longer a nerve or spinal cord tract is damaged, the longer the prospects are for recovery. And the chances of permanent damage increase with time.
This environment should be one of help and support.
It should also be kept in mind that there are many, many more readers of these boards than there are actual participants. It can be easy for someone to read these boards, become needlessly fearful and postpone treatment. Alternatively, someone can read a few stories, look up a dermatome map, and wildly misdiagnose oneself. Anxiety and worry can amplify an otherwise insignificant pain or sensation.
Lastly, and perhaps incorrectly, I am left with the sense that some people just don't want to see other people do well. Medicine changes; procedures change; surgical techniques and materials change; schools of thought change, and; what was the case a few years ago may be dramatically different than just a few years into the future. Most importantly, we are dealing with human bodies, not microwave ovens.
It can sometimes appear that this can be an environment in which positive stories are unwelcome, dismissed, ostracized, resented, or otherwise subtlely ridiculed. The positive outcomes, generally, do not appear to be what some participants want to read. As a result, I don't believe we see many of those stories. I know they're out there because it's the majority.
I'd like to see more of those stories. :wave:
Hopefully, these examples will provide some clarity:
Frequently, a patient's complaints do not match the areas of "abnormal" test results. Often, residual injuries or degenerative conditions are revealed that do not correlate to the patient's complaints. Even during a clinical exam, a physician may detect the result of a past serious trauma, of which the patient may have never ever complained or been aware.
The above scenarios are not uncommon and do not necessarily require treatment.
Conversely, tests are sometimes ordered multiple times because the symptoms and clinical presentation indicate that the test(s) itself may not have properly revealed the underlying condition.
Sometimes tests are ordered to acquire a baseline.
Some people visit those "full/partial body MRI" places.
Physicians treat humans. "Do not harm" is the first rule of medicine.
We should be careful in how we approach this, as I know if I go back to before my surgery, I had a lot of fear about this. It's very important that people be informed and have as much info as they can as they enter into this. It's as important as selecting the best surgeon you can find...
Dennis
I very, very much agree with those sentiments.
Fear, anxiety, frustration, depression -- facing surgery or other health issues is an emotional roller coaster. I don't believe that someone facing a potential surgery needs to have the bejesus scared out of them; they are already scared. Someone requiring more surgery need not feel that he/she did something wrong. Sometimes, that's just gonna be the case.
Constant worry and excess stress will not help a recovery. I am referencing actual, physical changes that occur in the human body. Prolonged stress can affect the body's immune system and ability to heal. I'm not talking about psychobabble; I'm talking about fundamental human biology.
Someone facing the prospect of surgery may be left believing the procedure is ineffective because of a personal story in which someone mistakenly believes a past ACDF or other surgery is to blame for a future surgery, unpleasant symptoms, or an otherwise self-described poor outcome.
Forgetting ACDF, a significant percentage of fractures do not heal normally.
Nerves are funny animals.
It very well could be that an ACDF PREVENTS a much worse condition from arising. Yet, many people will consider the procedure a failure if they are not as good as new in a short time, or ever, for that matter. The longer a nerve or spinal cord tract is damaged, the longer the prospects are for recovery. And the chances of permanent damage increase with time.
This environment should be one of help and support.
It should also be kept in mind that there are many, many more readers of these boards than there are actual participants. It can be easy for someone to read these boards, become needlessly fearful and postpone treatment. Alternatively, someone can read a few stories, look up a dermatome map, and wildly misdiagnose oneself. Anxiety and worry can amplify an otherwise insignificant pain or sensation.
Lastly, and perhaps incorrectly, I am left with the sense that some people just don't want to see other people do well. Medicine changes; procedures change; surgical techniques and materials change; schools of thought change, and; what was the case a few years ago may be dramatically different than just a few years into the future. Most importantly, we are dealing with human bodies, not microwave ovens.
It can sometimes appear that this can be an environment in which positive stories are unwelcome, dismissed, ostracized, resented, or otherwise subtlely ridiculed. The positive outcomes, generally, do not appear to be what some participants want to read. As a result, I don't believe we see many of those stories. I know they're out there because it's the majority.
I'd like to see more of those stories. :wave:
mb100
05-22-2006, 10:37 PM
Funny,
I'd lke to be one of those stories, like Dennis. Thats why I'm here.
I saw you mention in another thread something about some people on here not wanting people to get better, do you think I'm one of those people? Do I come off like that?
Mike
I'd lke to be one of those stories, like Dennis. Thats why I'm here.
I saw you mention in another thread something about some people on here not wanting people to get better, do you think I'm one of those people? Do I come off like that?
Mike
ThoreauFan
05-23-2006, 12:10 AM
Funny,
I'd lke to be one of those stories, like Dennis. Thats why I'm here.
I saw you mention in another thread something about some people on here not wanting people to get better, do you think I'm one of those people? Do I come off like that?
Mike
No, I don't think that's the case with you, personally, Mike.
I believe your experiences are invaluable to this board.
I was specifically thinking of a couple of examples in which I made certain comments and was surprised by the reaction. Maybe it wasn't the case, but I believed some of the responses may have been sarcastic or intended to question or otherwise undermine my credibility. In some cases, I wasn't sure if I was being mocked. I don't recall who penned the responses. This was a while ago. I decided that I just better fold up the tent and keep my mouth shut for a while.
I have since posted negative issues to be helpful and/or otherwise fit in.
I haven't spent as much time on pluses, lest I get other people down.
My tonsillectomy was a worse experience than my ACDF.
I posted that to a "success" thread early on. Wrong thing to write here. It shouldn't be too difficult to believe when one considers many of the recoveries here have endured problems. Why can't that be the case with tonsils? :confused:
I saw my NS a few days after a painful episode and was then feeling better. Later that day, I was knocking out golf balls (day 8,9, or 10?). It felt great. Again, probably the wrong thing to write about.
I remember someone asking me about about my ROM while driving, in what appeared to be a veiled comment questioning my recovery. Someone wrote of never needing so much as an aspirin after surgery. I don't know if that was true or was directed to me. Still dunno. But the message was very clear.
My thinking was, I better keep my mouth shut about this good stuff.
Lastly, I believe people can view a relatively fast recovery as a threat. Kinda like when your kid tells you he wants to give up college and become an actor. Stupid, stupid, kid - throwing away his future, y'know?
Is he really? Maybe the people who know rare talent believe in the kid.
I use this example because I know many very happy "creative types."
What if he leads a happy life or, worse, becomes tremendously successful?
It can be very, very threatening to the rest of us, who never ventured out to chase a silly dream. We chose the safe path - the right path. We did everything by the book. We lived life according to the rules. And any positive example to the contrary can stir up some nasty resentment and a need to justify our own choices.
We can be well-intentioned.
But sometimes it can crossover and be more about reassuring ourselves.
A young woman recently asked about returning to biking and roller coasters. Another poster indicated a desired return to XYZ activity, but specifically felt the need to indicate that he/she could take a pass on the roller coasters. I'm not sure where that comment came from. I'd like to believe it was innocent.
What would happen if a young woman checked in once a week, reveling in her tales of riding roller coasters nationwide for years with her Dr.'s approval? I'm thinking that wouldn't be a well-received story here. More likely, we'd all be checking the news to see if the seas were turning into blood. :eek:
But... that's ALL just one person's opinion. ;)
I'd lke to be one of those stories, like Dennis. Thats why I'm here.
I saw you mention in another thread something about some people on here not wanting people to get better, do you think I'm one of those people? Do I come off like that?
Mike
No, I don't think that's the case with you, personally, Mike.
I believe your experiences are invaluable to this board.
I was specifically thinking of a couple of examples in which I made certain comments and was surprised by the reaction. Maybe it wasn't the case, but I believed some of the responses may have been sarcastic or intended to question or otherwise undermine my credibility. In some cases, I wasn't sure if I was being mocked. I don't recall who penned the responses. This was a while ago. I decided that I just better fold up the tent and keep my mouth shut for a while.
I have since posted negative issues to be helpful and/or otherwise fit in.
I haven't spent as much time on pluses, lest I get other people down.
My tonsillectomy was a worse experience than my ACDF.
I posted that to a "success" thread early on. Wrong thing to write here. It shouldn't be too difficult to believe when one considers many of the recoveries here have endured problems. Why can't that be the case with tonsils? :confused:
I saw my NS a few days after a painful episode and was then feeling better. Later that day, I was knocking out golf balls (day 8,9, or 10?). It felt great. Again, probably the wrong thing to write about.
I remember someone asking me about about my ROM while driving, in what appeared to be a veiled comment questioning my recovery. Someone wrote of never needing so much as an aspirin after surgery. I don't know if that was true or was directed to me. Still dunno. But the message was very clear.
My thinking was, I better keep my mouth shut about this good stuff.
Lastly, I believe people can view a relatively fast recovery as a threat. Kinda like when your kid tells you he wants to give up college and become an actor. Stupid, stupid, kid - throwing away his future, y'know?
Is he really? Maybe the people who know rare talent believe in the kid.
I use this example because I know many very happy "creative types."
What if he leads a happy life or, worse, becomes tremendously successful?
It can be very, very threatening to the rest of us, who never ventured out to chase a silly dream. We chose the safe path - the right path. We did everything by the book. We lived life according to the rules. And any positive example to the contrary can stir up some nasty resentment and a need to justify our own choices.
We can be well-intentioned.
But sometimes it can crossover and be more about reassuring ourselves.
A young woman recently asked about returning to biking and roller coasters. Another poster indicated a desired return to XYZ activity, but specifically felt the need to indicate that he/she could take a pass on the roller coasters. I'm not sure where that comment came from. I'd like to believe it was innocent.
What would happen if a young woman checked in once a week, reveling in her tales of riding roller coasters nationwide for years with her Dr.'s approval? I'm thinking that wouldn't be a well-received story here. More likely, we'd all be checking the news to see if the seas were turning into blood. :eek:
But... that's ALL just one person's opinion. ;)
mb100
05-23-2006, 02:04 AM
Funny,
People were questioning your judgement, not your credibility. (golf 10 days in) If I did, I appologize, I'm not your Dr.
Reading your response jogged my memory, I recall folks callin you on the golf thing. I remember a couple of the gals pleading with you to slow down, but not much else on that thread. I'm positive they had your best interest at heart, as do we all.
Do I question doing any risky activity? Golf right away, or rollercoasters? You already know I do, but I wont bust your chops about about you doing it, I always try (but sometimes forget) to recommend people do what the Dr tells them, period. And if that doesnt sound/feel right, go talk to a new one. And the Drs seem to vary widely in their opinions about these things. If people stick to their advise, at least they'll have someone to blame if it blows up on em'.
I think we all take ourselve's too damn seriously on here sometimes, dont you? I read through some of my old posts and it turned my ears red. Who the hell do I think I am, Ya know?
I'm beat, been watchin too much House late at night!
Take it slow (if you want to)....Mike
People were questioning your judgement, not your credibility. (golf 10 days in) If I did, I appologize, I'm not your Dr.
Reading your response jogged my memory, I recall folks callin you on the golf thing. I remember a couple of the gals pleading with you to slow down, but not much else on that thread. I'm positive they had your best interest at heart, as do we all.
Do I question doing any risky activity? Golf right away, or rollercoasters? You already know I do, but I wont bust your chops about about you doing it, I always try (but sometimes forget) to recommend people do what the Dr tells them, period. And if that doesnt sound/feel right, go talk to a new one. And the Drs seem to vary widely in their opinions about these things. If people stick to their advise, at least they'll have someone to blame if it blows up on em'.
I think we all take ourselve's too damn seriously on here sometimes, dont you? I read through some of my old posts and it turned my ears red. Who the hell do I think I am, Ya know?
I'm beat, been watchin too much House late at night!
Take it slow (if you want to)....Mike
ThoreauFan
05-23-2006, 02:24 AM
Sheesh, Mike, you don't have to apologize for anything.
I just tried to be clear in answering the question, that's all. Thus the numerous references shaping a collective whole.
Golf advice? No big deal. :)
Opinions vary, that's all.
And I too wish people could enjoy a lighter moment or two among the banter. :jester:
I just tried to be clear in answering the question, that's all. Thus the numerous references shaping a collective whole.
Golf advice? No big deal. :)
Opinions vary, that's all.
And I too wish people could enjoy a lighter moment or two among the banter. :jester:
dennisgb
05-23-2006, 11:16 AM
Hey guys,
I think we're all on the same page here.
I wouldn't be afraid to voice concerns or varying opinions, it's important to the process.
We should just keep in mind how things are read, and the fear factor.
Dennis
I think we're all on the same page here.
I wouldn't be afraid to voice concerns or varying opinions, it's important to the process.
We should just keep in mind how things are read, and the fear factor.
Dennis