Hey all! Hope everyone has a great St. Patty's Day - just don't drink too much... especially if you're on pain meds!!! ;)

I reach a new milestone in my recovery on Monday... after 7 months I go back to work! My bosses have been very nice and understanding and, although I have a full release from my PA, I'm going to do only non-lifting work, and start out doing 4-6 hour shifts.

It's been nearly 5 months since my TLIF, so I guess all in all I'm doing really well. I still feel like I should have a lot more stamina than I do, but I think that will come as I start back to work.

I guess I'm looking more and more like a success story! We'll know a little more when I go for my 6-month MRI in mid-April. But I couldn't have done it without the help of all of you on this board, especially Emily and Pepper and a couple other of the great vets who've helped me through my tough times.

Remember... 5 months ago I could not walk, stand, or sit in a chair for more than 20 seconds without collapsing to the floor crying. Miracles DO happen - just do what your doctor says and take your meds and don't try to do it alone. You can do people favors later... but support makes all the difference.

Thank you all!

David

David, that is wonderful news and I am so happy that you are easing back into work slowly. Take care of yourself and I must admit I am a bit :bouncing: green with envy as well as excited for you!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congrats on returning to work guy! The stamina is going to take awhile to get back. I dont know what it is about this surgery (mind you I havent had any other major surgeries that compare to this one) but this surgery takes a huge chunk of energy from us and it's takes quite awhile to get that back.

Just give it time. I worked my way back to full-time as well. If your employer will allow you to work back toward full-time.. take full advantage of it.

I know it might not look macho... but take the grabber with you to work. This will help you to not constantly be on knees on the floor when you drop something.. such as a paperclip, etc. It does make a difference having that thing at work. I still take mine to work with me when I am sore or flared up, and I celebrate 2 years post op next month!

Keep us posted on how you are doing. :)

How wonderful! Congratulations on your success with your healing/recovery (though I know at the time as your body is healing it can be very challenging). It sounds like you're doing great and that's so wonderful that you're returning to work - how great is that! It sounds like your employers have been very supportive and understanding, which I'm sure was wonderful to know that they were in your corner! :)

Good luck with you first day back at work, I'm sure you'll do great!! :angel:

~ Fiona :wave:

Congrats...but please remember......take is slow.....pamper yourself a bit, and rest when you can... You WILL feel very tired from what I hear the first few weeks....SO get to bed early....

Good luck we're all routing for you..........

Congradulations!!!! And remember to take it easy at work, I wish you lots of luck!

I know it might not look macho... but take the grabber with you to work. This will help you to not constantly be on knees on the floor when you drop something.. such as a paperclip, etc. It does make a difference having that thing at work. I still take mine to work with me when I am sore or flared up, and I celebrate 2 years post op next month!

Keep us posted on how you are doing. :)

You're right... that's not going to look very macho is it? ;) A great idea though; I'm going to mostly just be hanging out at the counter ringing people up. I'm also going to bring my soft back brace just in case. I am very lucky and grateful to have a very understanding employer who offers very good health insurance! There are a lot of folks at work who various back ailments and they've been watching me closely to see how I'm doing!

Thank you so much Justoneofus for all your support!

Pepper... you've been such a big help to me through all I've been through... I wish I could send you some of my good luck and healing! You've been an inspiration to me and I wish I could... well, yknow... :)

I'll try to get to bed early, laf, but I've been so used to staying up late I think that'll be the hardest part. But I will go to bed early tonight. Thanks!

Take Care all,

David

Good luck David! Take good care of yourself! What a big milestone for you!

Deb

David, that's so great! I'm so thrilled for you! I'm sure you know getting back into work after being off for so long is going to be tough physically at first, but take it easy and give yourself time. Take your heating pad and/or ice packs with you so you can go someplace and maybe even lie down during your breaks.

Let us know how it goes.

Take care,
Emily :wave: