Are there not some people who never recover? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Backinthesaddle · 05-11-2006, 02:03 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?

ThoreauFan · 05-11-2006, 08:33 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.

PNo · 05-11-2006, 11:40 PM

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......

ThoreauFan · 05-12-2006, 09:24 AM

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!

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!

Backinthesaddle · 05-12-2006, 07:21 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.