To firefighter_101 - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

firedude · 09-09-2003, 10:13 AM

Hey, looks like were in the same boat. I'm new to the board but saw a couple of your post. Are you back to work yet? I just went back Aug 11th, and surgery was May 8th.

Looked at your profile, says your into bikes. 02 Goldwing here, what about you?

bobby

firefighter_101 · 09-09-2003, 11:50 AM

Hello Bobby,

My surgery was May 2nd. I went out on Medical retirement Aug.1st Yes, I love riding bikes. I sold mine in Jan. because I couldn't ride anymore. I had a 01 American Ironhorse, Ranger model, and a Honda VFR 750 when I wanted to ride on one wheel some...

Not bad for a old man! I'm hoping I can get back to where I can ride. I had a ceiling fall on my at work and I haven't been the same since then but I will get better. I sure hated to leave the department. I still stop by and talk to the guys.

I hope you weren't hurt on the job too. You know the silly thing is.... I'm hoping to get well enough to go back to work as a firefighter!... Doesn't look good right now but time will tell.

It's great to hear from you. I look forward talking to you in the future.

Take care,
Harvey

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Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.

[This message has been edited by firefighter_101 (edited 09-09-2003).]

firedude · 09-09-2003, 01:27 PM

Hey that was fast. Nope, I didn't get hurt on the job, I have Cervical spondylosis at C4,5/ C5,6/ C6,7. With all three disk bulging into the cord. Luck of the draw he said. I'm back at work but its sooo hard. Lost alot of muscle mass and damn, everything is heavy LOL. Hoping to get a day spot when the day guy retires, aprox 2 years he says.

Have you looked into the ADA at all? Our B.C. was saying our dept would have to make "resonible" accomidations for me if it does not work enough and I'm unable to do my job. I haven't looked in to it at all yet. So far I'm able to do everything just not very fast. LOL And besides, I have the most senority of the firefighter, so I just drive now. Let the kids knock them selfs out. LOL How long where you with the department? etc.

Ok, at work here, better get back, later.

bobby

firefighter_101 · 09-10-2003, 08:03 AM

Hello Bobby,

I know what you mean about letting the young pups do the work. Hey, they have to learn too! I was a driver/engineer. I had a captain retire the same day as I did and that was going to be my spot moving up as a LT. I was with the department for alittle over 11 years. Without a doubt, it's the best job in the world! If I'm never able to work as a firefighter again, I am thinking about some type of work in a hospital. I haven't figured out just what yet.I could instruct for the fire academy,( pump ops classses and things) part-time but I need something that will give me health insurance and is full time. I am looking forward to becoming well enough to work in the next three or four months, otherwise I'll be pulling out what little hair I have left! lol

I don't know what ADA is Bobby, but our department doesn't have anything like desk duty or light duty work. Either you can do it or you can't! We're ( they now) are a offensive attack department. We don't fight fire from a window or street so everyone has to be 100% to insure no one gets in trouble. We're still old school in many respects. Most departments in our area won't make an interior attack unless life is at risk. I always thought that was crazy untill I got hurt,if your a firefighter... then go put the fire out! Now , maybe defense is the smartest way. I wouldn't be hurt right now if that was the case.

I better quit rambling, have a great day,

Harvey

firedude · 09-10-2003, 08:54 AM

ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act. My B.C. was telling me the department would have to make "resonible" accomidations (sp) for me. Mine is just luck of the draw, but yours, is from being injured at work. You might try calling the Attorny Generals office? Or here is the home page for the act. [url="http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/*******.htm"]http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/*******.htm[/url] I'm going to start reading on the stuff also.

I have been with the department sence april 91, so about the same time as you. LOL

later, bobby