I've had some back issues for several years now. Ostioarthritis, and stenosis mainly. Always tried my best to not let it slow me down be it work or play. But things went south over Labor Day Weekend.
My wife and I just returned from meeting with the surgeon and listening to him explain the current issues. And explaining his plan.
12 screws in the 6 lowest vertibra
2 rods from my lumbar to my hips
2 cages around the 2 lowest vertibra
And I won't be able to do my job any longer

The worst part is that I won't be able to trap or hunt until late in this season at best.
I probably won't be able to wade the Ozark steams and rivers chasing smallies and trout after this.
But I'm definitely gonna try in the spring before I count that out.

I know there are lots of people with health issues that leave them way worse off than I am and I hate that.

Just needed to vent a little because the timing of this sucks !

For all the work that needs done I don't think there would be a good time. Good luck and praying for a good outcome.

Sorry to hear of your back issue. Maybe they can fix you so you can enjoy life.

I took my 1st ride in an ambulance about 3 weeks ago due to my back.

Injured by lifting wrong in late 80s. Bulging disc and sciatica from then to now...with about 20 kinks in last 40+ years that worked themselves out in a few days. But now, add in stenosis and osteoarthritis and this last kink was indescribable pain. My right calf and toes are still 2/3s numb. Never stayed numb this long.

Past couple weeks Im almost back to normal (other than the numbness), and Im very careful about lifting wrong or twisting my upper torso...after this last episode.

Neurosurgeon says not serious enough for surgery...yet. Suggested injection near spine for any bad pain, but my pain level is only about a 1, but the lower back area remains touchy.

Sux to get old!

That’s a big bummer. Take care of yourself!!!

Brother in law just had his done, do one side then flip him over to do the other side he came out fine or the wife would of called me.

Good luck.do exactly what the doctor tells you.

Bad backs suck. My wife has a bad back from lifting fat people around in hospital beds for 45 years. Very restless at night with alot of tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position.

GOD BE WITH YOU.

Had 3... nothing like yours though. Not as good as I would like but still cutting, hauling, and splitting wood at 71.
Good luck and God bless...

Friend of my father had a very similar surgery last spring. He is doing great. He walks a ton every day. Surgeon will release him to do more in March. At first he was doing things he shouldn't be doing. When he met with the surgeon, he admitted his transgressions. He received a rather stern talking to and he has been behaving since. Right now he looks like he looked 10 or 15 years ago. Listen to your surgeon and good luck.

Do the therapy and behave so things heal correctly.

Thank you guys and gals.

I don't have a date scheduled yet. But as bad as it sounds,I'm looking forward to it.
I had 2 full knee replacements 10 years ago when I was 48.
They were a life saver in the most literal sense.
I'm not that there with my back, but more than 2-3 hours of uneasy rest and less pain throughout the day will sure be welcomed by me.

My wife is concerned because she knows I push everything to the limits and she's afraid I'm going to try to go back to Millwrighting when I get released.

As the day draws closer and post surgery I will share more.
I mean heck I'm going to be on here checking out all the pics of the critters and wishing I was running my small line

That is a big surgery

Just fusing a couple of levels is big and you are having your entire lower spine fused

You will be setting off metal detectors too with that much hardware

Hope the surgery goes great and the recovery as well.

X2

my prayers are added

Praying for you and your doctors, expecting a good outcome.

Some serious work, but will improve your quality of life in the long run!

I only had 4 vertebra bolted together the year before 9 - 11. so 20+ years ago, great results. Yes I have numbness in my feet and some discomfort on the right side. I walk a bit withfoot flop or what ever it is called. But the big pain is gone. Hope for the same results for you or even better now a days....jk

don't give up anything yet, wait and see how everything turns out, a 11/2 ago they told me to go home and get things in order, 9 months later they say I will die of old age, God has a plan for all of us,