20 yrs in FDNY has taken it's toll. 17 yrs ago had to get a discectomy C5-6.
Now, with a 2 month old GS Vert sitting in my garage, I learn that I'm going to have to get my stenosis in L3-5 operated on. Finally got to the stage where walking for 15 min causes my leg to go numb. On top of that, the 17 yr old neck surgery is starting to cause tingling in my left shoulder.
Going to see an Ortho Spine surgeon in Jan. Hopefully I'll be back in the vette by summer. At 63, it's a little harder to recoup.

 

He brother I'm right there with you. 25 yrs at my local twp PD in South Jersey. Injured in a bar fight in the late 90's. In 2001, I had a discectomy on L4, L5, S1. Same boat; sitting in a car for more than 15 minutes, walking for more than 15 minutes both legs would go numb. My surgery was done by a Neuro surgeon, in fact he was the head of the Neuro surgery Dept. at Jefferson Hospital in Philly. I have been back pain free and am able to sit in a car or walk for long periods of time with no problems (KNOCK WOOD). It was a life altering event for me! Good luck with it!

 

Fcal and Inferno - Sorry to hear about your ailments. Sux....
(PS Let me know if you need me to drive your cars for a week or so.)

 

My kids are more than willing.

 

And I have been "fixed" for 16 years! No drivers needed at this time

 

Fcal, I get it my firefighting friend. Every fight I had as a LEO has come back to haunt me in my more mature year as I've been through two back surgeries. Be strong, stand tuff, listen to the Doc, and you'll be back in that C7 before you know it. Good luck brother.

And you are correct. We don't spring back like we used too.

 

Just in case you need it, I work at Duke here in NC and I can hook you up with the #1 neurosurgeon in the world, if you want to get your spinal issues fixed once and for all. Just PM me and I'll hook you up, if you need it. He's that good.

 

You will be back in the saddle in no time.

 

reminds of the scene from "Jaws" where they share their war wounds; I'm almost 63 and I've had neck fusion, five knee ops, two elbow ops, etc.....this is the site as most of us are of similar (medical) ilk and can share in the "camaraderie"......

one day at a time, take your meds and do your stretches......

 

Thanks Blue but my ortho spine surgeon came highly recommended from my moms cardiologist. He did his back

 

Im 46, had 12 surgeries in the last 10 years, culminating in both my knee getting replaced in the last four months. But thats the reason I bought the car, figured as I get older, I wont be able to drive a car like this. So until its time to get a buick, Im going to take as much pain as possible to get into the seat, because once Im behind the wheel, all I do is SMILE.

FCAL, good luck with your surgeries

 

I have spinal stenosis also. Did you ever look into a spinal cord stimulator? That may be my next step as I really want to try and avoid back surgery

 

I've been diagnosed with a severe condition. Beyond most of the other options.

 

In some cases the nerves can be blocked or cut to alleviate pain, without changing the underlying pathology.

I had two such procedures this year:

https://www.google.com/search?ei=zI0....0.F4ZJfxQ9l6c

The first one lasted for one cruise trip. The second has lasted since the spring.

 

Same here 25 yrs LEO in crazy Cali. Back and neck issues. Anyone have a good spine Doc in Calif?

 

Listening to you guys makes me feel better about my back pain.

 

Man, I guess I better start counting my blessings......recently retired with 32 years on SP, no health issues, no meds, and do kick boxing workout 4 - 6 times a week. The muscle aches definitely don't go away as quick anymore, but I can live with those. Wish you the best of luck and fast healing with the surgery ahead.

 

Boy,l read these posts and I believe there is not enough room to comment on all of the above. Without revealing my qualifications I am an expert.Spinal stenosis is a fact of life. Its cumulative and multifactoral. Every time I see a Leo fireman correctional officer or someone with a PI beef and everything is blamed on this or that I have to wonder.Dont get me wrong I have huge respect for Individuals of service.However for everyone of them there are a hundred poor guys who have busted their butts pounding nails or laying concrete for a living and are really old before their time.Most of them are tough, don’t complain and don’t blame others for their problems. Spine disease is complex and there are many pain generators, structural changes with neurological implications and each has to be factored. The comment contextually about the neurmodulation stimulator implant is just ridiculous.Guys if you have back or neck problems with or without limb symptoms get to a qualified physician (there are many specialties, neurologists,neurosurgeons, spine ortho PMR etc)that can guide and help you.Unfortunately while surgery is a last resort many times it is the only reasonable option for the issue to stabilize neurological function. AND realize you are never going to be 25 yo again.every procedure has its downside and benefits. I don’t intend to offend anyone here. Just wanted to impart some words of wisdom.

 

Fcal ,
I went through fire fighting school 3 times while in the Navy.
It was the most physically demanding thing I've ever done in my life.
Handling charged fire hose in tight spaces is not for the feint of heart.
You and your brothers and sisters command my respect and admiration for all that you do.
Keep that GS in the garage. It will be a good motivation tool for you to work hard in physical therapy and get back behind the wheel in the spring.

I wish you well.

 

Hey Bikeman, On my off days and for years before I got on the job, I worked construction, Roofing, drywall, framing, etc. Guess it all added up. 45 years of riding motorcycles didn't help either.