Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: tippit on July 18, 2012, 10:59:00 AM

Title: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: tippit on July 18, 2012, 10:59:00 AM
Well it's been just over a week ago that I had my back surgery...lower back stenosis at L3-4-5 causing entrapment of the Sciatic nerve.  Not microsurgery as I had a bilateral laminectomy @ L3 & L4 plus cleaning out the foramens where the nerves exit the spinal column.

They had me walking the same day after surgery without pain going down my leg...course the surgical site felt like team of mules kicked me  :eek:  

Anyway fast forward to 8 days later, I just got in from a 1 mile walk without pain!  It's been over 2 years since I've just went for a walk.  When hunting, everyone one thought I was a Great Tracker cause every hundred yards I'd have to bend over  and look at the ground...except it was to relive the pain!

I still have a long road ahead but it sure looks better on this side.  Just wanted to up date ya'll that wished me success.  Thanks...tippit
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Big Ed on July 18, 2012, 11:02:00 AM
Great to hear!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: smokin joe on July 18, 2012, 11:03:00 AM
Congratulations on the great outcome. Modern medicine sure is amazing.
   :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: beachbowhunter on July 18, 2012, 11:05:00 AM
Congrats! I had the same thing back in 1999, with three pins and four screws to hold L3-4-5 together while the bone graft grew in.  Been great since except the disks above and below the fusion are very susceptable to rupture because they take all the shock. Be careful! The damage they do to the muscles to get in for the surgery takes a while to heal, and can get very tight during hiking etc long after you are otherwise healed.  Best of luck!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: doug77 on July 18, 2012, 11:09:00 AM
I had the same surgery in 2008,best thing I ever did. Now I sleep all night and can sit in a tree stand with out moving all day plus I don't walk like a 90 year old man any more.

doug77
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: oldgoat on July 18, 2012, 11:10:00 AM
Good luck and fast recovery.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Pierre Lucas on July 18, 2012, 11:13:00 AM
OH ya, good deal Mr. Jeff,  :thumbsup:  

God Bless,  Pierre
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Shortlongbow on July 18, 2012, 11:24:00 AM
That's great news! I'm glad things worked out with the surgery.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: 4runr on July 18, 2012, 11:27:00 AM
Good to hear it went well.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: hunt it on July 18, 2012, 12:11:00 PM
Good news Jeff, take it easy and follow Dr.'s orders! Hopefully you'll be good to fling a few arras by fall. We'll miss you at Denton, Gray and I will fling a few for ya!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: rushlush on July 18, 2012, 12:23:00 PM
Thats good news! Hope you have a great recovery.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: johnnyk71 on July 18, 2012, 12:28:00 PM
congrats. i've had microdiskectomies on L-5 twice. it's not fun, but it beats not being able to get out of the bed!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: sswv on July 18, 2012, 12:36:00 PM
glad you're recovery is going well. walking does help. I had a microdiskectomy on L-5 some years back. never 100% but able to do everyday things without "as much" pain. don't over do it.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: johnnyk71 on July 18, 2012, 12:44:00 PM
yeah, i should edit to say i'm never 100%, but exercise and keeping your weight down helps. i haven't done enough of either lately, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Scott Teaschner on July 18, 2012, 12:51:00 PM
Glad to hear your nfeeling better I will post pics tommorow of your knives with my sheaths! Wish you could make DH. Scott
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: swp on July 18, 2012, 12:55:00 PM
Congrats Jeff! Just don't push it to much to soon.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Greg Szalewski on July 18, 2012, 01:00:00 PM
Glad to hear it Jeff. Happy hunting!!!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: PV on July 18, 2012, 01:02:00 PM
Good to hear Jeff!! White Mountain in August?
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: xroadshunter on July 18, 2012, 01:10:00 PM
Great news!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Caddo on July 18, 2012, 01:18:00 PM
Awesome Doc, Glad to hear it!

LD
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Sean B on July 18, 2012, 01:18:00 PM
thats great news Doc! now you can shoot bigger bears!!! I wish you a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: DennyK on July 18, 2012, 01:49:00 PM
Great News, with a nerve problem I am awaiting a diagnosis on I can at least see there is Light at the end of the tunnel. Good For You and Happy Health!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: akaboomer on July 18, 2012, 02:05:00 PM
That is great news Jeff. You will be back to doing many things that were difficult. Please keep us posted as the recovery continues.

Chris
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: KentuckyTJ on July 18, 2012, 02:12:00 PM
Fantastic Tippit, Back issues are brutal!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: bohuntr on July 18, 2012, 02:17:00 PM
Glad to hear the surgery was a success! I have herniated disks in my lower back and know that pain shooting down the leg deal is not a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Duker on July 18, 2012, 02:29:00 PM
Jeff  :wavey:  Great news  :thumbsup:  Hears to a speedy and pain free recovery  :pray:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: hayslope on July 18, 2012, 02:31:00 PM
Good to hear you are on the mend Jeff!

It will still be disappointing not to see you at Denton.  We'll hold down the fort for ya!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: ron w on July 18, 2012, 02:40:00 PM
Glad your doing well......take your time on the rehab....it's not a race.   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: DannyBows on July 18, 2012, 02:40:00 PM
Excellent news!    :clapper:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: BoonRoto on July 18, 2012, 02:57:00 PM
Great news, good luck!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Raineman on July 18, 2012, 03:08:00 PM
Great news Jeff. As others have said, we'll miss ya' at the Hill.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Irish on July 18, 2012, 03:15:00 PM
Great news Doc!!  Hope you get back to 110%.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: njloco on July 18, 2012, 03:31:00 PM
Glad to hear it, I am going through a similar situation but have been able to fight it off surgery so far, so I know how you felt and glad to hear it was successful.

Best of luck
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Sixby on July 18, 2012, 03:36:00 PM
Oh how nice to be pain free!!! Its great to hear that!! Dod bless you and heal you completely now. Steve
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Don Batten on July 18, 2012, 03:48:00 PM
Good to hear you're doing good. see you in April.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: paradocs on July 18, 2012, 04:18:00 PM
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: bill langer on July 18, 2012, 05:11:00 PM
Good to hear Jeff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Killdeer on July 18, 2012, 05:56:00 PM
OMG!   :eek:  
You mean you were doing all that stuff while your back was SLOWING YOU DOWN??
How will you be able to hunt with all those sonic booms?

Killdeer   :thumbsup:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: BDann on July 18, 2012, 08:20:00 PM
Do your rehab!!!! Get some exercises for your back from the doc or therapist and keep doing them.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: maxwell on July 18, 2012, 08:47:00 PM
Hope recovery and therapy go great for you.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: jcar315 on July 18, 2012, 08:56:00 PM
So glad to hear you're doing well.

Miss seeing you at Denton Hill but maybe in SC.

Take Care
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: joebuck on July 18, 2012, 09:40:00 PM
great news Jeff!  Godspeed !
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: meathead on July 18, 2012, 09:43:00 PM
Good deal Jeff.  Don't let the therapist work you over to hard.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on July 18, 2012, 09:48:00 PM
Jeff,

Good to hear.

here's to continued improvement.   :coffee:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Barry Wensel on July 18, 2012, 09:52:00 PM
Good deal Jeff. Milk it out for as long as you can. Get the young guys to hang your treestands, gut your critters, pack in camps, drag stuff out for you, etc. You should be able to get another three or maybe four seasons of sympathy before they catch on. Trust me....   UB
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Bill Kissner on July 18, 2012, 09:53:00 PM
Glad to hear the surgery was a success Jeff! Best wishes on a full recovery.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: njloco on July 18, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
BW, your gonna give us old goats a bad name,   :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Kudu Kid on July 18, 2012, 11:08:00 PM
I'm glad to hear the surgery worked.  I was just thinking about it today, wondering if you had it done yet.  

Best wishes

Keith
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: wapitirod on July 19, 2012, 05:06:00 AM
just mind the doc and take your time.  I've had 7 spinal surgeries with L3 To S1 fused and C4-C6 fused and I've bounced back pretty fast each time but I probably could have avoided a couple of the surgeries had I not pushed it after the initial surgery but I have a hard time waiting on and watching my wife have to lift things.  If you listen to the doc and listen to what your body is telling you then you'll be good as new.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: joekeith on July 19, 2012, 11:48:00 AM
Good for you.  I just had mine operated on about 3weeks ago myself.  Still hurting' quite a bit right now.  But hoping for succes and no more pain one of these days, soon.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Gooserbat on July 19, 2012, 11:52:00 AM
My wife has had two back surgeries and just do what the doc tells you. Best of luck.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: turkey522 on July 19, 2012, 12:42:00 PM
:clapper:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 19, 2012, 01:02:00 PM
Its a huge relief, I had 4-5 bilaterial in May and cant believe the magic relief. Now I just need to learn to walk right and remind myself I dont have to yell bad words just to pick up items off the floor ect.  Bowdocs been keepin me up to date on how your surgury went. Know excatly how u feel.. Maybe that will get alot more tippit knives to the tradgang fellowship. God speed on ur recovery Doc, wont be long and u will beable to catch up with those 4 legged criters when the run. After 3 months I can race any of my kids and leave them in the dust.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: longbowben on July 19, 2012, 01:03:00 PM
Thats great glad your feeling better.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: tippit on July 19, 2012, 02:41:00 PM
Chad,
The good thing about this thread is the number of guys that have had it done.  When your in lower back & leg pain, you feel like you're old and have to live with it.  It is a bit scary to think about someone removing bone to free up the entrapment around the back nerves...one cough & they cut the cord type thing.  But it is pretty routine surgery with many time resulting in immediate relief.  Maybe it will help those sitting on the fence.  If you let it go to long, permanent nerve damage can be irreversible.  Glad to hear of your success...tippit
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Kevin Winkler on July 19, 2012, 02:59:00 PM
Jerry, Glad to hear the surgery went well! I have had some of the same issues and might be looking at surgery in the future.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: tippit on July 19, 2012, 03:47:00 PM
Kevin,
Jerry's my brother...black sheep of the family.  Whole nother issue can't get into it here.

Not really but I seem to be linked to Jerry every time I have to show ID   :scared:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Hawkeye on July 19, 2012, 03:56:00 PM
Jeff,

Great to hear that your outcome appears to be so positive, so soon!

Now, STAY AWAY from the horse tranquilizers in your medical bag     :nono:    , even if it starts hurting worse... and keep up the exercises!

With prayers for continued success,

Daryl
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 19, 2012, 04:47:00 PM
Doc, u right 100%, I went 8 yrs before I put my purse down and got it done.
 My surgeon was talking peralises and hunting with training wheels. I Lost all my reflexes and legs were givin out with out notice..It was like Running on may-pop tires.  Lost 28 lbs since surgury and very blessed to find the right sports doctor..
I gotta thank the REAL BOWDOC for being right on my side and Thankfull for all his help when lifes future becomes uncertain..Maybe this yr he will put up the tippit knife for biggest elk. God speed and lookforward to your sucess report..   :campfire:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: tippit on July 19, 2012, 05:34:00 PM
Chad,
I'm not sure if you could pry that knife away from BOWDOC...kinda strong brotherhood bonds there   ;)   If you're running up & down those mountain passes again...maybe I'll put up a tippit knife for the biggest come back! I'm sure glad you're on the mend too.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: awbowman on July 19, 2012, 05:45:00 PM
Great to hear Jeff.  See you in January.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Jack Denbow on July 19, 2012, 05:51:00 PM
That is great news Jeff.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 19, 2012, 06:46:00 PM
Man doc,,i better get to camp early to get ahead start to secure a Tippit Blessing blade.. Wont be long sir and u will be ridge running your self.. Best wishes and safe hunting Sir..
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 20, 2012, 11:42:00 AM
Tippit, belongs at the top..look forward to progress report Doc,
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Bill Turner on July 20, 2012, 02:33:00 PM
Just saw this post. Better late than never I guess. Glad to see your on the mend Jeff. Back pain is hard to live with. Take care of yourself. Hope you get to where you want to be by hunting season.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: bearbowman on July 23, 2012, 11:21:00 PM
Glad to hear this! I have seen you hobble a time or two at Denton. Now you won't have too!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 24, 2012, 03:19:00 PM
Hope u dont get the back fire I got yesterday. Rather than being released to work I was put back on the emergcy surgury list. Appears im in the 1 in 100 class I have fallin in. some part of my spine has collapsed back on the 4-5 nerve. So BACK to the drawing board. I fainted so I dont have all the details. Just a huge set back I was not prepared for. And hunting season right around the corner.   :banghead:   And I did what surgeon requested to the tee.. Always next yr... Back to the 0# 62" bear cub....But much better than training wheels. And I was as close to.a tippit knife than ever...aaahhhhhhhggggggg..    :banghead:    :banghead:    :banghead:    :banghead:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: joekeith on July 24, 2012, 07:14:00 PM
Wow Warbeerg, what a bummer.  How long ago did you have your surgery ?  I had mine right about a month and just now am getting over it, I hope..
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Rick Perry on July 25, 2012, 12:03:00 AM
I had L4 and S1 fused in December . It didnt go so well for me . I still have back pain . I really regret having the surgery at this time . The doc keeps telling me it will improve with time but I am having my doubts. I have also lost respect and faith in my doc.

 After the back surgery I realized that my right hip was causing as much problem as my back and in april I had my right hip replaced . The hip replacement went well ! I am powerwalking 1 1/2 miles every morning even with my NOT fixed back ......8^)
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 25, 2012, 03:53:00 AM
Begining of May,had 4 5 bilaterial and was.a.remarkable refief the first 30-40 days. I lived it.for so long surgury only helped 70% to date. With hip and leg problems returning. Had Mri and xrays to confirm docs anwser.
When u got kids I put my pain and problems aside and did what I thought was right. Now im wondering if a more extensive.surgury putting me down for a yr is best. Tough decisions ahead. After a C2 obleck fracture of my neck in 2001. They told me id never walk again. 11 yrs later im still walking. So its gonna take alot more to break me. There is no quit , there is no failure. Just blessed I got a wife and kids to continue the fight. And fight I will.. Unstopable. And im not walkin away from a chance at a tippit blessing. The rest is small potatos.    :archer:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: rastaman on July 25, 2012, 08:17:00 AM
Glad you are back up and about Jeff!  :wavey:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: tippit on July 25, 2012, 08:25:00 AM
Had my 2 week post op visit and everything is great for now.  I have another 10 weeks of No Lifting because they actually packed my own ground up bone around the laminectomy site.  It takes that long to get bone growth.

So NO shooting my bow or hammering hot steel.  Hope I don't go nuts!  tippit
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Sean B on July 25, 2012, 08:40:00 AM
Good to hear Jeff!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: awbowman on July 25, 2012, 08:43:00 AM
As Uncle Barry would say ....  milk it Jeff!!

  :)    :)    :)    :)    :)
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: buckeye_hunter on July 25, 2012, 09:37:00 AM
Glad to hear it all went well. The pigs and bears are in trouble once you recover! I bet you can't wait to get out shooting and hunting again.

Take care and keep getting better,
-Charlie
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: rbcorbitt on July 25, 2012, 04:14:00 PM
Speedy recovery, sir.  I had a similar operation conducted back in 1996.  Since then I have hunted Africa 4 times, hunted out West a half dozen times and hunted here on the East Coast every year since.  Best decision that I ever made to have the surgery.

If you are like me (and I hope that you are smarter  :) ), I'll occasionally forget and do something that I shouldn't as far as lifting, etc.  As Clint Eastwood said "A man's go to know his limitations!".

Keep walking, keep the weight in control and use common sense and you will be good to go.

To your full and speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Sam McMichael on July 25, 2012, 04:28:00 PM
I am glad to hear you are doing well. I am beginning to have some back issues, so I know how you felt before the surgery. it is good that you are now pain free. Congratulations.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: lpcjon2 on July 25, 2012, 08:32:00 PM
I just had L5 S1 and a new disk with rods and screws in March, and feel great.keep up the walking its the best thing you can do.
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: Warberg on July 27, 2012, 01:57:00 PM
Doc, any low # bows on ur bow rack?
Going days,weeks,months, without leaning back any arrows, Can be detrimental to your health, I waited a few days after surgury, and stung up a 0# 62"  Bear Ranger. Got some good relief.    :readit:
Title: Re: Back Surgery Success!
Post by: LONGSTYKES on July 27, 2012, 09:01:00 PM
Jeff,   Congrats. Glad to hear your surgery was such a success. Keep up the walking, you will do great. Don