I'm Here, But Don't Expect Much

[Rhino]

Nice to see you guys again. As you may be aware, they've got all political stuff blocked at work, so I haven't been around much. I may be around a bit more in the coming month, but don't expect too much of me. I'm home on temporary disability and will be till sometime next month. I have a disk in my back that is pressing directly onto my spinal cord, which hurts like hell and makes it difficult and painful to use my right hand (including typing). They remove the disk and fuse two of my vertebrae together on the 18th. Then I wear a neck brace for awhile. So while I may be around, don't expect a lot of posting from me.

[Rink]

Hope ya get better Rhino!!

I miss my late-night posting buddy.

[Wolfcounsel]

Get well, Rhino.:wave:

[tacitus]

Rhino I hope the surgery is a success and that you will be free from pain. Welcome back.

[Warlady]

:dito: Get well soon. I'm glad you are at least back for a little while.

[DesertFox]

Get better quick, dude. Matter of fact, get "best."

[Beowulf]

I have a disk in my back that is pressing directly onto my spinal cord, which hurts like hell and makes it difficult and painful to use my right hand (including typing). YEOW! That hurts thinking about it. Do get well, Rhino. Return when you can. We'll still be around.

[Riverboat]

Been there, done that. Couldn't they do laser surgery instead of bone fusion? That's what I had, and I've been pain-free ever since. It was done in day-surgery, so I never spent more than six hours in the hospital. I checked in for surgery, got happy on Demerol, woke up six hours later, and went home.

[Rhino]

Thanks guys.

They aren't libs at work, guys. It's a military base/conflict of interest, etc., etc.

As for laser, I just said do what's best, easiest and gets me back to work sooner. It might have something to do with the severity though. The MRI films were crystal clear and the disk is pressing hard enough that you can actually see a dent in my spinal cord. And that's when I'm laying down, which is the least amount of pressure I can obtain. When it comes down to it, I just want the quickest resolution. Even putting the issue of pain aside, having something pushing on my spinal cord that hard makes me very uneasy. I've already lost partial feeling and fine muscle control of my right arm/hand. I want it stopped there.

[Chris]

Our prayers are with you Rhino.

[Riverboat]

As for laser, I just said do what's best, easiest and gets me back to work sooner. . . . Ouch! From the description I'd say youse in a powerful discomfort zone. Go with what the doctor says. I wuz just talking out loud. ;)

[Warlady]

I think the laser would at least be worth asking about. I know I would.

[Peachdiane]

Rhino, I sure pray everything looks up for you!

[jag]

Hi again and get feeling better.

[Suzie]

I hope you are feeling better soon. :(

[Rhino]

Surgery is done. Turns out I had two bad discs. One they repaired and the other they ended up replacing because it fell apart when they attempted to repair it. So now I have the obvious pain from the surgery itself of course, but the pains shooting through my back and arm are gone. I still have some loss of fine motor control and dexterity in my right arm and hand, but I think that will heal with time. It better. Three weeks of rest and recuperation now begin. I'll keep ya posted as best I can.

[Wolfcounsel]

Ouch. Take care.