Steve S Posted February 3 #1 Posted February 3 I found out this summer that I had a disc in my back that had canted forward and was causing severe pain. I had 3 vertebrae fused in 2012 and this was the next one above. CT scan with contrast showed there was some damage on S1 in the lower pelvic region as well. Since I can't have an MRI, they decided to wait until they looked at it before they made a decision on what to do. They went through the stomach Monday and discovered the S1 vertebrae was deteriorated so badly they had to put a cage in it to support it. After doing the front, they went in the back to release some fusions and see what had to be done next. Thursday morning, I went back into surgery for the back fusions. Originally, they expected to fuse only one more vertebra, but discovered in Monday's surgery, that the 2nd one up required fusion too. So now I have 6 or 7 fusions and have been told it will be at least 6 months before I can do much of anything. The bad thing about this is I REALLY LOVE riding these Ventures. I had a Venture Trike and sold it this year feeling it just wasn't for me. I may look at a Honda or Harley trike spring of next year, but since I turn 69 this year, I'm really afraid that age has caught up with me. I am so thankful I had some time with this Venture crew and got to make a campout or two. Since I'm paid up for the year, I'll hang around and try to stay in touch when I can.. Probably come around and cause a little trouble some too. Steve 3
Freebird Posted February 3 #2 Posted February 3 Hope the surgeries are a complete success. We will miss you if you leave. Take care my friend. 1
N3FOL Posted February 3 #3 Posted February 3 Definitely hang around here. Your health is priority. Heal well. 1
Marcarl Posted February 3 #4 Posted February 3 Don't go, we are friends first and upper most, then we talk about bikes, or the lack there of. Don't matter if you arrive on 2 wheels, three wheels, or four wheels. Just don't ask us to change the tires on 18 wheels. 1
RDawson Posted February 4 #5 Posted February 4 No need to run off. We’ve ridden with about every make out there on VR trips. Sorry to hear about the back, got a few issues going on myself. They want to replace 4 discs with synthetics and do fusion, I’m putting it off until after the June rally, couldn’t let ‘em ruin my whole summer. 2
Steve S Posted February 4 Author #6 Posted February 4 I won't be going anywhere. I have a small convertible that is pretty comfortable to get around in. I didn't have a clue the damage was anything close to what was found when the surgeons got in there. I feel I am very blessed to be able to get around as well as I could and still do some decent work. Most of it was from the seat of a tractor, but it still got done. I have a bro-in-law that is pretty handy on a tractor, so he is going to help with my shop I am building. I will need something to do in about 6 months when I can start getting out and around so some of it may wait until after summer. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. 1
Marcarl Posted February 4 #7 Posted February 4 Wishing you blessings as you go through this part of your life. 1
dueyk1111 Posted February 5 #8 Posted February 5 thoughts n prayers sent up for you! hope all goes well!👍 1
Woody Posted February 5 #9 Posted February 5 WE have had convertibles tag along before on our rides, be glad to have you 1
Steve S Posted February 6 Author #10 Posted February 6 Good afternoon friends. I am home from the hospital and my recovery is going well. Friday the crew told me I would have to go to an inhouse Rehab center because they had made so many changes to my lower spine. Monday the caseworker asked me what rehabs I would prefer so we mentioned a couple close to home we knew were good centers. Occupational PT came up to do an evaluation and before we were halfway through, I was told there were going to recommend that I go home for in-home rehab. The PT came in and he took me through a few procedures and said the same thing. I had back surgery several years ago, so I knew what some of the training was, so I worked on those over the weekend. I am so thankful that God blessed me and allowed me to recover so well. It was late when we finally got settled down, but I am so thankful to be feeling so well and able to get around as well as I can. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. Steve 3
Steve S Posted February 17 Author #14 Posted February 17 Good morning, Venture friends. My latest good news about my recovery. Yesterday was day 10 since my last surgery and I was able to have the staples removed from my back. To say it feels better is an understatement to the highest level. It seems they had put 44 staples in my back to close up a 10-inch incision. It felt like I had a board on my back when I leaned back on the couch. Recovery is going slow, but after looking at a picture of the Xray of the procedure, I am amazed that I was able to walk before the surgery. The doctor fused all the vertebra from S1 up to T12. I haven't talked to the doctor yet, but I am betting this is going to make a huge change in my lifestyle and ability to do a lot of things I love doing. For me, a good day in the spring or fall, is getting the chainsaw out and clearing tree limbs, shrubs and deadfall out of the overgrown areas of our property. So, it looks like this Spring is going to be an easy season on the chainsaw. I have always been very active, so it will be tough for me to not to be doing something. Maybe that is why the spine was in such bad shape??? ☹️. I am sure my lifestyle has changed dramatically. However, I am very blessed to be as healthy as I am. Steve. 3
Steve S Posted May 1 Author #17 Posted May 1 Hello Venture Friends. I met with the Nurse Practitioner for a follow up on my surgery in January. I got some great news on my recovery. My back is healing very well and I can now lift 20 to 25 pounds and bend and twist a LITTLE. The bad news part is I cannot ride a motorcycle or shoot a gun for another 3 months. What was actually stated was, "NO HIGH IMPACT activities for another 3 months". I didn't bother telling her I didn't plan on "high impact" issues with the bike, but no one plans those either and they still happen. So, I will get the bro-in-law to ride it a little to keep it a little active. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Steve 4
bpate4home Posted May 2 #21 Posted May 2 15 hours ago, Steve S said: Hello Venture Friends. I met with the Nurse Practitioner for a follow up on my surgery in January. I got some great news on my recovery. My back is healing very well and I can now lift 20 to 25 pounds and bend and twist a LITTLE. The bad news part is I cannot ride a motorcycle or shoot a gun for another 3 months. What was actually stated was, "NO HIGH IMPACT activities for another 3 months". I didn't bother telling her I didn't plan on "high impact" issues with the bike, but no one plans those either and they still happen. So, I will get the bro-in-law to ride it a little to keep it a little active. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Steve That is good news. I'm sure you can get some of our brothers here to come and ride your bike too LOL. 1
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