rmaynard 15,308 #1 Posted November 24, 2015 (edited) With Thanksgiving coming up, and some of you going out of town, I figure that this is as good a time as any to let you all know about my upcoming surgery. I debated putting this in "Bumps & Bruises" since it is sort of related, but I don't think it is going to qualify me for the Red Hard Hat award at next years show. You know what they say about being careful how you lift things? Well for 65 years I ignored that. Not to mention, rolling tractors over on myself. Now I am paying the price. On Monday 11/30, I will be undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery. I have had this planned and scheduled since August. To be more specific, the process is called "L3 thru L5 decompression and instrumented fusion". In layman's terms, I am having a laminectomy (the removal of the facets and boney part of the back of the lower spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, then the bone will be grafted to the vertebrae with titanium screws, rods and wires installed to stabilized the vertebrae while they fuse together. The recovery is long, but having watched @953 nut go through the same surgery back in June, and be back in the saddle again, I am very optimistic. Thanks Dick for all of your encouragement. My VENDOR store will be closing on Saturday 11/28 and will reopen when I feel up to it again. Okay, enough said. Edited February 25, 2016 by rmaynard Changed Title 11 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,102 #2 Posted November 24, 2015 Godspeed Bob. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,529 #3 Posted November 24, 2015 All our prayers Bob...and you better be able to wiggle your toes after surgery. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WNYPCRepair 1,875 #4 Posted November 24, 2015 Good luck. Thinking positive thoughts for you. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin 2,131 #5 Posted November 24, 2015 Hope all goes well for you Bob. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,869 #6 Posted November 24, 2015 Our prayers and all the best to you Bob. I'm looking forward to seeing you running around at the show next year. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeek 2,286 #7 Posted November 24, 2015 Like I mentioned at the show, my dad went through similar surgery last spring - he got the bar(s) and screws. He came out well and followed what the doctor told him. He was off script meds in a few days. Good luck and wishing you the best! Fortunately my 552 has a strong Tecumseh so I can pull around what you'd normally be pushing 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,237 #8 Posted November 24, 2015 Good luck on your surgery. I hope you have a short recovery time. My wife had spine surgery this month so I have been nurse , cook and lowly minion. Back surgery is not fun , I hope you get use to the back brace, that can also be a big pain. You will be in my thoughts for a quick recovery. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 54,383 #9 Posted November 24, 2015 Bob, these words of prayer were a comfort to me prior to my surgery and I want you to share them with you. We all look forward to seeing you at the Big Show in June and wish you a speedy recovery. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,529 #10 Posted November 24, 2015 Here is a great memory to take with you...:) 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,641 #11 Posted November 24, 2015 Good luck and get well soon Bob. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,529 #12 Posted November 24, 2015 I thought I would do this to you now, rather then wait until it might hurt to laugh. I spent some of the day going back and looking at the 2010 show pictures...great pictures and memories. Good luck my friend. Question:: Am I going to be taller then you now?? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,183 #13 Posted November 24, 2015 We'll be thinking of you! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian01 481 #14 Posted November 24, 2015 Hope everything goes good, and you have a speedy recovery. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,386 #15 Posted November 24, 2015 You know we'll all be thinking of you Bob! Take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,308 #16 Posted November 24, 2015 45 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: Question:: Am I going to be taller then you now?? Hopefully the surgeon will keep my dimensions the same. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,069 #17 Posted November 24, 2015 Thoughts and prayers for you. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 37,492 #18 Posted November 24, 2015 Best Wishes Bob. I'm certain you will be back on a horse soon. It's been 15 months since Mrs K had the same decompression and fusion of L3-L5 and 12 months since my son Mike had his crushed leg/knee rebuilt with bands, straps and screws. They are both doing well although both were a pretty long recovery.... about 3 months for Nan and 7 months for Mike. So listen to the therapists and doctors. It is amazing what they can do. Looking forward to seeing you at the SHOW. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimD 3,345 #19 Posted November 24, 2015 Prayer has been sent for you Bob and I will keep you in my thoughts. God speed to you and we all hope for a speedy recovery. If I can get to the show next year I look forward to seeing you again. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,213 #20 Posted November 24, 2015 Good luck, Bob! Remember what I said on Saturday, call anytime! I should have Terry come up with a "Titannium Club" logo! There seems to be a number of members that can claim membership. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,082 #21 Posted November 24, 2015 5 hours ago, rmaynard said: The recovery is long, So how long is long Bob? Good luck and heal fast! Mike......... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 40,741 #22 Posted November 24, 2015 Good luck Bob! If you need any help carrying cookie bar pans around, just give me a call 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,190 #23 Posted November 24, 2015 Best of Luck Bob. I hope all goes well for you. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,183 #24 Posted November 24, 2015 1 hour ago, shallowwatersailor said: I should have Terry come up with a "Titannium Club" logo! There seems to be a number of members that can claim membership. I'm in! 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #25 Posted November 25, 2015 good luck bob,hopefully u will be relieved of pain after the operation 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites