Post-op, 21 weeks

The nerve pain is definately subsiding, so the Lyrica is working. My Physical Therapist recommended I shoot a small bucket of balls, 9 iron and wedge clubs only this weekend if the weather holds up. Lucky for me, the weather was agreeable and I now grow hungry for when my doctor says I can do nothing more for you. It was a lot fun getting out there and acting like a normal person again.

Now on to some bad news. On the way back from the golf course a Chevy Suburban decided to see what it would be like if he could drive through my car. It didn't work. My poor car is in a bad state of repair now and I ended up having to make a trip to the ER cause the pain in my legs and back were in overdrive. After some Xrays were taken, I was assured that I did not break any screws. I did however manage to sprain my back. Trauma to your back over titanium rods results in a fair amount of internal bruising. I suspect I will be very sore from this encounter for the near future but am glad that the hardware stayed in place and nothing broke.

Now the GOOD NEWS. The Xrays from the ER show that L5/S1 is completely fused. You can't even see the spacer anymore. L4/L5 appears to be on its way but is moving at a slower pace. I think the ER staff were happier than I was when they saw that I was fused at 1 level. You'd think they never saw a fusion in process. The Doctor offered to give me a script for my usual meds (Percoset......) but I told him no can do. He asked why, and I explained that I have a contract with my PM Doc and that would be a against the contract. He said I was the first person who has ever done that to him and thanked me. He told me that he has encountered loads of people with back problems who come into the ER, with pain contracts from some other doc, looking for more meds. He said it was refreshing to see someone take the contract so seriously.