gents - most of you know I sold the rhino due to impending back surgery.... well just thought I would share an update....
November 13th is my surgery date. (pushed back by me to fit in recovery during slow periods at work)
At this point we are looking at 2 different procedures.
1) a 2 level fusion of L5/S1 and L4/L5 - with a flexible tip for preservation of mobility.
2) a one level fusion of L5/S1 with an artificial disc between L4/L5.
The second is the procedure all 3 of my surgeons have recommended - but my BCBS insurance deems it too experimental and will only approve the first option. We are appealing, and we will just have to await the outcome.
Either way - I will have a LONG recovery period. 5 days hospital - 2 weeks in bed - then PT for 12 weeks. Should be January 1 or so before I can really get back to work and think about life again. And then 6-8 months after the surgery before I should 100%.
Looks like I out of the sxs for quite sometime - I knew it would be long - but I didnt think it would be that long.
Realistically 2010 before I can start looking - IF I can ride by then with no pain. If I cant ride without pain - then I just have to give it up.
Anyway - you guys have been supportive when I sold my sxs- and I just wanted to give you an update as to whats shaking. Please keep posting pics and vids - god knows I miss it!!I am truly glad I sold the rhino and picked up the Jeep - its been great to get the top off and ride with some wind in my hair - even if it is just to the office.
(though I do still have to look at large tracts of land for work - so the jeep has been doing some light offroading - and will continue!!)
for those that wish to read more - this is a great website that offers many details... not my docs - but the internet is great for info.
http://www.uscspine.com/treatment/disc-replacement.cfmhttp://www.uscspine.com/treatment/lumbar-interbody-fusion.cfm