My new hardware kit - installed

[ebdyguy]

I started an old school small block Mopar swap several years ago but have been sidelined by back to back ACL reconstructions and now the latest bits installed in my back a couple weeks ago.  It was a 6 level fusion starting with my upper most lumbar vertebrae all the way to my pelvis.  This one is a long recovery for sure but am looking forward to eventually getting back to finishing my project.    My world is pretty small now with probably a 40 foot radius of travel.  I can't pick up more than 8 pounds and very little bending/twisting allowed.  Snow is already on the ground so outside travel, even in the driveway, is getting to be risky.

Initially I was told 6-12 month recovery, but have had some complications already - hopefully they will get resolved and get me back on the track to a faster recovery.  Maybe somebody has some experience with this that can be passed on to keep me headed in the right direction.

I read every new post and greatly enjoy reading what everyone is up to - it keeps me from going nuts and I am always excited by seeing the new Ronin stuff and keep adding their parts to my buy list. 
 
Again keep the great posts coming !

Thanks - Bill

[wickedrx7]

Wow. That is some impressive hardware. Good luck with recovery.

[digitalsolo]

Holy crap Bill, that's some serious metal.   Titanium?

[ebdyguy]

Blake - yup all titanium parts.  Should be no corrosion !!   

[jparker7]

wow how do you even sit down or bang your wife since those would we the most important things

[quinns]

Make sure when they tell you to take it easy you take it easy. My brothers girlfriend has some fused together and she broke the plate between the screws and it was not a good scenario!

[spacevomit]

Holy moly. I read that (don't laugh) fish oil has certain properties which can help one heal faster from trauma (as well as sepsis for example).

(This is not coming from someone that puts goji berries up their butt or whatever)

[frijolee]

That's some pretty serious hardware Bill.  Prayers going up that it all works out in the end.  There's nothing like being unable to do something you want to really make that grass look greener. 

It pales by comparison, but every time I'm out on business travel (writing from Orlando at the moment) I'm constantly reminded of what I'd rather be doing.  At the moment my wife is tucking my girls into bed without me.   

[ebdyguy]

Thanks Joel !

But don't sell your situation short.  I was in the same boat years ago when I was traveling a lot when my two girls were little.  It is a different kind of painful, but missing precious time with the kids can be just as debilitating.  Despite the physical pain associated with all my orthopedic procedures, all thing considered, I think that I would trade spending more time back with the kids any day.  I will get better, but will never get the time back.  In my case and I am sure with yours, the time away was unavoidable - so make the best of every moment you get.

Take Care,

Bill

[twokrx7]

Wow, simply wow!  Did they have to open you up for that, how is the recovery from the procedure/incisions?  Wish you the best, keep the faith!!!

I had C4-5-6 fused and carry a ti plate and 6 screws everywhere I go.  Your pics remind me of the movie Elisium when they attached that exoskeleton to Matt Damon's character. 

[ebdyguy]

Wow, simply wow!  Did they have to open you up for that, how is the recovery from the procedure/incisions?   

Oh yeah - they opened me up right along the center of my spine - all from the back.  There is about an 8 inch incision.  I have pictures of that, but some people don't like to see that stuff.  Stitches were removed after 2 weeks and that part healed up quickly.  I was told that recovery from the implants and fusions will be 6 to 12 months.  I am 56 so don't heal up as well as I used to.  Making good solid bone is key.  I will not be allowed to even start any kind of PT until around the 8-10 week point from surgery.  So my Christmas present this year will be to be able to start what I assume is a long PT process.

I am about 4 weeks out now and can get around OK with a cane and can get up and down stairs a couple times a day.  Bending & twisting is barely possible.  I am learning to bend from the hips - but still are a long way from being able to touch my feet.  Trying not to push it at all - but it is alread ygetting very boring.