It's not for simming but it's pretty pricey stuff.   Between this, the lumbar fusion and fake hip we are starting to really think I'm the bionic man!

It's been a really tough few days post op.  This is a pretty brutal recovery and for the first 7-10 days literally everything has been a challenge including just breathing sometimes. Today is Day 10 and it's the first time I've felt somewhat human and slept for more than 20 minutes at a time.  

7 more weeks in the brace and then they take me in for the f/u procedure on May 2nd but for now I need to focus on the road/runway ahead and be grateful I'm able to travel it at all... 

Perspective is everything and issues like this in your life remind you of that very fact and the fact there are people in the world who would give anything to be in my place right now and have my pain compared to their own.  

My nursing staff however has been less than helpful.  It's a good thing we brought in outside help! I mean I got up for a minute and they took over my entire recovery bed!  Hope to be back in front of the sim soon. 

 

Wait, you didn't want that spot did you??

OK, I'll take it then... 

Best wishes for your recovery! I have 3 vertebrae that grew together (fused) after compression fracture in climbing accident. Big fun, for sure. 

My brother-in-law is facing the same thing. Best of luck to you. Hopefully this will fix the problem.

 

Bill W.

Wishing you a speedy recovery 😀  You'll be dong triathlons pretty soon!

Wishing you all the best Paul.  I can't imagine going through what have just gone through.  Words don't seem adequate to express our hopes for your full recovery.

Noel

I've had 3 spinal surgeries with one fusion. I feel for you. 

Wish you less pain and a speedy recovery. 

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the best wishes.  While I couldn't immediately respond due to the circumstances I saw the notes and they were greatly appreciated.  

Thursday was 2 1/2 weeks post op.  Standard recovery is 6-8 weeks in the brace.  My surgeon has never taken anyone out in less than 6 weeks.  I was off the medication (other than for the nerve) 4 days after my hospital discharge and showing so much neck strength I was taken out of the brace.  No one in his office could believe it.  

I'm actually going to start using Truck simulator to putz around and mimic driving without getting in the real car.  Provided I can move my head/eyes adequately and I'm not in any discomfort (other than the nerve) I'm cleared to start driving at 4 weeks and begin PT.  

Then I get 4 weeks recovery before my next surgery on May 3rd. which is the earliest day they can manipulate my throat enough for the procedure after the neck surgery.  Total recovery from the second procedure while an incredibly complicated and unique procedure that I can only even have done at Johns Hopkins or UPenn on the East Coast is supposedly just a matter of days.  In theory I could be back in a race car before the summer.  

I will say it has been horrible in terms of sleep and I had some secondary challenges a few days post op that sent me back to hospital but in the grand scheme I have SO MUCH to be grateful for including all of the support here.

I just wanted to come back specifically to say thank you.  

Edited March 12, 20224 yr by psolk