anyone have evidence of Limbaugh's back surgery?

http://www.rushlimbaughonline.com/articles/rushback.htm

As just about every listener knows, Rush admitted to his pain killer addiction. Since this became public, Rush has frequently cited "back surgery" as the reason he began to take drugs such as Oxycontin. There does however appear to be some inconsistencies with this story.

In order to bond with his listeners, Rush regularly shares aspects of his life. But prior to the news about his drug addiction, how often did he discuss having had back surgery? For that matter, do you any of you recall an extended absence from the show in 98 or 99, the period when the back surgeries would had to have occurred?

Rush frequently discusses his golf progress. Clearly he is an eager enthusiast and shares this with his loyal listeners. Rush sometimes goes on ad nauseum about his game improving, lowering his handicap, mastering a course, etc. Golf talk has been a regular part of the show for quite a while now. But how well does this square with having had endured two back surgeries?

Not many orthopedic surgeons would recommend golf as part of a strategy for maintaining a spine that endured two surgeries. Doesn't it seem odd that someone who suffered post-surgery pain so great that it lead to drug addiction would 1) become an avid golfer who stoops, bends, twists and 2) discuss golf at length but never the two back surgeries?

In light of the risk faced by Rush in terms of loosing listeners' trust, his public opposition to recreational drug use and those who participate, it seems odd that Rush would not release at least that portion of his medical records which confirms the two back surgeries he has given as reason for taking drugs in the first place. Something just does not add up.

I invite any of you who can document an extended medical absence in 98 or 99 and confirm any on-air discussion of back surgery prior to the fall of 2003 to do so. Any verifiable transcript, properly dated article, etc. would be helpful towards clearing this up. Just send an email to...

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