They took the staples out today (my son's back surgery)

The doctor said he was doing fine, except that he still has some numbness on his left foot and lower leg.. It amazes me to think that they cut into his spine :scared:. He's up walking around and managing the pain very well.. He's a bit annoyed though, because he cannot start physical therapy for 90 days..

They put some heavy duty hardware in him.. His x-ray scared the hell out of me... pins and screw and little "baskets" of bone graft :scared:

Of course his cobra insurance crewed up his prescription benefit and we have had to buy his meds and then wait til the paperwork catches up.. ONE RX today was $155.00 ...jeez louise..

pictures below.. not "too graphic" I hope:)

Looks quite extensive!

It's amazing what they can do :)

Of course in the best of worlds that nutso van driver would have never hit his car, and he would have not needed surgery :(

I walk around on an artificial hip...without it I would be in a wheelchair.

Was your son's need for surgery due to an injury, or a congenital problem.

My best friend's 24 yr old son was killed in a car accident a few years ago, so even though Steven was hurt, I am so thankful he is here with us, can walk, and will recover from this:)

although my surgery wasn't so extensive...laminectomy...parts of two adjacent prolapsed discs were cut away. Wishing your son a full & speedy recovery!

Were you happy you had the surgery?

It probably took a month to feel 100% recovered, but the relief from pain was wonderful! I have no regrets whatsoever about getting that surgery. I'm reluctant to recommend it to anyone else, however, since I know some people whose disc surgery didn't help. All I can do is give my story and advise others to research it for themselves.

walks around the block every day and does his exercises religiously:)
The only thing that bothers him is the residual numbness.. (apparently the doctor had to "re-route" a nerve..But the dr expects a full recovery.. (fingers crossed here)

I was past 40 when I got my surgery. One thing is the same no matter what age, however: nerve regeneration at the rate of ~1" per month. It's good that he's sticking to the exercise regimen, however, so his muscles and tendons retain their strength. As his doctor expects a complete recovery, the numbness should go away, but it takes some patience.

surgeons hands. I hope your son makes a complete recovery. I'm glad he's still with you, this must have been SO scary for all of you.

:hug:

good healing! ! !

I wish both you and your son the best.

How old is he? At least since he looks pretty young he'll heal faster.

so the doctor said he had a head start on most people. He's a soccer, football, basketball, tennis, golf NUT !!

Of course after the surgery the doctor told his that his competitive sports days were OVER.;..but at his age, he pretty much knew it already :P

The irony will be when he and his finacee get married and have kids, they will probably have some boys and Dad might not be able to rough and tumble with them :(

It looks so painful.