4 year "Birthday"

[Poncho]

The month of May marks 4 years since my 2 level Prodisc ADR in Europe. This just doesn't seem possible. Since this surgery, as I reflect back on everything I definitely noticed ongoing improvement after 1-2 years post op. Mostly, with leg pain. I would say for a couple years even up to 3 years post op - I would not have the constant leg pain - but would get "pings" of it here and there - especially with weather changes!!! This past year, I notice these symptoms, but the frequency and severity have decreased. They still come and go - but not as bad.

I have Mark to thank many times over for his willingness to help me. He was helping many others way before he built his business to serve those suffering with spine problems. I also want to thank everyone of my friends here on the spine forums for supporting me emotionally when going through the ups and downs of having a chronic painful condition. Participating in the online forums was the only thing (besides my husband's support) that kept me sane and to keep fighting when I felt like I couldn't go on any longer (exhausted from fighting pain, emotional exaustion from arguing with a boss and co-workers that didn't understand, insurance companies hedging risk of assuming any financial responsibility, and the side effects of all of the medications).

~Then~ conflicting information from spine specialists as to what the best course of treatment would be. At one point, I was told that I would be in chronic pain for the rest of my life and to basically "suck it up and get use to it". I'm so glad that we/I proved them wrong!!! (Keeping fingers crossed)

After surgery, I did go back to work as a nurse again in a small rural hospital, then when back to school to obtain an MBA, then accepted a management position on a Med Surg floor overseeing about 40 staff members. After being a manager at this other hospital for about a year under a "toxic" boss and some staff members - I decided to leave because I didn't go through all of the spine stuff (surgery , school & etc) to be unhappy. I have accepted another position at another hospital - but I will refrain from saying what I'm doing so that I'm not "jinxing" anything. No - bedside care and no lifting....... Through this spiney journey, I have found that life is way to short to be unhappy and no amount of money can take the place of your health!!!

I do come to this site frequently to see how everybody is doing and try to keep up on everybody's progress. Hopefully, I will have a bit more time now to post more on iSpine. I will be updating my surgical outcomes thread too. (Sorry, Mark - I'm a bit behind).

Wishing everyone less / no pain in the near future,

Sincerely,
Poncho

[chasswen]

great news poncho.
a big birthday hug headed your way.
chuck

[ans]

Big-time congrats! Hope your job is pleasant.

[dshobbies]

Never get tired of hearing happy news!

Congrats, Dale

[mmglobal]

Dear Poncho,

It's hard to believe that it's been more than 4.5 years since we first met in Huntington Beach. I wish I'd brought a camera to capture you and Don with your films, having breakfast with Dr. Bertagnoli at a sidewalk cafe. It's been a long road for both of us since then... yours took you to Vienna. (I think that Diane and only missed you by a few days. I was able to see Justin over there... did you meet him there?)

Diane is recovering nicely, but is not considering returning to floor nursing... I thought you were quite brave to return to such a physical job the way you did... then managing to get your masters degree... you rock!

I'm so proud and honored to have been able to participate in your (and so many other's) journey through spinal hell to a successful recovery. I wish that all of the stories would have such a happy ending... but with spine surgery nothing is automatic.

Can you start catching up on the forum by updating your old surgical outcomes post? If possible... update your old form to include the data points in the new questionniare. It's going to be very intersting to watch this unfold as we'll have 60 people that are 4 years out.

It's wonderful to see you doing so well... I hope that we can get together some time.

All the best... talk to you soon...

Love,

Mark

[nomorepain]

Poncho,
been a long time since that lunch in Santa Monica, but i do keep up on all of your posts! A congratulations is in order for the 4 year mark! Things get better and better with time, as if you really think about it and how long we have suffered with the dibilitating back pain, it does take years to recover from all of the effects of nerve pinching, compression of bones, joints and the emotional trauma of dealing with people who have never experienced this kind of pain thinking we are all just looking for our next drug fix! Anyhow, it's a wonderful life on the otherside isn't it?
gary

[Maria]

Right on Ponchita! Good luck with the new position. Glad there's no lifting involved

[Hucky :)]

Congrats, wow I remember you posting about your 3rd anniversary. Time just seems to go faster and faster the older you get

Hucky