My so called golden years are becoming brown

[EQGuy]

I will be 69 in a couple if days. I retired in 2010. In February 2011 I had rotator cuff surgery in my left shoulder. In May 2012 I had rotator cuff surgery in my right shoulder. Last year in April I had back surgery in my Lumbar Spine. I had my one year post op checkup with the Neurosurgeon and everything was good until he asked if anything else was bothering me. I replied that I had been having problems with my arms going numb when sleeping or driving. He ordered an MRI of my neck and I saw him yesterday to go over the results. I have problems with three vertebrae in my neck. In the worst one there is no fluid left to cushion my spinal cord. He told me it is not an emergency but I should start making plans. I asked about duck hunting this fall and he does not want me shooting a shotgun as the recoil could damage my spinal cord in the area with no cushioning fluid. He told me that damaged nerves can heal but a damaged spine will not heal. Also I am at risk in case of a fall or auto accident. This is not the news I wanted to hear. I am going to have some thinking to do. At least what I have can be corrected. I am just getting tired of having the surgery of the year. Thanks for listening.

 

[Bkreutz]

Also I am at risk in case of a fall or auto accident. This is not the news I wanted to hear. I am going to have some thinking to do. At least what I have can be corrected. I am just getting tired of having the surgery of the year. Thanks for listening.

Think of it this way, it beats the alternative!

 

[Tom Beavert]

We wish you the best of luck as you solve these medical issues.
Be well/stay in touch
TB

 

[medxam]

I retired 6 years ago at age 68 in what I thought was perfect health. Within a year I had a retinal detachment and subsequently lost the sight in my left eye. 18 months ago my wife of 47 years died a few days before Christmas. Last October I had a heart attack and was in a fib for 6 months. 2 weeks ago yesterday, I was struck by a pick-up truck in the grocery store parking lot (clearly the fault of the driver, who was driving on a revoked license) an knocked to the pavement. I got a sever case of "road rash", multiple bruises and two cracked ribs. Being on blood thinner, everything bled freely and is slow to heal. It also broke 2 pair of glasses and smashed my Rolex wrist watch. I sympathize with you. The golden years do have a way of turning brown. I just pray that they don't turn black!

medxam

 

[GKC]

I can so relate...my wife suffered a broken neck in 2003, and has been disabled ever since. She has had multiple back surgeries (7, and one more pending) and lives in constant pain. The worst part for her was she had to give up a job she loved. She had stayed at home to raise our kids, and when the last one was out of the nest, she got a job and felt like she was really doing something for herself. She only had it for four years, but got promoted twice and loved going to work each day.

It's a shame when health issues make such changes to our lives and the things we enjoy. I offer you my sincerest condolences.

 

[A10]

You went through the lumbar thing, so you've got a pretty good idea what to expect with the neck thing......

I had 6 vertebrae fused in my neck 5 years ago. Recovery takes a while....

 

[DeathGrip]

I'll include you in my prayers.

It looks a lot like I'll be traveling down that same road with the shoulders, neck and a bunch of other stuff.

 

[teesur]

I was told a long time ago by a boss of mine whom I considered very old at the time, (probably 60 or so):
"You're going to find out that getting old ain't for sissies".
I have, indeed, found out that he was absolutely correct!
teesur.
01/08/1937.

 

[pawncop]

Prayer from Texas for your situation. Hope things improve quickly.

 

[SW_shooter]

Best Wishes to ya EQGUY, if it was easy everybody would do it (live to be old).

Back or neck surgery, neither is fun or easy, good luck brother.

 

[Autococker07]

I asked about duck hunting this fall and he does not want me shooting a shotgun as the recoil could damage my spinal cord in the area with no cushioning fluid.

Will he put that in writing? (Im sure he will) maybe time to buy a gunboat and a punt gun!!

Sure hope ya get feeling better...... but keep your spirits up while becoming the million dollar man!!!

 

[gdnagle]

You know why they call them the golden years. Because with all our ailments the doctors get rich and they can afford to buy gold. All my life I looked forward to retiring at the earliest opportunity. Well after getting over 50 then having work destroy my health, that didn't work out, had to retire on disability over 10 years ago and most of my dreams went away. Travel for me now involves driving to the doctors office and then driving to have test done. I always wanted for companies to give you 15 years of retirement when you first start working while your young an can enjoy it, then work you till you die.

Prayers for you and no more bad news and a fast and complete recovery when you have you operation.

 

[rwsmith]

It doesn't get any better.....

We presume we are going to be healthy and happy for a long time, but the longer you are around, the chances lessen. Back surgeries can be unpredictable but I hope they can do something simple like fuse the vertebrae so you can get back to shooting anyway.

 

[blackdeuce]

Good luck with it. Maybe this next surgery will get you all fixed up for a while.

 

[99savage308]

I feel for ya man.

 

[vytoland]

i think the "golden years" are great.....as long as the advil and crown royal are close by.....

 

[bushmaster1313]

Growing old is not for sissies.
Good luck with your issues.

 

[shouldazagged]

The Golden Years can be more of a golden shower, I'm afraid. But there are always things to learn and things to enjoy, so far. Just not always the same kinds of things.

I wish you well with your surgery and recovery.

 

[H Richard]

L2 through L5 fused, Carpal tunnel repair, retina surgery, coronary stent installed, and have the same numbness in the hands/arms. The "Golden Years" are because you are spending all the Gold you hopefully saved up all your life.

 

[Maddog 521]

Wow, I've been there done that. I'm just happy I can get vertical everyday and get something accomplished. I still get things done even though it takes me longer to do them. One of the oddest things I have is a handicap tag on my Harley. That usually gets the conversation started. Hang in there EQ and turn that "brown" back to "golden".