A hard post for me to write. Or even think about.
Readers know that I’ve had two back surgeries in the last 2 1/2 years. They’ve helped with some of my symptoms but as I age my lumbar intervertebral discs continue to deteriorate, resulting in serious nerve problems in my legs, feet and hips. Many blog followers know that my back problems have continued to be an issue but it’s a subject that the collective “we” generally don’t talk about. We’ve just been plodding along but I’ve finally reached the point that I can no longer ignore it. Something has to be done.
That ‘something’ is another surgery and this one is a doozy.
Single-level lumbar fusion – image in public domain
I had my pre-op visit with my surgeon yesterday morning in preparation for a five-level spinal fusion that’s scheduled to be done on September 26th. Most spinal fusions, like the one illustrated above, are single-level – meaning that two vertebrae are fused together. But my surgery will fuse all five of my lumbar vertebrae by using rods and screws.
But ‘hardware’ is only part of what’s involved.
Vertebral Anatomy – image in public domain
There isn’t much left of my lumbar interverbal discs so what’s there needs to be dug out and replaced with grafting material. The posterior disc material can be reached through a 6″ incision in my back but in order for my surgeon to get at my anterior disc material he’ll need to make another incision on the left side of my lower abdomen. From those two incisions he’ll be able to dig out my disc remnants and pack the intervertebral spaces with grafting material (either synthetic or a mix of synthetic and cadaver).
Needless to say, this is major surgery and it isn’t without risk. At this point here’s what I know about my recovery.
- I’ll likely be in the hospital for three nights and possibly in a rehab facility for a while after that – depending on how everything goes.
- No “BLT’s” (bending, lifting and twisting) for three months. It’ll take approximately six months for the grafts to fully ‘set’.
- Postsurgical pain will be significant and long-lasting so I’ll likely be on pain meds for some time. My surgeon’s PA described the pain as “a bear”.
- I won’t be able to drive until I’m weaned off the opiates. At the earliest.
I’m telling you all this because I think my readers deserve to know why Feathered Photography will be mostly on hiatus for an indeterminate amount of time, beginning immediately. I have a lot to do between now and Sept. 26 so my posts between now and then will likely be intermittent and then nonexistent for a while after that. How long, I just don’t know.
I hope my readers will stick with me until I get back on my feet. As of three days from now I’ll have been blogging about birds, photography and avian behavior for exactly twelve years and for the vast majority of that time I’ve been blogging daily (3851 posts, give or take). So this is going to feel really, really strange. I already don’t like it.
But all I can do is play the cards I’ve been dealt as best I can.
Ron
Notes:
- Between now and surgery I hope to post intermittently but I’ll have to play that by ear.
- During my early recovery I may also post intermittently but I won’t be able to go out shooting for a while so at least some of those posts are likely to be medical updates and/or personal ‘stuff’ – my attempt to keep in contact with my Feathered Photography friends.
- Maybe this will be a time to catch up on my reading, something I haven’t done much of since my eyesight started to get worse. I’m hoping to buy a Kindle Paperwhite which should help with my reading issues. I’ve tried audiobooks in the past but I’m not a fan.
I see I’ve got a lot of catching up to do with you and your photography. but before I do that I just want to say how much our friendship has meant to me over the years even if we have been out of touch for a while. I’m writing this after you have been through this scary operation and I’m pulling for your complete recovery.
Hang in there! Your followers database won’t forget us, and we won’t forget you! Let us know what you’re reading – I’m always looking for good suggestions.
Somehow I missed this post. I do hope all goes well and you have a rapid recovery. Having had a major injury myself, patience was the key. Good luck and best wishes. It’s documenting yard birds for you!
I’m so sorry about your back, Ron. I will be thinking about you and wish you the best possible recovery. I’ll look forward to seeing whatever you post, whenever you do it. I’ve been using a Kindle for quite a few years now and find it very satisfying. I love that I can make the print as large as I want and I also like looking up words I don’t know just by clicking on them. The downside is I can’t flip through a book to find a passage I want to see.
Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery Ron!
I second the opinion offered many times here that no matter how long it takes for you to be well enough to return to posting, I’ll be waiting patiently and very happy to receive them again. In the meantime I will take the opportunity to explore some of your wondrous and extensive back catalog, as I have only been a reader for 3 or 4 years now!
This blog has been a beautiful and uplifting part of my life, and even though I don’t often post I just want you to know how much joy, wonder, and education you’ve brought into my life! I really, really appreciate all you do for the community and our feathered friends 💜
So much respect, admiration, and gratitude for all you do and for your inspiring outlook on life,
Hart
Late to the show! Catching up today. Even though I only work 4-6 hours a day it is hard work and I am usually to tired to do much else but fix dinner and crawl into bed. I hope your surgery goes well and the out come takes the pain away. My mom is having similar back pain and had 2 small procedures .Seemed like the first worked for awhile but then pain returned. She had the last not long ago so still to soon to know if it worked. She was told 4 weeks out from the surgery she should know if it was successful.
Of course we’ll be here when you feel like posting again.
Best of luck with the operation and recovery.
sending you the best thoughts for your surgery and recovery….
and are you kidding?!?! of course, we’ll still be here when you are back in the saddle again! ;-D
be well!
Best wishes.
Ron, I’m one of the many who enjoy your work but seldom comments. Just want to wish you all the best with this procedure and the pst op recovery. Thanks for all the wonderful photos. They always make my day.
So sorry you’re facing this, Ron. Sending tons of love and healing vibes. 💜💜💜
Sounds traumatic. So sorry you have to go through this but st least there is such a surgery that will help you. My spinal fusion surgery was not as extensive and happened when I was much younger l. It was no picnic but worth it. Will be thinking of you every day and sending a prayer/vibes in your direction.
Dear Ron–not just a conventional salutation, but a clearly heartfelt one from
many, many fans, including me– I just finished reading your post of yesterday
and THEN the overwhelming number of messages of love and good wishes from your “posse”…….I hope that despite your pain, you can feel all the warmth coming your way and that it will help you in anticipation of your surgery, and
“over the hump” of recuperation. That kind of out-pouring of love and concern
has to be “earned” through respect and constancy, and you’ve surely earned
mine…….all my best wishes to you as you face a new challenge.
You’ve become an important part of my morning routine, so of course your new entries will be missed. But you won’t be forgotten, and when your recovery is complete and you’re once again able to be among the birds, we’ll be right here to see through your eyes and your lenses. Be sure that you’ll be thought of every day — wishing you all the best.
Ron,
All the best.
Stephen
Ron,
I think the rehab facility is a very good idea and, if you do not have someone nearby to assist with basic daily activities, extending the stay until assistance is not needed is, in my opinion, a good idea. I say this based on my experience with Betty who had a multiple level fusion and, later, a hip replacement. It is difficult to adhere to the “No BLTs” rule, but failure to do so is detrimental to regaining your mobility. Try to resist the urge to get back to active bird photography outings quickly. Healing must have priority. The birds will still be there when you can photograph them without disrupting the “setting” of the grafts or endangering the nerves and neural pathways involved, as will be the readers who value the content of your blog entries.
Dave
🍀🤞🍀🙏❤️🦅
Best of luck! My husband had two levels fused a year ago End it took him a good seven or eight months to recover for the surgery did end up being worth it. Five levels is going to take quite a bit of time and will definitely test your metal.
Ultimately, after a long road in a lot of hard work, you should be back out there doing what you love
Ron, wishing you a speedy recovery. My wife has been through two back surgeries, with multiple fusions. “It ain’t fun…”, but you will soon get through it and be back to lots more bird photography. Can’t wait to start seeing those daily blogs again. Every day I look forward to what surprises and educational or entertaining tidbit you might be sharing with us.
Best wishes!!
Wish you the very best🙏🙏 I am an RN in an acute rehabilitation hospital so we see patients frequently with this type of surgery and they seem to do very well. I highly recommend that you get some good inpatient rehab after surgery, it can really help get you back on your feet!!
I will stick with you! And I wish you the very best in your recovery – stay positive. I enjoy reading what you have to say every day – whether it’s about birds, photography, family, whatever.
Catching up on reading is a great idea – keep us posted on what you’re reading too! You’ve got a great fan base out here 🙂
May this surgery relief your pain.
Your followers positive energy and support is a beautiful thing to see.
Take care… get well… we’re here for you😊
“Your followers positive energy and support is a beautiful thing to see.”
I agree, Diana. It sure is.
All best wishes, Ron, for successful surgery and a quick recovery. I join all of the others here in looking forward to the return of your days afield and regular posting schedule.
Ron
My wife, the love of my life, was having very bad leg pain…………long story, it was finally decided to do the surgery that you are having. That was in May of this year, and yes the rehab was not fun but now she’s 100 percent! Hell, I have a problem keeping up with her on our walks!!!!!!!!!!! Hang in there! We old folks are stronger than anyone thinks!!
Coming to this very late today. I had a 2 hour presentation to give this morning. (On birds, of course.) I’m sorry to hear the need for more surgery. We all hope it goes very, very well and that you have a full and speedy recovery. As you can see you have a very strong following of supporters. As you go through this be bolstered by the knowledge of how much joy you have brought to others over the years. We will all be sending our best thoughts and waiting for your return whenever you can – but only on your time when you are ready. In the meantime, if we need a fix we can always find links to your older posts. Your “reruns” are always very satisfying.
Thank you always for your transparency with your readers even when it’s about a not-so-easy-to-have conversation.
This blog will be here and we’ll be here waiting patiently.
May you have a good surgeon with steady hands, ample care, and plenty of time to rest and recuperate.
Best of luck Ron. You are not alone in your back struggles, but hoping for a successful and speedy recovery.
Normally I would wish you a speedy recovery, but I think this time I’ll wish you a successful recovery.
We’ll be here. I hope you have folks lined up to help you through the beginning. I stayed w a friend for few of his BLT’s. Best tip? Make sure your microwave and anything you need from upper cabinets is on the counter.
Also? Be grateful I don’t live near SLC. 😀
Oh, God, Ron. Sometimes, especially in cases like this, I wish I really were Queen of the Universe. I’d fix you right away… along with so many other things.
But i’m not, and here that surgery is, staring you in the face.
I, along with everyone else, will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My only word of advice is to go into surgery with the most positive attitude you can possibly muster, and tell all of your surgical team to do the same thing. It helps.
My hopes and wishes are with you. Fervently so. Thank you for letting us know – and how I wish I could offer more than those hopes and wishes.
Take good care, be safe, I’m so glad you’re taking care of yourself, and I’m sure will be waiting for you on the other side! Deepest thanks for everything! And you’ll be in my thoughts as well as everybody else’s.
I wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. You will certainly be missed!
Charlotte Norton
Wishing you a successful surgery and a quick recovery! You wil certainly be missed1
Charlotte Norton
I’m overwhelmed by all of your kind and thoughtful comments everyone. Thank you very much.
My comment went to wherever they go.
Best tip is! Move anything you need to use to cook (microwave, pots, pans) or eat (silverware, cups, glasses,plates, bowls) to the counter.
For the next week, anything you bend down for or reach up for needs to be moved to a countertop.
Seems silly, but when you realize your coffee is on the next shelf up?
Good luck Ron and my positive thoughts are with you and your family! Do what you need to do to get better. Relax, recover, and we’ll see you soon!
Once more Ron, wishing you all the best, and also the resilience and patience to go though the process of recovery, but I’m convinced you’ll manage. Take care, be wise and recover fully ! Cheers, H.
Ron, I am sending you all my positive thoughts for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. A friend of mine consented to open heart surgery 3 days before turning 98. When I asked her “why the Hell would do something like that?” she responded, “I figured I had a few more good years in me.” Embrace your best attitude because I am certain you have many more good years of wonderful photography ahead of you. Use visualization to see your future self pain free. BTW, my friend made it to 102 and spent her entire life birding. I would like to think she is cheering you on from above! Looking forward to your future posts.
Ann, I am overjoyed to hear about your friend. What a woman she must have been!
For her 100th birthday she took (and paid for) 18 friends and family on a four day cruise down to Mexico and Catalina Island. I was not in that group, just a friend, as she came into my life when she was 92. She is the very best role model I have ever met for successful aging and an incredible life well lived.
Oh Ron. Because we know and care for you, your dear fans and friends appreciate knowing about your upcoming surgery and the potential of a lengthy recovery. So thank you! It’s incredibly hard to temporarily give up your trust and power over your body to your surgeon but you can do this. Stay calm…we will have you in our thoughts for the duration.
Supporting you in thoughts.
Hang tough.
Wishing you the best, Ron. We’ll all be eagerly awaiting whatever you are able to manage during your recovery. Post on your progress, even if no new photos to share. I have a small sense of the uncertainty you are going through, having dislocated my shoulder last week on a trip to Brazil. I won’t know for a while if there is damage to the tendons that will require surgery, but I’ll do whatever it takes to be able to hold up a camera again!
Ron, I wish you well more than you can imagine. I have been through similar surgeries without the hardware as I was not a candidate. Hang in there and don’t push it! The advice on “No BLTs” is spot on. Perhaps you could use your down time to figure out different ways to get your shots, (when you are out and about in the future), without turning yourself into a contorted pretzel/BLT from your truck cab. That is going to be a forever challenge for you. High five and looking forward to seeing your posts in the future!
Ron – know that you have created a community that is always with you no matter what!! Am excited for you to go through your bird photo files and find some lost gems!!
This surgery is sure extensive and am praying this investment in your back results in increased freedom for your body, heart & soul. Praying the pain management is at a minimum ok. Hugs my friend 🙂
So, so, so sorry to hear this Ron. In my mind, you have become a “bonus” older brother, and I’m sorry your quality of life has been so severely impacted by a misbehaving spine. If you haven’t already done so- have somebody install a grab bar in your shower, along with a handheld shower massager, so you can bathe easily without getting the incision wet. Pick up a few extra gel ice packs, and easy open canned fruit. Also chocolate. Lots of chocolate! Suggested reading: LIVING ON THE WIND by Scott Weidensaul. He is such a gifted writer that you’ll get a temporary reprieve from the pain of your daily suffering. Wishing you the best, my friend.
Blessings and lots of healing love to you. Hopefully any of your followers who have been through this will have only helpful recovery advice for you. Sometimes it helps to hear what makes recovery easier. Just open your computer files and you can enjoy a bird a day like we have!! And thank you for that 🙂
Ron, I’ll be thinking about you and patiently awaiting your full return. In the meantime, take care of yourself and please update when you can. Your blog is a great source of both learning and joy for me, and I always look forward to updates.
You’re a tough old bird, Ron. You’ll get through this and be back doing the things you love as soon as your body allows. We can wait. Very best wishes for a complete recovery.
Good luck, friend. Nobody’s abandoning anybody!
Ron – Echoing all your other friends here, sending all good thoughts for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Lucky for us, there are 12 years of wonderful photos we can explore for our daily FP fix, while we wait for news from you. All the best to you!
Ron, I read your blog every day but have never commented. My very best wishes to you for a successful operation and speedy recovery. My mother had the same lower spinal fusion operation and I’m sure it was her stubbornness and crankiness that made it successful so cultivate your curmudgeonly aspects.
Ron, I’m at 4 months recovery for the exact same thing. 5 levels, lumbar, surgery #3. Got a “Platform Walker” on suggestion of the re-hab hospital physical therapy staff. What a godsend. Only about $150. vivehealth.com They call it their upright walker. The good news is the pain is finally almost entirely gone!
Ron, we will be with you in spirit and in prayer and will not abandon you. We will look forward to health reports when you are able or a friend can do them for you. We will of course greatly miss our morning bird and wildlife posts, but we can handle it, and will look forward to your eventual return.
Just think, all of this was impossible for your grandfather or your dad’s generations. With that condition they would just live with the pain and disability till they passed on.
Wishing you the very best and praying that those surgeons are at their very best when performing these procedures.
We will miss you!!!! Good luck on your surgery.
Len
Ron, You are a very strong and wonderful person, and I know this well be tough for a long time. Know that all your friends will be here when you find the need to blog. Best Wishes and God be with you on your surgery and recovery.
Best of luck! We’ll miss you while you’re out of action.
Like all your other followers, I wish you a swift and recovery to more mobility and less pain. You have given us all so much over the last 12 years. Not just your photos, facts of birds, critters, and photography lessons. But also very wonderful and touching stories of your family, your trips, friends, thoughts and lessons. I know we all would love to see your blogs resume soon. But I hope you take time and focus on your health and don’t feel obligated to return soon to keeping up the daily posts — there is so much else to do! You are an unforgettable presence and we will be thinking of you even when when we open our email app and a Feathered Photograpy post isn’t there.
So sorry you have been in such pain – I feel you there – and best wishes on this surgery! See you on the other side.
Ron, I know you don’t like making your blog about you and your personal issues so this must have been difficult to write. I’m grateful that you’ve let us in so we know something about what you’re facing and can send our prayers and well wishes to you. Along with your other readers, I want nothing but the best possible outcome for you. Please concentrate on preparation and then healing as much as you need to. I’ll be here when you get back.
Best Wishes Ron. You have been a part of my mornings for a long time. I’m sending you healing and sustaining energy, as I know the rest of your readers and friends are.
My heart is with you. I wish you the very, very, very best.
Take Care,
Kaye
I’m so sorry you’re in so much pain…. Blessings of health, healing, vitality, energy, range of motion, and restored functioning….
I wonder if there’s a way that you can pre-publish posts, and set them up on a schedule, so that wordpress (or whatever it is you’re using) will post for you according to the schedule you have set up.
If not, then we’ll be here when you get back… Just take care of you, and we can wait….
Blessings!!!
I am one of your mostly silent admirers. I will have you in my thoughts, and sincerely wish you the best outcome possible. I look forward to your posts now and in the future.
I’m echoing a lot of your readers as I wish you good luck and good recovery! I don’t comment here often, but your photos bring a lot of joy at our house. We’ll still be here when you are back in the swing of things.
Oh, Ron. I’m so sorry to hear you have to endure another surgery. I wish you all the best for a safe procedure and a full recovery. Don’t rush back to your blog on our account. We’ll be here!
Dear Ron,
I, along with all your many followers, will be doing two things; 1) wishing, praying and keeping you in our thoughts and mediations for a full and speedy recovery and 2) scanning our email for the next Feathered Photography notice.
Do know that we will all be there and welcome any kind of post, be it an update, a musing, or personal reflections be they avian or otherwise.
Be well my fellow feathered enthusiast! Looking forward to your return.
Michael
Ron:
From what I can see, you are a strong man who lives all the way. Find something good or beautiful each day, and my hopes for your making it are very high. You are in our prayers.
Dick Shirley
Hi Ron. I see your postings every day and you don’t see me back but I am still out here -actually St George. I had two disc fused with the rods placed on them in my bottom two vertebra last March and I’m doing great. I’m not like I was 35 years ago but the operation really helped me, so I wish the best of luck to you and thank you for all you’ve done for me in my life. I’m a retired teacher living on a pension you helped me get. Thanks again.
Best wishes, me and my morning coffee will miss you. You may know this, but you can download e-books from the library. The app is called Libby. Kindle has limited apps, no google play. Not sure if it will do Libby, the limiting factor is why I went with a little Samsung tablet. It has been a while, you know the old memory thing.
Love your blog and wishing you a speedy and successful recovery. Hoping that your fingers get itchy and you repeat or find past favorites to share since I missed the first 10 years of your wisdom and beautiful visuals.
Why would anyone NOT wait for the return of your birds? Sorry for “the bear” of pain, and our hope of course is that you come out finally feeling really fine.
Best wishes for a full recovery to you Ron. We will definitely stay with you, and look for updates when you are able. As someone who had back surgery thirty nine years ago, although certainly not as extensive, I can relate to your pain. Take care, and don’t push yourself. Time will be your best friend for healing.
I have always followed & enjoyed the posts. I will continue to be around when you get back.
First & foremost… YOU Take Care!
(( Prayers ))
CJ
Thanks for the update. I’m sure that like me, everyone hopes for a successful repair and rehabilitation followed by rest and relaxation. Your friends will surely stick by you. Best wishes!
Ron, I wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. I know what it’s like to have medical issues. I can no longer go out much to do any shooting. I will be thinking about you. Know you are not alone. Your fans love you and will pray for your speedy recovery.
May your surgery go well, and wishing you all the best in your healing, which is the part you have control of. Hoping the wings of birds fill your days and nights with their beauty. I look forward to your return.
So sorry to read this Ron. What a huge pain. When I was bedbound I sometimes found audiobooks to be somewhat helpful. Best wishes from Boston
I couldn’t get to today’s post any other way than doing a search for “feathered photography”. I suspect the internet gods were trying to spare me the news. Mornings won’t be the same until I’m receiving daily posts of Red-tailed Hawks interspersed with the occasional oddity😁.
I’m not the praying type, but screw it, I’ll make an exception in your case.
Oh, my goodness! That is indeed significant in every imaginable way. I’m sorry you are going to have to go through this. The risk is one thing and then to have to bear the pain for so long would test the strongest of us. I don’t do the praying thing but I will certainly be thinking of you and wishing that all goes well both for the surgery and for the recovery. In the meantime, many of us, including me, will be here when you are able and ready to return, part-time or full-time. You have already given much to so many and you have so much more to give and I certainly am always grateful for it all. Hopefully you will have the help you will need during this difficult time. Best wishes!
Hi,
I very happily read your blog every day (and have for about 2 years now), having been introduced to it by my sister, who volunteers at a raptor rescue center in Maryland, and with whom I share a love of birds. I wanted to quickly wish you a successful surgery and speedy recovery, and to thank you for your amazing photos, encyclopedic knowledge, and insightful commentary.
May you find God’s presence during this trying time.
I’m so sorry, Ron. I hope all goes well.
Wow! You are facing a large challenge. My thoughts are with you. Please feel free any time to email me and let me know if you’d like a visit or chat on the phone. And thanks again for being my favorite teacher, then and now.
Best wishes for a successful surgery and a trouble-free recovery. Hopefully the short-term pain will be worth it in the end, and you can get back out to do what you (and we) love.
Best of luck with your surgery. I’ll be sending you good wishes for a successful surgery and rehabilitation. I will miss seeing your beautiful pictures every morning but I and the birds, will be here when you have recovered. Best wishes.
DAMN! (to keep it half civil) Have had the feeling the last surgery wasn’t as successful as hoped for BUT! I’ll be hoping this works well even if a total bitch from the sounds of it. I’ll be going nowhere and keeping you in my thoughts along the way, Ron. “Golden Years” my ass…….. ;(
Wishing you smooth sailing and a speedy recovery! I will look forward to meeting of your skillful and thoughtful photography whenever it comes.
If wishes work, it will go really well and you’ll be back much better and so much more comfortable than you have been for some time. You and your beautiful and informative and nutritional (you feed our souls) blog will be sorely missed, but your countless fans are all here cheering for you. Please stay in touch as much as possible – we will all be thinking about you and hoping for your speedy recovery and return!
“ But all I can do is play the cards I’ve been dealt as best I can.”
Well said. I know I will be sticking with you; your blog is wonderful in so many ways and I get a lot from it. I wish you the best on the surgery and recovery. Positive vibes heading your way.
Duane.
Please take your time to heal. I will be here waiting for you, and so will all the birds.
OMG!! Good luck!! You’ll be in my thoughts!!
Oh <>! You were dreading this, and how here it is. You know I’m pulling for you and hoping for the best possible outcome. Having the procedure described so vividly has given me chills!
The was originally a space holder for an undetermined profanity. And then it should read “NOW here it is” not *how.
May you have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery! I rarely comment but I read faithfully, so I will miss your posts. Take good care of yourself.
Good luck Sir Ron! I hope you’ll recover soon.
Sending healing vibes that all goes well. I will look forward to your blogs when they resume.
It’s good that you are taking care of yourself so that we can have many more years of your wonderful blog!
Take Care and my best for a speedy recovery!
I’ve njoyed the Birdsong books, which include cds of their sounds. My local library uses Overdrive for e-books and audio books; it’s something that may be available for you. During my journey with CML I’ve enjoyed your photos and insights. I hope you’re able to get back to your passion before long. Here’s to a speedy and full recovery.
My prayers will be with you as well as your surgeons, doctors, nurses, and all the staff who serve you! Think about birds as you heal and all shall be well. Blessings!
All the best to you, Ron! I have enjoyed being educated by you on bird identification, behavior and, most of all, photography. You will be in my prayers!
Oh dear. This sounds like a a major pain, in more ways than one. I wish you the best in this ordeal. As for books to read you will love this one: A Most Remarkable Creature by Jonathan Meiburg. It’s about caracaras, and it’s wonderful.
Best of luck on the surgery Ron. I’ll be thinking about you whenever I see interesting birds, especially Red Tail Hawks.
Good luck with the surgery, Ron. I’ll be thinking of you. Wishing you the best surgery outcome possible, a fast and easy recovery and hope to see many posts in the future as they will be a sign that you are doing well.
Dear Ron, Bon courage and best wishes! You have become a friends of sorts and I will be thinking of you and wishing you well. Wish I was closer so I might actually be of help. Hope you will let your appreciative followers know if we can help in any way. A phrase comes to mind from the I Ching….perseverance furthers.
Ron,
All the best to you! I work in the operating room and yes, it’s a big surgery but people tend to do well. May God bless you and everyone that’s involved in your care!
Wishing that things go smoothly through all of this — sending positive thoughts. I will miss my daily visit and will look forward to your posts in the future.
Ron, sending positive thoughts for the best ever outcome. I had a friend go through something very similar – the approach through the back and the abdomen as well. She ended up with a complete fusion of her spine. This was probably a good 15 years ago. Today she is pain free although she can’t bend. You are a trooper and I’m sure you’ll come through this in the end. Think of all that Shannon has gone through in her recovery. She inherited your genes. Those genes got her through, and they will get you through this as well.
Good luck Ron.
Good luck. Always look forward to your blog.
I’m so sorry Ron, but I hope the surgery is successful and enables you to return to a full life. Best wishes for a full recovery.
Good luck Ron. Take good care of yourself and don’t worry about us. We’ll all be here when you’re ready to return. You have more than enough wonderful posts on this site we can revisit as you recover.
Now, what will the birds do without the goofy guy in the pickup truck always around? I guess they’ll figure you migrated.
The goody guy with the noodle
Goofy
You have to be one of the most aware and informed surgery patients I’ve ever heard of. Best wishes to you, Ron, as you navigate this physical and emotional journey. My boyfriend also has eyesight and mobility problems and one answer has been audio books, something he thought he would never do. Good luck in all this. The birds will be with you in spirit.
Wishing you all of the best! I had to have a triple-level spinal fusion surgery on the mid-90s when I was only 34 because of degenerative disc disease. I did exactly what the doctor said, was out of my plastic brace in 6 months and have never had another issue. I know there have been many improvements in the procedure and am pulling for you!
G-Morning Ron, I do wish you the best of success with the surgery with a speedy minimal pain (little cub not a bear) recovery for long lasting future relief. Don
I will be praying for safe surgery and fast healing and getting back with your life. Your email is the first I open every day since my friend told me about your wonderful photos and stories. Blessings for this next chapter. Like many others I’ll be looking forward to your daily wonders. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this personal challenge. Our thoughts are with you as always, and we wish you a speedy recovery with the least complications as possible. Rest easy, we are with you all they way.
Uh oh!! I know your anxiety!! I’ve got a new right hip as of last week, a new left hip as of 6 mths ago, Scoliosis pain in 2 spinal curves, and it seems I’m always “recovering” and plodding along with PT and medical visits. What a life!! You’ve got lots of cheerleaders Ron, you can do it! 🙂
This was a hard read. I’m right next door for whatever you may need and please, PLEASE, feel free to ask for anything! You’ve always been here for me and we are here for you.
I will absolutely stick with you. You catch up on your reading, and I’ll catch up on blog posts from before I joined this community.