I'm Done ! (page 2)

oldflame

Hey Unclebruce,

Yes I asked about surgical correction. His statement was it is very risky and only 10% make it out successful. Those are not very good odds.....

Lady Lee

Well oldflame. If your dad had a disability then you know that it doesn't have to limit you.

If you can't get out to do the work yourself, find the best workers you can and keep the dream alive - just in a slightly adapted way. Be creative in how you can work around this. Let your reputation work for you. And using the chair doesn't mean you are limited to it. In fact getting up and walking around would be better than using the chair full time. Just make sure you don't overdo and you have supports you need.

No more walking at the top of the scaffolding. Use cameras for the workers so you can follow what they are doing when it is in a place that you might not be able to get to.

I hate this expression but I think it is good here - think outside of the box

I know for me working in an office counselling people would be too much. I can't always focus long enough to get me through a session. Chronic pain does take its toll on our bodies and minds. But it certainly isn't the end of the road. And you know that

Fleur

Hey Oldflame...I'm sending you a PM.

What about adapting what you know to help other people? Teaching folks to build for habitat for humanity? There can be a whole new life 'working' in non-profit.

It ain't over. Keep talking, believe me a lot of us have had to adjust to living with disabilities...you can do it and you might find, as I have, that you find your life's work is yet to be discovered.

hugs

essie

anewme

Old Flame you are a very smart man if you are a general contractor.
I KNOW you will come up with an idea that keeps you interested.

Now, ME, I'd worry about! But you, no.

Very best wishes,

Anewme

FlyingHighNow

Ohhh no. Old Flame, I know you will find ways to transform your lemons into lemonade. You know, a lot of people don't realize that Hank Williams suffered from severe back pain and that he didn't know he had spina bifida. They found it after his death. Medications he was given to control the pain are what ended up taking his life. Take care and possibly find a better, more comfortable way to post than sitting at a desk.

unclebruce

That's a damn shame oldflame - I wouldn't be taking a 10% chance either.

I know a few guys who've had disc replacement and they've all done really well. A fellow roofer was bent forward for years and had 3 plastic discs put in back in the 1970's. He was only off work a week and came back fit and happy (he wasn't young either - mid 50's ).

cheers

oldflame

Thanks everyone for your fine and caring words. This has been a mental blow for me more than the physical part. If a man could ever feel scared, just try taking his job away. That bread and butter going away if rather frightening.

Fleur

That bread and butter going away if rather frightening.

I know that feeling, it is terrifying. Hang in there...and keep talking about all this. Bottling things up isn't good. Do you have any buddies that have retired that you can ask for transition advice? I'm sure there are some guys here too that could offer advise if you post a thread asking for 'retirement' advice.

I feel your pain, man. hang in there.

essie

uninformed

Oldflame-------------------------

I broke my femur 9 years ago and went through depression and didn't know it. I was a cripple, in my mind, and out of work for a couple of years and just sat around and cried.

I got better and at 55 started a new business (masonry) and now lay bricks and do other related construction.

I have two advices for you:

1. Get the back operation only as a last resort after several doctors opinions.

2. Get yourself to a head doctor right away to help you through this. I didn't and the scars are still deep. Active, hardworking, successful don't do well on their ass. Get some help.

I feel for you and wish you the very best.

uninformed

Double Edge

Oldflame: This is an FYI......

Google: Axiom DX 9000

"The Axiom DRX 9000™, created by a team of top physicians and medical engineers, effectively treats low back pain caused by herniated or degenerative discs. This major advancement in medical technology significantly reduces back pain in 86% of patients and enables the majority of them to return to active lifestyles."

I know a chiropractor in the Southern California area who has one of these machines and he has had success with a lot of his patients.

Let me know if you need any additional info. Best of luck.

D.E.

I'm Done !

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