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I'm home now. I was only kept in the hospital 2 nights.
I am walking with my own walker when out and about.
But at home, I use a cane. (2 at first; now intermittently cane or no cane)
Doctor pushes walking as the best thing for my back.
I have already cut way back on the Oxycodone.
Ice packs are more effective anyway.
I cannot ride too long in the car yet.

Right after surgery, I experienced the weirdest hallucinations.
Every time I closed my eyes, I "saw" the prettiest patterns.
When watching TV, the illusions evolved from what I had just been watching.
When opening my eyes again, the visions vanished, yielding to what was in front of me.
I am SO not a fan of narcotics--at least I recognized what was real and what was not.

I am completely off the oxycodone.
What a relief!
Best sit-down I've had in weeks!
Released the kraken! (Or is that too graphic?)
Messaged the surgeon re how long he wants me to keep taking methocarbamol.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 14, 2022 8:46 pm

I have really missed being able to up and take a nice walk.
Even if it's just walking around a store.
Right now, I have to decide if I will need a cane before I step outsiude.
I want to take a nice wilderness hike--inadvisable right now.
And the wilderness is within (normal) walking distance from the house.
Right now, I wouldn't make it halfway to the near edge.

I love the alltrails app. I used it earlier today to find an easy trail since my footwear was poor. It gives member posted photos description etc.

But if the wilderness is right there, maybe look into the walking sticks that look like ski poles? Saw a somewhat handicapped man with a pair earlier. I also have an apple watch that will dial 911 if I have a hard fall. Something to consider.

Good luck!

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 12, 2022 10:10 pm

at least I recognized what was real and what was not.

I'm not sure I know what that would feel like; sounds like it would be awful. I mean, could anything be more painful than having a full grasp of reality?!

Would love to take a long quiet walk in the woods one day with you and yours, Ms. Frog. I choose to believe it will happen. So there!

My eldest son is a woodworker.
I will check with him about a custom pair--my size!
At 4'9", off-the-rack would be a horrible investment.
My phone is always in my fanny pack--and the cell towers are mere yards away.
No need for any fruit on my arm.

lynninnj wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 15, 2022 6:38 pm

maybe look into the walking sticks that look like ski poles?

Chunky, google "Nordic Walking".
Those special "ski like" walking poles made for both sports, rehab, and support. They are light and have adjustable versions for people of many heights.
Nordic walking gives your upper body a good workout better than just walking, and support more symetrical, more upright movement for those who have gait / balance problems.
I've been using mine with immense pleasure for many years - unless you have grip problems, I recommend the type that do not have straps.
Mine were made by Exerstrider - a company unfortunately hit by the Covid crisis - they have excellent "how to" youtube videos - look for the long one.

Their equivalent seems to be Activator -- see here https://youtu.be/YfM0LzCBhhM
PM me if you want more info

These are what my wife and I use. I got a gray pair and she got the blue. Had them a few years and love them.

1 Pair (2 Poles) Anti Shock, Adjustable, Collapsible Hiking Poles for Trekking or Walking, Lightweight Aluminum Sticks for Men, Women, Seniors, Kids & Children, Backpacking & Camping Gear https://a.co/d/5RPMW7s

Note that they are for most all sizes: "For people from 3'6" to 6'4" "

And if you don't like the straps, you can snip 'em off.

Just for a trial, I think I'll go with diy, made from goodwill carbon golf club
shafts and misc. parts from the junk box.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 16, 2022 10:08 am

Just for a trial, I think I'll go with diy, made from goodwill carbon golf club
shafts and misc. parts from the junk box.

To the other two posters who actually had a name for the ski pole thingies....yes yes yes thank you!

To the Frog..... i think like you do and would probably be doing the same. Or, maybe if you have a ski shop nearby that sells used skis, maybe they have used poles for a cheap price and you can find someone who is taller than you who gave theirs up?

The spiky ends that can stick into the ground will really help you stabilize. But whatever you do, please be careful!

Goodwill was a bust! Only steel golf clubs--too heavy for trekking.
Wally world had carbon poles; but the aluminum were about the same weight--
And way less coin, too.
I considered putting a protective coat on the cork handles,
but decided to leave them alone.

I just found out why the surgeon did not use a cage in my surgery.
The angle on my stenosis was so steep, there was no space for one.
Probably due to waiting over TWO YEARS for referral to an orthopedic surgeon!
On the bright side, my nerve pain is nearly non-existent, and my back is much better.
So glad I went for repair, rather than pain control.
I have no doubt the stenosis would have progressed to really ugly results.
I expect to ask my PCP for an honest explanation when I see him.

My husband is specializing in "senior fitness" as a certified fitness instructor. He is big on using "orthopedic walking poles" (I can't remember the brand but I'll ask). We might be able to get you some at cost if you are interested (though not cheap), and there are fitness people and Physical Therapists who specialize in training people to use them.

They are VERY light weight, but very sturdy. They have crutch-like holes and pins to adjust height so they can't collapse on you, and special molded cork handles to put your hand position in the exact right place. I have used them with great success on hikes at the coast because I have rotten balance and back issues too. We are both very short and they have plenty of adjustment for us vertically challenged folks. Last time we went hiking at the coast there were really strong winds, and--as an added bonus--the wind "played the flute" on the poles--it took me a while to figure out where the sound was coming from.

Thank you, but I already pulled the trigger on the aluminum poles at Wally World.
Under $20, but with decent cork grips--about right for my level of ambition--for now

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 19, 2022 11:38 am

On the bright side, my nerve pain is nearly non-existent, and my back is much better.
So glad I went for repair, rather than pain control.

Here's wishing you a quick recovery. And remember to do whatever PT they ask you to do.