At last

Hello everyone! Yes..at last.. and I'm not talkin Etta James..after nearly five years of constant pain I recently had my third back surgery. This one was no fun at all. Three and a half hours of surgery has relieved some of the pain , yet the disabling nerve damage has been made worse due to the surgery activity around the nerve. I'm back on the 2-3 years recovery, hoping some of the nerve damage will repair. I'm still really sore inside. It hursts. Can't sit.. well I can, but not without causing numbness. Walking up stairs and hills is still a no no. Walking daily on a flat surface has been recommended for my recovery. Being real careful in my body mechanics to avoid setbacks. I have to thank Rick and Jennifer for their help and kindness. Ricks handling of the pre-opt mri intrepretations led directly to the right decision. Jennifer's minding my post-opt recovery helped althrough my recovery. I stayed until they were demolishing their kitchen and family area. A timely exit. ( I was sleeping on the family area floor for the first week) I've been home a week now...and I...really miss Jennifer's dinners. Can't find food prepared that good at a restaurant! I found I can't even duplicate her oatmeal. I'm still trying. Can't forget my little buddy..my shadow..Marley ,I'll miss her too.I been talking with Melanie trying to get her and Steve home for Christmas. Tickets are so darn expensive at this time of year. By the time she new her Christmas schedule..tickets prices soared. Gouging! It sucks. If not Christmas...maybe early January. When she and Steve do get home I would like to have a family get together. To be announced. Got to spend a little time with Sam and Megan. Couldn't participate in most activities. I can always eat...yikes.. have to watch my calorie intake or I will gain weight. Darn! O.K. I'm attaching some pictures of my trip., before and after. Enjoy! Craig.