you’re one of the coolest and smartest people i know man. so happy to know you’re going to be pain free finally after so many years of going through it silently. you’re going to have a fast af recovery and let’s soon get back to flying towards our dreams (pain free)!!
I’ve never talked about this bc I don’t like making my problems other people’s problems but spinal cord compression is no joke and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
I figure sharing could help give ppl insight on what can come from this if you have anyone you know dealing with it who probably also won’t share these feelings for the same reason.
I’ve been dealing with this issue of severe cervical stenosis with opll for over 6 years since I was in high school and atp it’s all I know. Not telling anyone of my issues made me feel somewhat isolated at times and more prone to disassociation because my human experience has been very different than most.
I try my absolute hardest, stretch for hours per day, do whatever will help in the gym every day for it to have changed nothing whatsoever but still get up and try despite this to the same familiar unearthly physical sensations. It has felt very Sisyphean. And while I was going through this I’d just study and work 12 hours per day which probably wasn’t the best idea but I prob wouldn’t be where I am without it so 🤷♂️.
At the same time because all the pain killers they gave me early on I developed beastly GI issues. I don’t wanna get into the bloody details but it wasn’t good lol. It took years of personal research and advisory appointment’s to fix but I did and that’s all behind me now and has been for 2 years.
My friends would mostly just goof off in college so I just felt like a very different human to them because although we look different externally and have similar hobbies and whatnot my physical human experience was dramatically different.
When things like this persist despite giving it ur 110% effort 365 days per year for the better half of a decade in silence it can ware on you. And keeping a positive attitude throughout is incredibly hard but super necessary because ur thoughts shape ur reality and I think it’s rly important to just treat others well and no physical issue should ever get in the way of that.
But yeah just wanted to share what the reality of dealing with something like this can look like and the toll it can take on your psyche. And just as a reminder that u don’t know what people are going through so it’s so important to be kind to everyone u see because none of us know what other ppl are going through behind closed doors.
I feel incredibly blessed to be working in the industry I am with such good people surrounded by great friends and to have the ability to come back from any physical issues with proper effort and dedication. We’re all in this together 🙌
I already feel many aches I’ve always had gone after this operation only 18 hours with no pain meds beyond Tylenol which definitely makes me hopeful!!!
I spent years doing every single other treatment plan that didn’t work and after a battery of tests I decided this operation ACDF c5-c7 was the best plan of attack and was able to get 9 different orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other doctors opinion on the matter all who suggested the same.
I love you all!! 🫶🫶🫶