Going back to college in your early 40s...sounds like a terrible idea...but Im considering it.

[thinhorn_AK]

Well, I wasn't expecting this one to resurface, but here it is.
Alot of guys with some inspiring experiences and solid input...and some weird shit about college art chicks to boot...good reads.
I wish I had something I could home in on and just know "yep...thats it...thats my goal, thats what I want to do" like some of you have...Ive not found that yet, but Ive not given up either.

I suppose I should have updated, but not much positive progress to report.
Lately Ive been in maintain/survive mode and havent accomplished much other than fighting lumbar spine issues that suddenly started affecting my legs/feet pretty bad a few months ago and really been kicking my ass.
Not doing much other than desk duty at the daily grind, PT, doctors visits and trying to get an injection set up soon in hopes to get it more manageable before my moose hunt in September...which has been one of few things keeping me going and somewhat motivated. That hunt, should my back not slide further down hill before hand, will soon be followed by l4-l5 decompression surgery and possibly some work at l5-s1 before the years end. Im still working things out with the surgeon but 2 separate opinions point towards how soon and not if I'll need to go under the knife.
Ive had back pain for over a decade, but some congenital issues accompanied by 25 years of physical labor finally caught up with me it seems. This may force my hand to find a different route to finishing out my working years though Im really not sure where its all gonna lead just yet.
Not real worried about to far in the future presently to be honest. The last few months of my own and immediate family health issues, vacations, kids sports/activities and just trying to keep up with life in general while living in pretty constant pain has pretty well dimmed any glimmer of clarity I was searching for and Ive made peace with that for the time being.
I dont wanna sound like a downer. Im ok, life is not bad by any means and Im fortunate enough to have alot of support on the home front come what may.
I just dont have the bandwidth to process much more than the day to day right now.
The fresh start success stories are always good to read, keep them coming for anyone who might find some motivation and reassurance in them.

I'll update if I ever manage to stop falling apart long enough to get my shit together.

Keep your head up man, I’ve found myself in some pretty dire straights over the years with injuries and setback and look at me, I’m awesome…..at least my dogs think so. Sometimes I can trick my wife into thinking so too.

 

[StuckInTheEast]

Man plans...God laughs.
It is what it is. Not dead yet, just delayed again, it'll all pan out one way or another.

 

[CorbLand]

Man plans...God laughs.
It is what it is. Not dead yet, just delayed again, it'll all pan out one way or another.

If it makes you feel better. I moved to Utah to go to school. Plan was to be here for 4 years and bounce…16 year later, I am still here. So just figure it out in less than 16 years and you got me beat.

 

[wildmek]

Well, I wasn't expecting this one to resurface, but here it is.
Alot of guys with some inspiring experiences and solid input...and some weird shit about college art chicks to boot...good reads.
I wish I had something I could home in on and just know "yep...thats it...thats my goal, thats what I want to do" like some of you have...Ive not found that yet, but Ive not given up either.

I suppose I should have updated, but not much positive progress to report.
Lately Ive been in maintain/survive mode and havent accomplished much other than fighting lumbar spine issues that suddenly started affecting my legs/feet pretty bad a few months ago and really been kicking my ass.
Not doing much other than desk duty at the daily grind, PT, doctors visits and trying to get an injection set up soon in hopes to get it more manageable before my moose hunt in September...which has been one of few things keeping me going and somewhat motivated. That hunt, should my back not slide further down hill before hand, will soon be followed by l4-l5 decompression surgery and possibly some work at l5-s1 before the years end. Im still working things out with the surgeon but 2 separate opinions point towards how soon and not if I'll need to go under the knife.
Ive had back pain for over a decade, but some congenital issues accompanied by 25 years of physical labor finally caught up with me it seems. This may force my hand to find a different route to finishing out my working years though Im really not sure where its all gonna lead just yet.
Not real worried about to far in the future presently to be honest. The last few months of my own and immediate family health issues, vacations, kids sports/activities and just trying to keep up with life in general while living in pretty constant pain has pretty well dimmed any glimmer of clarity I was searching for and Ive made peace with that for the time being.
I dont wanna sound like a downer. Im ok, life is not bad by any means and Im fortunate enough to have alot of support on the home front come what may.
I just dont have the bandwidth to process much more than the day to day right now.
The fresh start success stories are always good to read, keep them coming for anyone who might find some motivation and reassurance in them.

I'll update if I ever manage to stop falling apart long enough to get my shit together.

Read one of John Sarno’s books before you get surgery “the mind body prescription” or the older version “healing back pain”

Unless you were in a car accident or something recently I’ll bet you’ll find it an interesting read considering your work/life situation and a surprisingly fast recovery if you take it to heart.

 

[StuckInTheEast]

Read one of John Sarno’s books before you get surgery “the mind body prescription” or the older version “healing back pain”

Unless you were in a car accident or something recently I’ll bet you’ll find it an interesting read considering your work/life situation and a surprisingly fast recovery if you take it to heart.

I'll check it out.
I in no way want to have back surgery, but the imaging/symptoms paint pretty clear picture. I have pretty pronounced stenosis at L4-L5...its the throat of an hour glass basically...widens above at l3-l4 and below there at l5-s1 due to compounded issues of bulged disc, congenital defect, arthritis and excessive fatty deposit in spinal canal there as well. The disc is thinner than it should be causing pretty severe pinching of nerve roots resulting in the sciatica and leg/foot issues as well as some nasty sharp pains from back into legs when it pinches, over and above the constant discomfort and cramping feeling in legs.
I've neen in PT an on multiple medications to try to get sone relief for months with no improvements. Hoping an injection or two takes the edge enough to get through newfoundland hunt in manageable condition and gives me some time to explore any feasible alternatives.
I dont want surgery, but I dont wanna dick around too long and end up with nerve damage. Rather have surgery now than at 55-60 healing wise and hopefully get 15-20 years of relief vs be miserable and just manage symptoms until I cant and have surgery then with likely less effective results....its alot to consider and weigh out either way.