"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
k.net...
Today the doctor informed me I have a 2 herinated discs in my lower
back. They are badly damaged and the doctor surgery is my only viable
option. (this is the third opinion)

Has anyone in the group had a back operation? If so, I would like to
hear about your experience(s), both good and bad.

Thanks,

Capt. Frank
I had surgery for a herniated disk back in 1973. Had some intermittent
problems for about 5 years after that. Back would lock up, muscle spasms,
etc. but then I changed professions from a desk job to that of an appliance
salesman where I was carrying TVs and microwave ovens, etc out to customers
cars. That built up the muscles in my back and I haven't had any problems
for the last 25 years. My son had same surgery a couple of years ago..he's
a truck driver and part time farmer and he seems to be much less bothered
after the surgery than I was. My mother had a herniated disk and because of
her age (65 at the time) she wasn't a candidate for surgery. She was able
to do almost nothing for 6 months and it healed itself. She started by
sleeping on the floor for a while and was gradually able to move to a softer
sleep surface. After six months was back to dancing every Friday night.
She's 82 now and is a lot more limber than I ever was.