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My Spinal Decompression Surgery

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I'll never forget the date, the nineteenth of November It's etched firmly in my mind, and I'll always remember It was the day that I had my spinal decompression surgery And hopefully it would put an end to over a year of misery. I was struggling to walk, and it was depressing for me And it was especially frustrating for all my close family I couldn't go cycling or for walks in the countryside I just wanted to stay at home and from the world hide. My journey started with physio, but exercise caused me pain And I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever be the same again My MRI scan showed trapped nerves at the base of my spine I opted for surgery and the surgeon reassured me I'd be fine. I arrived at the hospital and was under the care of a surgeon A renowned Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon, Mr Faizul Hassan They put surgical socks on me, along with a hospital gown Then a porter arrived at nine o'clock to take me down. They put a mask on my face and then I went to sleep And it was a quarter to one when I was woken by a beep A nurse then asked me if I wanted a drink of water And I thought I'm having an op, maybe I'll have it later. But I'd had my operation, and I didn't feel any leg or back pain I was so relieved I'd had it done and I could live normally again The porter took me back to ward one and the nurses were there It is their kindness I'll never forget and their excellent care. And all the surgeons too who performed my operation They've given me my life back; for them I'm full of admiration And all the porters, admin staff and auxiliary nurses too They all play a vital part in making dreams come true. I'm recovering at home now and post op I've got slight pain I'm so glad to have had it done; I have plenty to gain My three daughters and my wife are now looking after me And I consider myself lucky to have such a caring family. In a fortnight I've got to have staples removed from my back Then my back won't feel so stiff, and I'll soon be back on track And I've got to take it easy for a few months and watch what I do No heavy lifting of any kind and in six weeks return for a review. Written on the 23rd November 2023 Dedicated to all the staff at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham. UK.

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Paul Callus

Date: 12/13/2023 2:48:00 PM

Surgery is never something to look forward to, but considering you were in pain and unable to do what you loved most to do, it was a correct decision which you took, Tom. May you keep getting better a day at a time...thumbs up, my friend! Take care // paul

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/13/2023 5:29:00 PM

Thank you very much Paul, it was three weeks ago now and already I can feel the difference. The pain in my legs has gone, just got to rest for a few weeks while I heal. Tom

Michael Tor

Date: 12/9/2023 7:20:00 PM

Tom as you know I haven't been on in a while. I was not aware of your surgery till now. I am so glad your on your way to a full recovery. Pain is a terrible thing to deal with. Those of us that have the misfortune to experience some type of pain daily can feel for what you were going through. I am so glad you are finding relief thanks to these great men and woman that are so talented and skillful to be able to resolve your issue through surgery. I will be praying for your recovery. Thank you so

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/11/2023 4:14:00 AM

Will do Michael, been 3 weeks now and I'm getting stronger each day that passes. Tom

Michael Tor
Date: 12/10/2023 5:13:00 PM

Keep us posted Tom on your recovery.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/9/2023 10:14:00 PM

Thank you very much Michael, it was like a black cloud hanging over me for the last year, first I went to the doctors who gave me painkillers but it did not solve it, them I had physio and an xray. She thought it could be narrowing of the spine and trapped nerves, she was right and referred me to an orthopaedic physio who organised an MRI, I could see myself on the screen what the problem was, he referred me to see an orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic hospital in Birmingham who told me if I didn't have corrective surgery then the nerves would eventually die and could lead to loss of bowel and bladder function and having to use a wheelchair, I couldn't sign the consent form quick enough. Had it done 3 weeks ago, I'm still tired and my back is aching but should be clear up after about three months, I can live with that. Just got to make sure I rest and take things easy, the care I had was excellent. Tom

Michael Tor
Date: 12/9/2023 7:25:00 PM

much for informing us and I really admire your dedication to those health workers that have made your life more comfortable in aiding you to a full recovery. It is always nice to hear a happy ending to a painful start. I was not aware you were suffering for a year. I know your wife and daughters and medical staff and all your Soup friends will give you all the support in the world. Lets hope for a full recovery and a happy ending. God heal you my good friend...

Panagiota Romios

Date: 12/9/2023 11:53:00 AM

I can’t think of any other person that deserved a POTD than you. And you will recover with family and staff at the hospital who did so well. God is there too for you!really a late this is really a late congratulations. take time and recovery wprk! I remember breing at Maria’s after my broken thigh. She reminded me that they if they couldn’t fix it. I would have had my leg amputated.. I never thought of that. But here I am with two legs after good surgery. Pangie xxx

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/9/2023 10:09:00 PM

Thank you very much Pangie, the past year has been quite a dark one for me and never thought I'd see the light of day again. When the surgeon told me that if the nerves weren't freed them I'd be immobilised, surgery was the only option. We've both been through it and thank God it's now behind us, I've still got backache and feeling very tired but that should pass in time. I've just got to take it easy for a while. Enjoy your weekend. Tom

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/9/2023 11:00:00 AM

Wow to feel healed is so wonderful. I wish my husband and I could find doctors to trest us as well. You are really fortunate. Best of luck with your full recovery.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/9/2023 10:03:00 PM

Thank you very much Andrea, The care I received was excellent, they couldn't do enough for me. I've still got a way with full recovery but the pains I had that were preventing me from long walks has gone. Looking forward to doing normal things again. Tom

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/5/2023 5:35:00 PM

Dear Tom, I so glad to know that your surgery was a success and was not postpones again. How wonderful for you! Your tribute poem to your caregivers is beautifully expressive especially "My three daughters and my wife are now looking after me/And I consider myself lucky to have such a caring family." Indeed, you are a man rich in both family and poetic talent my friend. Belated congratulations for POTD honors. Great to have you back! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/5/2023 9:41:00 PM

Thank you very much Susan, I've been struggling this past year, my surgeon was straight to the point, if I didn't have corrective surgery the nerves to my legs could die so I opted for it. My leg pains have gone and just mild pain in my back that should disappear in a few weeks. I think we're both blessed to have such a caring family and it's true what they say, family are everything. Thanks too for your congrats and good wishes. Have a lovely Christmas. Tom

Hiya Sharma

Date: 12/4/2023 4:20:00 AM

Tom, this is honestly a very sweet piece, reflecting your journey of spinal decompression surgery and then on the path of recovering from it. You've truly created a whole image here & I know how stressful it can get during a surgery, but it's only for the better propels us towards mending.I really hope that your healing takes place with comforting aura and that you don't feel much pain.I also wish you so much light, congratulations on receiving the honour of POTD too, glad to connect with you :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/4/2023 5:17:00 AM

Thank you very much for your congrats and good wishes Hiya. It all started just over a year ago when I started to get severe pains in both legs and it was struggle to walk, an MRI showed that my spine had narrowed trapping the nerves, the only solution was surgery which I opted for. I'm now recovering at home and the pains in both my legs have gone. The care that I received was nothing short of excellent. Tom

Duke Beaufort

Date: 12/1/2023 7:41:00 PM

Tom, as one who has had a number of surgeries in the past couple of years, I can empathize. The upside is having the chance to be with the wonderful caregivers who are the saints of our society. I tell them I'm on a medical vacation since to me, having a procedure with caring people is like a vacation in a way. I feel like a hospital tourist. You have a great sense of appreciation and humor. Many thanks for that!!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/1/2023 9:12:00 PM

Thank you very much Duke, the past year has been a rough ride for me and I'll be glad to see the back of it. The care that I received was nothing short of excellent. I agree they are the saints of our societies. I had trapped nerves at the base of my spine and they've given me my life back, I'm still recovering at home and pain free.. Yesterday I had to have all 18 staples removed from my back and it feels ten times better now. I hope you are keeping well. Tom

Janice Canerdy

Date: 11/30/2023 6:26:00 AM

Tom, I'm convinced that you could take any subject and describe it skillfully, lucidly, and vividly in a rhyming poem. This is a masterpiece~~well-deserving of the title POTD! Hope you'll soon be 100 percent!! Janice

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/30/2023 8:43:00 AM

Thank you very much Janice, I owe the hospital a great debt, they've given me my life back, I could have lost the use of my legs if I didn't have the op. I've got to go to my doctors tomorrow to have all 18 staples removed from my back. Tom

Terry Flood

Date: 11/29/2023 5:09:00 PM

Well, that’s a hell of a way to get out of doing the dishes, Tom. Seriously… so glad to hear you’ve ’been done’ and will soon be mended. Congrats on POTD and all due respect to your medical team (I’m not always too flattering to the NHS). Looking forward to your increasing presence back on Soup. Terry

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/29/2023 9:03:00 PM

Thank you very much Terry, been like a dark cloud over me this past year but the clouds are dispersing now. I just couldn't fault the care I received, it was excellent from start to finish. Still recovering and taking it easy till things heal. I know I haven't been active on here, my head was elsewhere. Tommorow I've got to go to the doctors to have 18 staples removed from my back. Just finished a course of morphine tablets, had some weird dreams taking them, I'll have to find a dealer now as they are a class A drug lol. Hope you're keeping well. Tom

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 11/29/2023 1:58:00 PM

Dear Tom, What a sweet man you are to write such a lovely tribute thanking those that help you on your healing journey. I'm happy to hear that you are now on the mend and have such a wonderful family aiding and supporting you. I'm reading Michael J. Fox's book currently No time like the future which is educating me to not only his struggles with Parkinsons but also his back surgery. He's been thru so many physical challenges. God bless you and yours..

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/29/2023 8:56:00 PM

Thank you very much Nancy, it started well over a year ago with cramps on mainly my left leg, I just thought it was getting on in years but an MRI showed the gap at the base of my spine was nearly closing up trapping the nerves, they put me down as a priority and I'm so glad I had it done. Still got a way to go recovery wise but the signs are good. I heard about Micheal. J. Fox and his struggles with his health. You just never know what's around the corner. Tom

Lisa Ricci

Date: 11/29/2023 7:51:00 AM

Dear Tom. You may not feel marvelous but you look marvelous. What a grand photo of you giving a thumbs up. I'm very sorry you needed surgery. I hope it is successful for you. Your thanksgiving gift is that you are alive to tell the story. Always do you remain a skilled story teller. Truly. Take care of yourself. Remember body mechanics and slow and steady movements as not to cause further pain and inflammation. Have a better day today filled with health and recovery. Peace and Blessings always. (smile)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/29/2023 8:06:00 AM

Thank you very much Lisa, today is the first time in ages since I felt better in myself. I'm taking things easy at home now and won't overdo things. The problem was trapped nerves at the base of my spine and I was struggling to walk at times and had pains in mainly the left leg, since the op the pains have gone. I've got to go to my doctors on Friday to have staples removed from my back, all 18 of them. I can't drive for six weeks and have to wear compression socks for the same to prevent blood clots. Tom

John Watt

Date: 11/28/2023 4:17:00 PM

Tom, where would we be without skilled doctors and caring nurses? Glad you are relieved of your chronic pain, thanks for sharing your journey with us in your inimitable style. Heal quickly, my friend ~ John

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/28/2023 10:34:00 PM

For the past year I've been under a dark cloud, when I saw the surgeon he told me if the nerves die it would be too late and I could lose the use of my legs, surgery was the only way to free them. They'd marked me down as priority and had it done on 19th of November, the signs are good and my legs no longer have what was like electric shocks in them . Got to take things slowly while I heal. They've given me my life back and I'll be forever in their debt, the care I received was excellent. Hope you're keeping well John. Tom

Sara Kendrick

Date: 11/28/2023 5:22:00 AM

I have been through two surgeries on the spine. The first one was before the newer techniques, and it was hard on me taking about 18 months to recover but I did recover and did okay for 20 years, then another disc had problems. I had the newer surgery the second time. It still took me 18 months to recover, and I am having trouble again with the same area. I hope I don't have to have another one. I know you will do fine and get back up going but make sure you do exactly as the doctors tell you.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/28/2023 8:03:00 AM

Thank you very much Sara, sorry to hear you too have had spinal problems, mine started over a year ago and I was struggling to walk, an Mri showed the gap at the base of my spine had narrowed trapping the nerves and the only option was surgery. So far the signs are good and I no longer have leg pain. I can't do any lifting or driving for a while and I've just got to rest. But I'm looking forward to going for walks again and getting out on my bike. Thank you for your prayers. Tom

Sara Kendrick
Date: 11/28/2023 5:24:00 AM

Thank you for dropping by my page to say congratulations on my POTD especially with you in this situation. I will remember you in my prayers for a speedy and full recovery. Sara K

Abdullah Alhemaidy

Date: 11/27/2023 10:20:00 PM

Handsome face!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/28/2023 1:00:00 AM

Well I'm happy with it lol.

Abdullah Alhemaidy

Date: 11/27/2023 10:18:00 PM

Hello Tom :-) Good prayers, best and warmest wishes, hopefully you will be better off and get perfect health soon dear lovey poet, ~AA

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 11:22:00 PM

Thank you very much for your prayers and good wishes Abdullah, the op went well and I'm now recovering at home. I've got to take things easy for a while. Tom

Susan Lawrence

Date: 11/27/2023 6:09:00 PM

Tom ! You are on the recovery side . Yipeee ! So glad to hear your pain has dissolved and you will be able to cycle with your family again ! I am one of three daughters and my Dad sure did get a lot of love . You must be getting spoiled with 4 women tending to you . Belated congratulations on POTD . Hugs and all good healing wishes you . Susan :) x

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 9:10:00 PM

Thank you very much for your congrats and good wishes Susan, it had been cancelled twice before then on the 19th it finally went ahead, I'd never been in hospital before so it was unchartered waters for me. The care I had was excellent and now at home it continues, one of my daughters is a nurse aa well. This coming Friday I have got to have 18 staples removed from my lower back, after that the only way is up. Be a while before I can cycle and drive again but I've so much to look forward to. Hope you're keeping well. Tom

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/27/2023 5:54:00 PM

Congratulations on POTD, dear Tom!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 9:02:00 PM

Thank you very much for your congrats and return visit Kim. Tom

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 11/27/2023 4:21:00 PM

Hello tom, i hope you get better soon. I am happy to hear that hyou gor POTD. I hope that the stapes will not hurt too much when they come out. Take care. Darlene./

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 11/28/2023 3:35:00 PM

Hello tom, Oh -tom those staples must hurt awful. Yes tell the nurse to take her time to out the staples. I am busy doing Christmas shopping. the tree is up ready to be decorated. Bushes and trees outside is decorated. Enjhoy your evening my friend. /Darlene/

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 4:50:00 PM

Thank you very much for your congrats and return visit Darlene, The wound is healing nicely and the swelling has gone down and I can feel the staples in me pressing on my back, it will be the last hurdle on the road to recovery. I'll tell the nurse to take her time lol. Hope you're week is going well. Tom

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/27/2023 5:25:00 AM

So glad you are on the recovery side, Tom! I know about that thankfulness. I felt that way when I had Gallbladder Surgery, just so thankful to everyone. God bless you with a quick and fruitful recovery. Hugs ~ Kim

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 11/27/2023 5:15:00 PM

Hope all goes easy. Thinking of you!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 6:59:00 AM

Thank you very much Kim, I must admit it was a bit daunting as I'd never been in hospital as a patient but I needn't have worried as the care I received was wonderful from start to finish. I'm home now recovering but Friday I have all 18 staples removed from my back. Be glad when their out. Tom

Lin Lane

Date: 11/27/2023 2:52:00 AM

I’m two days back and still trying to catch up on reading and commenting. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this one and congratulations on it being potd, Tom!! I was relieved when you let us know you were ok. Love the thumbs up picture and the backless gown. ;-)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 7:00:00 AM

I'm looking forward to walking and getting out on my bike again, there's some lovely country roads not to far away.

Lin Lane
Date: 11/27/2023 3:41:00 AM

I’ve never been stapled, Tom, so I can only imagine the feeling. I’d want them out ASAP. It must be wonderful to know it’s over and your back pain will no longer prevent you from doing the things you’ve not been able to enjoy for so long.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2023 3:34:00 AM

Thank you very much Lin, my backless sexy off the shoulder number Deb called it. It was all open at the back but I was past caring, they've seen it all before lol. The only discomfort I've got is where the swelling on the wound has gone down and I can feel the staples pressing on my back, roll on Friday. My wife took the pic a couple of hours after the op. The cloud that was hanging over me for the past year has gone now and I'll soon start living again. Tom

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/26/2023 5:42:00 AM

Hi Tom back with congrats - enjoy the honor and enjoy your first day home. Blessings Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/26/2023 6:44:00 AM

Thank you very much Jennifer, taking things easy until I'm fit again. The morphine is knocking me out. Tom

Eve Roper

Date: 11/25/2023 11:29:00 PM

Glad you are in good hands. Congratulations on POTD

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/26/2023 12:03:00 AM

Thank you very much Eve, it's such a relief to have had it done, my leg pain has gone but a bit of pain from where they operated on me. The morphine is helping me but knocks me out, I'm in and out of sleep all day. My family are continuing the excellent care, my middle daughter is a nurse and has been up changing the dressing on my wound. Hope you're keeping well Tom

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/25/2023 11:22:00 PM

I also had a lower back problem and a pain down my Leg but it wasn't sciatica, it was from a bad fall last year when I tripped over my own feet in the bathroom and fractured my femur and broke my wrist.So had another op and the anesthetics were to close to each other i nearly died, had to be rushed hospital , in ICU for 3 days. All my stats started to fail but here I am. Blessings my friend looks like you have a good team at the ready. Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/26/2023 12:00:00 AM

Thank you Jennifer, yes I remember your accident, thank god you're OK now. The staff at the Orthopaedic hospital were brilliant and made my stay a happy one. Be a while before I'm back to normal but looking forward to doing normal things again that I used to take for granted. Hope you're keeping well. Tom

Joe Maverick

Date: 11/25/2023 10:54:00 PM

Hello Tom, good to hear you are getting on The road of recovery, I have a trapped nerve In my shoulder and thats awkward, so I can imagine you were suffering a lot.? All the best Joe.'

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/25/2023 10:59:00 PM

Thank you very much Joe, sorry to hear you too have a problem with a trapped nerve, mine were trapped at the base of my spine and it was a struggle to walk. Just got to take things easy while things heal. Tom

Brandy Nicole

Date: 11/25/2023 6:17:00 PM

Dear Tom, so sorry to hear that you've been in pain and unable to walk or enjoy any outdoor activities. So thankful that everything went well with your spinal surgery. This is a beautiful tribute to the wonderful nurses and to all those that took care of you. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/25/2023 9:37:00 PM

Thank you very much Brandy, It was the great unknown to me as I'd never been in hospital as a patient but the staff were wonderful and put me at ease. Now my family have carried on with the excellent care My daughter is a nurse and has been up a few times to change the dressing on the wound, next Friday I've got to go to the doctors to have 18 staples removed from where they had to open my back. Hope you're keeping well. Tom