Out of the game for this winter...

[MT Hank]

Looks like I am going to miss the ice fishing this winter... Had an injury to my lower back (herniated disc) at work about 3 months ago and it has got worse as time passes (missed hunting season as well) and the Doctors have not come up with a solution as of yet... Had tests, MRI, more tests and spine injections (2). Now on disability and going for more tests next week... So even if they do come up with a cure/fix, I don't believe I will be in any shape soon enough to trust my back before ice out.

Everyone have a great and successful winter on the ice! AND BE SAFE!!!

[surflizard]

I wish you luck and speedy recovery Hank, I have had that injury and all that goes with it, it can be a very painfull and long lasting injury ! I am in the same boat, I had emergency Stomach surgery last Thursday and due to complications, My ice season is also over before it started. I just wanted you to know you are not alone and others here know how you feel ! Good luck and God Bless, I hope the New Year treats you kinder !


Surf

[Bullelk34]

Sorry to hear that Hank- I had my back fused L5-S1 and it was the best thing I ever did. The good news, the Doc that did it now works up there in Kalispell. Dr Rizzolo, I think he's at Flathead Medical, have you been to him? I had 2 other docs ferk me around for 8 years, and when I finally went to see Rizzolo, I was all fixed up in a few months. Please go see him if you haven't already!!!! PM me for any more info you need, you don't have to live in pain buddy!!!

[Robbi]

Sorry to hear it Hank and you too surflizard........the bright side is that you're not missing much so far this year......and when we do finally get the right weather, it'll be over before you can cast to an ice hole......So recoup and get ready for the open water season. 

[garyh]

I missed last ice fishing season also. I had back surgery and they fused L3,4,5 and S1 together along with 8 screws and misc. hardware. It has been a year and I am feeling much better. The Dr. said it would take a year to a year and half to recover. I did go to Browns lake a couple of weeks ago and fished. Starting next week I hope to go at least once a week. Just take it easy and you will feel better. The fish will be there next year!

[Jim F]

Bummer Hank, if you get the urge to go, we can haul yer stuff and drill the holes

[MatCat]

Good luck and wishing you a speedy recovery.

[i c]

sorry to hear that Hank hope you have a quick and good recovery and can get out on the ice as soon as possible,

[wyofly99]

Sorry to hear about the injury's guys.... That sucks..... Youll be better before you know it!!!!!!

[PerchAssault]

Hank,

I know what you are going thru...hurt my back almost 30 years ago while in the A.F. and live with it daily.  Until they get that disk from bulging into the nerve sack, you are going to be introuble.  I have been going to John Francis Jr at Valley Chiropractic for years, and he keeps me mobile and mostly pain free.

Keep in touch.

[oldflatlander]

had my 5 and 6th fused together in 1996. I think it's your best route depending on how bad.It sounds pretty bad if your in that much pain.You should look for a good  neurosurgen that will listen to you.Only you now how much pain your in no matter how many pictures they take of your back.
  good luck. hope you get better and able to get out there soon.

[MT Hank]

Thanks all...

I know what you all are saying... I have been to this rodeo twice before. First time ended up with L4~L5 fused (17+ years ago), the usual screws and straps. Second time about 7 years ago but a milogram and injection took care of that one. This one?? Still not sure but finally got the drugs figured out so I have at least reduced the pain to liveable... Doctor has me off work cause I can do squat, infact I can't even "squat" 
I have a electro nerve test this Friday... Sounds like a blast!

Any way thanks again for the support and all of you that are/were in this situation or like this... Take care of yourselves!
And the ones who are not?  Catch a few for me!

[luckyliver]

will miss you,your wife, and the dog on the ice, but donn't give up, been there too.

[Bullelk34]

I have a electro nerve test this Friday... Sounds like a blast!

I remember that test, EMG I think? They stick needles in you in 2 places and hook up the voltage, you're right, it's fun! They stick you a bunch, but really it's not as painful as it sounds. You'll be sore, but that pain isn't as bad as the back pain. Good luck bud, and bring a leather strap to bite down on   

[MT Hank]

and bring a leather strap to bite down on    

Thanks! That makes me look so forward to this 

[surflizard]

Good luck with your test Hank and I hope it goes well when they are testing you ! Pain is just your bodys way of letting you know that it thinking about ya, I just wish mine weren't so damn considerate  !



Surf

[camosled02]

MT Hank  I had a similar issue with my lower back (slipped disk).  Have you checked out a chiropractor?  It helped me out in about 3-4 weeks.  Best of luck with the recovery!

[bluemountainlaker]

that really sucks! i hope you find out whats wrong

[fishjunkie]

may you  have a speed recovery on the  back hank i feel you  pain