Surgery – Log (Pre OP, OP, Post OP – Training/Recovery/Gear)

**Eduke93** · 10-31-2018, 04:26 AM

Hey All!

So I haven’t posted in a while, some of you probably remember I was having some neurological problems and was struggling to identify the problem.

I had several sets of blood work, various appointments with GP, neurologist and then finally they sent me for an MRI. The MRI showed that one of my vertebrae’s collapsed in my neck which has caused the disk between to break and protrude into my spinal cord. So this is what was causing my symptoms.

Symptoms:
Numb hands
Loss of balance
Neck pain
Lack of coordination
Very weak legs (can’t do 1x un supported lunge)
Tremors
Muscle spasms
Very strange skin sensations like extreme sensitivity, especially around my core.

On 30th November (DATE CANCELLED, ITS NOW THE 10TH JANUARY UNLESS THEY GET A CANCELLATION, PISSED!!) I am booked in to have spinal surgery, I’m having an anterior cervical discectomy which is where they go through the front of my neck, remove the broken disk, re-open the vertebrae and screw a “fake” disc in there. Am pretty nervous as haven’t had an OP before, but have sat down with my surgeon several times and am very confident in his skill set! (he does the operation a couple times a month, surgeon for 15 years)

Anyway, thought I’d log the whole experience, might be interesting for some of you but also a good way for me to stay motivated!

Training the past few months has surprisingly been ok, on a PPL split, I’m not doing anything stupid. Just isolation work, higher reps and machines only. I am just on my TRT protocol at the moment last blast finished start of July, and to be honest I am happy with how I look considering the circumstances but I can’t wait to get this shit over and done with so I can crack on!

Plans post will be a blast (one doc has confirmed I’m good to go) to get back into the swing of things after loosing some weight, want to come out bigger and better, the gear maybe help further support recovery as well, I say maybe because I am unsure of the research on using deca post OP to support but have heard of its ability to apparently speed up recovery. I won’t start this cycle until I am ready to train again of course.

Operation recovery is generally 4-6 weeks, confident I’ll be able to do some work around week 4!

Thanks all!

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Added 02.11.18 - Just wanted to add a side note, Guess this is a log on my experience/experiences…. It’s all relative I suppose!

About 2.5 months into me experiencing the symptoms, I had basically self-diagnosed myself with MS, probably sounds silly to some of you guys, but all my symptoms were in line with MS and my GP towards the end of trying to find the problem also thought it was neurological and next on the list after the full body MRI (which diagnosed the problem) was a brain scan and spinal tap.

When you’re in this situation, your body isn’t working properly, your feeling depressed (I just about managed to grasp myself and stop myself from falling into depression), people around you telling you your fine when you know you’re not, feeling helpless, unable to do day to day things, falling over, losing grip dropping/smashing crockery, not being able to lift weights, not being able to walk up the stairs, involuntary spasms and tremors everywhere… some of what I experienced to paint a picture for you…. When you’re in a scenario like this you don’t care about the gym, gear, clothes, cars etc… all you care about is your health and your family.

It puts life into perspective, now I know my experience was miniscule compared to what people go through, which puts things into perspective even more. You need to appreciate your health and experience on this planet, because when your health is taken from you, you have nothing. All the things you thought you cared about, you don’t.

So to you people out there… before you make a potentially risky decision, whether its drug related or day to day, remember that your putting your health on the line and without your health you have nothing, so be cautious, take all the necessary steps in order to reduce the risk, and make sure you’re doing what you’re doing for YOURSELF and not allowing how other people perceive you as a motive, do not let your ego be the driving force in your life, if you do, you will live at the mercy of other people opinions…. Stay safe and be healthy!!!

**HoldMyBeer** · 10-31-2018, 04:50 AM

I'm glad they were finally able to identify the problem. Best of luck

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

**tarmyg** · 10-31-2018, 04:59 AM

Very happy to hear you found the problem and is getting help towards a solution. I saw you going through this and it made me hurt at the same time. I would, personally, buy and do anything to get better so look at both TB-500 and BPC-157. Deca , at a therapeutic level, will not hurt. I would not even think about the cycling part but more what you can do to heal faster and once you feel like yourself do you thing.

I'll be following this closely. The best of luck Eduke.

**Eduke93** · 10-31-2018, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by tarmyg

Very happy to hear you found the problem and is getting help towards a solution. I saw you going through this and it made me hurt at the same time. I would, personally, buy and do anything to get better so look at both TB-500 and BPC-157. Deca , at a therapeutic level, will not hurt. I would not even think about the cycling part but more what you can do to heal faster and once you feel like yourself do you thing.

I'll be following this closely. The best of luck Eduke.

Thanks for the support tarmyg, ill certainty look into both TB-500 and BPC-157!!

Thanks mate

**Proximal** · 10-31-2018, 08:40 AM

Good luck with this!

**< <Samson> >** · 10-31-2018, 10:21 AM

How old r u?

Sounds intense, but it sounds like you're going into this well informed - gnarly diagnosis tho, fvck

**Eduke93** · 10-31-2018, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

How old r u?

Sounds intense, but it sounds like you're going into this well informed - gnarly diagnosis tho, fvck

I'm 25!!

Yeah it is, but its a relatively common issue but usually in peeps aged 50 onward...

**Eduke93** · 10-31-2018, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Proximal

Good luck with this!

Thanks mate!

**Obs** · 10-31-2018, 11:47 AM

Will be watching good luck

**balance** · 10-31-2018, 01:33 PM

Glad to hear you have figured out the cause of your issues. I remember reading about what you were going through. I will be following your progress here and wish you the best to get this cleared up and behind you.

Take care
b

**< <Samson> >** · 10-31-2018, 02:03 PM

Fvck!

GL bro!

Do u know what caused this?! Or any idea

**Quester** · 10-31-2018, 03:22 PM

Good Luck!

**yeahbuddy289** · 10-31-2018, 08:36 PM

Good luck brother!

**Chrisp83TRT** · 10-31-2018, 08:46 PM

Holy shit man ! Well I’m glad you found out what the issue is.
And truly happy you found a good doctor , they are hard to come by.
You will come out of this a new and awesome ... he’ll, you may even lift more and better soon !!!

Stay awesome bro and best of luck with everything that’s going on ... keep us updated

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Eduke93** · 11-01-2018, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by balance

Glad to hear you have figured out the cause of your issues. I remember reading about what you were going through. I will be following your progress here and wish you the best to get this cleared up and behind you.

Take care
b

Thanks mate!!

**Eduke93** · 11-01-2018, 02:52 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

Fvck!

GL bro!

Do u know what caused this?! Or any idea

Thanks man, no idea what caused it! The surgeon said anything can cause it, even something like a sneeze at an awkward angle!

Although i'm not 100% about 7 months ago i was doing some smith rows and I over stretched and remember my traps and neck seized, was in pain for about a week and since then my neck felt really tight, no serious pain though. Symptoms came on end of may/June about a month after this. That could have been it, but cant say for sure!

Either way moving forward, I'm certainly going to take MUCH more care when training!

**Eduke93** · 11-01-2018, 02:53 AM

Originally Posted by Chrisp83TRT

Holy shit man ! Well I’m glad you found out what the issue is.
And truly happy you found a good doctor , they are hard to come by.
You will come out of this a new and awesome ... he’ll, you may even lift more and better soon !!!

Stay awesome bro and best of luck with everything that’s going on ... keep us updated

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the support brother, am sure it will be a smooth OP with a speedy recovery!

**< <Samson> >** · 11-01-2018, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Eduke93

Thanks man, no idea what caused it! The surgeon said anything can cause it, even something like a sneeze at an awkward angle!

Although i'm not 100% about 7 months ago i was doing some smith rows and I over stretched and remember my traps and neck seized, was in pain for about a week and since then my neck felt really tight, no serious pain though. Symptoms came on end of may/June about a month after this. That could have been it, but cant say for sure!

Either way moving forward, I'm certainly going to take MUCH more care when training!

Daum,

All we can do is learn -

GL bro, post back on how goes it

**kelkel** · 11-01-2018, 09:58 AM

You'll be fine! I've had several friends go through this procedure and were quite happy with the results. Very happy you nailed down the cause.
Remember, chicks dig scars!

Be following your progress!

**Eduke93** · 11-01-2018, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

You'll be fine! I've had several friends go through this procedure and were quite happy with the results. Very happy you nailed down the cause.
Remember, chicks dig scars!

Be following your progress!

Cheers Kelkel!

A nice bit of re-assurance knowing you know people who have gone through the same surgery, i cant find anyone in my area who has!!!

Hahaha... Good because i'm gonna have a nice juicy one across my neck!

**kelkel** · 11-01-2018, 10:10 AM

No worries. It was two former co-workers who went through similar. It made a big difference for both of them.

**tarmyg** · 11-01-2018, 10:12 AM

The difference you are referring to is of course their ability to pick up women with their new war scar?

Originally Posted by kelkel

No worries. It was two former co-workers who went through similar. It made a big difference for both of them.

**kelkel** · 11-01-2018, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by tarmyg

The difference you are referring to is of course their ability to pick up women with their new war scar?

Naturally!

**Eduke93** · 11-01-2018, 10:19 AM

I am engaged, but maybe with the new scar the volume of BJ's will increase...lol

**tarmyg** · 11-01-2018, 10:21 AM

You clearly have a lot to learn about this new state you soon will be entering, marriage.

Originally Posted by Eduke93

I am engaged, but maybe with the new scar the volume of BJ's will increase...lol

**Eduke93** · 11-01-2018, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by tarmyg

You clearly have a lot to learn about this new state you soon will be entering, marriage.

Haha... I have time, no date set as of yet. I shall make the most of it!

**Eduke93** · 11-02-2018, 03:38 AM

4 weeks today until surgery.

Smashed a pull session last night.

Lat pull down
CG pull downs
Single arm rows (machine)
Single arm rows (different angle, cables)
Hammer Curls
Preacher Curls

Was a good session, legs where shaking like crazy when doing the rows. Real weird sensation when they tremor and you cant do anything about it! Looks like I'm dancing sitting down lol.

Rest today, Legs tomorrow (doing what i can)...

I'm going to upload some pics over the weekend showing how i look now, will upload some 4 weeks post OP no lifting, then again 8 weeks post OP after getting back into training, so you all can see the changes... Should be interesting!

**Obs** · 11-02-2018, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Eduke93

4 weeks today until surgery.

Smashed a pull session last night.

Lat pull down
CG pull downs
Single arm rows (machine)
Single arm rows (different angle, cables)
Hammer Curls
Preacher Curls

Was a good session, legs where shaking like crazy when doing the rows. Real weird sensation when they tremor and you cant do anything about it! Looks like I'm dancing sitting down lol.

Rest today, Legs tomorrow (doing what i can)...

I'm going to upload some pics over the weekend showing how i look now, will upload some 4 weeks post OP no lifting, then again 8 weeks post OP after getting back into training, so you all can see the changes... Should be interesting!

Dedicated.
Very hard ass Eduke

**Eduke93** · 11-03-2018, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by Obs

Dedicated.
Very hard ass Eduke

Thank you brother, just doing what we would all do in this situation!

**Eduke93** · 11-04-2018, 02:08 PM

So here’s how I looked in June, just as my symptoms started to hit me and my training. From then to now I haven’t able to focus, train properly, appetite all over the shot and that jazz. (Still doing everything I possible can of course)

And then the other two pics is how I look now, considering the circumstances I feel ok but still difficult to upload honest pictures right now, i train with a hoody on and avoid looking at myself in the mirror!! I’m not happy with my physique and I cannot wait to put all this behind me and kill some big goals in the New Year!!! Going to come back bigger and better than ever before!??!!!!

This log is going to reflect a big transformation, and I’m determined to absolutely fvcking kill it!

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**Obs** · 11-04-2018, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Eduke93

So here’s how I looked in June, just as my symptoms started to hit me and my training. From then to now I haven’t able to focus, train properly, appetite all over the shot and that jazz. (Still doing everything I possible can of course)

And then the other two pics is how I look now, considering the circumstances I feel ok but still difficult to upload honest pictures right now, i train with a hoody on and avoid looking at myself in the mirror!! I’m not happy with my physique and I cannot wait to put all this behind me and kill some big goals in the New Year!!! Going to come back bigger and better than ever before!??!!!!

This log is going to reflect a big transformation, and I’m determined to absolutely fvcking kill it!

Kill it man

**Obs** · 11-04-2018, 06:50 PM

Nice quad sweep btw!

**Obs** · 11-04-2018, 06:51 PM

Man.... You guys with your sweep really make me jealous

**Eduke93** · 11-05-2018, 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by Obs

Kill it man

Will do brother!!

Haha, Thanks man... Them leg extensions at the end of each workout, they work a treat!

**Eduke93** · 11-05-2018, 05:55 AM

Training this weekend has been ok.

Legs Saturday:

Split Squats (Just body weight, holding onto a TRX rope as unable to stabilise myself at the moment)
Single leg press
leg extensions
hamstring curls
calve raises

Push Sunday
Chest Press
Chest Flys
Shoulder Press
Lateral raises
Incline Chest Flys
Tricep Push downs with rope
machine dips

I'm able to lift about half what i could 6-7 months ago, literally struggle to push more than 18kg dumbbells on over head press, its embarrassing! but anyway, is what it is and nothing i can do apart from what i can do for now...

**Eduke93** · 11-07-2018, 03:43 AM

Back yesterday, was a good session!

Lat Pull Downs
Assisted CG pull ups
single arm rows
low pulls
single arm cable rows
z bar curls
hammer curls

Just powering through... food is back on point! Want to be in as good of shape as i can be before the OP.. not long to go!!

**Eduke93** · 11-07-2018, 05:52 AM

Hi All

So got some bad news this morning, they have cancelled my op on the 30th November, and its now on the 10th January.

Cant express my anger.

**kelkel** · 11-07-2018, 12:31 PM

Shit. Sorry to hear this.

**tarmyg** · 11-08-2018, 12:25 AM

Sorry Eduke, what was the reason for the delay?

**Eduke93** · 11-08-2018, 03:03 AM

Cheers guys.

My Surgeon had an emergency booking so has had to move all his patient forward, cant be to annoyed, for all i know its a life/death situation for that other person so I'm happy they got their emergency surgery despite my delay. I can power through another 10 weeks! Just a bit frustrating...

Hey ho, will soldier on until the day arrives!

On a plus:

Had a great push session last night (chest focused), real good pump feel like i'm starting to tighten/look a bit denser now that i'm nailing down on my food!!

Chest Press
Chest Flys (2x angles)
Lateral Raises
Tricep Push Downs
Flat Smith Press
Incline Smith Press

Intensity was there.. Felt good!