Hobby over for me I fear.

[demonram]

So in 2019 I broke my back. 3 spinal surgeries latter and I still try and work on cars / trucks.
Now I am going in for 4 th surgery.
Currently fused L2 - L5 …. New plan
Remove all the old hardware and replace it.
Fusing me from L2 - S1 and then fusing my spine to my pelvis.
Pretty much eliminates all movement in the lower 3rd of my spine.
I am a big guy 6’4” and 280 I already find it difficult to get in my old car. And having a 4 speed car wasn’t my best choice.
After 40 years in this hobby and 100’s of old muscle cars, it’s very difficult to face the fact that it’s probably over.
Seems like such a waste I have 40 years of knowledge building engines, transmissions, bodywork, painting. On and on but my old body just gave out to soon.
Sorry for the rant…. Just feeling a bit down.

I hope all goes well sir. Sounds like you’ve been through hell already. Thoughts and prayers are with you and one step at a time. Get through the bad stuff first and then see how it goes. Take care and all the best!

 

[threewood]

I hope you are able to continue as long as you would like.

 

[torredcuda]

At 65 yrs old with a previous back surgery and a car accident in 2019 that re-injured it my working on cars has become somewhat limited as to what I can do and for how long but I keep plugging away. My road runner will the last car I restore though, after that it will just be maintaining both the Barracuda and runner, I love the hobby too much to ever give it up. Things that will help anybody with a bad back are losing wieght (if you are over) and whatever exercise you can handle without pain or damage to take some stress off you lower back, good luck with the surgery.

 

[68BabyBlue]

At 65 yrs old with a previous back surgery and a car accident in 2019 that re-injured it my working on cars has become somewhat limited as to what I can do and for how long but I keep plugging away. My road runner will the last car I restore though, after that it will just be maintaining both the Barracuda and runner, I love the hobby too much to ever give it up. Things that will help anybody with a bad back are losing wieght (if you are over) and whatever exercise you can handle without pain or damage to take some stress off you lower back, good luck with the surgery.

I've been fortunate never to have had issues with arthritis, and no structural problems with my spinal discs after 25 years of driving a tractor trailer, never had to deal with chronic pain. What I do have, is late effects of early polio, no muscle endurance in my hips or lower back. Walking unassisted is literally a huge pain in the butt, and sets off back spasms. I faked being able bodied for the last five years of my career, to maintain my commercial license. I started walking with forearm crutches on a regular basis the day after I retired at age 69. Initially, I hated looking like a March of Dimes poster kid, but it didn't take long to decide I'd rather look disabled, and feel okay, than the other way around. I still do an extensive upper body workout. My doctor has been pleased with my lab results, which have been way better since I started using mobility aids, which actually increased my activity level.

 

[Krooser]

I've had five joint replacements, have five herniated disc's right now, arthritis everywhere, sciatica, nerve damage from diabetes etc.

I still work three to five days per week driving trucks.

I plan every move I make... when starting my job I try to only climb in and out of that cab once or twice.

I used to get in, fire up the engine, get out to do my pre-trip, get back in, find my trailer, back under it, get out, hook up my lights and brake hoses, get back in, turn on my lights, etc.

Now... I get in the cab, fire up the engine, drive to my trailer, hook up, turn on all my lights THEN get out, do my inspection and walk around get in the cab, do my paper work then start driving.

Got that deal down pat.

In my shop I have three office chairs that I use when working on stuff...plus shop stools at every bench and tool box.

I sit a lot...have to!

I've been avoiding back surgery...so far I'm OK.

Good luck with your procedures. Old age isn't for sissies!

 

[TorRed]

Prayers sent for a successful upcoming surgery! Sounds very major like mine would have to be if they even tried to fix more than one of my many ailments. I put off restoring my bird and now my body may not get her done but I'm going to try with major help along the way. Stay positive, protect your mental health and stay online here with all the people like us who can relate.

Take care, Jim

 

[torredcuda]

I've been fortunate never to have had issues with arthritis, and no structural problems with my spinal discs after 25 years of driving a tractor trailer, never had to deal with chronic pain. What I do have, is late effects of early polio, no muscle endurance in my hips or lower back. Walking unassisted is literally a huge pain in the butt, and sets off back spasms. I faked being able bodied for the last five years of my career, to maintain my commercial license. I started walking with forearm crutches on a regular basis the day after I retired at age 69. Initially, I hated looking like a March of Dimes poster kid, but it didn't take long to decide I'd rather look disabled, and feel okay, than the other way around. I still do an extensive upper body workout. My doctor has been pleased with my lab results, which have been way better since I started using mobility aids, which actually increased my activity level.

I am in good health other than junk back, bad knees and arthritis and although I have a permanent limp due to sciatic nerve damage i am thankful I can still get around ok. I try and walk with my dogs 1/2 - 1 mile every day even though it can be painful but keeping active is better than doing nothing. I tried to go back to work after my accident but just couldn't stand and walk around on a cement floor for 8-10 hours a day so I retired on disability.

 

[HemiLane]

I hope you have a very good outcome! I can identify with back issues. I had to be out of the car game for about 10 years due to back issues. I have L4-L5 & L5-S1 discs ruptured and calcified, had a laminectomy and am pretty good now. Also, had C3-C7 fused with no issues. I can do a lot of things that I couldn't do before, I just cut back on the length of my sessions in the garage to keep from overdoing it.

 

[barbee6043]

I do thank God Almighty every night for all that I do have to be thankful for. And the thanks I give has nothing to do with a $ or a home or an old car or a piece of dirt.

 

[72redbird]

Hope your surgery goes well. I myself have had lower back surgery to remove disc's and fuse the vertebrae. Had one knee replacement, and have arthritis in my hands pretty good. I have slowed down compared to the way I used to be, had to. I came up with some ideas that help me work, I bought a lift, kneeling pads. Even certain hand tools to help. All I have to do for inspiration is look at one of my buddies. He is in a wheel chair, no movement from the waist down. He still works on his drag car, a Cuda' with a blown 426 Hemi that runs 8.80 at our track here. He just stuck another motor in it, looking forward to see what it runs next time out! Take your time and think about how do get stuff done, that is easier for you to do, you'll be alright.