My 90-day "Trip Report"

[Outdoor Man]

well I’m back, sort of. this is my first post in 90 or so days... and I’m pretty far out of habit posting on here. For my own productivity, it should probably remain so. Here is my “trip report” covering my last 90+ days.

At the end of January I took a job with a State of Ohio Tourism industry partner. Basically I covered small counties in the northwestern part of the state touting their tourist sites. It was fun, worked with some great people! No i didn’t get to work with the favored southwestern Ohio locations (you need seniority to pull that rank). I did come across details only because I was nosy. I don’t know how public they are, but they’re not going to be told by me.

About 2+ weeks ago I started having some back trouble, which isn’t unusual. I do dumb things to make sure that I get the occassional back pain- but usually “play through it.” About 2 weeks ago I found out that this was no “usual” stop. I was in the hospital for almost a week addressing the problem and found out that due to the treatments, I woulnd’t be able to drive for several weeks. Now, when you are paid by contract (not salary) and working neccessitates you to drive, that’s problematic. Upon starting rehab I needed to resign- fortunately a local CEO that I had kept communications with over the years came calling at the right time and I was able to transition without missing a beat- a job I could, at least, partially, work from home- since I am still on driving restriction.

This is not a woe-is-me cry- as thank God- I will be landing on my feet. Financially we won’t feel much of a pinch from this and for the most part my back will heal in time.

When October rolls around, my roller coaster tally for the summer will stand at 0. this summer when you ride a coaster (KI or elsewhere)- and you think “wow, that was bumpy”- pay attention to your body. You only get one body. My advice to you. Medically speaking I was told most amusement rides are off of my list this summer... maybe for life. Roller coasters didn’t cause this; i will say they were probably a spoke in the wheel, but i take responsibility for my own actions. Pay attention to yourself. You may be in your teens (or twenties) and these things don’t bother you- but some day you are going to be in your late 30s-early 40s wondering what decisions you could have made differently.

Anyway, I’m back- though since i am 90-days removed from the “habit”- I will likely stay as such. Don’t bother asking what things are coming here, there, or anywhere- I don’t know much, and what I do I can still be sued for.

[thekidd33]

Nice to have you back, even if its in a limited (as far as posting) capacity. i hope things with your back work out for the best.

[The Interpreter]

Mend! And mend well.

I'm glad you're back, but I wish the back and circumstances were better.

Your insight, perspective and caring are always welcome here!

[Outdoor Man]

I'm sure no one cares, but I'll post it anyway. I have been a KIC member since 2005. In January I took what, for the most part, was a dream job working with the State Tourism- I made the decision voluntarily to stop posting to KIC because of random bits of info I would come across and posting opinions to fan sites that could be construed as proprietary seemed a bit too risky even if I wasn't completely in the know.

Then in the end of April I ruptured a disk in my back reaching for something on the floor of my car. Yep... that's all it was. 5-day hospital stay, surgery, loss of feeling in my leg, nerve injury/pain, etc... because of the nature of the job- road warrior day travel with constant leg pain (from my back) and climbing in and out of vehicles caused me to resign from that job. I have since landed in an even better job situation in a curiously similar industry and enjoying it!

I'm ecstatic to say that through going back to zero, prayers of myself and others on my behalf- in May Doctors were about 75% certain I would require a series of surgeries. I had one procedure at the beginning of May that was supposed to have been 1 of 3-5. I had one. feeling returned to my leg mid-June. my sciatic nerve healed over at the beginning of July. AND- relevant to this site- I rode my FIRST roller coaster of the year yesterday- it's its name was Diamondback!

Very blessed and humbled. while far from "back to normal"- it will likely take year(s) if I ever ride The Beast again. I love The Beast, but it may be too bumpy for me to risk a 4-minute ride. There's a handful on this site that were aware of the struggle I went through a few months ago, and to them I say a very heartfelt "thank you!" God heard the prayers and chose to bless me with the results I've seen and witnessed!

[TombRaiderFTW]

Wow, that's awesome! So glad to hear you're doing well. Congrats on making it back on a coaster!

[Mrs. No Chickens]

I'm sure no one cares, but I'll post it anyway. I have been a KIC member since 2005. In January I took what, for the most part, was a dream job working with the State Tourism- I made the decision voluntarily to stop posting to KIC because of random bits of info I would come across and posting opinions to fan sites that could be construed as proprietary seemed a bit too risky even if I wasn't completely in the know.

Then in the end of April I ruptured a disk in my back reaching for something on the floor of my car. Yep... that's all it was. 5-day hospital stay, surgery, loss of feeling in my leg, nerve injury/pain, etc... because of the nature of the job- road warrior day travel with constant leg pain (from my back) and climbing in and out of vehicles caused me to resign from that job. I have since landed in an even better job situation in a curiously similar industry and enjoying it!

I'm ecstatic to say that through going back to zero, prayers of myself and others on my behalf- in May Doctors were about 75% certain I would require a series of surgeries. I had one procedure at the beginning of May that was supposed to have been 1 of 3-5. I had one. feeling returned to my leg mid-June. my sciatic nerve healed over at the beginning of July. AND- relevant to this site- I rode my FIRST roller coaster of the year yesterday- it's its name was Diamondback!

Very blessed and humbled. while far from "back to normal"- it will likely take year(s) if I ever ride The Beast again. I love The Beast, but it may be too bumpy for me to risk a 4-minute ride. There's a handful on this site that were aware of the struggle I went through a few months ago, and to them I say a very heartfelt "thank you!" God heard the prayers and chose to bless me with the results I've seen and witnessed!

Don't lose hope. I realize all cases r different, and u should listen to ur doctor, but, I had a spinal fusion in June of 07. I have bolts and bracket going thru #4 and #5 lumbar. I had a 60% shift. I couldn't walk 20 ft without being in horrible pain and legs totally numb. My Doctor told me I would never be able to do commercial cleaning again...he was wrong and amazed with my recovery. I won't lie, I do have soreness from time to time, but, is expected. My shift was caused from a stress fracture that never healed. I wasn't riding coasters during the time it happened, so, It cannot be blamed on them. I feel great and ride The Beast, every time we go!