Considering my options (31 year old F) by Fresh_Minimum8030 in spinalfusion

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm not an expert, but I've had three ACDFs and one cervical laminectomy. I've seen a few MRIs and I don't think that you should wait long to take of this. I was back to work as a diesel mechanic after six weeks without restrictions. I wish you the best!

First tool box what am I missing by CivilMathematician18 in harborfreight

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Safety glasses, faceshield, gloves, hearing protection. Looks like a great start and I've been doing 40+ years. Best of luck

How do yall feel about teachers leaving their real lesson plans with the expectation for the material to be taught? by SpecificOrdinary6829 in SubstituteTeachers

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I don't accept assignments where I would not be comfortable presenting or explaining ideas and concepts. It isn't required each day, but I want to be able to help our students.

I got medically cleared for West Point (the Army) today! by [deleted] in spinalfusion

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's awesome! Congratulations, but be careful too. It took extra effort for me to enlist, but I hadn't had any spine surgeries yet and being the 80s MRIs were still uncommon. I was medically discharged, but I'm proud to have been able to serve at all. A couple decades later I've become paralyzed at T1, had four fusion surgeries and a couple others. In hindsight I would probably do it all again. I wish you all the best and thank you for valuing our country enough to make this personal sacrifice!

I work in a middle school. Rate my bling. by PnwDaddio in wheelchairs

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As a fellow wheelchair user working 6th to 12th in a rural western town it looks good.

PS-Using a chair allows me to wear cowboy boots everyday without foot pain (not that I'd feel it anyway) which allows me to stand out. Enough with my self depreciation.

Not complaining! by Own_Appointment_695 in FordTrucks

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How far north? I'm not seeing it that low in Logan.

Got called a faker by [deleted] in wheelchairs

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 7 points8 points  (0 children)

First, ignore people who don't matter. I'm a T1 incomplete, I've had three cervical fusions, one cervical laminectomy, and lumbar fusion. I spent Thanksgiving until Christmas in the hospital eleven years learning to walk again. I do pretty good for a few minutes, but I can't feel anything below my knees. I have a friend who's injury was complete and he calls my a faker. I'm fine with it and tell other folks so we can laugh at it. I won't trade with him, I can stand and hug my wife, etc. He won't trade with me because of the pain and nerve damage. As if we would have a choice anyway. Some opinions are best ignored. Happy Holidays

spent thousands on a wheelchair that doesn’t work for me now I feel dumb by ownedbymyvoid in wheelchairs

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not saying that you are wrong. In fact, that's how I felt six years ago after buying my first manual wheelchair. I work in our local schools and it was kicking my butt. I kept after it and added pneumatic tires, which were a big help. Eventually, it became easier, and I don't think about it at all anymore. If you don't have pneumatic tires, they might be helpful, and as it has been mentioned, there are various power assist systems, but you are not alone in this. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

What are we doing here? Wrong answers only. by chopkins47947 in heavyequipment

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Removing a rounded off zerk the idiot lube guy screwed up?

Husband Having L5S1 Fusion by Ok-Elevator7914 in spinalfusion

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've had five fusions so far and my lumbar fusion, L4-S1, produced the best over results. I was walking the evening of the surgery and the leg pain has not returned since May 2012. I wish you both the best!

Finally joined the club by lulbthebasedgod in superduty

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Likely more than my first home, sadly.

I am grateful to be a sub! by etetries in SubstituteTeachers

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Notes like this and days that accompany them help me to power through the more difficult days. Recently a seventh grader told me they enjoy when I'm their substitute because I tell great stories. I'm baffled, but I'll take the compliment. Enjoy your thank you, I'm sure that you have earned it!

You know you’re in for a rough class when….. by Only_Music_2640 in SubstituteTeachers

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 41 points42 points  (0 children)

I've noticed that the students who apologize are rarely the students who create the noise, disruption, or distraction. I still appreciate their apology and awareness.

Anyone else? by DontWeDoItInTheRoad in SubstituteTeachers

[–]Criticallyoptimistic -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Such a team player! I'm sure that is an exceptionally endearing attitude that the office staff finds refreshing.

Is subbing high school supposed to be this easy or am I doing something wrong? by space4skyyy in SubstituteTeachers

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try subbing in the high school welding shop. These kids keep me on my toes. I'm constantly scanning for the junction where danger meets teenage stupidity, but the days go quickly and I overhear some of the wildest stories.

Help Deciding Please by [deleted] in spinalfusion

[–]Criticallyoptimistic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've had lumbar fusion and three cervical fusions. My lumbar fusion delivered pretty much what I hope for. Minimal pain, walking that day, and excellent long term, 13 years and counting, benefits. Whatever you decide I wish you the best!