Learning to Listen

Standing at a urinal five weeks ago, I felt a sensation that made my heart sink—a familiar tingling down my spine that I hoped I'd never feel again.

The sensation started at my neck and cascaded downward, eerily similar to what I'd felt just before my slipped disc surgery last year.

Only this time, it was higher, and the consequences would prove just as challenging.

Three weeks ago, I casually posted a picture of myself in a hospital bed with what I thought was a funny caption, then went off the grid.

It didn't occur to me that this would leave people concerned and wondering about my well-being.

So here's the full story.

The Warning Signs

Because the issue originated in my neck, the connecting nerves affected my right palm, which would clamp up after prolonged use of chopsticks.

This was just one of the symptoms I experienced. The diagnosis process involved several tests, including an MRI, which revealed the extent of the issue.

Having gone through spinal issues before, I knew exactly who I needed to see: Dr. Roy from FeM Surgery, the neurosurgeon who performed my previous operation.

You might wonder why I chose a neurosurgeon over an orthopaedic spine surgeon.

A friend's cautionary tale informed this choice.

His father had undergone similar surgery with an orthopaedic surgeon at a government hospital.

While the slipped disc was addressed, he now walks with a permanent limp - a stark reminder of how crucial it is to work with someone who specialises in preserving nerve function.

This experience led my friend to recommend Dr. Roy to me when I faced my first spinal issue, and I've trusted his expertise ever since.

How History Repeated Itself

After my first operation, Dr. Roy gave me clear instructions: quit the gym.

He even warned that he'd say "I told you so" if he saw me again.

Those words came back to haunt me four weeks ago during my consultation for the neck issue.

While I can't pinpoint a single trigger, I suspect the barbell squat exercise played a significant role.

The 80kg barbell resting on my shoulders, occasionally pressing against my neck, likely contributed to the damage.

Since then, I haven't lifted anything heavier than my iPhone (okay, maybe my iPad).

The Reality Check

When the MRI results came in, depression hit hard.

Surgery was becoming a yearly ritual (would I score a hat trick next year?), and I vividly remembered the challenging rehabilitation process from last year.

After my first operation, I had to learn how to walk again.

Like a toddler, I stumbled around my home, clinging to walls for support.

It took three months of consistent physiotherapy before things normalised.

This time, while walking wasn't an issue, the disc decompression (a procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves) affected the sensory nerves in my left hand.

My pinky has recovered, but my ring finger remains numb and hypersensitive - even running water feels like a hundred needles piercing the skin.

And yes, I now have a titanium clip in my neck (don't worry, it doesn't trigger airport security scanners).

Why I'm Sharing This

Despite the physical toll, I would choose surgery again if needed.

I'm writing this because I know many friends who are suffering from similar conditions and choosing to live with the pain.

They cycle through various treatments - chiropractic sessions, massages, heat therapy, compression, ice therapy, acupuncture - you name it.

I tried most of these alternatives before considering surgery, spending considerable money on supporting treatments.

But they only offered temporary relief.

Before my first operation, I constantly slept with back pain and could only lie on my right side, as my left side would intensify the pain. That pain vanished immediately after surgery.

Yes, invasive surgery sounds scary (and it is).

Still, it’s comparable to getting a decayed tooth extracted - one-time discomfort for a lifetime of relief (unless, like me, you decide to test your disc's limits).

Lessons Learned

This episode has been a powerful reminder that I'm in my mid-40s.

Daily gym sessions with almost no rest days aren’t sustainable anymore.

While I still want to maintain a healthy lifestyle (hence the surgery), I need to scale back and give my body adequate rest time since recovery takes longer now.

The last thing I want is to hear my doctor say, "I told you so," again.

The journey has taught me two crucial lessons: don't delay seeking proper treatment when needed, and more importantly, listen to your body - and your doctor's advice.

Your body often knows what's best for it, and your doctor's advice can be a guiding light in your health journey.

Sometimes, knowing when to slow down is the hardest part of staying healthy.

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