This may be the end for me...

[Eric_H]

Steve,

Best of luck, I hope you are able to get by this without the need for surgery. Either way, I hope your recovery is swift and complete.

[K-man]

As the others have said, it's sad to hear your news. Probably a few of the older guys here are already training with backs that have taken a hiding over the years. Do what ever it takes to get it right, naturally if possible.

------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry to hear this Steve.But don't give up. I can relate to this- had a similar problem back in 72.I took time off.Lots of medical consults.
I decided not to go for surgery. Waited for inflammations to go down Then gradually rebuilt myself via therapy, pool work, yoga- then began wing chun in 76. Stay in touch.

joy

Good advice. Surgery has to be the last option. If you do elect the surgical option, hang up the gi. So many people I know have had surgery, felt great, gone back to their previous activities and done it again. Surgery normally is only an option once.

However, think positive, six months might see you back if full form. Best wishes for your recovery.

[Steve]

What everyone else said. Good luck, buddy!

[geezer]

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in the martial arts on this forum for their kind words of support. And, for the record, I may be knocked down, but I'm not out yet!

[Chris Parker]

Ah, damn man. I'm very sorry to hear this.

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in the martial arts on this forum for their kind words of support. And, for the record, I may be knocked down, but I'm not out yet!

Ha, I didn't think you'd be taken out of the game completely! And remember you're always welcome here, someone with a wealth of knowledge is a boon for us, and a way for you to stay in contact for you.

All the best, Steve.

[WTchap]

To echo what Joy mentioned.... my wife's health problems have been pretty much remedied with the use of Bikram Yoga (back, shoulder, knee and wrist problems). I'm no expert, so you should get real medical input on this - but yoga might be a way to help.

Either way, I hope you continue to post - as someone from the same lineage (WT), I find your posts useful and helpful. You have experience and knowledge, so I hope you continue to share. But maybe that is me being selfish. :-)

[Buka]

Damn, brother. All the best wishes to you, not just in training, but in everything.

Never count out a Martial Artist. Resilient sons a bitc#es.

[cwk]

really sorry to hear that mate, but I'm sure you'll bounce back. Where there's a will......... and all that.

[72ronin]

In the end I found Iai and was able to have the beauty of that art soothe loss of the far more physical kung fu I was once involved with. Maybe there will be a similar option for yourself in time?

Great advice, you will find something to continue with Geezer i'm sure.

Best of luck to you Sir.

[MacPedro]

Wishing you well Geezer.

[Brian King]

Prayers for a full and speedy recovery Geezer.

Warmest Regards
Brian King

[naneek]

as everyone has said, i am really sorry to hear this and i wish you a speedy recovery. Chin up mate - also remember that positive thinking can achieve a lot.

[profesormental]

Greetings.

Very sorry to hear that you are injured. Sucks, yet it is part of the game. Heal, recover, and come back harder and stronger.

Sincerely,

Juan Mercado

[Nabakatsu]

I'm very sorry to hear that! I have a lot of faith you'll fight through it though! You already have all the concepts needed to traverse any obstacle! Best of luck Si-hing!

[blindsage]

Just wanted to add my voice to all the well-wishers. Be smart in your recovery and keep your spirits up. Your knowledge will always be appreciated.