Sipne surgery

[Butch47]

I had a spinal fusion on 6/26/06, 6 weeks later the surgeon said one of the implants/spacer was coming out between L4,L5. Had surgery again on 10/16/06, he put in a larger one. 6 weeks later he told me that one also moved and must come out around 2/1/07. He said the fusion has taken vary good and I won't need the implant/spacer to stay in. I'll be 60 in April a hazmat truck driver, he says I should sign up for S.S.D.I becacse I'll never be able to do this type of work again thats all I've done for 40 years.
Is this true? Please note that my surgeon is a professor at John Hopkins Orthopedic Center.

[idesofmarch]

From someone that had just a simple back surgery I can tell ya you're not ever going to feel like bouncing around as you drive your truck.  If this doctor is willing to sign you off of your job for the rest of your life go for it.  Once you start collecting SSI, then you are allowed to work an easier job for a certain amount of hours per week-per month. Depending on where you live and how much they will give you I think that you are allowed 100 hrs per month or $500.00 per month at a job. So your life won't be over just because you can't do your old job.  It will just be beginning as you get to do whatever job interests you.  It will be more like a hobby or your can do vollenteer work. Just make sure it doesn't hurt your back. If you are in pain then you don't work as hard or as much. Good luck with your case and your health.