I'm not retired [53], but I've been off of work for about 12 weeks after a lumbar fusion L2-L3. None of this stuff is really worked related, just the normal wear and tear with some trauma mixed in. I've also had 2 cervical fusions, resulting in my neck being fused from C2-C7 -- I've got screws and hardware everywhere. This lower back fusion has been the toughest surgery/rehab that I've been through. I still have a disc at L5-S1, that may also need to be fused. And, I'm not sure that the current fusion is taking.
My concern is I'm 12 weeks out, still on pain meds, doing the PT and I still have episodes where I have spasms/pain of a sharp knife in my back. I'm on short term disability for a few more weeks and then I'll need to decide the next step. I do have long-term disability. Did you go out on your company's long term disability or did you have to go through the SS carousel?
Did you have any concerns that fellow employees would look at you differently, as if, he took the easy way out.
I'm not sure were you are located, but I love to wet a line.
Thanks!!!
Dan