Putting my game down for a bit....

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By Chuck Z

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  • 26 Replies
  1. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    I went in recently for my annual physical at the VA and complained about some severe back pains that I have been having lately. My PC physician had some X Rays taken and the results are back and think it is time for me put the clubs down for a while and get this issue to an end. I have not been able to walk and play golf for a while due to pulmonary issues and now found that I have severe multilevel lumbar disc disease. I can live with the pulmonary issues but the latest, as I found out when I played in a golf tournament this week and found that my torso would not turn when I needed to hit those needed irons shots and I looked like I had never played this wonderful game. It was time to resolve this issue. I spent Monday night with a Tens Unit attached to my lower back for an hour at a time at full vibration so I could play my second round on Tuesday. Helped some but it after eight holes and 800 mg of Ibuprofen (prescribed) three times a day, the pain was back and the swing was gone. Awaiting to hear back from my Dr.. Contributing factors, age, overweight, smoking. 73 years of age, 6'3" 259 lbs, stopped smoking in 1990. Guess the hard life is finally catching up and I know swinging a golf club is not helpful. See which way to go; PT, injection or surgery. Dr will know best, he will "fit" a plan best for me! See how it goes, but until then....guess golf will be very limited....so love those new T300s and was getting the game in shape.......going to get "fitted" for back pain.....always doing the right thing even for your health.....cheers =)

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Chuck - best wishes on getting back to the best you can be for life. Hopefully that will get you back into the best you can be for golf as well. We all know how much your game is part of your life and hope you get many more years to be able to chase after that little ball with a mind of its own. Be sure to find one of the best sports medicine physicians in SC that will work with anyone your age to get you out and about.
  3. Guy O

    Guy O
    State College, PA

    Chuck, good luck with whatever route you take. I’m 65 and have had my golf activity interrupted 3 times for spine surgery’s! I am 5 weeks out of my latest one, a pretty extensive fusion and bone work from T-11 all the way to S-1!
    I’m up and walking everyday and looking forward to getting the release to start some PT. Surgeon assures me my resumption of my golf game is all based on my willingness to work hard and rehab!
    I tell you all this to serve as encouragement and hope that you will get back to the game you love!
  4. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Guy O said:

    Chuck, good luck with whatever route you take. I’m 65 and have had my golf activity interrupted 3 times for spine surgery’s! I am 5 weeks out of my latest one, a pretty extensive fusion and bone work from T-11 all the way to S-1!
    I’m up and walking everyday and looking forward to getting the release to start some PT. Surgeon assures me my resumption of my golf game is all based on my willingness to work hard and rehab!
    I tell you all this to serve as encouragement and hope that you will get back to the game you love!

    My issues range from L5 thru S1. Got an email this morning from my Dr and he placed an order for the appropriate injection to relieve the pain in that area versus surgery. I had one a few years ago and the pain went away for a number of years. I was walking 18 holes of golf in Nova Scotia on a FootJoy/Global Golf Magazine trip @ Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs (prior to it's opening to the public) and the back issues flared up. Visited the Spine Institute shortly after getting back. They did not recommend surgery at that time. Thanks for the well wishes and I hope be back swinging with no pain very soon enjoying those new T300s.
  5. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    Chuck,
    Sorry to hear about your back issue. You are doing the right thing by setting golf aside while you get the issue taken care of. Best of luck with whatever direction the Dr recommends and I hope you have a quick & full recovery.
  6. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Chuck. Thanks for keeping us updated. Wishing you all the best on a go-forward plan. So happy our paths crossed at past TT events and hopefully more to come. As you know, I have been working hard on my "golf bucket list" the past couple of years for the same reason, you just never know when the day will come that you have to watch more than play. Keep us posted!
  7. Darryl M

    Darryl M
    Wichita, KS

    Take care of yourself Chuck, the game will still be there when you return.

    DM
  8. Mark F

    Mark F

    Chuck,

    I'm sorry to hear that you will have to rest for awhile. I have always enjoyed reading your posts and hope that you will continue to comment when possible. As one who has had several surgeries over the past few years I can only encourage you to follow you doctor's instructions to the letter. It's to bad that it is winter time so that you can't re-coup at Isle of Palms. Good luck going forward and keep us posted of your progress. God bless and keep the faith. I'm sure that you'll be back soon.

    Mark F
    Greenville, SC
  9. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    Chuck, sorry to hear about your health issues. I enjoy and look forward to reading you comments in this forum. A lot of camaraderie in this TT community.I'm sure I speak for us all in wishing you better health in the coming months.
    On the positive side, sitting in the warm Carolina sun with a cocktail and a good book, can't be all bad, can it? If you'd like a chuckle it was 15 degrees in Boston yesterday.

    Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving. Get well soon.
  10. Andrew K

    Andrew K
    MI

    Chuck, try to enjoy your rest and downtime. I hope that you will be out on the links sooner than later.

  11. Lance P

    Lance P
    Hillsborough, NC

    Best of luck Chuck and when you get back to my area I'd love to tee it up at Hillandale with you...or any other course in the area!!
    Please keep posting as I, like others, enjoy your knowledge, opinions, and wit.
  12. Ralph C

    Ralph C
    South Bend, IN

    Very sorry to hear this. I hope you'll consider finding some other avenue to enjoy the game. Coaching, helping young people get into the sport, First Tee, something like that. I don't get around that great, either, and I'm doubtful I'll make it as long as you did, so set a good example for me when I get to that point, okay? Best wishes, Chuck, and thanks for being part of the Team.
  13. Sean C

    Sean C

    Good luck on the recovery, Chuck.
  14. Jonathan Smith

    Jonathan Smith
    Charlotte, NC

    Best wishes for a full recovery and godspeed.
  15. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    My goals are to hopefully walk the course again (attend TT events) and to enjoy the planned travels my wonderful wife and I have planned in 2020 (Mexican Caribbean, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Holland). Thanks, for all the well wishes. Caution will be exercised and not hurry. Hakuna matata......

    Ralph, I have spent over 30 years volunteering and helping out with golf events as well other worthwhile organizations in the Charleston area. I have been a worker bee and have chaired committees. Time for the younger generations to step up and do their part. Volunteering has always been an important part of my lifestyle. I still work with one golf related charity and the annual Hootie and the Blowfish downhome event which provides school supplies for underprivileged children in our area. First tee is a wonderful organization and I have worked with it in the past. In retirement, I have a pretty full calendar. But thanks, for you suggestions.
  16. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Had the injection on November 21st and am out of golf until the very earliest December 5th. My surgeon said at the point if my back and leg still are in pain I am to come back and we will do a MRI and we will see what our next step is. Hopefully I can tee it up on December 6th, attend the Lion King on the 7th, have a great Christmas with my wife and take our 34th annual walk along the beach on Sullivan's Island, make that cruise on Jan 4th and be at the PGA show on Jan 21st and play golf while I am down there with my pro....retirement is great when you stay busy.....

  17. Steve E

    Steve E
    Stockton, CA

    wish you the best on getting some relief on your back..my thoughts and prayers are with you..
  18. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Chuck, we older (over 60) guys need you here. You're our role model. As long as you keep going strong, it shows me I have at least another decade on the course ahead of me, as long as I keep doing my daily yoga and don't do anything stupid.

    Not just the older guys, but we ALL need the inspiration you provide. Feel better soon. Come back strong.
  19. PHILLIP A

    PHILLIP A
    Summerville, SC

    Chuck, I wish you a speedy recovery sir. If there is anything you need sir I am right down the road in Summerville, SC.
  20. Steve S

    Steve S
    Tuckerton, NJ

    Hello Chuck Z., So sorry to hear about the back issues. Really love reading your post. Your post have always come from the heart, and full of common sense. Best of luck with whatever plan the Dr. comes up with. Please keep us posted on your successful recovery. I'm sure you'll be out on the course in no time.
    Play Well,
    Steve S.
  21. JSosebee

    JSosebee

    Apparently I am the guy who just friend requested Chuck because I frequent Myrtle Beach and wanted to meet up to play a couple of rounds; however, I somehow completely missed this thread prior to sending the request. Chuck, I sincerely apologize to you for missing this and probably coming off as a jerk in the message I sent you. My fellow Marylander said that “we older (over 60) guys need you here”, and I say that we younger (under 40) guys need you here more, as you are THE example of what being a Team Titleist member should look like. I appreciate your old school mentality of not asking for handouts, earning what you receive, and appreciating the journey along the way. When you are back to playing this summer, look forward to a round on me. If your not up for it, I’d still like to meet up and just hear some of your stories and advice.
  22. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    Hi Chuck, sorry to hear about your predicament. I have some herniated discs and it's a constant grind of PT and exercise to stay on the golf course. I know how much you love the game and it kills you to not be able to get out there. Hang in there, hang tough and I know you'll be back out there before long.
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