I wanted to post a blog real quick to keep people updated as to where I am going to be and why you won't be hearing me very much on your radios in February of 2016.

 

As you may have heard on The Rob's Radio Show With Kat Mykals, I have scheduled four weeks off beginning Wednesday January 27th, 2016.  The reason I won't be able to be here with you is because I am getting a major surgical procedure done to my lower back.

 

For nearly as long as I can remember, at least as far back as seventh or eight grade, I have been dealing with lower back pain.  Around 1996 I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis (or something similar, it eventually developed into that), which is a disease in which one of the discs in my spinal column has slid out of place.  There doesn't need to be a cause or incident as to how it happened.  In fact, I almost wish I had a cool super-manly sports-injury story to blame it on, but anybody who knows my history with athletics knows that would be bologna.

 

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
Orthopaedic Associates
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This problem in my spine has caused me a great deal of pain that I've never been very vocal about except to people closest to me.  I've been fortunate that my job rarely requires "heavy lifting," but to be honest, simple acts such as "standing still" or "carrying the laundry basket" or "bringing in the groceries" have become insanely painful.  In June I was a groomsman in one of my closest friend's wedding, and when the dance floor was packed with happy celebrators, I could barely get out of my seat to dance despite a great desire to.  All the standing between the wedding and the photographer had just completely drained my back of all of its ability.

 

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
Orthopaedic Associates
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After the wedding, I decided it was time for me to talk to my doctor about everything that was going on.  Long story short, he got me some X-rays and recommended me to an orthopedic surgeon.  The surgeon agreed my back was in terrible shape, and we got scheduled for surgery.  My surgery date was October 30th, 2015.

 

Further disaster struck during routine pre-surgery testing in the middle of October.  With no real indication, no symptoms, no family history, I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.  My blood sugar levels were INSANE (about four times the normal level).  I was completely devastated that this surgery I had been needing literally for decades was forced to be cancelled because of a different disease I had no idea I had.

 

Although I had no idea what diabetes even meant, I was determined to get better as soon as I possibly could.  I had a great team of people helping me get better; My primary care physician got me on to some medicine; My endocrinologist tweaked it and helped me level out; My diabetic educator (whom I absolutely adore) got me into classes and TAUGHT me about the disease and how to actually manage it.  Mostly though, I couldn't have done it without my amazing girlfriend, Brittany, who understood what was going on with me long before I ever did, cooked my meals for me, sent me to work with breakfast and lunch, and even ate a diabetic diet with me.  I just know I wouldn't have been able to have gotten better so quickly without her incredible support.

 

My most recent blood test showed an incredible improvement in my battle with diabetes, and my surgeon got me back on his schedule.  That new date is now January 27th, 2016.  The surgeon says I'll be out of work for four weeks, so I'm expecting to be back on February 24th.

 

Also a big thanks to everybody at TownSquare Media, who have all worked with me to help me get better.  I also need to thank Ryan O'Bryan for waking up early to fill in for me every morning with Kat while I'm out.  Thanks a lot for understanding, and I can't wait to be back on the air again late in February!

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