Randall Iten couldn't be happier about his recent cross bow hunting success. This time it's less about the buck and more about the road he traveled to get there. For the past four months, he hasn't been able to bend, lift, or twist - and certainly hasn't been able to hunt. After suffering from chronic back pain for many years, Randy had a spinal fusion performed by Dr. Bruce Bartie of St. Croix Orthopaedics.
"I really didn't have any life," explained Iten. "The pain was so intense that I couldn't sleep at night. I had to stand up at night just to relieve the pain." After surgery in 2006 failed to relieve his symptoms, Randy decided to have surgery again in June 2008. "I spent four days in the hospital after surgery and when I left I was free of pain," he recalled.
Although he was now pain free, Iten was still prepared for a long recovery process. "It's a lot to deal with mentally, but I set a goal to be out bow hunting by the end of October and bird hunting by mid to late November 2008 with my black Labrador, Ally "Bean" Dog Iten. Bean was instrumental in my recovery process. Not every day of my recovery has been a good one, but my goal has kept me focused. I have more restrictions now, but I'm willing to give up some things in order to live without pain."
Randy has closely followed the orders of Dr. Bartie. He completed the recommended physical therapy at the Courage Center. "I think as a patient you really need to pay attention to the instructions of your doctor," Randy pointed out. "My recovery has been a long process, but I have done my part. Recovery is all about attitude and willingness to do what you are instructed to do by your surgeon and staff."
His next goal is to get back out in the field with his dog and best friend Bean to go pheasant and quail hunting again. He's on schedule to accomplish this goal as well. With Randall's positive outlook and motivated spirit, those birds don't stand a chance!
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| Randy Iten is able to walk freely with his back brace after surgery. | Randy's goal was to hunt again. Here he's pictured with his dog, Ally "Bean" Dog Iten. |
