JEFF TURNER

Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision underwent surgery on Monday. Griffin opened up about what led to the procedure and what he expects in the weeks ahead.

The trouble began roughly a year ago. “I started having pain down my left leg when I was on the stage,” Griffin explained. “Very uncomfortable, but I just tried to grin and bear it.”

He did not ignore the problem. He sought help from a chiropractor and a pain specialist before doctors ordered an MRI. The scan revealed the root cause. “I’ve just got no disc there between two of the vertebrae,” he said, “so it kind of makes sense where the pain’s coming from.”

That finding led Griffin to the operating table. He underwent a lumbar fusion procedure on Monday. The timing of the surgery means Griffin will miss an upcoming cruise event with his bandmates. “I won’t be on the cruise this week with the guys,” he said. “I will miss that badly.” Veteran singer Jim Brady is stepping in to fill his spot. “The great Jim Brady is filling in for me,” Griffin noted. “He will do an incredible job.”

Despite the surgery, Griffin is hopeful that his absence from the stage will be brief. A scheduled break following the cruise works in his favour. “We had a planned break after the cruise, so I’ll have almost three weeks to recover before I get back on the bus,” he said, adding, “Won’t be missing any concerts, Lord willing.”