Wilder Burlison Continues His Wild, Purposeful Life After Back Surgery
Wilder Burlison lives up to his name. His life has been “wilder” than most people’s. He could be compared to a cat that has nine lives. He’s been bitten by a rattlesnake, electrocuted, struck by lightning twice, had two neck surgeries, broken his ankles — twice, been diagnosed with lung cancer and had three back surgeries. Despite these crazy occurrences, Wilder is grateful to be standing, walking and remaining active.
“I was often in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Wilder joked. Thankfully, he found his way to the right place at the right time – Baptist Medical Group – Neurosurgery.
Wilder’s recent back surgery was at BMG – Neurosurgery in December of 2024. Evan Lewis, M.D., performed a revision lumbar fusion on Wilder. The surgery was needed to make corrections from Wilder’s prior surgery by another medical practice. Wilder had been in significant pain, and he had trouble moving around and walking.
Wilder is a nonstop, active individual at age 74. He owned his own commercial floor covering business for over 50 years. He traveled the U.S. working for huge corporations and loved seeing his accomplishments of beautiful flooring.
“I liked seeing what I had done, and it was a good profession, but it was a lot of movement, up and down all day long,” Wilder said. “Between that and my other life injuries, I eventually gained more pain and needed back surgery.”
Dr. Lewis performed the fusion surgery to remove screws that were pinching nerves and affecting Wilder. He also put in spacers to help fuse the vertebrae. Prior to the surgery, Wilder had numbness and could hardly lift his left leg, which made it difficult for him to move.
“If it hadn’t been for Dr. Lewis’ skills, I don’t think I’d be walking today,” Wilder said. “And I’m not one to sit down. I’ve got to do something. I’m a go-getter.”
Wilder and his wife, Deborah, who have been married for 56 years, spend their retired life these days selling their homemade crafts at festivals. Wilder makes wooden children’s toys, and Deborah creates wind chimes from glass bottles.
“I walk an average of two to three miles a day just going from my shed to my house and making the toys,” Wilder said. “On days when we’re selling our goods at festivals, I get in six or seven miles. My wife and I compete on who can sell the most items at each festival.”
Wilder recalls getting up to walk within a few hours after his lumbar fusion surgery with Dr. Lewis. He knew it would help him heal faster.
“I surprised the nurses with how quickly I was willing to get up and start to walk,” Wilder said. “I knew starting rehab as soon as I was able after surgery would help me in the long run, and it did. I’ll have a little bit of pain for the rest of my life (because of prior injuries and arthritis), but it’s manageable now. I’m active again like I want to be, making toys, traveling, participating in festivals and playing with my five grandkids and one great grandchild.”
Wilder does not see himself slowing down. He sees the positive in his life and is grateful for the movement and the memories he can continue to make.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” Wilder said. “And I am grateful to be moving around in the ways I want to enjoy life.”
At his recent follow-up and post-surgery appointment with Dr. Lewis, Wilder received the good news of zero restrictions. He was told to go back to his full lifestyle. Wilder stood up, thanked Dr. Lewis, and quickly left to go home. Deborah was waiting for him. Together, they have plans to continue making their crafts and spreading joy to families.
