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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Make lemonade!
We were just getting back to "normal" from Violetta's accident: she is very much better and back at work, and even the bruising is almost gone from around her eye. That is a praise!
For the past several months, I have been having quite a bit of neck pain: stiffness and pain trying to get comfortable to sleep. Since the accident, maybe because of the stress and added strain from taking care of the kids solo for over a week, I started having episodes where my neck would "catch" and suddenly release with what amounted to an electric shock running down my neck and body. I went to the Doctor's on Monday: had x-rays...he then directed me to have an MRI done on Wednesday, which I did. His office called Thursday evening to tell me that I have 6 herniated disc's in my neck: 2-7. I am to see a neurosurgeon on the 12th for probable surgery later this month. I cannot drive any distance as the potential for disaster is quite great should one or more of the disc’s rupture. I have had to take an incomplete at seminary for the remainder of the semester (I should be able to make up my papers and exams later) and although thankfully I can still preach, but that is about all I will be able to do for the time being. I should be fine by Amelia time so I don't anticipate any problem there (well maybe golf...but we'll see). So just when I thought our household would be back to normal, this happened. But, folks, you know what? I'm glad it happened as it did...it could have been much worse...I could have been paralyzed with no warning or worse if it had happened while I was in the middle of a 500 mile round trip that I do weekly. It's a chance to do some reflection and to be thankful for what I have been given...and that's quite a lot. My family (wife and two children), my friends (including the OFC family) and all of the others who have intersected my life in the past few years and months are a real source of joy to me and in life, those kinds of relationships are precious. So, I'll do whatever I have to do to heal up and I appreciate your good wishes, thoughts, and prayers. For now I'm just down but not out!
BTW, when Jerome puts the pic's up of the 1685's on his site, I'll post links! The pic's turned out great: they are an amazing pair of early 80's Adamas II's.
All the best everyone! |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | Mike, I hope the surgery is successful, but wish it would not be necessary. A few years ago Blue Cross discovered that little old Boise has the highest number of back surgeries per capita in the world. They couldn't figure out why, since our population isn't older than average and there's not that many physical laborers. They figured out we have the highest number of neurosurgeons per capita. Those doctors have to find something to do. |
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July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | Glad to hear Violetta's better. You get better. I'll be praying for you. |
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November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | I agree with Mark about doctors, but a "GOOD" neurosurgeon don't need your money. |
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July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Heal quickly my friend |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | When life hand you lemons, find someone that was handed vodka & make martini's . . .
I'D research acupuncture before resorting to surgery, but it IS your call.
BestOfLuck. |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | Cliffs on to something, do all you can to not be cut on. Like i said a GOOD doctor won't be in a hurry to cut unless you really need it. I have had great relief with the right phys therapy. |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | Cliffs on to something, do all you can to not be cut on. Like i said a GOOD doctor won't be in a hurry to cut unless you really need it. I have had great relief with the right phys therapy. |
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November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | so nice it had to say it twice... |
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March 2005
Posts: 2791
Location: Atlanta, GA. | Fusing together 6 vertebrae???
I dunno.
Seek alternative treatment first. |
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October 2005
Posts: 5329
Location: Cicero, NY | Mike, I wasn't going to but I guess I gotta chime in as well...my sister has had no less than six surgeries on her back and they're trying to tell her she needs a rod now. I think, at this point, she probably does but I'm convinced that they've just not yet perfected the back surgery, If you absolutely HAVE to have it, you have my best wishes. If you don't, I would consider holding off or alternative methods.
Good luck and best wishes. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Cliff really is onto something. Find the Vodka. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I called my Doctor today: he said that it is possible that steroidal injections may take care of theis; and if not there are new methods that have been developed including using a high power microscope and laser to operate with minimal invasiveness. Fusion would absolutely be the last thing done and only after trying all else. The nurosurgeon is the best in the tri-states area nnd his clinic is outstanding and highly sought after: hence the wait to get in...
Thanks guys, but I don't drink: used to to excess; glad I'm still here and since I'm diabetic It would in essence be like spinning the cylinder with a single loaded chamber in the revolver and hoping for the best when I pull the trigger: not the smart move. With any head injury, its just plain stupid...but thanks for thinking of me anyway and if it floats you boat, best wishes!
I didn't fall off the bread truck yesterday and they're not cutting without convincing me it will work...and I take a lot of convincing.
To make matters worse, I fell in the hallway last night while trying to answer the phone while the family was out: too much medication...too little brain...now I've a brusied sholder to go with everything else...but my neck held so that a positive thing...
I'll be glad when the 12 comes and I have a chance to speak with the Doctor/Nurosurgeon...stay tuned...
Remember to turn your clocks back one hour...get some sleep and take care of yourselves!
;) |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | Well Music, since you are a minister, I am glad that you have sworn off the booze. Even if you are a METHODIST minister. ;)
Regardless, I know that your decision about the neck will be a well thought out and highly researched one. Sometimes the things we did as youthful young men can come back to haunt us in our "not so young anymore" years.
Best wishes for your complete and swift recovery! |
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Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 672
Location: New South Wales, Australia | Hope it works out Mike. I've got two herniated discs in my neck and ten years ago my doctor advised me to have surgery only as an absolute last resort.
I've had them for 15 years now and just put up with it. I've got a constant hammering in my left shoulder area where the nerve is being crushed and I get regular numbness in my left fingers but to tell the truth it doesn't bother me that much anymore. I'm so used to it that I can't remember what it was like to be pain free.
Thankfully it doesn't restrict me too much. Some days I can't drive but it hasn't stopped me playing guitar. I did try acupuncture but it didn't help me. That's not to say it won't help you if you try it. Just no good for me unfortunately.
Good luck |
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When Life serves up Lemon's...