Pat -

It is a good idea to see how the other guy is doing/does with the surgery.

It is great that you can see him. Talking to him will almost certainly give you the insight you seek.

Yes, you have a lot of things to think about and consider, and much to talk about with those closest to you.

Keep in mind...if you don't do the operation what does that offer you vs. if you do the operation what that offers you.

If you wish the opportunity to feel/walk again, which offers that to you?

Whatever your decision, I wish you the best. You story and posts have been inspirational for many.

Take care.

K

 

Since you really dont have anything to loose in the spinal cord injury part, i'd say go for it...but I would be worried about not waking up from the anesthetic! I was wondering something though...since the other guys surgery was done close to when he was injured...doesnt that mean that your spinal cord may have already started to "heal over" and may not respond to the surgery the same? Just a thought. Hopefully not. Wish you the best though in whatever you decide!

-Mark

 

Here I am bummed that I can't afford all the mods for my truck and you lost the use of your legs. I can only imagine the frustration and other emotions involved. Have you ever heard of David Bailey? He is an amazing athelete that is paralyzed from the waist down in a practice crash in 1987 while racing for team Honda. He has since competed in the Iron Man several times and is involved as a broadcaster for Motocross/Supercross as well as many other accomplishments. You should see if you can e-mail him and get some advice since I'm sure he has plenty of knowledge to share.

 

Pat,

My wife is an O/R nurse, and she won't
let anyone in the family get operated on
without her there. That aside, I think that
the sooner after your injury that you get
the operation, the better the chances of
an effective recovery ... And you ARE young.

Best of luck ... I'll call ya later ...

 

Phillipians::::

4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.

4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction

 

It is 10:10 pm my time and I have been in Edmonton all day, I spent 5 hours with this fellow and although he is in alot of pain we had alot of questions for each other. He was asking me what it is like when your world ends?. (he meant by that being in a wheelchair forever) and I had alot of surgery related questions. It was a total fluke, but as we were visiting his surgeon walked in to check his progerss. I was very delighted ot meet the Doctor who performed the surgery and when I asked him if he has spoke to my doctor lately he said yes, and I must be Pat and he has heard alot about me.
The conversation ended with a appointment for Feb 19 @ 11:10 am I signed a release for all my documentation to be released to him for review, and I' am a good canidate for the surgery. He wants to look at the heart issue more and if all is ok a date will be set for the surgery on myself.
After meeting this Doctor I was really at ease, He is confident, in his late 30's (therefore not shakey with the knife), and his track record is very good for successes.

I will keep you all posted on any new events. Thanks for showing care and Compassion during these hard times.

Pat/bluelightning

 

Best of luck to you!! I dont know what happened since I'm new to the boards but best of luck!!!

 

Pat,
That's awesome. I'm truly happy for you. I feel that you are fortunate to even have a decision to make. While you are the only one that can make the decision, I would probably have done exactly as you have. Great idea seeing that other guy. Also seems ironic that the doc was there. Anyways congradulations.

 

Congrats Pat, I'm happy for that you have made the decision. It is always nice to know your direction and focus on it.
Keep up the positive attitude.

 

I would never of thought there was a possibility for freedom from this wheelchair. I actually got sedimental going home thinking about it and my friend had to comfort me. Currantly I live with cronic back pain and take Tylenol 4 daily and when it gets to the point were it is excruciating I take Percaset often landing in the hospital.
No matter the case I will live my life in pain and when I go back to work, weather for myself, or sell out and work for somone else, I will always walk with a noticeable limp and will never be able to lift or bend and even if the surgery is a success I will have no choice to baby my back so it will last until I die.

 

Pat,

We're with you ONE THOUSAND PERCENT.

Although the operation isn't a guarantee, Here's something my Dad always instilled in me.
"SOMETHING"
IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN
"NOTHING"

You made the right decision Pat, BECAUSE YOU MADE IT

 

Thanks, Rob_02Lightning

It looks like the risk is worth it, and the time frame from the date of injury to now doesn' t seem to be a issue.

 

I'm glad to hear that talking to this guy has helped you so much. I bet it probably helped him also, to know that he wasn't alone in the situation. You should keep in good contact with the guy so you can brag to each other about your progress. Kinda like your own little support group.

Make sure your brother keeps us updated in case you're laid up again & can't.

 

My immediate reaction is to do it, but, I think that is based upon my personal fears and lack of confidence that I could mentally handle a situation such as yours.

Perhaps you are stronger and are at peace with yourself and condition. The risks and the dissapointment if it doesn't work might be even tougher than what you have already endured.

At 26 the toughest choice I made was what bar to go to to watch the next basketball or football game. I can't even imagine what is running through your mind. From what I have seen so far I'm sure you will ultimately make the right decision for yourself. Thank god you have a decision to make.

Good luck with your decision and you have my thoughts and prayers.

 

The trick to it all is be at peace with yourself.