I was at the Hospital today for a check-up on my condition, and the Doc told me about a miracle that happened in Edmonton, at the Univercity of Alberta Hospital.
There was a 25 year old man whom sustained a tragic fall on a Oil Rig causing him to sustain a broken back, the injury was severe lower back injury and partial severing of the spinal cord. (same as me) The patient was co-herrant when he arrived at the hospital via air Ambulance, he had severe tingleing in his arms and no feeling from the waist down and severe neck pain. The patients family was notified and between the family patient and doctors decided to take a chance at a risky surgery.
They used a silicone type replacement for the vertabras and a new special kind of wrap for the partially severed nerves, that wrap consisting of the same material in those stitches that dissolve. After 4 days of intensive care the individual had no tingleing in his arms and a very faint sensation in his feet. It has now been 2 weeks since his tragity and he has to date 40% of the feeling back below the waist and can walk 4 steps on his own.

So,

I was told I' am a good canidate for this surgery I' am not sure if I' am mentally prepared to go through the under the knife ordeal and the pain to follow. With me the only risk is blood clotting again which may cause another heart attack to a heart that was already damaged from the first one. Screw-ups aren' t a issue. There is nothing to screw-up, I can' t feel anything from the waist down anyway, the only problem is unforseen complications, they know I don' t come out of anestitic very well at all.
My Doctor has provided me with the name and unit number this fellow is on and advised me to go see him, he has obtained permission from the unit nurses for my admittance to the unit. My Doctor personally knows the Orthopedic surgeon who performed this surgery and the Surgeon is highly qualified.

So, What do you think?

It causes me great stress to go this ordeal all over again, my family says wait, My Doctors say do, I JUST DONT KNOW ANYMORE? remember I' am 26 they say do it young or you will never heal up.

JUST GIVE ME SOME ADVICE PLEASE

Signed


Confused
Pat/Bluelightning

 

Pat, whatever ya decide, i wish ya the best of luck bro!

 

are there any possible ill-effects other than the actual risk of surgery? i think anyone who were to actually give you a valuable opinion on your intended path would have to know a LOT more...

remember this isn't an L we're modding..this is your life! i would definitely think it over and discuss it with your family, doctors you trust, etc etc.

good luck.

 

Personally I would watch the other guys progression very closely. See how much better he is doing in two more weeks. If an 'unassisted' lifestyle is attainable then you have a very big decision to make.

This is good news so cheer up. If the doctors are supporting the surgery as much as it seems then maybe the risks are lower than one would expect. Keep a level head and weigh out this option. Talk it over with those that mean the most to you and pray.

 

I called my surgeon who did my work after the accident and highly recomended the Doctor (orthopedic surgeon) in Edmonton. That makes two opinions. Dad says do it 1 brother says do it, Mom and the other 3 brothers say wait. All I can do is just keeo sitting here holding my forehead ready to cry due to the confusion. G/F says do it.

 

fight fight fight and keep on fighting, I think its in everyone's best interest for you to come out on top, I couldn't imagine losing my legs as they've been my best friends for years, if I ever do lose them, the only way I could make it up to myself in my head would be to fight, to do whatever possible to be myself again, and to remember what could have been and feel very fortunate even if all I could take was 4 steps. 10 second Lightnings are not created by waiting, they are built by doing whatever it takes, and working countless hours to get there, one tenth at a time.

~Toast

 

Nasty Wendy,

This fellow is at 2 weeks he is counting his lucky stars he will walk again. I' am going to Edmonton to find this person and have a heart to heart talk with hi m and when he sees me pull-up in a wheelchair and explain to him life is all about a modded house and sleeping with a cathador at night, He will see how lucky he really is.

 

Remember,

I' am now a "Retired" person with little to do and a now lost person looking for answers. (that doesn' t ryme but what the hell)

 

I am praying for you. I can't even imagine what it must be like to be in your shoes. I read your post and prayed for you.

You asked for advice, this is what the Lord has given to me for you.

I suggest that you pray about what you do. He does hear the prayer of his children. Allow the Lord to lead you in your decision. He knows what is best in the grand scheme of things.

Have faith in the Lord. Read Matt. 17:20. Have faith that he can heal.

I leave you with John 9: 1-11 and Matthew 9:20-22.

God Bless

 

Pat,

A couple years ago, I was facing a similar situation, in a way. On the way to the neurologist, I was talking with a close friend on the phone (I'm his daughter's Godfather). His wife Cathy and also a close friend of mine had died a year earlier of cancer. To summarize our conversation, I told Rocky this: "If I'm dead in three weeks (which was a good possibility), I'll be able to see Cathy and that's a good thing. If I live, that's also a good thing. I don't see what the big deal is. Either way, I'll end up winning."

True story. Believe in miracles. They happen every day. The more you believe in them, the more you start to notice the ones that are overlooked moment by moment. And then, you'll have NO FEAR.

Spike

 

Sandman

It is 12:17 am my time but, I' am going to call Dad, Mom and Dad have a bible It looks like I' am going to need one.

 

Spike,

All I want on my tumbstone is my name D.O.B and D.O.D (day of death)and "He loved and lived well, A good person although dead, is still alive". But I don' t anticipate on that happening.

 

One of the great things about the internet is you can find anything!

Online bible.
http://bible.gospelcom.net/

God Bless

 

Sandman,

I' am just talking to Dad, I will view that link now.

P.S

Dad says he appreciates the kindness on this forum (he viewes it over my shoulder when he comes over)

 

This gets crazeyer now:

Just went ot get a bowl of Ice Cream, set the pail and bowl on the counter and in a effort to dig the Ice Cream out of the pail fighting a rolling wheelchair, hand slipped, shot spoon up, Busted the bulb out of the kitchen light now. What next?