Surgery

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 17:47:20 GMT

Thanks for the kind words, I hope my out come is as good as Sam's. Sure do miss seeing you all at Nationals. Hey if your out there Karalyn Pipes-Neilson will ya email me. I try the one you gave me but never works. TAMoll@hotmail.com Tracie :cool:

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 17:32:10 GMT

This was a great thread to find NOW!! I am so happy to read the beginning to the (near) end of a successful journey. What a wonderful Christmas (or other Holiday) present for you Sam! I have been very athletically active all of my life and am genetically fortunate to be strong and agile. I started having some unexplained back pain about 2 months ago and was quite devestated to learn that I have degenerative bone and joint disease (arthritis I suppose that means) and worried myself sick until I was able to see a sports med doc. I suppose I can be considered "fortunate" in that surgery is not warrented, and this "condition" is one that come with age (I am 63) and to someone who has been an active athlete and may have had injuries somewhere along the line. My doc says it is a great thing that I have been active and have been working out just about my whole life, because this has strengthened my spine and joints. He says -- keep on doin' what I'm doin' and I am taking his advice. But I did have a scare at the beginning and can relate a little to the worries you have had. Bottom line -- I am truly happy for you and for the active life you now know you will be able to continue. Nancy

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 15:44:15 GMT

WOW! The next 6 weeks will fly by with the holidays and all and you will be back in the pool! I hope it all turns out well!:D

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 08:12:13 GMT

Tracie we all look forwards to you getting better. Can't wait to see Sam at our long course nationals in sunny Kalifornia. In fact, everyone is invited to the land of Arnold; Kalifornia. As great as Savannah was, Mission Viejo is trying to be the best nationals ever. For those of you who do not know Tracie Moll has been one of the greatest Masters swimmers ever. I know a lot of women who will miss racing her. Get well ! The one constant I know of in Masters swimming, is overcoming injuries. My first nationals was Oregon in 1986. I had one day off and volunteered to time that day. I was amazed that in just my lane, hundreds of swimmers had huge scars on their backs, legs, chest etc. So I started asking, they were all swimming after major surgeries, and swimming had helped them back into a wonderfull world of improved health and great new friendships. I fit in just fine, in 1984 I had 2 hours of knee surgery. I have been holding off shoulder surgery for 16 years! As long as I can still swim breaststroke, I can stand some pain. I really like the response of gull80 Of course the next best thing is finding a doctor who trained in Houston I am a firm believer in finding Doctors who understand us. I have been lucky, for my knee surgery, my Doc had the same surgery as a football player. For my shattered left arm, I had the head surgeon from the 1984 Olympics. If they turn up the sensitivity, I set off the airport alarms with the titanium screws and plates.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 07:44:47 GMT

Hey Sam, if you do choose to email me I gave you my wrong address in my other post. Correct email address Tracie Moll is: TAMoll@hotmail.com Glad to hear everything went well with the surgery, wishing you and yours happy holidays. Tracie :cool:

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 07:15:51 GMT

Originally posted by 330man Good luck to you!! Today's top doctors are miracle workers and your seems to be optimistic; that's a good thing. Houston seems to be a hub for cutting edge medicine. A friend of mine is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Anderson Hospital in Houston. Sam, I might not know back pain, but I do know how it is like not being able to swim for a long period of time. In 1992, when I was 13 1/2 years old, I was diagnosed with Glaucoma (an eye condition, that if not treated will destroy your optic nerve, leaving you totally blind) which I found out was in it's advanced stages, due to a negligent opthamologist when I was younger. As the years went by, my Glaucoma progressed, my body got used to the six different types of eye drops and the oral medicine that left me cold and a loss of appetite. In the summer of 1996, I had my eyes operated in Houston to ease the pressure build up. Times were bleak for me during this period of my life because it would be ten years (1994-2004) until I got back into the pool. It took me a while til I realized that swimming played a major role in my life. Now at 26, life has improved since my operation, nearly a decade ago. Best wishes to you on your road to recovery. We (and I speak for all of us in this thread, including myself) hope to see you swimming again soon. Godspeed, Sam... Godspeed.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 16:06:18 GMT

Hey Sam, I just finally got back on line and just read your post. I would love to hear what other surgeries you have done and what steps you have taken up to this date. I'am sure you don't know me and for the last year I am going thru the worst back injury in my life. I was put in the hospital last year for a week due to L-3 L-4 L-5 S-1 and lost the whole use of my left leg. Needless to say I was scared since my good friend died a year before from a brian tumor at 40 (love ya Deb Riker) I'am sure you didn't get the privledge of meeting her. So I'am now 41 and am an Ocean Lifeguard in Fort Lauderdale but as of now no longer can do my job and am waiting to see a nuro surgeon on Monday a.m. to see my next steps. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to seeing you at a meet. (That's if I'am ever back) best of luck. If you'd like to email me you can at TracieMoll@hotmail.com good luck Tracie:cool:

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 14:27:57 GMT

DONE! Had the operation Thursday and was home at 6:00 pm that evening. The surgeon does open back surgery on an outpatient basis if you can believe it. He said the detachment of my disc "was huge" (whatever that means) and there was no wonder I couldn't walk from the pain. He is certain that the leg pain should go away very quickly and the neurological damage will heal in good time. The important thing is he said I can start swimming in 6 weeks and skiing in 4 months. I can't wait to strap on the old cap and goggles and get back in! Again thank you so much for all of your positive responses, thoughts and prayers. My goal is to be at Mission Viejo this summer, it's great to have something to shoot for.

RE: Surgery

joy — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 11:07:28 GMT

You sound great and with no regrets. What a wonderful Holiday present for you and your family. Take it easy and let it heal properly so there won't be any problems. Happy Holidays and a great NEW Year. See ya at the Mission meet.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Thu, 16 Dec 2004 17:41:50 GMT

Sam, good luck to you on your upcoming surgery! I wish you the best outcome possible!:)

RE: Surgery

swimr4life — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:03:32 GMT

Good luck Sam! I'm so sorry you are having pain and hope that your surgery and recovery go smoothly. Chronic pain definitely challenges your resolve. Hang in there buddy! You are in our thoughts and prayers. You definitely are in the medical capital of the USA! Houston is the place to be if you want the best surgeons and doctors. I found a doctor there that helped me after many other doctors here (Atlanta) had failed! Hopefully you will too! TAKE CARE! ;)

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 09:28:18 GMT

Originally posted by swimr4life Houston is the place to be if you want the best surgeons and doctors. Of course the next best thing is finding a doctor who trained in Houston.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 17:23:57 GMT

Good luck to you!! Today's top doctors are miracle workers and your seems to be optimistic; that's a good thing. Houston seems to be a hub for cutting edge medicine. A friend of mine is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Anderson Hospital in Houston.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 15:59:22 GMT

I have gotten so many great responses and messages, I want to thank you so much. Some people have been asking for an update, so here goes: We are in Houston now and I am having surgery hopefully in the next couple of days for sure by the 21st. The surgeon here is one of the top rated neurosurgeons in the US so I know I am in great hands. He is somewhat concerned that I may have permanant nerve damage because of the paralysis for 8 weeks but we are hoping for the best. Good news is he told me I could be back to swimming in 6 weeks. I can't wait to get back in, try being out for so long, I am losing my sanity! I know if I have permanant damage I could have some weakness in the left leg, so I guess I'll have to just work harder to pull. Long course may be the only time anyone sees me so I won't embarrass myself even more than I already do with turns! This is such a great supportive group here and I thank y'all so much for the well wishes and concern.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 14:29:37 GMT

Sam, oddly enough we're in close situations, only I'm 16 years younger. I didn't even see your post and I had basically put up my "sob story" because I'm feeling quite discouraged as well. Good luck with your surgery, and keep us posted. When I get brave enough to go see a real doctor about my back problems, I can update as well. As it is, I need to go lie down, because my back is killing me...

RE: Surgery

401kman — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 03:48:42 GMT

Sam, I read your story over a week ago, but it has taken me this long to respond only because of the chills I got when originally reading your post. The similarities of our circumstances are numerous. But know that I am 10 years your senior, and things will get better! The frustration and anguish you now feel will pass. In my case it was a combination of learing to cope with some lifestyle changes along with some relief due to the various medical procedures I went through. But swimming is somthing I can do and was in fact recommended by my Docs. Regardless of the path you take to recovery, it will in fact be a recovery - so don't lose hope and try as best you can to stay positive. I know how difficult staying positive can be when you are in pain and truly worried about your current and future health. But hopefully you will find some solace in knowing so many others that have gone through similar circumstances and have come through it. You will too, and being as positive as possible will help you get there quicker. You don't know me from Adam, but know that you are in my thoughts . . . ~Rob

RE: Surgery

jroddin — Wed, 24 Nov 2004 11:32:30 GMT

Sam, I'm really sorry that you have had to go through all this. I'll be thinking about you next week and hope all goes well. Also know that your family of masters swimmers around the country will be hoping for a speedy recovery. Although some of your backstroke competitors will be hoping for a slower recovery :) Just kidding - I hope the surgery is successful and your recovery is reasonable. I think we all know recoveries are no cake walk but with patience and determination I'm sure you will be fine. Jeff

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Wed, 24 Nov 2004 07:47:47 GMT

Sam, So sorry to hear about how down you are with all this.....I'll be keeping you in my prayers, and looking forward to your return to the pool......my situation was pretty broadly comparable to yours, but there was a time I knew coming back to the pool wasn't an option, and it nearly broke me. Swimming was definitely not good therapy for my knee, and it's pretty much the only thing my surgeon told me I couldn't do. But it really does get better. My grandmother has had back problems all her life, but I'm happy to say that at 80, she is better than she was at 50, because of all the new things they are coming up with every day. There's hope. You have a lot of support out here, please keep us updated on things.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Tue, 23 Nov 2004 14:27:59 GMT

Sam, I truly empathize with you and wish you the best when you have your surgery next week. I hope you will be swimming again soon! Take care:)

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:12:07 GMT

Houston has some of the finest neurosurgeons in the world, so you'll be in great hands. I'm looking forward to reading about your successful return to competition in USMS Swimmer.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 13:27:34 GMT

Thank you so much all of you! You can't believe how heartwarming it is to read these replies each day. Many of you who have replied don't know me from Adam, and I am truly thankful for this community and your enxouraging words. I hope I never have to return the gesture, but please know that when I am back on my feet (no pun intended), I will hopefully have a story I can share when someone needs to hear it from me. Fritz, I will take you up on that challenge someday I promise. We are heading to Houston sometime in the next week for surgery that is scheduled for Thursday 12/2/04. I will post here after the surgery to let everyone know how it all went. Again, thanks so much for the replies and stories each day they are lifting my spirits.

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 09:30:35 GMT

Thanks for sharing that with us Sam.....I appreciate hearing your story and I will pray for you to get well soon......I wish you the very best of luck with this.....Please keep believing....Sometimes things can really look grim (and depressing) ...like having a serious medical setback like you have suffered....but you can still make it! It's inspirational to read about other people's stories and how they were able to overcome similar obstacles....I hope that some of those stories can help provide you with some positive hope for the future....Hang in there b/c we're all going to be pulling for you!! newmastersswimmer

RE: Surgery

Paul Smith — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 08:06:51 GMT

Sam, Best of luck, I'm looking forward to your quick return! You've got my email address/phone so please don't hesitate to call. PS: I've had two knee surgeries, a shoulder surgery (another on the way), Laura's had knee & shoulder surgery, so between the two of us we're trying to keep pace with you!

RE: Surgery

Former Member — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 17:47:50 GMT

Sam Do what you need to do and get healthy. I want another crack at you! I'll send my number through a private message and if you want to talk, I'll be there. Fritz

RE: Surgery

AnnG — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 11:50:34 GMT

Thanks for noticing I had a good meet. What Joy doesn't mention is that while we were in the cool down lane and she was congratulating me on my 200 backstroke (my best one of the meet), Karen Andrus-Hughes was swimming her heat, beating me in my age group by 22 seconds and setting a zone record! The important thing for this post is that there was a time when I didn't know if I would walk again without pain, there was that dark time, but the surgery helped me and I did recover enough to get back to this point. I won't do the yard work I used to, or dig ditches, which I have done in my younger days, and I don't flex my back on starts like the pros, however there is life after back surgery. I have had people say to me that they would never consider having back surgery and I reply that they have never been where I was, a person has to do what is right for them and that is a personal decision. You are a sweet person Joy, thanks again . . .