BuffaloChip

[LSC Fan]

Chip,

We are rooting for you sir!

[BuffaloChip]

I cannot imagine that you don't have a case. The sharks in Philly would be courting you like crazy.

What that doctor did to you is a disgrace. You should not be suffering like this.

Thank goodness you are blessed with resources to take care of yourself but you shouldn't have to do that.

You costs should be compensated.
ing constipat
I'll keep checking this thread to see how you are doing. I really have been wondering why I had not seen you posting in the OT and hoping you were okay.

Thanks for the good will, Michael. It's ironic when a busy, involved person's life becomes focused on not getting constipated (a condition you do not want when you are incontinent).

[ASUPops]

My attorney has passed all my medical and billing records on to medical malpractice attorney's in Houston, Waco, and Austin. Hopefully one will find my case worthy of their time and expense.

My son's about to get me out of bed (using a hydraulic lift) into my wheelchair and head for the home theater to watch the Cowboys-Eagles gammon the big screen

Many of the documents signed before medical procedures state specific risks and therefore protects medical professionals should one of those circumstances take place. However, IF negligence can be PROVEN, then malpractice will settle out of court. But the award is usually not nearly as much as people expect. And then it is usually equally allocated as follows.....1/3 to your attorney, 1/3 for healthcare costs, 1/3 to you.

Our legal system SUCKS and takes way too long to settle legitimate cases.

Best of luck Chip. Wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy & healthy New Year.

[IUPNation]

My attorney has passed all my medical and billing records on to medical malpractice attorney's in Houston, Waco, and Austin. Hopefully one will find my case worthy of their time and expense.

My son's about to get me out of bed (using a hydraulic lift) into my wheelchair and head for the home theater to watch the Cowboys-Eagles gammon the big screen

I cannot imagine that you don't have a case. The sharks in Philly would be courting you like crazy.

What that doctor did to you is a disgrace. You should not be suffering like this.

Thank goodness you are blessed with resources to take care of yourself but you shouldn't have to do that.

You costs should be compensated.

I'll keep checking this thread to see how you are doing. I really have been wondering why I had not seen you posting in the OT and hoping you were okay.

[texcap]

My attorney has passed all my medical and billing records on to medical malpractice attorney's in Houston, Waco, and Austin. Hopefully one will find my case worthy of their time and expense.

My son's about to get me out of bed (using a hydraulic lift) into my wheelchair and head for the home theater to watch the Cowboys-Eagles gammon the big screen

[BuffaloChip]

My attorney has passed all my medical and billing records on to medical malpractice attorney's in Houston, Waco, and Austin. Hopefully one will find my case worthy of their time and expense.

My son's about to get me out of bed (using a hydraulic lift) into my wheelchair and head for the home theater to watch the Cowboys-Eagles gammon the big screen

[IUPNation]

Hey Guys,
Thanks to all for the well wishes and prayers.

Before any wild guesses or rumors get started, I guess I better get it out there.

At present, I am paralyzed from the mid-stomach down, the result of a back procedure gone wrong performed on Sep 23. Yes.

On July 26 I awoke with severe middle (thoracic) back pain. Unbelievable rolling muscle spasms and pain off the charts. Went to hospital emergency room (by ambulance). Unable to do CT or MRI scan because I could absolutely not lay flat on my back because of the indescribable level of pain. Tried 2 more MRI's. Same story. Referred to a pain specialist, Brian Hasselhoff, MD, Panhandle Pain & Spine (a warning to all who read this). He decided to do the following, 1 inject the nerves with steroids. Wait and evaluate the effectiveness, 2 if that didn't work, inject the nerves with some pain killer. Wait and evaluate, 3 do a nerve block on the nerves.

I showed up on Sep 23, walked in to day surgery facility using my walker. The Dr. skipped the first 2 procedures and went directly to the nerve block, never telling me what he was going to do. After the procedure I was paralyzed from the mid-torso down. Taken to BSA Hospital. Horrible pain from rolling spasms and my back. Finally did CT scan. Radiologist read it. Neurosurgeon reported that it appeared that I had osteomyelitis in the spine (back bones were infected probably from a long term uncured bladder infection) and it had damaged the spine from the procedure. My options were 6 weeks IV antibiotics, beat the infection and hope the spine heals or surgery (and IV antibiotics). Surgeon felt surgery inserting steel rods and screws might cause more damage than benefit. I agreed that antibiotics alone was best path. Spent 8 days at BSA hospital in Amarillo.

Did 5 weeks of IV in rehab hospital. Been in another nursing/rehab facility for 3 weeks. I hope to go home in a couple weeks..

At first, the only movement I had was the ability to barely move my right toes. Today, 9 weeks later, my physical therapist says I have some movement in both legs. By that, the therapist feels the muscles moving, I can't. I can move toes, move ankles left and right with therapist holding them up a bit, press down on knees, bend knees, etc. All the movement is very slight or small. But, the nerves are sending signals and the muscles are responding. I have very, very little feeling. Who knows how long this will take? If the process continues, a couple years? Maybe more. It's most likely I will make progress but never not need a wheelchair.

One problem is my weak and partially paralyzed core/torso. I'm also incontinent. That's fun. But, I am getting stronger and the torso will come around.

Meantime, I have received my new powered wheelchair. A hospital bed has been shipped to my house, as well as an expensive Hill/Rohm air mattress is on the way. I'm awaiting my power lift. The only way I can be lifted out of bed or my wheelchair is on a sling tethered to a hydraulic lift. I have hired a private pay home health care outfit. I'll need lot's of help. Costly help. Medicare don't pay ****. I bought all my equipment, $12,000. I'm budgeting $60,000 a year for about 56 hours a week care. We"ll see how it works out. Maybe, once I get in a groove I won't need as much care. My wife is too weak to help. I have a lot of adjustments and accommodations to figure out and make. When you're paralyzed, an inch might as well be a mile.

I will admit, another way out was uppermost on my mind the first month or more. An easy way out. Take some pills. Go to sleep. Never wake up. However, I'm not a quitter. Never have been. I finally came around.

So, I'm going to give it a good shot. Hopefully, by April or May, I'll be shopping for a handicapped mobility van with hand controls, etc. And I'll be riding my wheelchair back on the sidelines and in the stands for WT sports next year. I sure hope so.

[Brandon]

Hey Brandon, still looking forward to a trip by you down here next season. I may be in a wheel chair, but I won't be an invalid.

Absolutely. I dgaf about race, sex, orientation, blah, blah, blah etc. I enjoy minds and ideas. That won't change a bit. Will look forward to a great time.

[BuffaloChip]

This thread helps me appreciate my own life and appreciate that a friend gets to keep living his!

Hey Brandon, still looking forward to a trip by you down here next season. I may be in a wheel chair, but I won't be an invalid.

[BuffaloChip]

John,

I had been taking a break from the constant childish commentary on the boards, and did not realize this had occurred till today. I am very sorry you are going through this. I know it is very difficult.

I can recall when I lost the use of my legs, and my neurologist was not much more positive than suggesting that I consider a vehicle with hand controls. I still cannot feel my lower legs, but have regained my mobility. I now find new goals, and realize that I have my wife and kids and I am blessed.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Joe

Thank you, Joe.

[Brandon]

This thread helps me appreciate my own life and appreciate that a friend gets to keep living his!

[UNA_Texan]

John,

I had been taking a break from the constant childish commentary on the boards, and did not realize this had occurred till today. I am very sorry you are going through this. I know it is very difficult.

I can recall when I lost the use of my legs, and my neurologist was not much more positive than suggesting that I consider a vehicle with hand controls. I still cannot feel my lower legs, but have regained my mobility. I now find new goals, and realize that I have my wife and kids and I am blessed.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Joe

[HOGSVRR]

Ray, I hope your visit to or place next FB season is still on.

We plan on it.

Get well friend. We are praying for you.

[BuffaloChip]

Thanks again to everyone's well wishes. I'll keep all apprised of my progress from time to time.

[BuffaloChip]

John, take care and never quit. Each day is a reprieve and a gift. Ask Jesus to help you go through this.

I do believe you will get better indeed.

Ray

Ray, I hope your visit to or place next FB season is still on.