I thought I would put this in print for several reasons to help others .
Two weeks ago today I started feeling bad with a cold sweat trying to work in the office of all places. I drove to emergency myself and alone. I was given a clot buster shot I hear costs 5,000 dollars and stopped cardiac arrest. I was taken by ambulance 100 miles to our state heart hospital. There they ran some tests and said I needed a five- bypass surgery as I was 95 percent blocked . Complications started when I didnt respond after surgery for over 3 and 1 half days with a ventilator breathing for me. A stroke happened here somewhere. I finally awoke and spent a week in ICU. I followed that by several days in a room. I finally got the final verdict . [ I think]
It will take 4 months to recover from surgery and heart attack. Ive lost 30 percent of my left arm and hand in the stroke. No one is sure to what extent I will be able to recover from arm and hand which is my best hand. I might be done with trade work if it doesnt recover because currently I cant shave with my best hand. I cant sign my name or write. I cant type as this is being forced by two fingers. Doctors think the bills will total 100,000 dollars before reconstruction. A total of 4 months off work with no promises the out come. I did several trades with quite a number of tools. I guess I could ask a number of questions or say a lot more . I thought I would let you guys say whats on your own mind. For me , I will only mention the first and formost thing on my own mind for now. ‘ Im glad Im still here and able to come here ‘ ” In other words , Im glad the final decision was life for now. “
Tim Mooney
Replies
Tim, may you heal quickly and get back to full stength soon!
We pray for you.
For others, love your families, you never know when "it" will be.
I could have figgured the answers so far . This is the way this site has always been . I guess my mind is on helping too , so I will state what is on my mind which is predictable of the site too. Thanks for the kind words.
1. These trades rarely last until retirement unless we succomb to management.
2. Invest in other things for retirement and job replacement.
3. Pay your insurances if you can afford it at all costs and be legal.
4. Make time for the important people in your life. I was almost ashamed at the great response I got from" it seemed the town ", from my illness. Im sorry to say that I had not been that good a friend . I will try my best to be in the future.
Tim Mooney
You have my best wishes and prayers. I've been though something similar though not as severe. About 1 1/2 years ago I began to feel lousy and I kept ignoring it till I couldn't get up a flight of stairs. Heart valve (mitral) had failed. I'd just gotten back to work 6 weeks earlier after a total knee replacement. Went to go back to work after the heart surgery and got laid off. I did have health insurance but it didn't cover all the bills- I'm still paying. What your facing now might seem insurmountable. Work,money,bills matter but in the big scheme of things I think they're not as important as we think they are- a point driven home when my Mom passed away last November. Work on getting well; it might not be easy but with a lot of effort don't be surprised if you make a full recovery. Even in adversity, there are blessings. I cherish my wife and family as never before. Hang in there!
JC, there were like 20 something in the waiting room during my surgery. Friends keep comming by and calling. I open cards every day. It litterally scared my wife for days on end and shes thinking of keeping me around. I got your thoughts man and thanks.
Tim Mooney
Tim, heal well. To have that kind of support from friends and community I'll bet you have been a better friend than your realize. Give yourself the time you need. We're cheering for you!
"A completed home is a listed home."
Thanks Lisa . I remain humbled by so many people just the same just like the replies here at BT. I remember the adoption thread here and of course many more. This time is the first time ever its been directed at me . WOW. I hope to come out of it with some wow for others because I wont forget it . I dont think anyone ever does.
Tim Mooney
Hello, Tim.....I just saw this thread.....My thoughts are with you...Carole
Just stopped to read the posts. Good luck my friend. I hope when I have mine I'm as fortunate as you to move my #### to the hospital in time. With all the great things they do nowadays I know I got a great chance of making it if I can just get to the hospital.
Hug em and kiss em and let em take care of ya. I'll keep a light out for ya.
Bob
Man Tim that is scary. Barbara and I will add you to our prayer list for a speedy recovery and hopefully some avenues of income to alleviate the financial burden placed on you and your family. Take care
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
I guess I better answer this one because the money issue is handled. 10 years ago it might have ruined me. Im lucky again .
Wife has a great job with good insurance. I pay insurance that covers what hers doesnt plus more is the best way to describe it. I have 14 rentals Ive never asked a penny from , so they have done well. They are ready to pay now , I just have to write checks. The income is there and available with a nest egg balance.
Ive got several lots paid for through rental accouts that were bought cheap at the right time. I will build and hire subs in about a month or so. I just wont be doing the actual work. I have no idea what I will make , but at least Im going on. I dont plan to wait out the loss of limb thing.
Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
c'mon, tim... when i named the mooney wall after you, it wasn't meant as a memeorial..
i can trace this back to you not comming down for TexFest at DuHammels... oh , the shame of it..
now that you're a little more laid back, you can start planning on showing your puss at all the fests to come..
hell, with a name like Mooney, you could even spend the last 2 weeks in October with Helen and me...
let your property work for you like you worked for it all these years.. and find yourself a travel agent..
when was the last time you were in Rhode Island ?... hah, bet the next time'll be the first timeMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Its good to hear from you. Im going to tell the whole truth .
Weh I heard about the recovery time , I said OK. Its just another job I have to do. I was told about the costs and it didnt faze me or the time off work. I was really fine.
Then,"yu have lost 30 percent of yur hand and arm and we cant fix it . " I cried in front of grown doctors because I cant enjoy my love of the work. " Yep, it aint over the money. I thought it was , but I was wrong and dats the truth of it. Im scared I wont be able to enjoy the work again . I dont have the right to be worried about it cause Ive been given life and my freinds and family. Theres no concerning discussion there. My goal is to go on and not worry , but my hope is that I will use my tools again.
best wishes your way ,
Tim Mooney
tim, if anyone will, i'd put my money on you Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Tim, godspeed on your recovery. Quite the eye-opener.
DANG! That's quite a shock. Glad you're still around.
For what it's worth, my Dad went through something kinda similar a few years back. Had some chest pain, but didn't want to believe anything was wrong. Mom ended up talking him into seeing a doctor. Turns out he had a 95% blockage. They said if he'd had a heart attack he would have almost certainly died.
But - The good part is that he said once he recovered he felt better than he had for years. He has more stamina and doesn't get out of breath early so easily. And he's resumed a normal lifestyle. (He was 61 at the time of the surgery)
Hopefully you will recover quicker and go back to what you were doing before, but feeling better.
For now, I hope you'll hang around here and visit a bit. We gotta have a goat roper or 2 around here.....................(-:
Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure [Thomas A. Edison]
Without reading anything else, I'll be down on my knees for you tonight.
Nothing much more to say than that, Brother.
Excellence is its own reward!
I'm am very glad you made it thru this. Really, they need your smarts here <g>.
Ever consider using your other hand? I mean there are people out there who are ambidextrose, why can't you just learn to use your other hand for certain tasks. And 30% loss means that you've got 70% actual function. That's over 1/2!This jobless recovery has done more to promote the consumption of exquisite chocolate than the finest chocolatier. Cost be damned.
That 30 percent 70 percent was the doctors words. It doesnt end up being divided to me. Good subject. I was clipping the nails on my left hand when I read your post . Im going to have to wait on my wife to get off work to clip the right. There are lots of things Im able to go with my left hand if it doesnt take any power or trueness. I cant hold up a framer , but it will hold a cabinet gun. I will let you know , but right now I think Ive only got 30.
Tim Mooney
I'm so glad you made it!
After a year of knowing I have partially blocked arteries in my arms, legs and heart I've gone back to school. In 16 months I'll be teaching math in high school (if everything goes right) which is much less physically demanding (a whole different kind of stress).
It's also a new adventure and I've decided that at this point being able to enjoy a new adventure is what being alive is all about.
Good luck with your recovery.
Kelly
Tim
So sorry bro.
With a spirit like yours though I "know" you'll figure something out to keep you happy with whatever work you do.
They say when you loose something like eyesight other senses become more acute. My guess is thats true.
Your mind must be whirling....I can only imagine!
Seems the older we get the more we hear this stuff happening to our friends and family.
Lets one understand whats most important while we're still on this rock.
I'm sure you have had much insight since this happened. Would love to hear about it when youre in the mood to unload.
You're in my thoughts.
Be very well bro
andy The way we regard death is critical to the way we experiance life.
When your fear of death changes, the way you live your life changes.
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Thanks Andy. I will unload and share it .
Tim Mooney
Non carburundum illigitimi, m'man
SamT
Tim,
So glad you're typing away with two fingers tonight! Tomorrow it'll be three. And then...you know.
I know what that feels like, to have folks rally and surprise you. This summer is my first after a lot of scary symptoms that they thought were MS. Can't believe it's been a year. Last year, I couldn't leave the house because of seizures and junk. This year, we're trying to renovate a nutball of a house that's full of junk. And I was so overwhelmed by generousity last year I was right bashful. Next year, I'll be even better and able to help someone else!
Life. What a crazy ride. Glad you're back on here.
Tim very sorry to hear about your troubles. I was wondering where you had disappeared to and was thinking well it I guess (or hope) it's just a busy summer for a lot people and that's why they're not around. Bummer to hear this.
On a related note about how you might think about handling this and where to go next in your career. I dislocated my right shoulder in my early years in high school (and the left too later on for that matter). For the next ten or to fifteen years I guess it was I suffered reoccurring dislocations over and over again to the point where sometimes it seemed like every other month I was recovering from a dislocation. I can't tell you how many times I went to lift and open the garage door and as my hand went up with the door the shoulder would come out again and I be there writing in pain talking to myself saying "stupid. stupid, stupid, you know not to open the door that why why are you so bloody stupid."
During all those dislocations I never lost the use of my hand what good is a hand that works hanging on the end of a wet rope to a carpenter which was how right arm felt. What I did was the only option I could think of back then. I learned to use my left hand and arm. Eventually since this really did happen very often with differing degree of severity I started to get pretty good using it. I can remember on night going to one of our softball games where we were short players and our captain asked (told) me I had to play. I went in to the game and played the weak side (push) outfield position wherever that was for a particular batter. The only play I could make on a ball was when it hit the ground and rolled to me and everyone got a laugh when I tried to throw the ball back in but ya know what eventually I learned to throw left handed. Batting actually came easier since I already was a switch hitter and with just one hand I found hitting was like hitting a left handed backhand tennis shot and I actually go pretty good at it.
Over a few years of that regularly happening I actually got good enough that I bought my own lefthanders mitt and even learned to catch fly balls basket catch Willy Mays style and even got a new nickname I didn't deserve and couldn't really ever hope to live up to.
Then I guess it was ten years ago while ski racing in a Silver Series race I had a crash and whoops it was out again only this time it was different. The pain was worse than ever and this time I couldn't get it back in. When my brother and some of my friends arrived and tried to help me get it back in the I also noticed I had no feeling or muscle use in my hand. I skied down and had a friend drive me to the hospital since the pain was so intense I was having trouble seeing clearly and the sun was now down.
In the emergency room that evening even they had difficulty getting it back in and after spending the night with them pulling on my arm I went to see a specialist since I was told I also had some nerve and surrounding muscle damage. The orthopedic surgeon told that was it I had to have the joint reconstructed. I was told while the joint could be repaired I probably would not have the use of it I once had. The nerve damage would probably repair itself eventually but I should be prepared for the slight chance that maybe they wouldn't come back.
That all got me thinking that my career as an artist craftsman was over (while I did learn to write left handed I never learned to paint left handed ( that's artist paint not house paint). That was different and more precise. I was only maybe a year into computers at the time but and didn't really know much of anything about them but I set out learn all the ways that computer were used in the construction industry thinking well I know how to draft I'll just learn how to use CAD.
I would lift my now numb and useless right hand up with my left hand and plop it on this little sandbag pillow next to the key board and using the middle finger of my right hand since that's the one that worked I learned to do stuff. And I learned a lot more than just CAD. I got curious and took stabs at programming and even though my right arm eventually did come back and I did go back into carpentry after a year away and I did even learn to throw again my interest in computer technology was started with that minor tragedy. While I still own my carpentry contracting company I don't work there anymore other than estimating and sales. I started a new business this post January that is supposed to be supplying "Web and Information Technology Solutions for Builders, Remodelers, Contractors and other members of the Home & Garden Industry". While i certainly could use some more clients and customers I know it they will eventually come.
The way I see it I'm still doing the same thing I always did, "Building Stuff", only now it's computer programs and web sites and I'm still in the industry I enjoy so much. I'm pretty sure you find a way and you'll start to find ways of using your head and knowledge instead of just your hands.
Ya know Sonny Lykos has had at least one stroke and he recovered it seems fully from it and I had an employee a while back suffer a stroke and he eventually recovered and made it back too. It all depends on a lot of stuff I don't know much about so I hope some of the people who do know about that kind of stuff can help you out here.
If typing on the computer is difficult for you right now you might want to look into so some Speech recognition software such as Via Voice. I'll see what more I can find out for you on that and I get back to you on it.
I have a real good betting hunch though that you'll probably get it all back sooner or later as I was once able too and then you can make you career direction decisions by choice and not just necessity.
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ParadigmProjects.com | Paradigm-360.com | Mac4Construction.com
Thanks for the story about the arm. After I read it I did my walking inspired. I just got out of the hospital a couple of days ago , but Im supposed to be walking a 1/4 of a mile per day to keep my lungs in shape. I thought at the time it was a long way while still laying in a hospital bed. I was able to walk 11/2 miles with out stopping lastnight!
Tim Mooney
Tim
just a detour in life, I'm sure that you will land on your feet.
Still planning on buying you a beer next time yer in Sitka.
Tim, I thank God you're still around. My wife works as a nurse in the cardiac cath lab, as well as the CCU, so I have heard horror stories similar to yours. She keeps me on the straight and narrow. Everybody has given you great advice. Time may not heal all things, but the human spirit can over come the bodies shortcomings.
I cannot imagine being divorced from my tools, so I do not envy what you must be going through. If there is no way possible to continue working, then it might be time to change directions in life, persue other lines of emploment and hobbies.
Most of all, have faith. You have a huge support group here, and we're all willing to lend an ear if needed.
You're in our prayers. Good luck and God speed with your recovery.
PS, miracles do happen, never give up hope.
Im very glad that those people in emergency and ICU know what they are doing . They were very good at what they do for a living and I was inspired. When I get well enough I plan a trip back thanking them for my life. I will make those plans ! You are lucky to have one . Thanks for your thoughts.
Im not giving up on using my tools. They just dont want me to be stressed about it . I told them that was a fair deal.
Tim Mooney
Sorry to hear it, Tim. Best wishes to you.
Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
Sorry that it happened, but with your good attitude you will get on, I bet.
You may not know Roy Cooper, but he has been world champion calf roper many times. One rodeo he got his wrist caught in the slack and it tore his arm so bad they didn't think he would use it again, so he spent the next several moths leaning to rope with his other arm and won yet another world championship left handed.
As it happened, his arm got well and he won two more world championships right handed and is still competing and in the top of the standings.
I dislocated my elbow very bad and the doctor told me it would do good to ever strecht 60%. In six weeks it was 100%. What do doctors know anyway.:-)
Even if your arm doesn't get to where you would like it to be, all you gain is a gift, after what you went thru.
Never give up, give it time is a good tough to go by. Especially since we can't do any different.:-)
Take care of yourself.
Someone once asked what was so great about Joe Redington ? In his life time , he never paced closer than third I think it was in the 1100 mile dog sled race called , "The Iditarod". He is called the father of the race.
The answer is that he was putting it on not training for the race himself. He was 76 years old and was diganosed with cancer when he ran third.
Tim Mooney
I read a lot more than post. Frankly someone has to be gone for quite some time before I even notice. About a week ago I wondered where you went too and decided that you must be working a lot.
I guess having the rental thing in common was what kept you in my mind and the fact that your posts are some of the most sensible here. I am glad you are back. Most of all I am glad you are ok. I hope God grants you a speedy recovery. DanT
Dan , thanks for your thoughts. Andy was right in something he said ;" my mind is whirling. "
Tim Mooney
Tim
Damn, very sorry to hear this. Just yesterday I was wondering why I hadn't see you around here in a while. Hope you have a good recovery, and keep your head up.
Truly glad you're still with us.
Take care
Neil
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.
Tim,
I am so very sorry to read of your experience and what you are facing.
I pray that you will be surrounded by love and hope and encouragement and strength from all of those people who are important to you, from all of us here at BT, and from what other sources are meaningful to you.
Tim
glad your here to tell us about it
just remember you can still do it in your head , just may have to do it with your body some what different,
Daniel
Tim.
Im sooo sorry it happened to you but am happy you realized what was going on so you could take careof it and save your life.
That is one thing that ive been afraid of as Im moving closer to retirement is a heart attack. it seems that most people die with in 5 years of retirement. I hope to beat the odds.
May God Bless you and heal you and let you fully recover. I will pray for you.
Darkworksite4: Subterráneo en la república de gente de Calif
Ron , I too have been afraid of a heart attack because its been prevailant in my family. I could advise you have it checked , but I didnt . I did listen to my body though. I hope you do that. Thanks for the thoughts,
Tim Mooney
While we're on the subject of checking things..
Prostrate exams, Probably saved my dad from a lot of trouble if not more since they found his cancer very early.
I also guess this means, no my blowing up wells??
The Count-Down begins, 95 days left
NEil,
And prostrate cancer checks are no biggie at all.HAd one done a few months ago..they knock your #### out before the exam.....lol..I woke up and didnt know if they did it yet.
Be very well
andy The way we regard death is critical to the way we experiance life.
When your fear of death changes, the way you live your life changes.
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
hi tim. i have not posted often but have read a lot. i have appreciated your input here at bt and am glad you are on the road to mending.my prayers too are with you and your family. paul.
Tim....
My first thoughts were...
"Wow, at least this happened to someone that can use their brain!"
Seriously.....this would have meant rock bottom for some people. One...yer still alive! And two ...not like yer too dumb to get thru life without swinging a big hammer all day.
You'll figure it out...if ya have to. Just keep in mind...it's way...way early in the game.
Give yourself a little bit of time to heal...before ya decide the hammer's hung on then wall for good.
Every now and then ..when the going get's painful....remind yourself how good ya done your family by having that "retirement plan" in action already.
Like my Dad would say ..."New day.....different set of problems!"
Really sad to hear, but again ....
I think you'll adapt and adjust just fine IF need be.
Bet ya a beer ya ain't doing much "adapting or adjusting" in a coupla months.
Sounds like good progress in a short time already.
I don't think the old horse needs shot yet!
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
You make sure you are charging enough for some good insurance . Thanks for the words , I would never forget a post from you.[just like I havent others] I started the post to help and remind some friends what can happen. You were one of the friends on my mind big one. I know Im preaching , but hey ; I waited till Sunday!
Does it sound like Im feeing better ? LOL.
Tim Mooney
I'm mostly a reader and lurker here. That means I 'know' you. I'm wishing you all the best in the further recovery process. You've done a ton of the hard work already by surviving to this point. Congratulations on that! The next bit - the rehab - isn't easy - you've got to continue to be strong. Keep on keyboarding - it's great therapy for your hand - really. Given who you are, and what you do as a professional, you're going to be able to apply some of your problem-skills to what's going on now. If there's some residual deficit, you (or one of the other creative wizards here) will work up a work-around - i have NO doubt about that. (i'm speaking as a professional here - i've been working in various parts of the rehab world for over 20 years)
So - while you're working up to 6 miles a day, and wearing down pair after pair of sneaks - there are prayers being said, candles being lit, and good wishes travelling through the ether - and the ethernet - to you, and all those that love you. If you can't play a sport, be one.
Thats one fine post for someone who doesnt write them. Please write them. That message ment a lot to me and I thank you for taking the time. You just got in why this message board works by getting involved. You were the Pro speaking at that time.
Tim Mooney
Yer wuz gone ???
; )
My friend and brother, I am not happy at all to hear the bad stuff, but glad as can be to hear that you have survived.
Everyone else has already said all the fruity stuff, so I am at a loss for a way to convey my feelings any better than the above. I too, think that you have way too much going for you, to consider yourself down for any kind of count. Hang on. Push the envelope. I'll pray for you.
: )
A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
Luka, my friend .
Ive never seen you for a loss of words. Ive seen you search for words to rightly express your self. Ive wondered since the reason and I have waited to respond . I think maybe you fight bigger battles. I have always thought that . My thoughts have always been with you because I know that your heart is in these trades and you cant do them. Of all people I think you may really know where I am. I know you will tell me when the time is right.
Tim Mooney
Tim,
Hang in there, bro. Do your rehab plus a little. Be aware of the depression that's common after bypass. Probably have a hammer in both hands before long.
KK
Tim, I just read your post and al of the wonderfull replies. As Luka has said, there is not much I could add to any of them, except my own personel best wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery.
Dave
Hey, good luck. Too many people get symptoms and ignore them. I can only wish you the best. Sometimes therapy works wonders. I believe mindset is the most important tool in your pouch.
Good wishes.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Tim: That sounds scarey. Glad to hear things are going your way, now. You sound like you have this under control ... you have a strong will to carry on.
Please know that all your friends here at BT are thinking about you, and praying for you.
Take care, my friend.
We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower
Warm Thoughts from FLA.
But, but, its SUPPOSED to taste like that!
Oh, Tim! Sending {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} your way. I'm so sorry you've gone through this. You are very courageous."The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." ~Nelson Henderson
Tim,
Sounds like you've got the situation under control, but you'll be in my thoughts anyway.
Best,
Tim,
Saw this thread this morning, but just sat on it all day trying to think of something new to say. Didn't work. The folks here have pretty much covered the bases.
I'll add this though.........I've watched several folks go thru this same sort of event. All of them recovered to normal or so close to normal that you'd never know. Recovery times varied. On that note, I think Cairo said the magic words.........your mindset is the most important tool in the pouch.
I think I kinda know how you may be feeling about now. Tore up my shoulder real bad a couple of years ago and the doc said it didn't look good at all. He basically told me to forget it and at that point I was pretty much convinced too that the tool swinging career was over. The shoulder was super painful and the limitations it imposed were mentally and emotionally debilitating. But I decided to fight back in an intelligent manner with mind and body. A few months later I was right back on course throwin' 32 footers up to the house wall again........against the odds........and at that very doctor's house to boot. He watches yet today in bewilderment. Without that determination to win, I'm not sure it would have ever happened. Today the whole thing is just a memory. I wish the very same for you.....and for your family and friends.
You are right. It seems like we think doctors are gods, whatever they say MUST be true. But I've heard too many stories like yours, someone totally recovering who shouldn't have, someone given 3 wks to live who's lived 10yrs more and counting, someone in a coma who DID come out after a few years but came out and so it goes. You gotta take what the medical community tells you with a grain of salt.This jobless recovery has done more to promote the consumption of exquisite chocolate than the finest chocolatier. Cost be damned.
Tim, I've been busy and not checking the board for a week. I'm sorry about the news. You make one good point about the cost of procedures in the 'States. I'm glad I'm Canadian, and I DO have extra insurance for when I visit south of the border.
Don't write off your limb use yet.
Firstly, they administered a clot buster. That helps a lot.
Secondly, Docs (bless them) don't know everything.
Almost everyone here knows we are foster parents. One boy, Bruce, was shaken horribly by his parents and had all sorts of injuries. When he was placed with us, the Doctors predicted he would be in a wheelchair, blind, non-responsive, unschoolable, etc.
My wife and I worked with him for years, every day. He stared walking at 5. He started talking a little, and now won't stop (you have to know his language ....). He dresses himself, his expensive wheelchair is a toy for his teddy bears. He is in grade 2 (blended program). The only thing he won't do for himself is eat.
Doctors can only know what "should" be the result of your injuries. I'll bet they told you to get therapy. Do it. I'm no medic, but I'm willing to bet that after a year of rehab and lots of gym time, you will be far more functional than they will opine.
Good luck to you, Tim.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
I start therapy Monday. The doctors want six miles a day , no smokes , and a diet to live by. I will put every thing I have in therapy. I will never smoke again. Im on a stricter diet than he required. I will have to work up to six miles a day because Im only supposed to be walking a quarter now.
There have been a lot of people here who have said , "wait and see". Thats the only thing I can do except the above. I have also heard stories too . For one thing they were incorrect about the percentage of my arm. Depends on what IM doing. Breaktime will know the changes because I will post it. Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Not to even compare this story to your troubles but as far as getting moving and therapy, I will tell you how it went for me this time I was talking about with the dislocated elbow.
It was a Sunday afternoon and at the first hospital they would not set it because it was "too bad, needs a surgeon".
Went to the second hospital and the surgeon said he can fix it ok and they gave me intravenous stuff but it was not working, I was still too alert. When they had given me as much as they dared, the doctor just pulled around and set it right. It didn't hurt much. :-)
I walked off that table and went to sign papers, the doctor still wondering how I could walk after all that, not be sleeping it off.
They gave me a sling and told me to take it easy for a week or so. Of course, they didn't know I had chores to do etc. Went home and did chores and was working next day. My arm was black and blue from fingertips to past my shoulder.
To put out salt, I made a sling out of baling wire and shoved the 50 lbs blocks into it to load and carry them around, fixed an old rope to pull the wire gates back against the posts one handed, learned to swing hay bales with one arm and a knee,etc.
What I am leading to is that in six weeks my elbow was 100% and I think that keeping the whole body moving from the start was at the same time giving little therapy nudges to that elbow, not letting it freeze in place. So, if you can't do something with that arm now, working with what you have will indirectly still be helping that arm, as, like we all know, "the arm bone is connected to the shoulder bone, the shoulder bone is conn...." <G>
A lady I know stayed home, sitting around, inactive, when she dislocated her elbow and it doesn't strecht out much now.
Moral of this story, do as much as you can, without stressing anything too much. Try going on with your life, not worry. Worrying tends to tense the body and not let it work loose and flexible.
Are you in any therapy group with counselors? Talking will help you very much to clear your mind and helping others that may be down with their problems is a big lift to you too, to be able to be of use.
People that had hearth problems tend to get depressed more than the rest of us. Knowing this is the best medicine for that. Being aware of that kind of a possible depression helps defuse it.
Very glad that you are with us and sharing as others may be there any time and you are an inspiration to all. Keep that thought in mind.:-)
My wife, kid and myself were cruising into Manhatten on our 28' boat (we sold it) about seven years ago.
We were at a stand still just admiring the skyline when a hugeeeeee party boat shot out of no where going way over the speed limit and caused a tremendous wake that got under our boat. It flipped my wife up in the air (our daughter was on her lap) and when she landed it crushed a vertabrae in her spin.
Coast guard came from Randells Island and ambulanced her to the hospital where they took a piece of bone from her hip to add to her spin along with a huge steel clamp/rod.
The docter said one thing she will never do is play tennis....
Guess what? Three years after that she took up tennis and plays 2-4 hours five days a week or more .is on the USTA league and is a 4.0 player now and in all kinda tornaments that she mostly wins.
PS...guess where she's been since 7:00 AM this (Sunday) morning? Uh huh! And she's in three tournaments today.
Be well my brother Tim
andy The way we regard death is critical to the way we experiance life.
When your fear of death changes, the way you live your life changes.
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Not to worry.......us farts are tough enough to raise ourselves to lower expectations.
Just came back from my usual fishing weekend and read your post. Can't you just have a normal week without the heavy duty excitement?
Can you still hold a fishing rod........I'm still thinking about hosting the first annual breaktime fishing derby up here in Ontario next summer........you making the cut might make the day.
Best to ya
Gabe
Tim, I'm glad you're still with us....keep at the physical therapy...it works. My mom-in-law lost the use of her right hand 3 months ago due to a small stroke...she's got it back 50%...I'm sure she'll get back more, because she keeps pluggin away with the weights and hand grip exercizer.
God Bless,
Jen
Just got back from a solid week at the beach doing nothing more than reading, sipping brews and plinking on my keyboard and find out that one of my extended family (youse guys) is ailing. I don't really know most of you but that doesn't matter. There's still that sucker punched feeling, just as if it had been my real brother.
Do what the doctors tell you and look up for further guidance. You'll surprise everyone, including yourself. Look forward to a FULL recovery.
Its good to hear from you Jen. Im ready for the rebuilding. Thats the kind of story I was hoping for actually. If you read the whole thing , you understand Im trying to keep using my tools. Seems kind of like a kid thing the more I think about it. When I started this thread , I was walking 1/4 mile. Ive had three this morning . Im going to therapy this afternoon. Im looking forward to that .
Tim Mooney
Tim, last night, and some today, you crossed my mind. Just what was I thinking?? Of You, and your challanges, ahead of you, with that, I wish you the best. Jim J
Tim, Tim, Tim . . . . you'll do just about anything to get attention, won't you ! Seriously - I'm glad you're here to tell about it. Amazed that you drove yourself to the E.R. And it's great that you didn't lose speech !
Work hard at the Physical Therapy - I know you will. I think a handsaw might be good for that limited mobility in the arm !
Get well - we miss you when you're not here. By the way, I may have missed it in earlier threads - what is your age ? ?
Greg.
Im 51 Greg. Im a little young for most to be having such trouble but its all in my family. Predominate. I am looking forward to therapy today. Im planning on hitting it head on. Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Tim,
Just got back from enjoying the Tetons and saw your post. You don't know me from Eve, but I always read your posts with great interest and feel like I know you. My best wishes for a full recovery go out to you. On a hopeful note, my Dad had emergency quadruple bypass last year, and he is doing fine now. He was cranky and in pain and unhappy after it, but he was walking miles a day (which he did before) and back to enjoying his grandchild within 4 months. He's got a quarter century on you, so if he can do it, so can you.
I am sure that you will be able to use tools again, if you just keep hope and determination at the fore. And for those things that seem more difficult now, you have an active mind and lots of ingenuity. Use it to come up with a way, gadget or jig that makes the impossible possible.
Enjoy life, Tim, and we are glad that you are still here to do so.
Amy
Sheesh, I just got back from King's Canyon/Sequoia Nat'l Parks. I was looking at 2500 year old trees that besides just being plain lucky to get going, have been struck by lightning, droughts, and fires, and they're still hanging in there.
I'm 56, smoked, drank and otherwise ingested 'bout everything that would fit inside me at one time or another.I know it's tough to cut back on all that fun. Listen to yer docs and you'll be swapping out water heaters in your rentals before you know it ('cause I can tell, you you can't stand getting somebody else to do that stuff!).
Best of luck Tim EliphIno!
the best to ubobl Volo Non Voleo