Turi,

It seems I've been hearing a lot in the news lately about various spinal operations involving fusions and such that are bettering people's quality of life everywhere. I know it's not quite the same as your condition, but it seems like technological advancements in treating numerous spinal deficiences and abnormalities are growing exponentially everyday. I think you're in good hands.

Anyway, here's a little 'Get Well' message from one of your fellow PITTSBURGH STEELER fans who you might've heard before

Alright guys? How are we all doing?

Haha what a mental week i've had, but it's been fun and pretty exciting. Now it's the boring road to recovery. I got turfed out of the high dependency unit after my 'major operation' after one night because I was too well to be in there.

Although there has been side effects as a result of the operation. Nameley a lot of numbness all over my body, even my legs but I can walk fine, it's very strange. The worst is on my left arm in which it is very very numb. I can use it but I've lost some co-ordination. But I have had surgery on my spinal cord and there is some swelling so all this is to be expected. Hopefully it's short term side affects and I'll be getting physio to help. Just now got to take each day as it comes, bide my time and continue to be positive. I've been using Ali's rope-a-dope strategy as my analogy to recovery.

It even looks like I may be out by Monday things are going so well. But just to assure you all I am taking things very steady.

I really have to thank everyone for their support and well wishes and apologise that I haven't been able to respond to everyone personally. It really has meant a lot to me and contributed to my positivity. Many thanks.

Turi, you're the only one I know that could find major surgery fun and exciting. haha. It's wonderful you're on the road to recovery.

Turi,

How nice to see you back so soon. I'm glad things went so well. Continue to take it easy and follow the doctor's instructions. I am sincerely happy all went well and to see you back.

Keep in touch


TIS

Turi, you better get that left hand working SOON.... otherwise you'll go into a pub, hold a drink only in the right hand and tip over because you're not used to holding only one drink.

I wish you a very speedy recovery and thank you for keeping us posted on your progress.

WOO HOO!!! Turi's back and now the party can get started!!!

Best wishes for continue recovery!

With all the pretty nurses running around I'm sure Turi will have no problem getting his left hand working.

I'm in love with my physio. We've got our second date tomorrow.

Well there is a UK meet up of sorts mate

You know I had to consider things that a person of my age really shouldn't have to consider and I was never scared. I felt challenged and I swear it brought the best out of me. There was me, alone in the hospital finding this information out and then being the one to call work and my family and being the one that had to keep my head to keep everyone else's feet on the ground. My mum was literally in shock when I told her, my older brother in tears; I on the other hand felt good.

If I'm to be totally honest it was all too easy emotionally. Right now it's a little tougher because as I've recovered very well, I have certain effects from the operation such as a totally numb left hand, numb legs - but they're fully operational. I can't do much with my left hand as it's lost a fair amount of co ordination as well. I also can't use cutlery with that hand as sometimes when my mouth is open to eat it causes some kind of movement in my neck that affects a nerve in my left arm causing it to move/react quickly - often dropping what's in the hand.

These were the risks of the operation and the reason it was fast tracked was because I would have been paralysed and then died very soon. I managed to avoid that with a high risk operation, the surgeons did amazing, and only time will tell whether the affects I'm experiencing are short or long term.

But seriously the emotional and physical side of what I went through from finding out what it was to finally leaving the hospital was exciting; I was faced with so many questions and thoughts (which I may bore you with another time) and I've learned a lot about myself. One minute you think you've got a trapped nerve in your neck, the next your being told you've got a rediculous sized tumor on your spinal cord causing incredible strain that (a) you shouldn't be in the physical condition you're in and (b) could seriously diminish life quality and/or cause death at any moment.

I thought a few of you may find my Frankenstein scar interesting. I've also started putting a head rockin motion on in public to freak people out. All this with my dodgy left arm and people think I'm mental. Who likes the hair?

Turi,


How amazing the way this has unfolded. It appears you've not only made the right choice, but you also have such "drive" that even if it takes some time you may very well be your "old" self sooner than you think. On top of all that you have such a remarkable attitude thru all of this. Every now and then I meet or hear of someone that proves attitude/frame of mind can keep you healthy and man you seem to be one of those rare dear people.

My very best to you Turi!!


TIS

Ha ha, just saw the picture. Yes, it does look like a Frankenstein scar...oh and the hair is good too.

Turi, you sure went through a tough operation, and I understand the spiritual side of it. That will stay with you for awhile....

What's the long term prognosis for getting complete use of the left hand back?

I'm glad you still have your same spirit and sense of humor. You've grown wise beyond your years since you've been here, my friend.

I know we were all quietly being concerned for your mum has been. Just make sure to give her extra hugs and kisses and let her know you're fine.

How long did they say the numbness is going to last? It'll improve with therapy?

Chicks dig scars. That, and babies and dogs. Take your nephew for a walk, and show off your scar. Do you still have the dog you used to give beer?

TIS, you're an angel with those words, thank you.

I think I should also praise the National Health Service because none of this would have been possible without it. I truly hope Barrack can implement some similar kind of system in the US because I'm unaware of any other better healthcare system in the world. What you currently have over there scares the hell out of me - I probably would have been dead years ago when my lung collapsed.

Unfortunately we really don't know. As the spinal cord is a very sensitive area and where they operated it is the gateway to my whole central nervous system there's likely to be swelling from the operation. Perhaps it is short term damage but it's really to early to tell. The operation was a week today and there's still been no change. I just have to be patient and only time will tell.

There's no kind of physio that can really help. I'm to keep my hand moving anyway but that won't improve it's situation as the damage is not in my hand, it's in my spinal cord. I've just yawned and that's caused an electric shock feel down my arm. It's strange but I'll just put up with it and be patient. Time is key.

Haha, yeah mums do worry. She's good now though. After they let me out on Monday I took my mum up on her offer to stay at my old home in Scunthorpe for a few days. It's given her a chance to realise I'm doing well plus she tries to look after me when I let her (I'm not very good at letting people do things for me).

Beth, no old Brucie died years ago. It's taken my parents 4 years before they could get a new dog and he's brilliant. He's having his trials and tribulations as well - he's just had his balls taken off today and is fashioning some lovely stitches and a lamp shade round his neck. The poor wee thing.

Would you swap surgeries with him??

Turi, you are a wonder. You're attitude is such a sheer pleasure to be observe.

Although you have some uncertainty ahead regarding your physical condition, I'm so very happy that things went so well. I was sending positive thoughts across the pond to you, and there are many here among my family and friends that did the same.

Good to see you back and positive Turi!

I hope the recovery is quick and painless. Nice to see you're in good spirits.

I'm glad this has all brought the best out of you, my friend. One of my buddies from high school had to battle testicular cancer our senior year, and although he unfortunately lost something that no man should live without, he gained a new perspective and says cancer is the best thing that ever happened to him. Another Austin boy Lance Armstrong battled the same disease a few years later and came back to win a certain bike race a few times.

You'll do fine. Keep us updated on your condition. I know you're the shy and timid type but don't be afraid to open up a bit, huh.

Guys, can we keep on topic please?

We are on topic. Once I'm fixed we're going to meet up, dummy.

Right then. Who's about on Saturday 22nd August to get drunk with Turi and me? It'll be an all-day session in and around Newcastle.

Would be great to get Yogi and De Niro on board, plus others.

Yes, let's.

Yes get all the Comrades together.

Cant we meet up half way and meet in Nottingham..

DN, you can get a National Express coach return for a tenner!

Newcastle is good for me and am there. Got my MEGABUS coach tickets sorted dirt cheap.

Jeez just seen that ugly wound on the back of my head further up this thread. Well luckily now it looks a hell of a lot better.

Uk guys it would be great to meet up, there's almost 3 months notice why not make this our opportunity for a bb meet? C 'mon guys let's do this.

Count me in. I'll cross the pond to kick Capo in the balls for making that comment about me fingering my wife.

Definitely up for this boys