DonationCoder.com Forum
Main Area and Open Discussion => Living Room => Topic started by: KenR on August 07, 2007, 04:56 PM
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Hi all. It was suggested to me that I write this explanatory message. I'm not certain exactly what I want to say though and the issues are highly emotional. So, please forgive any problems with this message.
I began experiencing severe pain in 2000 due to progressive spinal degeneration. The pain finally overwhelmed me in 2005 and forced me to leave my job at that time. I was going to get surgery, but several medical procedures and treatment with a pain specialist helped me get by for 2 more years. Unfortunately, the spinal pathology is multilevel and the outcome statistics for surgery for it are not great.
The spinal pathology has worsened and the pain has increased tremendously. It stopped me from doing the blogging for DC and often kept me out of the IRC channel. I've been able to work less and less and virtually all of my activities have stopped.
Although she previously told me to never have back surgery, my pain management doc recently told me it was time to do it. I went to Dallas and spoke to my surgeon about it. After a discussion and some scans, he agreed to do surgery on me and we are now waiting for medical clearance.
So with that background in mind, living in severe, disabling pain has affected my mood, tollerance of, and response to things. So, when it seemed like I had no sense of humor and couldn't take a joke in the IRC channel, hopefully this will shed some light on things.
The doctor tells me it will be about 2 months before I can return to work part time following the surgery. So, I don't know how long it will take me to get on line again after it.
All the support I've gotten from the DC gang has been really, really wonderful. I have tremendously appreciated all the cards and the conversations I've had. It's a real shame that the pain has kept me off DC.
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Ken,
As you know, my thoughts are with you in this time. I hope all goes well and that the surgery can alleviate the pain you are experiencing now. You have been a big part of donationcoder, and I know I speak for everyone in that I wish you the very best and hope things can turn around for the positive for you.
If you ever need anything, you have my contact info. Please dont hesitate to call me.
Josh
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yeah, what josh said, all the best, hope it all goes well.
George
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I'm not entirely sure what i can say here, except I've only known you for a short time Ken, and while i never knew about this, i never got any negative impression from you on the channel. You have my best wishes, and good luck.
Ehtyar.
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Ken I wish you the best of luck I do hope you can indeed return to work in the coming months and start to regain as much of your life from before as is possible.
Take good care of yourself.
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The best for you Ken, and I hope the surgery goes well and you can go to your normal life as fast as possible.
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Thank you for letting us know about this, Ken. I'm sorry that you are in such pain and that your life is being turned upside down by it. You'll be missed during your absence but we all wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you here again!
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I really really really hope the surgery is going to work, sounds like a serious matter indeed. My grandmom had a condition where some of her... spinal rings?... had started growing, and would eventually have trashed her nervous system. Took a couple of doctor changes to even acknowledge that there was a problem, and she were in constant pain for quite a while, enough that morphine only reduced the pain somewhat, but of course had her totally drugged. So I have a rough idea of what you're going through, certainly no fun.
Thankfully surgery worked out fine in her case, I'll cross my fingers it's going to work for you too! :up:
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Ken,
I'm not good with words, so I don't know what to write. I don't know what pain like that feels like, so I can't understand what you must be going through. I know that when I get my back pains every now and then, like I always do, I won't be such a wuss as much as I used to be. I hope science and smart people can help you. They have always helped me when I have put my trust in them. I wish the best for you.
Your friend,
Chaim
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Thanks for sharing that Ken and the best of luck with your surgery. There isn't a lot anyone can say to help but if you need an ear to bend (or pair of eyes in the case of email) don't hesitate to contact me.
I am sure I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to your safe and healthy return to the forum when you feel up to it.
One idea - do you like cats? My father fell of a roof and broke his back (many years ago) and ended up on bedrest for nearly 6 months. The one thing that kept him sane was his cat the climbed on the bed and kept him company throughout!
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Sorry to hear that. I'd say that getting green light for an operation is good news. I hope one day you remember your pain as a thing of the past.
Isn't DC great? I wonder which communities are tighter... (real life ones or virtual?)
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Ken, all the best with your surgery and I hope to see you 24/7 on IRC channel soon. :)
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thanks for sharing Ken.. i am sorry to hear that you've been undergoing a lot of pain. hopefully the surgery will be sooner to lessen your pain and here's to a quick recovery and we look forward to see you back at donationcoders.com.. :Thmbsup:
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I don't know if that will boost your mood and help you to have the greatest faith in your surgeon and the surgery, but a lady I know went through something similar and she's now fine. Her life is much MUCH better.
I wish you all the best, Ken.
Take care.
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Ken you're going to get a million dittos here, but I want to add mine too!
It's like that old joke about why you're banging your head (because it's so great when you stop): I hope that your post surgery time is full of joy, relief and hope.
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I'm hoping for a quick recovery!
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I wish you all the best Ken. Hang in there!
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I also wish you all the best Ken and will be thinking of you.
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I know you've been in pain for a long time, Ken. Unbearable at times. I also know you say it affects your mood, as well I can imagine it would. Somehow you have pushed through it and managed to contribute to this site -- and heavens only knows what else. It must be such a struggle. We so want to hear from you, though, after you've had your surgery, because I know you will find relief. Hang in. Write us a little, when you're able and know that we're thinking about you and sending positive "vibes."
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Ken you've been a big presence in the donationcoder irc chat room for a long time. And much to my chagrin you've even invented some terms to make fun of me that i have unsuccessfully tried to squash out of existence ;)
I think it's good news the surgery was approved.. I know you've been in a lot of pain and at least now your brain is able to know you are taking active steps to alleviate it. Hang in there ken, and let us know how it goes. Our thoughts are with you. And make sure you tell the doctor that the most important thing is for you to be able to travel to the next DC gathering.
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just here to wish you the very best with it all and looking forward to your full return to DC life when you are ready for it.
(and cody will be thinking of you too.)
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Dear Ken,
for me, you know, is all said and done in our previous long lasting PMs and chats.
So i only can repeat in short:
We miss you, i am glad that there is at least a silverline of hope on the horizon, i am sure it will work for you (always think positive) and i am with you (in mind).
So please only grant me one wish. Please keep me informed if you have some news on this (maybe knowing the date of surgery or sth. like that). Not for curiosity, but because you are a very important and valuable person for me on DC. TIA!
Best wishes
JoTo
PS: Joshs offer count for me too of course. If you need something i can help you out...I'll be here for you.
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Hi ken!
There's not much left to say, but i'm sure you know i'm rooting for you!
After reading about so much positive energy going your way, ken, i'm sure everything will be alright!
As i'm quite aware of how much trouble your problem causes you, i really hope that in not much time you'll be telling us that everything is alright, and that you'll be visiting europe soon! :D
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Everyone,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all very, very much! I appreciate the sentiments and well wishes expressed by everyone more than I can say. I did see the doctor today so now I just await the results. Hopefully he will clear me for surgery and I can get this over with. I'll keep you informed as much as I am able.
Also, after it became public that several people had sent me cards, I got a few requests to put up some pics of the cards. I said I would do so, but I was just stalling. The truth is that I was not able to do that. If I am better after my surgery and am able to handle more activities, I will try to get some pic pics up ASAP. Until then, don't look for them.
Sincerely, Ken
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Ken,
I don't have the honor of knowing you very well, but you sound like a great person. You are in my prayers, I hope surgery goes well (which I know it will!). I look forward to possibly being able to get to know you when you return. My family, friends, and I send our sincere wishes of a speedy recovery to you!
-- Walt
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Just wanted to echo what everyone has said.
As trite as it sounds,keep a positive mind.My prayers and best wishes are with ya.
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Ken,
I'm truly sorry to learn what you're going through. I'm a grumpy old sod already and your kind of trouble would certainly push me beyond the pale.
At least you're in a place where you can rely on expert skills and post-operative care. Like everyone else here, I very much hope that the outcome will improve your situation.
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Ken,
I wish you the best of luck with everything & all the help you might need along the way,
tom
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Also, after it became public that several people had sent me cards, I got a few requests to put up some pics of the cards... The truth is that I was not able to do that. If I am better after my surgery and am able to handle more activities, I will try to get some pic pics up ASAP. Until then, don't look for them.
-KenR
Ken, don't worry about it! Concentrate on getting better so that we can all enjoy your company here - that would be a far greater thing for we dc regulars that miss you!
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Ken, do what you have to do to regain your health. We're not going anywhere and we won't forget you. If you get well, I will swear to Buddha never to eat another radish. Never mind that I've never eaten a radish in my life; what's important is how far I'm willing to sacrifice on your behalf. In fact, I'll go on a hunger strike where I eat nothing but carbohydrates and sugar — usually bread followed by slamming it with chocolate milk. I'll even throw in some cake, maybe some ice cream. I'm pulling for you, man!
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Hi everyone.
I just wanted to let you know that the surgery has been scheduled for Sept 21. The doctor's office called me today, late this afternoon, to let me know. No one except Mouser should feel like they have to send me any software to help me feel better. Seriously, I really appreciate the support and assistance from everyone.
Take care, Ken
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That's great news, Ken. A fixed date and now you can organize your life and prepare for it (the surgery) and life afterward.
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Ken do you happen to keep a Wish List somewhere? ;)
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Ken do you happen to keep a Wish List somewhere? ;)
-Wordzilla
Hmmm, a most intriguing question! Wishlist of what Wordzilla? If you're talking about software, App is going to get me some freeware. Maybe you and she could go in on it together and split the cost.
Ken
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Ok, I have it. I have considered VoIP for a while. You can figure out what is the best freeware for it and get that for me. Given my ISP, I know it will have to have encryption, since they want to provide this service themselves. Ok Wordy, have at it!
Ken
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My take on Wordy's question was that he was meaning something like Amazon's wish-list (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2GNY2TZ548JZM/102-6032362-3564102)...
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Dear Ken,
that's great news. Thanks so much for keeping us up to date.
Now we all eagerly wait for the 21st Sept. 2007 and the time after that date.
And dont forget: Keep your head up high in the air, even if your neck is dirty ;D
Your buddy
JoTo
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My take on Wordy's question was that he was meaning something like Amazon's wish-list (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2GNY2TZ548JZM/102-6032362-3564102)...
-Darwin
Ah, Ok, Thanks Darwin. Then the answer is "No".
Ken
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I made this diagram to illustrate why I'm not getting a present for Ken:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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Ouch! That's dark... :o
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I thought Ken would appreciate the academic dark humour -- he knows how much I care about him :-*
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Note that I refrained from inserting "no pun intended" after "ouch"? That took restraint... :P
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but...but...but...
I already promised to buy him his freeware application of choice. :-\
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I already promised to buy him his freeware application of choice.
Lease it.
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Now this is love...
I made this diagram to illustrate why I'm not getting a present for Ken:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]-mouser
God, did that ever make me laugh. :beerchug: Chapeau Mouser!
Now, while that would have been enough for most people to communicate their feelings,
Mouser was not quite finished cutting off my balls. He finishes up shortly thereafter
however in his response to App's funny statement when he tells her to:
I already promised to buy him his freeware application of choice.
Lease it.-mouser
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
P.S.: Ken is probably still laughing his ass off over this entire part of the thread ;D
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Hey Ken, nice to hear the surgery has been scheduled!
I'm not religious so I won't pray for you, but I'll keep my fingers crossed! :up:
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Hey Ken, nice to hear the surgery has been scheduled!
I'm not religious so I won't pray for you, but I'll keep my fingers crossed! :up:
-f0dder
Thanks f0dder! I take crossings as well as prayers (and a whole host of other things too actually) :)
Ken
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In honor of Ken, i have blogged (https://www.donationcoder.com/blog/) my diagram. I can only imagine what people who just visit the blog and don't follow the discussions here will think of it.. :tellme:
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hmmm,
we're discovering a new side to mouser here :o :P
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hmmm,
we're discovering a new side to mouser here :o :P
-tomos
Yeah, Kitty turns rabid! :lol:
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In honor of Ken, i have blogged (https://www.donationcoder.com/blog/) my diagram. I can only imagine what people who just visit the blog and don't follow the discussions here will think of it.. :tellme:
-mouser
I don't know what they'll think of the diagram, but I know what they'll think about the author ;D
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Hey Ken, nice to hear the surgery has been scheduled!
I'm not religious so I won't pray for you, but I'll keep my fingers crossed! :up:
-f0dder
Thanks f0dder! I take crossings as well as prayers (and a whole host of other things too actually) :)
Ken
-KenR
I won't pray either but I'll cross my legs - they're bigger than my fingers (just).
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In case there is any misunderstanding.. I care about ken very much and i've talked with him so much on the irc channel for a long time and I have developed an appreciation for his dark sense of humour. My diagram was simply a tribute to that dark sense of humour. I'm not cavalier about the situation, only trying to live by the adage that sometimes humour is the best medecine. cya on irc ken :up:
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Mouser, we all know you were just working cheering Ken up.
As for you Ken, I won't pray for you either. Since I am a devout follower of the Norse god of mischief, Loki, if I did, there is no telling what could happen to you.
I will just say: Hoping for the best on your surgery tomorrow! Back pain is a... pain in the butt? Anyway, good luck! :)
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Just to clarify ... My surgery isn't tomorrow :tellme:, it's a month from tomorrow. :o
Ken
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My surgery isn't tomorrow
-KenR
Are you sure? :P
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Mouser - sorry I cast aspersions on you like that - I was only pointing out how dark the humour was (but I appreciated it!); I certainly didn't mean to suggest that you think any less of Ken than we know that you do. Ken's presence on this forum has been huge and very positive, I know that everyone here wishes him a speedy recovery.
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Hi Ken,
I would like to wish you all the luck a person can have in this moment. I hope your recover can be fast and your life better after the surgery.
All the best.
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Hey man, sorry I didn't see this topic sooner, or I would have said something. Please let us know as soon as you are through with your surgery and feeling better, because I know that you'll do fine and make it out as a better person. Thanks for all your time you have spent with the dc community. :Thmbsup:
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Ken I know what a terrible time you have been going through and I know what a great guy you are. I have known you for many years and I was surprised to see these posts. I am pleased to add my best wishes to everyone's here!
I am wishing you are soon without any pain and back into helping those that need your help. Take care my friend,
Marilyn R :Thmbsup:
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Hi KenR! You are a very pleasant DC-Member and I don´t want to miss your posts and reviews. A friend of mine had an accident and since then he got very bad pains in his spinach, so that some parts of it had to be ankylosed. This only helped a rather short time and he now must take very often morphine. Perhaps you´ll have more luck. I wish you the best and hope that the surgery will help you fast and durable.
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Ken, I wish you the best on your surgery. If you or your family require any assistance, I have PM'd you my contact info and I am always willing to help. You have my best wishes and those of my family.
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Ken,
How thick of me not to notice your absence before now. By now, you may have an idea of the respect and affection this unruly mob has for you. I can only add my best wishes for a successful procedure. May it provide you relief from the physical and emotional strain you've endured.
With kindest regards,
Ron
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Hi All,
Does anybody have news about KenR?
I'm sorry if this was answered in another thread but I couldn't find any.
I hope he's fine and recovering well.
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https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=10108.0
Ken's surgery went well! YAY!
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Great News! :Thmbsup:
Thanks Wordzilla.