Author Topic: KenR's health and situation (Read 40808 times)

KenR · « **on:** August 07, 2007, 04:56 PM »

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.

Josh · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2007, 05:09 PM »

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

Grorgy · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2007, 05:44 PM »

yeah, what josh said, all the best, hope it all goes well.

George

Ehtyar · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2007, 06:13 PM »

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.

Eóin · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2007, 06:18 PM »

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.

Lashiec · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2007, 06:27 PM »

The best for you Ken, and I hope the surgery goes well and you can go to your normal life as fast as possible.

Darwin · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2007, 06:28 PM »

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!

f0dder · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2007, 06:52 PM »

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!

tinjaw · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2007, 07:13 PM »

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

Carol Haynes · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2007, 07:25 PM »

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!

urlwolf · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2007, 07:29 PM »

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?)

Wordzilla · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2007, 07:29 PM »

Ken, all the best with your surgery and I hope to see you 24/7 on IRC channel soon.

lanux128 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2007, 07:46 PM »

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..

Armando · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2007, 08:10 PM »

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.

Perry Mowbray · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2007, 08:47 PM »

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.

Laughing Man · « **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2007, 08:58 PM »

I'm hoping for a quick recovery!

taichimaster · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2007, 09:51 PM »

I wish you all the best Ken. Hang in there!

hamradio · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2007, 10:12 PM »

I also wish you all the best Ken and will be thinking of you.

momonan · « **Reply #18 on:** August 08, 2007, 12:06 AM »

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."

mouser · « **Reply #19 on:** August 08, 2007, 01:45 AM »

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.

nudone · « **Reply #20 on:** August 08, 2007, 02:04 AM »

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.)

JoTo · « **Reply #21 on:** August 08, 2007, 02:05 AM »

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.

jgpaiva · « **Reply #22 on:** August 08, 2007, 04:29 PM »

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!

KenR · « **Reply #23 on:** August 08, 2007, 04:39 PM »

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

Loki15 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 09, 2007, 05:19 PM »

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