Ill Health

[cwa107]

Thank heavens you're in a sensible country with proper health care and a rational view of the value of stem cell transplants!

Stem cell transplants as a treatment for Multiple Myeloma are relatively common place here in the US (I assume the US is the target of your ire here).

The stem cells are essentially harvested from your own body. Your immune system is then essentially zapped and the harvested stem cells are then re-introduced to help build your immunities back up again. It is a long, slow process, but it's an incredibly effective treatment for many with this condition.

 

[nickyr]

I'm due an op tomorrow (well, it's scheduled to go ahead at the moment) to fix my broken back so when I have my chemo and stem cell transplant I should be as "good" as new. I use the word good reservedly!!

I'm having 2 rods inserted between my L1 and L5 vertebrae and get a new donor L3 one (or they'll remove the damaged bone and graft on a replacement part (think grinding rusty metal out of your car and welding in new steel!)). This'll all then be plated, pinned and screwed.

Sounds straightforward....

I'll be back on my ward then on Tuesday hopefully guys. If I can pursuade the docs to let me have a pic of their work I'll post it on here with a "beware if squeamish" warning!

See you all on the other side

 

[Slydude]

Geez. Some people will do anything to avoid the Sunday chats.

Seriously, hope all goes well for you tomorrow. Let us know how things go as soon as you feel up to it.

 

[exsnapper]

I should say Stick with it. Its too late to back out and anything worth a chance is worth the effort in my humble opinion. This may sound a bad experience, at least they won't be using 'rust-ware', titanium is the best for this job. I saw a guy have his totally broken and twisted spine get 'rodded' and a few months later it was hardly noticeable, the now slight curve as he walked again! I used to be in Medical Research, so nothing phases me anymore. Good luck (as if you need it!) keep your head up and keep taking the pills.

 

[nickyr]

I should say Stick with it. Its too late to back out and anything worth a chance is worth the effort in my humble opinion. This may sound a bad experience, at least they won't be using 'rust-ware', titanium is the best for this job. I saw a guy have his totally broken and twisted spine get 'rodded' and a few months later it was hardly noticeable, the now slight curve as he walked again! I used to be in Medical Research, so nothing phases me anymore. Good luck (as if you need it!) keep your head up and keep taking the pills.

yes all titanium bits and bolts

so get to lose some weight with the addred bonus of not setting off any airport machines!! This time next year I intend spending a couple of weesk in Florida with my sister at her place there Gotta have plans.

 

[RadDave]

yes all titanium bits and bolts

so get to lose some weight with the addred bonus of not setting off any airport machines!! This time next year I intend spending a couple of weesk in Florida with my sister at her place there Gotta have plans.

Hi Nick - all the best of luck w/ the surgery! And a FL trip sounds nice too - wife & I go about every year in the spring, usually alternating the coasts. Dave

 

[Rod]

My sincere best wishes for your journey. Look forward to hearing from you in your recovery.
Cheers,
Rod;D

 

[nickyr]

well, I survived!

back is a bit sore but that's to be expected and it's another step on the road to my recovery

I just want to be in a hospital nearer home for Christmas now - PLEEEEEEEEASE!!

Sylvester, I promise to make one of your Sunday chats in the New Year! Who knows, when I'm in Florida next October I might even join in.

 

[chas_m]

Glad to hear.

I have a rod and ball in my arm from when I destroyed my elbow landing on it in a fall. When I was a skinny whiff of a lad it would sometimes set off the metal detectors, but I've bulked up a bit since then.

 

[RavingMac]

Nick,
Glad things went well. Definitely keeping you in my prayer list. Though, to be honest, I'll pass on the pics of the operation. ;P

 

[Slydude]

@nickyr Glad to hear things are going reasonably well right now. Sounds like you are keeping a good sense of humor.

We'll be glad to have you any time you fell like joining in. I've been trying to work in a show or two that would be at a more convenient time for our European members. Even If we couldn't do it every weekend.

 

[MacInWin]

I'll keep praying for you. Now that I can be more specific (about being closer to home for Christmas) I can sharpen up the prayers!

 

[nickyr]

I had to leave my local hospital for a few days to get some back surgery done (I've had 5 vertebrae fused and am now partially constructed from titanium rods, plates and screws) but am thankfully back at my local one for Christmas so family can get here to see me over the holidays.

Thank you for all your messages of support recently - they really are much appreciated and mean a lot to my family and me.

 

[MacInWin]

YAY! I know you wanted that very much! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

 

[RadDave]

.......
Thank you for all your messages of support recently - they really are much appreciated and mean a lot to my family and me.

Hi Nick - hope that you have a pleasant holiday season w/ family and friends - Dave

 

[Exodist]

I had to leave my local hospital for a few days to get some back surgery done (I've had 5 vertebrae fused and am now partially constructed from titanium rods, plates and screws) but am thankfully back at my local one for Christmas so family can get here to see me over the holidays.

Thank you for all your messages of support recently - they really are much appreciated and mean a lot to my family and me.

Ouch, I know that isn't the best thing to have right before christmas, but never the less glad you are OK and hope you have a great Christmas. On a further note, at least now you get to set the metal detectors off at air ports and look at the TSA and say " I am Wolverine!".. ;D

 

[lclev]

Glad to here you are closer to home. As for the TSA - I have two titanium hips and I always set off the scanners. Last time I kept telling them I wanted the really cute TSA guy to pat me down and do the wand thing. Let me just say they have no sense of humor!

Lisa

 

[Exodist]

Glad to here you are closer to home. As for the TSA - I have two titanium hips and I always set off the scanners. Last time I kept telling them I wanted the really cute TSA guy to pat me down and do the wand thing. Let me just say they have no sense of humor!

Lisa

LOL

 

[Slydude]

Glad to here you are closer to home. As for the TSA - I have two titanium hips and I always set off the scanners. Last time I kept telling them I wanted the really cute TSA guy to pat me down and do the wand thing. Let me just say they have no sense of humor!

Lisa

At least your guys know the titanium would set off the scanners. I was flying regularly just before 9/11 and for a few years after. Before the TSA guys took over security I think it was contracted by some security firm. I would have to tell them each time I went through the airport that the titanium in my wheelchair would probably set of the scanner. They didn't know whether it would or not and did mot seem to understand that the scanner was probably a bit narrow for my chair to pass through.

After the TSA took over things were almost as spotty. I was flying every few months through the same airport. If the security person was someone who had seen me before they grabbed the wand right away. New people had to be told all over again.

 

[Demapples]

Nick, everything I would have wanted to say has been said by someone else here already, and much better. Wasn't sure I wanted to open this thread, but the positive vibes here make it a delight to read first thing on Christmas morning. Like peeking at a pile of Christmas presents under a stanger's tree. I don't know you, but I'm going to quietly dedicate my Chistmas Day to you and send more positive vibes your way. Best wishes for the New Year.

(My iPad inserted "beat wishes" when I first tried to type "best wishes". Come to think of it, the iPad was right this time!)