View Full Version : Life can change in the blink of an eye
Kahuna
04-02-2006, 02:40 PM
My lovely athletic wife and mother of our 3-year old daughter walked into the hospital for back surgery [minimally invasive kind] to repair a herniated disc (L1/2) that had been giving her chronic pain. We expected to be in and out in 2 days. She's now in her 5th day on her back in absolute misery and total despair. The surgery left her with a partially paraylized left leg and foot and without any bowel or bladder function or sensation. I cannot adequately convey what we're going through right now. We have no family who lives nearby but a pretty good support network of friends who are helping us cope as best they can.
We pray the "contusions" the surgery caused to her spinal cord and the resulting swelling will heal over time so she can regain enough function to live a normal life. According to her neurologists, we won't know anything for 2-3 months and after extensive rehab.
Please pray for us.
-Kahuna
shinomaster
04-02-2006, 02:42 PM
We will.
catulle
04-02-2006, 02:50 PM
Gob bless you all. I truly hope she'll be fine.
Johny
04-02-2006, 02:50 PM
We pray for her full and speedy recovery.
John
eddief
04-02-2006, 02:51 PM
This medical stuff always seems to a degree a crap shoot. If you don't mind talking about it, were you warned of these potential complications? Or a complete negative surprise?
Kevan
04-02-2006, 02:53 PM
Our thoughts are with you and yours. You're a long way off, but my positive vibes are on their way to you. Take care.
Suddenly, two red cardinals are flitting about the branches outside my window here. I can only think it's a positive sign.
rePhil
04-02-2006, 02:54 PM
So sorry to hear tthat news. I pray it's very temporary. I hope you give us good news soon.
The two of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I truly hope that she makes a full recovery. Good luck to both of you.
oldguy00
04-02-2006, 03:06 PM
Ouch, sorry to hear that, very scary stuff. Hope she make a full recovery soon.
Saxon
04-02-2006, 03:15 PM
I'm betting it's a swelling problem and she'll be OK when the wound heals. Positive thoughts and prayers to you guys!
Rich
Serpico
04-02-2006, 03:28 PM
I'm very sorry to hear this.
Be strong.
Jeff N.
04-02-2006, 03:29 PM
Kahuna, you have my prayers, man. This too shall pass. Remember that. Jeff N.
Len J
04-02-2006, 03:33 PM
are with your wife & with you.
Be tough my friend.
Len
mike p
04-02-2006, 03:34 PM
Kahuna,
Our family is lifting your wife up in prayer. Keep the faith. Stay strong for your wife and daughter. I hope and pray she'll be up and around in no time. Keep us filled in.
Mike
Fixed
04-02-2006, 03:34 PM
bro sorry to hear this maybe some of the med. bros can pipe in. I 'll put you and the family in my prayers tonight bro .
Not the prayin' type Kahuna, but your wife (and you) will be in my thoughts big time. Hoping it's just swelling and she'll recover as it goes down.
And an important reminder for everyone that NO surgury is "routine".
Hang in there.
-Ray
dbrown
04-02-2006, 03:45 PM
We too will keep your wife and family in our prayers. Hope she feels better quickly!
Tom Byrnes
04-02-2006, 03:45 PM
Gary,
I am very sorry to hear your of wife's condition. I hope she has a very rapid and full recovery. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Tom
PBWrench
04-02-2006, 03:46 PM
May God bless and embrace your family with loving kindness and bring her a complete and speedy recovery.
Smiley
04-02-2006, 04:04 PM
We send prayers your way and positive thoughts for a quick recovery .
Bruce K
04-02-2006, 04:17 PM
Awful news.
Our thoughts are with you both.
BK
Larry8
04-02-2006, 04:20 PM
Yikes, our family prayers are with you and your wife. God Bless,
Larry
L84dinr
04-02-2006, 04:54 PM
Kahuna,
My families thoughts and prayers are for your wife and family.
Dr. Doofus
04-02-2006, 04:55 PM
thoughts are with you, kahuna
Chief
04-02-2006, 05:01 PM
Kahuna,
I feel for you and your family. Let's hope that she will have a speedy recovery. God bless.
alancw3
04-02-2006, 05:14 PM
kahuna, my thoughts are with you, your wife and daughter for a speedy recovery. take care bro!
Sandy
04-02-2006, 05:23 PM
Obviously what has occurred is a remarkably sad and stressful experience in your life. Best to both of you. Please let us know how she is progressing.
I have an idea. Why not post your address so that some of us could send some cards for encouragement? If you don't want to do that, then maybe you could send the address via email or PM for those who who would like to send a card. I for one would like to be able to send a card or two.
If you decide to do either, you might make a statement about what you might want to do, either in this thread or another one, so that everyone could see it.
Sandy
timto
04-02-2006, 05:29 PM
all of our strength to you both
saab2000
04-02-2006, 05:38 PM
My mother just spent a few days unexpectedly in the hospital. It is a wake up. Godspeed to her recovery.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and wishes for a full and fast recovery. Hang in there, both of you.
BumbleBeeDave
04-02-2006, 05:45 PM
<<Please pray for us. >>
I'm not normally a praying kind of guy. But for this I'll start.
The very best of luck to you and your family during this uncertain and tortuous time.
BBD
Ginger
04-02-2006, 05:45 PM
Kahuna,
Small miracles do happen. The nervous system can be finicky, and surprising.
I know laying on your back in the hospital without being able to move your legs is almost the worst feeling in the world. I'll keep your wife and your family in my prayers. Please keep us posted on her progress. Peace to your family.
Mary Ann
Kevin
04-02-2006, 05:49 PM
Kahuna,
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kevin
SManning
04-02-2006, 05:53 PM
My husband and I have you and your wife in our thoughts.
A friend of mine had back surgery 1 month ago and is having the same sort of problems. She is numb from the waist down and regained bladder function 2 weeks ago. Her surgeon told her it would be atleast 6-8 weeks before her numbness disappeared. She also has a long recovery ahead of her but she keeps getting stronger every day.
My husband had back surgery a year ago. He went from being curled up in a ball and bed ridden to functioning fully again. It's taken him a year to where he's able to exercise and ride a bike again.
We certainly feel for you. Often times life forces us into things like surgery with an uncertain outcome.
Bill Bove
04-02-2006, 05:55 PM
Good luck K dude. i'll pray for you and the family.
Jeff Weir
04-02-2006, 05:59 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Jeff
inGobwetrust
04-02-2006, 06:47 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about this and I hope your wife gets better quickly. My wife is had the same surgery back in January and her recovery has been pretty good so I'm hoping your wife's condition is a temporary thing. We'll be thinking of you, please keep us up to date if you can.
Tailwinds
04-02-2006, 07:34 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how hard these things can be on the patient -- and the family. I work w/spinal cord injured patients at a top rehab hospital here in Denver. Let me know if I can do anything.
BumbleBeeDave
04-02-2006, 08:29 PM
. . . who may be reading this and not know, Kahuna was the original inventor of the Serotta Forum. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for that. As I understand it, we would not be here if it were not for his original efforts.
BBD
Erik.Lazdins
04-02-2006, 08:32 PM
I'll lift you up in my prayers.
e-RICHIE
04-02-2006, 08:32 PM
. . . who may be reading this and not know, Kahuna was the original inventor of the Serotta Forum. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for that. As I understand it, we would not be here if it were not for his original efforts.
BBD
amen, bro bbd-issimo yo.
we are all little kahunas.
our thoughts and well wishes
go to the founding father and
his loving family.
bironi
04-02-2006, 09:36 PM
The human body/mind is an amazingly adaptaptive organism. Keep your wife's spirits high. Better days are coming. Our thoughts are with you.
Byron
Kahuna--
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers, mercifully accept our prayers and grant to your servant the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health and our sorrow into joy.
lnomalley
04-02-2006, 10:38 PM
your family is in my thoughts.
dave thompson
04-02-2006, 10:40 PM
Gary:
God Bless you all and keep your family in His arms.
Dave
Samster
04-02-2006, 10:45 PM
Kahuna:
We haven't interacted, but keep in your mind that this will all work out. No luck required. Just help your wife blast through it.
dirtdigger88
04-02-2006, 10:47 PM
you and your family have alot of people pulling for you-
I wish you all the best
Jason
Kahuna
04-02-2006, 10:52 PM
This outpouring of sympathy and support has really helped lift my spirits. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I most certainly will share you kind thoughts and words with my beautiful wife, whom I love more than life itself. Kevan, I believe those two cardinals may be a signal from the big man upstairs and we're not giving up hope, not by a longshot.
Minor correction. Ben was the original creator of the forum. It was around 1999 when he signed up one of those free ad-ware sponsored forum websites that were prevalent around the dot-com boom. The spam and popup windows got so bad that I offered to host a forum for free with no ads. The rest of course is history and here we are! :)
Marco
04-02-2006, 11:06 PM
May your wife be blessed with a complete recovery of her ailments. My thoughts are with you and your family.
toaster
04-02-2006, 11:13 PM
My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing this very difficult time with us.
gasman
04-02-2006, 11:55 PM
Kahuna-
My this all turn out fine. You are in our prayers.
I sent you a PM.
Needs Help
04-03-2006, 02:57 AM
What a tough deal Kahuna. Hang in there and hope for the best. I can't imagine the pain your wife must be suffering and the fear gripping your entire family.
MallyG
04-03-2006, 03:38 AM
I wish you and your wife well and hope that the news to come will be positive.
Keep strong..
William
04-03-2006, 04:02 AM
We are directing all the good Chi, thoughts and prayers your way. May your wife have a speedy and full recovery.
William and family.
sailorboy
04-03-2006, 04:19 AM
As a physical therapist for 12 years, I have seen lots of predictions from surgeons and other doctors that are proven wrong over time. Not doctor-bashing at all here, but since it seems like it is still early, keep thinking positively and above all be patient! The body has amazing powers to heal itself and surprise us quite often despite our sophisticated medical system. Hang in there.
Spinner
04-03-2006, 07:33 AM
Your wife and family are in our prayers.
OldDog
04-03-2006, 07:46 AM
We will keep you in our prayers. All will work out.
OD
Spectrum Bob
04-03-2006, 08:04 AM
Kahuna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob
andy mac
04-03-2006, 08:23 AM
the troops are sending you guys Meivici grade love.
we all look forward to hearing about your wife's speedy recovery.
andy
davids
04-03-2006, 08:43 AM
Good luck and may God bless you and your family. I will be thinking of your challenges a lot. Try to keep a positive attitude, and work hard. You deserve a happy ending.
RABikes2
04-03-2006, 08:44 AM
Kahuna,
May your wife be blessed with a full and complete recovery. Be patient; give the body some time to heal. Remember, "Positive thoughts bring positive results." We are all sending positive energy to her, you, and your family. The mind is powerful; be strong dear friend, she needs you. You are blessed to have each other.
You are in my prayers,
Ritaann (RA)
Too Tall
04-03-2006, 09:04 AM
Be strong big guy, I'll have your and yours in my thoughts all day.
DRZRM
04-03-2006, 10:00 AM
I just saw this thread. You, your wife, and your daughter are in all of our thoughts. This community and my family hope for her speedy recovery.
Best,
Zach
BumbleBeeDave
04-03-2006, 10:13 AM
I stand corrected about the origin of the forum. But that doesn't change the fact of how much you contributed to what we now enjoy, nor does it affect the prayers I am silently saying for your wife's complete recovery. The very best of luck to you and her . . .
BBD
I'm very sorry to hear this. My best wishes to your wife for a full and speedy recovery, and my best wishes to you and your family.
Dan
BarryG
04-03-2006, 11:14 AM
My thoughts are with your wife and your family Kahuna. I had minimally invasive surgery on my cervical discs 4 years ago. There's an excellent support forum (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=237) to search and network with other patients to compare notes, etc. You'll find the whole gamut of experience to be represented there, but it's definitely a good place to post a message.
Kahuna,
My thoughts are with you and your wife. Any injury is very difficult to deal with especially for someone who is active. But as has been said before, the body has an amazing capacity for healing and often comes out of an injury stronger than before.
Each person responds to surgery and healing differently but every day will get better, the pain will lessen and soon little signs of healing will show themselves. Celebrate those signs, they mean more mentally than physically by providing a sense of accomplishment and showing that the body is getting stronger and is on its way to recovery.
However, be aware that the healing process is unpredictable. Days can go by with lots of progress then for some unexplained reason a bad day will occur followed by a string of good days. When this happens to me I try to figure out why and usually don't have a good answer but know that this too will pass and hope that tomorrow is better.
Kathi
Wayne77
04-03-2006, 01:22 PM
I truly feel for you and your family. Best of wishes and strength for the challenges ahead. You've got alot of thoughts, prayers & good vibes here directed toward you & family. Take care,
Wayne
Gary
If there is anything I can do to help from Oahu let me know. Your family is in our prayers.....
Ed
Blessings to you and yours, old friend. There are hundreds of folks in the cycling community who are with you in spirit. Do take care.
dbrk
Rover-Rich
04-03-2006, 02:25 PM
Kahuna, my prayers go out to you and your family. I'm a spine surgeon, if you need to talk, PM me.
93legendti
04-03-2006, 03:58 PM
As a physical therapist for 12 years, I have seen lots of predictions from surgeons and other doctors that are proven wrong over time. Not doctor-bashing at all here, but since it seems like it is still early, keep thinking positively and above all be patient! The body has amazing powers to heal itself and surprise us quite often despite our sophisticated medical system. Hang in there.
Well said.
I hope your wife recovers quickly and completely.
wooly
04-03-2006, 03:58 PM
I just caught this thread. I'm really sorry to hear about your wife. My three sons and wife will say a prayer at bedtime for you and yours.
Wooly.
Tom Kellogg
04-03-2006, 06:24 PM
Gary:
I am so sorry to hear of your wife's condition. When we have spoken in the past, your feelings for your wife were worn very much on your sleeve. I can't imagine how terrifying this must be for you and your family. When June had her heart operation a few years ago, I pretty much lost it during the short time that things were up in the air. Our hope is that the time before your know that your wife will recover will be short and filled with the prayers and wishes of those many friends that you both so deservedly have. Our prayers are with you. Let us know how things are progressing.
Love, June, Tom and Colby
weisan
04-03-2006, 09:55 PM
Kahuna-pal, may the Spirt of Our Lord comfort you and your wife at this time. My whole family will pray together with you.
weisan
ClutchCargo
04-03-2006, 10:23 PM
Keep the faith, K-man. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Healing light and thoughts for your wife, blessings on your family.
jeffg
04-04-2006, 01:26 AM
all our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Life can indeed change in the blink of an eye, but we believe that all will be back to normal soon.
legnano
04-06-2006, 02:49 PM
My first post. Kahuna, have faith and trust in the Lord to heal your wife completely. He's a loving God and He never fails. Believe that, and He'll do the rest. Here's wishing your wife a speedy recovery.
MartyE
04-06-2006, 03:02 PM
Gary,
You and your family are deeply in my thoughts.
Hang in there and if you need anything let me know.
Marty (who remembers prekahuna (phorum) serotta forum).
I'm a little behind in my reading and just saw this earlier today. I'm not the praying kind but thought about what you and your wife must be going through during my ride today. My earnest best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Like you, I've been blessed with the love of a wonderful woman who has been the sun in my sky every day for the last 32 years. I know that the strength of your love and support will be of great help to your wife, no matter what the outcome. Take care. You and your wife will remain in my thoughts.
bulliedawg
04-06-2006, 04:43 PM
Kahuna:
I haven't been around much, but I am certainly going to include you and your wife in my nightly prayers.
Keith A
04-06-2006, 04:55 PM
Gary,
Like some of the others here, I haven't had much time for the forum lately -- so I just saw this message thread. I too want add that my family and I will start praying for your wife to recover and for you to have the strength to help her during this time to remain positive and hopeful; and be able to take care of your little one as well.
May God be with you and your family at this time.
sirroada
04-11-2006, 12:43 AM
Kahuna,
I can't even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted as to your wifes progress and just remember to be as positive as you can. (I appreciate that being positive is easier said than done during a time like this but being a positive, strong emotional support is medicine in itself).
Kahuna
04-11-2006, 03:28 AM
Once again I'd like to say thanks to everyone who sent us their kind thoughts and prayers. The past couple of weeks have been hectic for me shuttling back and forth between hospitals and home (via air). However no matter how bad I feel, it doesn't compare to what my brave wife went through. Here's a brief update on her condition starting with the good news.
On Saturday she was discharged from a second hostpital that specializes in spinal cord injuries (SCIs). She's home now and remarkably mobile for someone who is supposed to be neurologically impaired. She can walk short distances with a cane and longer distances with a walker. She's being weaned off sterioids and getting a bit more sleep. This after nearly 8 days of having zero sleep. Also, finally being close to our 3 year old daughter has really helped lift her spirits.
As for her neurological symptoms, they're for the most part the same as I described in my original post, but we do see more movement in her foot which is good. It's slight, but it's a sign that she's moving in the right direction. As well most of the docs we've seen are telling us to remain optimistic. No one can give us any guarantees but we understand that people with worse SCIs than my wife's have recovered. It just can take a long time. We're talking weeks to months. So, we're doing just that - remaining optimistic even under difficult circumstances and once again, everyone's kind thoughts and words have been a terrific source of inspiration. Even in this online space, there's real folks behind those keyboards and to me you're all great friends.
Warmest regards,
Kahuna
mike p
04-11-2006, 04:22 AM
kahuna,
We will not let up with the prayers. Keep your spirits up and expect good. Keep positive for entire family. Our family will pray until your wife is back to normal.
Mike
Too Tall
04-11-2006, 06:16 AM
Kahuna, when can she start doing some therapy? I was thinking a warm pool, you and her just floating around and getting quality time could be a good thing? Hang in there dewd.
BumbleBeeDave
04-11-2006, 06:27 AM
. . . "some warm pool"? . . . . EVERY pool there is warm. It's HAWAII! :rolleyes:
Kahuna, it absolutely GREAT to hear she's making progress. It mat take time, but don't give up hope! We will keep sending positive mental energy your way!
BBD
Rich_W
04-11-2006, 06:34 AM
Wow, I'm just seeing this now... Good to hear the situation is progressing for the better. My thoughts and prayers are with you two.
I'm upset I did not see this sooner...
I remember all your words of encouragement when I was laying all busted up a couple of years ago.
Kevan
04-11-2006, 07:36 AM
have a long distance to fly to get to you, but given time and favorable winds success will be with you and your wife soon. Everyone here is keeping you in our thoughts.
kahuna, all the best to your wife. Both of you keep your spirits up.
davids
04-11-2006, 09:25 AM
Kahuna,
That's excellent news, and cause for great hope. Hang in there - I'm sure the road ahead will be difficult and long. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
gasman
04-11-2006, 12:26 PM
Gary-
I'm so glad to hear your wife is improving. All our thoughts and hopes are with you and your family.
72gmc
04-11-2006, 12:30 PM
Kahuna, your wife and family are lucky to have you at a time like this.
DfCas
04-11-2006, 08:04 PM
Kahuna, I hope all comes out well for the wife and you. We went thru something similar last year and it makes you realize how precious health is.
dan
Sandy
04-11-2006, 08:07 PM
Kahuna, I hope all comes out well for the wife and you. We went thru something similar last year and it makes you realize how precious health is.
dan
Absolutely. Health is a most wonderful and precious gift. Genuinely so.
Sandy
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