Wrassman's Story

Discussion in 'The Bucket' started by Wrassman, May 1, 2003.

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  1. Wrassman

    Wrassman Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2003
    Messages:
    448
    Location:
    Stockbridge, GA,Georgia
    [glow=Blue, 3, 90%]Hey all,

    I want to do this, because many of you have been through this with me, and many of you have expressed such kind words and sentiments to me. I thank and love you all for it. I feel I owe you an explanation. So, grab a beverage and settle down, not only is this a long story, it may be a bumpy ride...

    I have been riding motorcycles for almost 35 years. I've owned just about every make you can name, at least once. I've ridden off-road, on track (racing), up-hill (competition), and just riding around town. Right now, I have a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 sitting in my garage, which I have not been on in over 2 years.
    [/glow]

    [glow=Green, 3, 90%]That was when I was riding home from work one pretty afternoon, minding my own business. I was going about 30 miles an hour, when a lady pulled right out in front of me from the left side of the road. I got on my horn and swerved to the curb to keep from hitting her, all the while slowing down. I finally had to take the bike off the curb to keep from hitting her, the drop from the road to the ground was about 4" or so at that point, and I still had control of the bike. Still slowing down, I looked behind me and there were no other cars so I intended to go back up onto the road, only the curb was now 6 to 8". I didn't make it. The bike caught on the lip of the curb, slammed down on my left foot, crushing it, and the bike and I slid about 50 feet into a concrete culvert with me hitting the culvert with my helmet and my left shoulder.

    The lady to this day, does not know what happened. The bike, after some minor repairs, looks as good as new, but I still have a crushed foot, with rheumatoid arthritis and a shoulder that has never healed, also with RA.

    I live every day in constant pain. You ask, "why don't you have more surgeries to fix your problems?" When I had my first 3 surgeries, I got a virulent staph infection in my shoulder (which kept my bones from healing) and NO ONE wants to open me up in fear of that, again. I came very close to dying the day after my last surgery.
    [/glow]

    [glow=Maroon, 3, 90%]So, I have a couple of alternatives. I could have my foot amputated; that would solve my foot pain. I could have a couple of nerves cut, but then I would have no feeling in the left side of my body. Or, I can take powerful pain killers that I wind up addicted to. At this point in my life, I chose the latter. The last medication I was taking, up until Thursday of last week was Oxycontin. It was no longer working on the pain. So, they decided to change me over to something else.

    Even when you are expecting it, even when it is controlled by your trusted and beloved physician, that does NOT make coming off such a powerful drug any easier.

    Today, for the first time in a week, I feel more like myself. It may take several more days. But, at least I know that the worst is over, and I'm going to make it.
    [/glow]

    [glow=Black, 3, 90%]The reason that I'm telling you all this is just to eductate you. Be aware of what you are taking, of what your doctor is giving you. The side-effects may be MORE than you are prepared to handle.

    Peace, brothers and sisters
    [/glow]
     
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  3. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    Thanks for sharing Steve. You captured why for 35 years, I have endured chronic pain, taking no more than an occassional ibuprofen. I was partially paralyzed in 1968 and was in an automobile accident in 1973. Those accidents have resulted in 20 plus surgeries. The addiction to pain killers is worse, in my opinion, than the pain you are dealing with.

    Thanks for your witness and being the true champion and winner that you are.

    Peace and May God Bless

    :) ;) :D ;D 8)
     
  4. Guest

    Guest Guest

    :Hello Wrassman this is someone you know very well. I have enjoyed your web site. It is very interesting.[smiley=2thumbsup.gif]
     
  5. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    Please feel free to join us as a member Myra!
     
  6. Wrassman

    Wrassman Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2003
    Messages:
    448
    Location:
    Stockbridge, GA,Georgia
    Just so you all know, Myra is my Mom. Without Teresa (my wife), my mom, and my daughter Adrienne, I don't know where I'd be right now. Believe me, my mom's the best... [smiley=first.gif]
     
  7. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    Moms are the best! [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

    :) ;) :D ;D 8)
     
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  9. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Hey Wrass,

    You hang in there!!! The road seems long and dark, but keep faith in the higher powers and you'll soon see through the gloom...

    D
     
  10. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
  11. Wrassman

    Wrassman Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2003
    Messages:
    448
    Location:
    Stockbridge, GA,Georgia
    [glow=Green, 3, 100%]I would also like to thank a few more people, for helping deal with this horrific journey. First of all, CMKll, has been a real blessing to me. Yes, he is still a PITA, but he is the biggest hearted one I've ever met.

    Second, Craig, I certainly appreciate your encouragement and phone calls. We may not always agree on everything, but our hearts are one.

    Third, Matt, for your patience and your understanding. You have made this more than a web-site, you have made it a home.
    [/glow]

    [glow=Navy, 3, 100%]And last, but not least, all the rest of you out there. Thank you so much. I'm better today. I'll be better tomorrow. One of these days, I'll be back to myself. And I'm looking forward to being with all of you on a full-time basis again.[/glow]

    [glow=Maroon, 3, 90%]Again, THANKS !!!!![/glow]

    [smiley=sick2.gif] [smiley=mellow.gif] [smiley=ohwe.gif] [smiley=laughingsmiley1.gif] [smiley=lol.gif] [smiley=laughcry.gif] [smiley=laughy.gif] [smiley=LolLolLolLol.gif] [smiley=wave.gif] [smiley=thumbs_up1.gif]​
     
  12. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    [glow=blue, 8, 100%]We are all called to a a light to the world, and you have certianly been that for many Steve.  You ain't heavy you're my brother.  We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and it is only by the Grace of God that I have been able to serve you in the least.  May the Peace of Christ be with you always! [/glow] [smiley=angel.gif]

    :) ;) :D ;D ;D 8)