Back after a 5 month absence due to a spinal stroke

C

cutter17

Joined
May 16, 2006
Messages
6,873
Hello all. I am guessing this is the place to put this. The last week of July, the 24th, I suffered a spinal stroke, Transverse Myelitis to be exact. This left me numb from the waist down, which I still am partly, and in a wheelchair. At the time, it was discovered that I also had Type II Diabetes. I really don't remember much of the first month as I was on heavy doses of morphine to control the pain I was in. After that I was placed in the rehab section of the medical center. I spent a total of 3 months in the hospital and in rehab. For the month of November I spent a lot of time depressed about the whole situation and truth be told wondered about just leaving this place. But with God's help, through prayer, I came out of it and am dedicated to rehabbing myself out of this wheelchair!!

I currently am living with my cousin and his 6 year old son, and I have sucessfully turned him, the 6 year old, into a knife knut! My cousin insisted I come live with him as it would be safer for me and I would be right there for him to take me to appointments and rehab. I have been truly blessed to have someone like this in my life!!:thumbup::thumbup:

I have a lot of pain from the stroke and from the neuropathy, which causes both legs to burn when rubbed, or sometimes when the material of the pants I'm wearing rub against my legs. As a result of this I am on a lot of meds and am certain that this caused a lot of what I went through during November. I have become adjusted to the meds and have even been able to drop down on the narcotic meds I'm on!:thumbup::thumbup:

So this is a fast and brief explanation as to why I have not been around. But I will probably be back and in time back like I was before all this happened. I did have to sale a few of my more expensive pieces, the custom's I had, along with most of the production knives I had:(,. This was done in order to pay off what my insurance didn't cover along with paying for ongoing rehab and meds. As things get straightened out I will expand my collection once again, and so far have gotten a couple of ZT's; ZT0200KW, and a ZT0400ST. I have also put my name on the ZT0600 when it becomes available. Anyway I will be around, and look forward to reading what I have missed over the months I was gone.:)

I meant to add that the neuropathy I mentioned is not only in my legs but also in the tips of my fingers on my right hand. This has resulted in me being umable to open a thumb studed knife with my thumb, but have no problem with my index finger in opening flippers, hence the the two ZT's.
 
Last edited:
Wow - tough stuff, man. Glad you're back with us, and really glad you've got someone so willing to help you where it's needed.

I know all about neuropathy - I have recurring bouts of shingles, with constant mild-to-moderate pain even after the flair-ups clear up. Depending on where I'm at with this condition, a gentle breeze can drive me to tears at times.

Have fun catching up on the events of the last few months, it's sure been fun around here at times.

~Chris
 
Wow, you have been through some crap lately. It sounds like you are trooping through it though, That's the most important thing, your attitude and motivation, it's so easy to fall into depression. But it sounds like your head is in the right place.

You are extremely fortunate to have someone like your cousin who is opening up their home to you.

Good luck on your continuing rehab. If you get down, come here, there's always someone willing to listen.

Glenn
 
It's good to have you back........

It sounds like you have had one hell of a time. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for you.

I hope that '13 is a better year........

All the best..........Steven
 
Best wishes for the coming year, Cutter. And may you leave your wheels behind asap. It's truly a gift to have so generous a relative to help you out. God bless and welcome back.
 
Welcome back, positive thoughts for a full recovery....
 
Welcome back! Glad you are doing better. I'll keep you in my prayers.

That's great that your cousin is there for you. I'm sure 20 or 30 years from now your nephew will be telling stories on this forum about how you turned him into a knife nut at a very early age. Get him started on sharpening them too.

Please keep us updated on your progress.

Ric
 
Get well soon Cutter...Stick with the therapy, very important re-training those neurons!
All the best to you man, Positive thoughts and prayers going your way.

~DC
 
I hate to hear what happened to you but am very glad you're on the way back to a recovery.
Welcome back!
 
I'm really sorry to hear what has happened. This must be an incredibly hard thing to go through and I'm glad your cousin is there for you.

Work hard on the rehab and don't give up.
 
Hey guy's thanks for all the good wishes, I certainly appreciate it!! Went for a dr appointment yesterday and asked the doc about something I had read online. The article I read said that the greatest amount of healing ( even full recovery) would take place within the first 6 months, and after that there would less chance of full recovery as time went by. My doctor agreed with the first 6 months for full recovery, but thought full, or nearly full recovery, could still be had as time progressed, and that my prognosis was very good for that scenario! Whatever happens though I will learn to get through it and I will make headway.

So, again, thanks for all those well wishes!! :thumbup::)
 
Thought I would give an update on my "condition". It has been 7 months and one week since all this has happened, a month and a week past the 6 month mark. I was at the doctor this past week and the prognosis is that I have a long road to recovery in front of me, and it probably not going to be a full recovery. At this point, as I said elsewhere, I am not fishing for pity, but I will take prayer if you wish to offer it.

I had a bunch more written but somehow lost it and don't feel like rewritting it atm. I will do that later on today or tonight. I do want to thank everyone here for your thoughts, your prayers, and Bladeforums for the day to day normalcy it brings me!!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top