Hey, I just got my summer back!

Technology came to my rescue today.. I suffer from reduced disc spaces in my spine, pinching a nerve from my right leg, causing me to wake up 3-4 times in agony every night (sitting on the bed for ten minutes each time reduces the pressure) and unable to stand up for more than 5 minutes at a time. While I didn't hurt while sailing my TI, pack up time back at the ramp was taking over an hour, as I had to sit down after every task (still, the view of the TI was not unpleasant LOL)

So yesterday the radiologists (conveniently just across the road from me) slid me into a CT scanner, and the doc then used the scanner to guide a huge needle precisely into a tiny gap between two vertebrae, to inject cortisone into the confined space where the nerve passes through. (I have highlighted the needle, as some of it was on the next "bacon slice" of the CT scan)

While the local anaesthetic is still working as well as the cortisone, it is awesome to be able to stand up straight for the first time in months. Realistically however, the effect of the cortisone alone will only last about six months, and then surgery is probably inevitable. But hey, I just got my summer back!

Tony (relieved!)

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

What would we do without you Tony - no more off subject posts.

Actually we admire your perseverence in your Island with a back problem like that.
Hope the cortisone lasts much longer than you expect.

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Cheers, Brian in South Australia
Tandem Island -

You're a real legend Tony. You don't let your medical issues get in the way of a good sail.
Hope the pain subsides.

OI! It wasn't really off-topic because it was affecting my sailing trips, thankfully not on the water though. But don't fret, I am sure I will come up with some real off-topic posts any time soon

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Great to see you pain free mate. How are you when operating the Mirage Drive ? My Dad could hardly walk yet stick him on a bike and he'd go for miles. Are you the same with the drive ?

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

When I am propped in that comfy skipper seat, pushing those pedals is a breeze. It is only when I get out of the seat that I ran into trouble. (thank goodness!)

Until yesterday, I needed a walking stick all the time, and quickly grabbed a trolley as soon as I reached a supermarket (LOL), but today, at least round home, I don't need the stick, so its all good so far. (I have so far (literally) ditched two walking sticks in the local lake but the new one ($5 from the opshop) will have a tether!

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Best wishes, Tony.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

The first picture got me wondering if I could somehow integrate a catheter in my dry suit.. save some time for long sails.

Just kidding.. (way off topic). Good to hear that helped.. Ive been dealing with gout type crap in my lower back but seems to be mostly under control.. Being able to sail is a good thing.

Glad to hear it helped Tony. My son has the same problem with trapped nerves after a military accident. Keeps him up at night too. Gives me some appreciation for what you must be putting up with.

Vetgam

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Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

Best wishes Tony, hope you have a great summer on the water.

- chris

[quote="walt"]The first picture got me wondering if I could somehow integrate a catheter in my dry suit.. save some time for long sails.

quote]

This is done routinely by cave divers. External catheter, some tubing and a pass through on the drysuit. Available off the shelf.

I see the needle is Papaya colored which means it was the EXTREMELY FAST one .. not the SlowPokey Red or InvisaDune

... Have you explored every option besides the surgery ? I ask only because my wife was an O.R. Scrub nurse for Neurology for many years, so that makes me an internet Expert by Osmosis

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Alan W.

Papaya AI2 to replace my well worn V1
TheTwins - His/Hers 2007 Papaya Hobie Adventure Island's (v1.00.01)
.. and a Hobie Outback SUV

This injection is indeed part of the attempt to avoid surgery, but it is the second one. An MRI scan is next. but I will be surprised if surgery doesn't finish up eventually being the go. A gap is too small, and pinches the nerve, so sending in anaesthetic only hides the problem.

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Hope that all goes well...





Just what I needed to be thinking about this morning... instead of wondering where those new TI's are..

My plan is retirement sep 2015 so may be able to get over to the east coast to catch up.

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Cheers, Brian in South Australia
Tandem Island -