This may be the end for me...

[geezer]

Well, it's been fun, but I may be through with the martial arts. Two weeks ago I blew out my back and what the MRI showed wasn't good. I'm in pain and am losing feeling and strength in my right leg. The doctor said not to be stupid or things could get a lot worse. More pain, ...loss of function, ...incontinence ...Whoa! That last word really caught my attention. I really can't see myself teaching VT ...or doing my day job (teaching high school) supported on crutches, moaning in pain and wearing a big diaper.

I did conduct class last night, but only SNT, some basic steps, punches and soft chi-sau. No kicks, bending, twisting or sudden, jerking movements of any kind. It's not good enough. Next week I have a consultation with a PT recommended to me by my spinal specialist, then a consultation with a neurosurgeon in about 6 weeks. I'm seriously depressed about this ...and on my way to becoming seriously broke, too. Wish me luck, guys.

 

[mograph]

Good luck, Geezer. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Tames D]

I'm sorry to hear about this. How did you injure yourself? I wish you the best in your recovery.

 

[yak sao]

dammit geezer, I am so sorry to hear about your injury.
Don't give up hope though...WT is very adaptable. Give yourself time to heal and come back fighting.

 

[wtxs]

It sucks to grow old ... an reality one had to face. Same story here, my mind is willing but my body is slow to catch up. Will taking up Tai Chi an option?

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Good luck, and I'm very sorry to hear of it. I wish the best for you.

 

[Sukerkin]

I echo my compatriots in their statements above - that really is a hard blow to ride out, Geezer. It can be borne tho - I was forbidden to do contact martial arts any more after my bike accident and I lived through it, allbeit with a lot of wistful memories of what I used to be able to do.

In the end I found Iai and was able to have the beauty of that art soothe loss of the far more physical kung fu I was once involved with. Maybe there will be a similar option for yourself in time?

 

[shesulsa]

Damn, geezer.

I am so sorry to hear this. How did the injury occur?

 

[Vajramusti]

Well, it's been fun, but I may be through with the martial arts. Two weeks ago I blew out my back and what the MRI showed wasn't good. I'm in pain and am losing feeling and strength in my right leg. The doctor said not to be stupid or things could get a lot worse. More pain, ...loss of function, ...incontinence ...Whoa! That last word really caught my attention. I really can't see myself teaching VT ...or doing my day job (teaching high school) supported on crutches, moaning in pain and wearing a big diaper.

I did conduct class last night, but only SNT, some basic steps, punches and soft chi-sau. No kicks, bending, twisting or sudden, jerking movements of any kind. It's not good enough. Next week I have a consultation with a PT recommended to me by my spinal specialist, then a consultation with a neurosurgeon in about 6 weeks. I'm seriously depressed about this ...and on my way to becoming seriously broke, too. Wish me luck, guys.

------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry to hear this Steve.But don't give up. I can relate to this- had a similar problem back in 72.I took time off.Lots of medical consults.
I decided not to go for surgery. Waited for inflammations to go down Then gradually rebuilt myself via therapy, pool work, yoga- then began wing chun in 76. Stay in touch.

joy

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Hope the specialists have better news for you.

 

[Xue Sheng]

Good luck, I hope it works out.

 

[Jenna]

Well, it's been fun, but I may be through with the martial arts. Two weeks ago I blew out my back and what the MRI showed wasn't good. I'm in pain and am losing feeling and strength in my right leg. The doctor said not to be stupid or things could get a lot worse. More pain, ...loss of function, ...incontinence ...Whoa! That last word really caught my attention. I really can't see myself teaching VT ...or doing my day job (teaching high school) supported on crutches, moaning in pain and wearing a big diaper.

I did conduct class last night, but only SNT, some basic steps, punches and soft chi-sau. No kicks, bending, twisting or sudden, jerking movements of any kind. It's not good enough. Next week I have a consultation with a PT recommended to me by my spinal specialist, then a consultation with a neurosurgeon in about 6 weeks. I'm seriously depressed about this ...and on my way to becoming seriously broke, too. Wish me luck, guys.

I can feel the tension in your words as I am reading and I wish for you to regain that relaxed power that you VT guys are known for!!! I hope you are able to deflect focus on bad things in distant futures back onto attention to the good life that you have right now. I wish you equanimity. You are in my thoughts and in the thoughts of all your friends here and people there too I am certain. Please let us know how you go, Jxo

 

[ballen0351]

I wish you a speedy recovery.

 

[seasoned]

Sorry to hear this, please keep us informed. I do hope all turns out for the best for you................

 

[mook jong man]

Sorry to hear about this Geezer.
But I know you will find some way to get around this , just like in chi sau sparring , the opponent has temporarily barred your way .
But you will find some way to rip this problem down or go around it.
That's the type of bloke you are mate , this won't stop you.

 

[Eric_H]

Steve,

Best of luck, I hope you are able to get by this without the need for surgery. Either way, I hope your recovery is swift and complete.

 

[K-man]

As the others have said, it's sad to hear your news. Probably a few of the older guys here are already training with backs that have taken a hiding over the years. Do what ever it takes to get it right, naturally if possible.

------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry to hear this Steve.But don't give up. I can relate to this- had a similar problem back in 72.I took time off.Lots of medical consults.
I decided not to go for surgery. Waited for inflammations to go down Then gradually rebuilt myself via therapy, pool work, yoga- then began wing chun in 76. Stay in touch.

joy

Good advice. Surgery has to be the last option. If you do elect the surgical option, hang up the gi. So many people I know have had surgery, felt great, gone back to their previous activities and done it again. Surgery normally is only an option once.

However, think positive, six months might see you back if full form. Best wishes for your recovery. :asian:

 

[Steve]

What everyone else said. Good luck, buddy!

 

[geezer]

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in the martial arts on this forum for their kind words of support. And, for the record, I may be knocked down, but I'm not out yet!

 

[Chris Parker]

Ah, damn man. I'm very sorry to hear this.

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in the martial arts on this forum for their kind words of support. And, for the record, I may be knocked down, but I'm not out yet!

Ha, I didn't think you'd be taken out of the game completely! And remember you're always welcome here, someone with a wealth of knowledge is a boon for us, and a way for you to stay in contact for you.

All the best, Steve.