Thursday, November 27, 2008

The road less travelled


Here we go again




I woke up this morning around 2am feeling that something was amiss. I felt the back of my head as I habitually do and found that my hair was plastered to my scalp. Not a good sign. Further investigation showed me that the repaired hole in the back of my head was oozing again.




I got up, took a shower washed my hair and went back to bed hoping that all this was just a bad dream.




When I woke up again my pillow confirmed that it wasn't. Hmmm, fast forward to around 8.30am and a discussion with my plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon and the wound specialist.




Now, I stopped my antiobiotics around 10 days ago and obviously the infection which was lying dormant has re appeared. So clearly antiobiotics are not a first prize long term solution.




It looks like what's going to happen is that I go back in for more surgery. This time it's a little different though.




My nuerosurgeon feels that my body is rejecting the hardware that has been implanted into my head and neck. To remove the hardware is the only way to get around this, but....the cervical bone has already started fusing to the titanium rods and therefore surgery is extremely risky.




Carl tells me that it is a 5 to 6 hour operation with three options. Complete success, death on the bed or becoming a quadraplegic. Without being dramatic, you see anytime you are operating around the spinal chord there are risks if you don't get it right.




So into hospital next week for another major surgery seems to be how its going to turnout.




I'm believing that I'm going to be up and about and back in the gym in no time. How bout you.




15 comments:

Adam Waters said...

Hi Dougal, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely challenging time mate. See you back here again very soon.
Adam

KaliLilla.com said...

I predict COMPLETE SUCCESS! No other options exist as far as I'm concerned.

Looking forward to 'seeing' you back at the gym in no time!

Love, Lil

dougal said...

Thanks Adam, hope to be back real soon.

Hey Lil, I agree, and thank you for the good wishes.

Marbella said...

Double dang Dougal! I read Adam´s post about you and ran over to your blog to see the latest with your neck. Am just so sorry to hear that it´s getting complicated again. Like LILLA says, it´s complete sucess for sure. No other option. You know how hard we are all going to be praying for you. And am getting out my candles tonite. We´re with you on this! One million percent!
Lynda

Debbie said...

Dougal, you are a very strong person and know that you'll pull through this next surgery with flying colors and be back encouraging us all again!

Unknown said...

I'm standing with you for a successful surgery...do let us know the exact date so we can all band our thoughts and prayers together for you

Ron said...

You'll be back quickly, and continue to inspire many people, Dougal! I'll keep you in my prayers.

Mike Groom said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Dougal. See back here very soon mate!

Anonymous said...

Dougal....I expect nothing short of you walking out of the hospital 100%. When you go in for your surgery, I will be there with you. Along with all the Shredders. We will hold your hand, and soothe your brow. God will be with us and he will work a miracle. Today is Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for you. I am blessed to have you in my life. I pray for your surgeon--that his hand will be steady and he will have what he needs to "fix" you up. Love and hugs from Shari :)

Phil said...

Hi Dougal,

I consider myself a silent shredder, one of the hundreds if not thousands that is inspired by people like you, Adam and the team. I dont have the courage yet to publically blog but I wanted to give you back something you have already given me many many times throughout all your blogs....believe in yourself champ, take one step at a time, my thoughts and best wishes are right behind you. Your a fighter Dougal and I know that I am along way from ringside but I have the banner up and cheering hard for you my friend. Good luck champ!! Phil

Bec said...

You will be back Dougal, no doubt about it.
Bec

angie nicholas said...

I agree with every one else. you will pull threw this difficult time and be back with us in no time at all. Take the time you need to recover and we will be here waiting when you get back. Here's to a speedy recovery Angie

Andrew said...

Hey Bud,

Just another hurdle for you mate. You are an inspiration to everyone and I have NO doubts that your operation will a complete success and that you will be back to lifting, walking, running very soon ther after.

Take care mate

Anonymous said...

Dougal, my prayers are with you! You are strong and will pull through with flying colors. Of course our prayers is for only the best! God is good and He hears our prayers. He has a greater plan for you and you have to fulfill it!

dougal said...

Lynda, Debbie, Diane, Ron, Mike, Shari, Phil,Bec, Angie, Andrew and Suzette. I can't tell you how touched I was that you guys took time to pop in and wish me well. Thank you all so much. I have no doubt that I will come out of this with flying colours. Stronger than before.