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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: LYNX on February 13, 2009, 04:40:51 PM

Title: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: LYNX on February 13, 2009, 04:40:51 PM: For those who ask where I'v been the tale is below. I'm getting better dailey :aok. No sympathy required just saying how it was...Thanks to all that have enquired :salute

Fazed by the anesthetic and the directly injected morphine it was impossible to focus on my surroundings as I struggled to stay awake. Through the haze, which by no means was purple, I was aware of four nurses as they carefully yet clumsily transferred me from the theater trolley to a fresh clean bed in a dimly lit private room on ward 33a. I had the vague impression it was late in the evening, some four to five hours after going to theater. As the nurses settled me in I could only take in parts of their conversation whilst being in this drug induced stupor. “Blah, blah, Hartman, blah, blah 10 O’clock”. These being words I was familiar with. I was in hospital and unless I was going through some kind of experience inspired by the film Tron it just didn’t make sense. I faded into sleep putting this notion down to the anesthetic.

It seemed like only 10 minutes but which was probably closer to two hours before I could stay awake without lapsing into unconsciousness or unwilling sleep. I was desperate but at the same time apprehensive to realize my situation and the outcome of my much needed surgery. The oxygen mask made a low audible hiss as it aided my respiration. The clear plastic hindering my peripheral vision but I couldn’t mistake all the tubes emanating from my body. This site wasn’t new to me having broken sixteen bones and sporting over three feet of scars from subsequent surgeries. I was however curious as to where all this plumbing went. My left hand drew on the saline drip hanging on a tall chrome stand. My right hand was fed morphine directly into a vein via an intriguing black square wrist watch looking device. This was hooked up to a small morphine filled balloon inside a spring-loaded clear plastic tube. By means of holding down a diagonal inserted button it was for me to self medicate as and when needed. This was new and quite novel to me. My previous encounters with strong painkillers were always administered by nurses with seemingly ever-blunter needles. Apparently there is some fancy safety device to stop me fatally overdosing. In the following days and with some hallucinogenic regret I would field-test this gadget with the vigor of a heroin addict.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: LYNX on February 13, 2009, 04:44:43 PM: Experience told me at least one tube would be a drain for the wound. To carry away any excess fluids or discharge from the internal aspects of surgery but there were two tubes too many. Three tubes came slinking out from under the sheet passing out of site over the edge of the bed to awaiting receptacles. One came from my left and two from my right. Lifting the sheet the two tubes together appeared from under my right thigh and having no idea of their purpose or where they were actually attached, I gave one a gentle tug. To my dismay and embarrassment it was attached to by dick. Old Willie Wonker had its very own stomach pump. Instantly I recalled other patient’s horror stories of excruciating pain as the catheter tube is slowly pulled out. Clearly not an experience to look forward to. Then I had a curious thought as to what would happen if I attained an erection with this tube in me. Not wishing to follow that line of thought I promptly distracted myself by investigating the second tube. With another gentle tug my previous embarrassment, if not totally forgotten, was dismissed as minuscule. Much to my stunned realization and humiliation I found the second tube outrageously went right up my arse. I cursed out load with the notion my dignity had been violated. That in my unconscious state, un- protested and un-negotiated some arse bandit had had his jollies.

Being little more than a knee jerk response to the offence encountered by my self esteem, these thoughts were obviously without reason and unfounded. Retrospectively I became thankful that if these humiliating and undignified attachments were necessary, at least I was spark out not having to feel the experience or face the inserters of hideous tubes as they went about their business.

Taking stock I had saved the best till last. It was time to face up to the outcome of my surgery. Time to familiarize myself with yet another scar and inspect the new internal plumbing along, with what I would later consider, a grotesque accessory.

The scar surprisingly was smaller than I had expected. The surgeon had, to his credit and with great care, opened me up as little as possible. The vertical incision was only six inches long. It started just slightly left above and ended not far below of my belly button, piercing its indentation. I was thankful that my total scar tally had only reached four feet now. The third tube, which was the wounds drain, came from my lower left abdomen just above the pelvis. Two inches left of my new scar this tube was partly obscured by the lower part of the pink coloured colostomy bag, which covered my brand new arse hole.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: LYNX on February 13, 2009, 04:45:42 PM: To get to this point had taken two years of pain along with removal of a troublesome gall bladder. Within days in mid January my body drew on it’s reserves stripping me of eighteen pounds in weight. This culminated in emergency admittance to hospital and this subsequent surgery. I had been in intense pain with occasional bouts of vomiting. These symptoms prompted another C.T scan, which proved the underlying problem along with the only possible solution, a Hartmann procedure. Although the sigmoid colon wasn’t fully blocked it was significantly hindered with the bowel wall being inexplicitly 2 centimeters thick. It was also overwhelmed by septic and burst diverticulitis. This, unhealthily, was leaking body waste into my abdomen.

The evening of my C.T scan two doctors sat next to my bed as I dealt the intense pain. They explained the situation and recommended that the damaged infected area be removed, approximately one third of my bowel. Only later in passing did the doctors mention peritonitis, perhaps to curtail any undue alarm. Their prognoses made sense but the ramification were far more than just a colostomy bag. It meant a career change to lighter work practices. It meant sharp life style changes for my dearly loved wife and I. It meant being guarded in intimate moments. It meant not being able to spontaneously make love to my wife. I became profoundly aware of how unfair this was on my beautiful young wife. Lumbered with a guy with such an undignified affliction. To live with a smelly man.

As I squirmed on the bed gripping my belly from yet another bout of intense pain I posed the question through gritted teeth. “What would happen if I declined the surgery”? There came a slight pause as one of the doctors folded shut the file on his lap. He looked me in the eye and replied “you won’t survive”.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: 007Rusty on February 13, 2009, 05:08:17 PM: damn :salute good luck sir hope all works out
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Slugger7 on February 13, 2009, 05:29:49 PM: I had surgery as a kid, but nothing to this level... I hope everything ends well and hope to see you soon sir. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: zoozoo on February 13, 2009, 05:32:59 PM: Good luck Lynx, keep us posted mate. :salute :pray
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: JohnnyT on February 13, 2009, 05:38:32 PM: Wow, I thought this was a post about a 7 vs 1 before I read it..... I had wondered where you were. I looked on the roster occasionally as usually you were online when I got on..

Hope you recover swiftly! Good luck :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Greebo on February 13, 2009, 05:46:20 PM: Get well soon Lynx! Look forward to seeing you back online.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Tr0jan on February 13, 2009, 05:48:57 PM: GL Lynx :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Stoliman on February 13, 2009, 05:49:15 PM: Hello Lynx -

We do not know each other, but I sincerely wish you and your family nothing but the best in your immediate recovery and beyond.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: DH367th on February 13, 2009, 06:08:37 PM: Hey ol bud sorry to hear your recent health battle heres to a speedy recovery :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: bizz on February 13, 2009, 06:10:59 PM: Get well soon lynx :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: gusman on February 13, 2009, 06:37:45 PM: Hi Lynx,

Please get well soon :aok

Cheers,
gus
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: TOMCAT21 on February 13, 2009, 06:40:42 PM: get well Lynx :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Twizzty on February 13, 2009, 06:40:53 PM: Get well Lynx :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: The Fury on February 13, 2009, 06:45:07 PM: Get well Lynx very touching story my best wishes to you and your family :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Banshee7 on February 13, 2009, 06:59:57 PM: Best wishes for you LYNX. You and your family are in my prayers! :pray :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Forker on February 13, 2009, 07:07:38 PM: Lynx,

I have always admired you, your depth of character, willingness to help others and general “stand-up” attitude. You are the type of person that needs no “luck”, I know that your drive and determination will see you and all aspects of your life back to normal in short order.

Having said that, I do pray God’s blessing.

Salute,

Forker
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: crazyivan on February 13, 2009, 07:21:14 PM: Arse bandits. :rofl Get Well man. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: nipper on February 13, 2009, 07:26:41 PM: Here's wishing a speedy and full recovery.
I've some happy morphine memories from various skateboard related injuries over the years, but that's all self inflicted. Hope you're back to A1 condition soon.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: 1pLUs44 on February 13, 2009, 07:27:15 PM: Best wishes to you LYNX. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

:salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: pervert on February 13, 2009, 07:34:20 PM: Get well soon Lynx! :salute best of luck
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: moot on February 13, 2009, 07:39:44 PM: Best of luck, Lynx.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: uptown on February 13, 2009, 07:51:27 PM: Lynx, this is unacceptable. Do whatever you have to do to get better. My prayers will be with you until this is resolved. Hang in there and know that we are all pulling for you man.

Forker expressed my feeling as well. GET WELL LYNX!
<<S>>
Uptown :pray
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: MjTalon on February 13, 2009, 07:55:50 PM: Get well Herr Lynx :salute
Prayers are to you and your family sir.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Ack-Ack on February 13, 2009, 08:50:29 PM: Quote from: nipper on February 13, 2009, 07:26:41 PM
Here's wishing a speedy and full recovery.
I've some happy morphine memories from various skateboard related injuries over the years, but that's all self inflicted. Hope you're back to A1 condition soon.

Doctors gave you morphine for your skate injuries? All the SOBs would give me for my various broken and dislocated bones was Tylenol #3, though with a beer and a joint, didn't really feel much pain.

ack-ack
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Joker on February 14, 2009, 07:02:38 AM: Hope you get well soon LYNX.
You are in our prayers.
:salute

Joker
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Getback on February 14, 2009, 07:07:48 AM: Get well soon Lynx. :salute

Had a gangrene gall bladder back a dozen years ago. Most torturous!
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: gpwurzel on February 14, 2009, 07:09:17 AM: Jeesh, get well soon Lynx - if there is anything I can do, gimme a shout mate,

Wurzel (aka Wurzel Gummidge to you)
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Hap on February 14, 2009, 07:12:32 AM: Lynx, take care bud. Hope you convalesce quickly.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Shuffler on February 14, 2009, 08:02:03 AM: Good Luck Lynx....... interesting and good read. I would not worry about your Wife, true love is a very amazing thing.

PS; When is your next book coming out?
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Ghosth on February 14, 2009, 08:11:56 AM: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Human Beings can adapt to almost anything.

Hang in there Lynx!
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: xbrit on February 14, 2009, 08:15:32 AM: Best wishes to you and your family.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: BaldEagl on February 14, 2009, 08:29:05 AM: A friend of a friend had the same thing a couple of years ago. Quite the lengthy recovery period IIRC.

Take care Lynx. Get well soon.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: FTJR on February 14, 2009, 09:09:06 AM: Get well soon
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Rich46yo on February 14, 2009, 09:09:37 AM: We were all awfully worried about you. Once they start unstringing the intestines/bowels and chopping away its bloody serious. The entire thing is a bacteria factory, as you can well imagine. And personaly the choice between a bag and a box is no choice at all.

Ive had girlfriends with colo bags , and one that had breast removal for cancer. Its no big deal. You love the person not the carcass. Just lay the hammer down and she'll forget all about the sodding bag.

Anyway, its over. Thank God.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: LYNX on February 14, 2009, 10:59:14 AM: Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm in game but not spending as much time on it. Should be OK in a couple months.

Once again .....thanks :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: 442w30 on February 14, 2009, 11:19:02 AM: Get well soon Lynx :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: BMathis on February 14, 2009, 11:44:19 AM: I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes to your family as well... :pray

I must say your writing style is quite appeasing and vivid. Easy to read, yet detailed to "see" what you're writing... I would like to know if you've written professionally, or in college?

If you haven't, your surgery may have been a blessing in disguise. Get to your CPU and get to writing! :aok

<<S>> Lynx, get well.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Bruv119 on February 14, 2009, 01:51:53 PM: Quote from: LYNX on February 14, 2009, 10:59:14 AM
Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm in game but not spending as much time on it. Should be OK in a couple months.

Once again .....thanks :salute

good to hear m8, I/We wish you a speedy recovery.

:salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: ink on February 14, 2009, 02:10:15 PM: damn Lynx, at the same time of sadness you can Laugh and make others laugh, that in itself is a gift,

I understand what you are going through, I have had pancreintitus for 11 years, I was in the Hospital for a month, and could not eat food for 4 and a half months, Morphine and Demerol were my best friends, 6 minute drip :aok

I wish you the best and a quick recover to the best possible measure!

Paul
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: DFATITAN on February 14, 2009, 08:31:21 PM: Best of Luck Lnyx >S< :aok
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: BuckP on February 15, 2009, 12:17:18 AM: Having had 12 surgeries myself I understand the range of thoughts going through you....keep fighting, see you in here again soon.

<S> LYNX

Buck (Sic Pups)
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: viper215 on February 15, 2009, 12:28:46 AM: Best of luck lynx, get well soon <S>
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Masherbrum on February 15, 2009, 01:00:09 AM: Manx :salute You're too damn stubborn to not recover. I wish you and yours the best mate!
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Patches1 on February 15, 2009, 03:30:06 AM: :salute LYNX! Get well soon, Sir!
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: LYNX on February 15, 2009, 04:47:15 AM: Quote from: BMathis on February 14, 2009, 11:44:19 AM
I wish you a speedy recovery, and best wishes to your family as well... :pray

I must say your writing style is quite appeasing and vivid. Easy to read, yet detailed to "see" what you're writing... I would like to know if you've written professionally, or in college?

If you haven't, your surgery may have been a blessing in disguise. Get to your CPU and get to writing! :aok

<<S>> Lynx, get well.

Now that you mention it.....

English was my favourite leason in school which was funny because I'm lycdexis err dyslexic. Couldn't read properly until I was about 15. I left school at 16 without any qualifications.

I am quite a slow reader to this day. Thank gawd for spell checker.

Got a PC to help with writting sales letters to my customers and maybe knock up the odd short tail. Never did do that instead I found these fighter sims :)

Now here's the strange part. I'm in hospital whacking that morphine gadget harder than a 14 year old with a porn mag. I experience mild hallucinations and some strange dreams. One of which showed me how to write....as in a book. When I woke up the dream had all but faded away but left me this overwhelming urge to write.

Ain't that strange :noid
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: kilz on February 15, 2009, 06:21:40 AM: LYNX old friend i have been missing the great F6F battles. but now i see you have greater battles to face right now. i hope all the best for you and hope you don't find a way to bypass that safety on the sporty watch you have LOL. my family will add you and yours to our prayers :pray

:salute sir and with due time you will be :rock again.

keep us posted on your conditions
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: pipz on February 15, 2009, 07:04:05 AM: I wish you a smooth and quick recovery.

Pipz
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: LYNX on February 15, 2009, 07:50:33 AM: Quote from: ink on February 14, 2009, 02:10:15 PM
damn Lynx, at the same time of sadness you can Laugh and make others laugh, that in itself is a gift,

I understand what you are going through, I have had pancreintitus for 11 years, I was in the Hospital for a month, and could not eat food for 4 and a half months, Morphine and Demerol were my best friends, 6 minute drip :aok

I wish you the best and a quick recover to the best possible measure!

Paul

As for the humour its best to laugh than cry :aok OK its a new meaning to the term redundant bum. A new storage device perhaps. Maybe a career change to internation drug smuggler :D

I appreciate everyones concern....its quite humbling especially when I recognise my illness is quite trivial where others on these boards are far worse off. Those with long term ailments, fighters of the big C and those disable in the line of duty.

My :salute to one and all.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Nutzoid on February 15, 2009, 10:42:24 AM: Speedy recovery Lynx. Hope to see ya back soon. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: ink on February 15, 2009, 10:59:19 AM: Quote from: LYNX on February 15, 2009, 07:50:33 AM

As for the humour its best to laugh than cry :aok OK its a new meaning to the term redundant bum. A new storage device perhaps. Maybe a career change to internation drug smuggler :D

I appreciate everyones concern....its quite humbling especially when I recognise my illness is quite trivial where others on these boards are far worse off. Those with long term ailments, fighters of the big C and those disable in the line of duty.

My :salute to one and all.

You should write, you have a flair about it!!

I had crazy hallucinations on the Demerol and Morphine, so bad I hit the emergency call button asking the nurse if it was normal to see giant people turning into vampires :rofl
she informed me it was very "normal" I just smiled and said "cool" :lol

I truly hope to see you in the Virtual air ASAP,
my favorite name to see on the buffer is " you shot down Lynx" :D

(although that is very rare :cry)

get well BRO

I am praying for you and yours

Paul
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: MajWoody on February 15, 2009, 11:13:52 AM: G L Lynx.
Hope you have a speedy recovery. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: wipass on February 15, 2009, 01:45:50 PM: Bloody hell Lynx,

Best wishes and a speedy recovery matey <S>

wipass
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: CRYPTIC on February 15, 2009, 06:43:45 PM: My mom had a colostomy bag and when she wanted to be alone she would just let the gas out of the bag. Boy could she clear a room. Get well soon.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: thrila on February 15, 2009, 06:48:17 PM: I wish you the quickest of recoveries lynx.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Xasthur on February 15, 2009, 09:09:48 PM: That's shocking and saddening news, Lynx. All the best to you and your missus in throughout the recovery process.

I look forward to flying with you again soon, mate.

:salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: jedi25 on February 15, 2009, 09:27:05 PM: All the best and a speedy recovery Lynx.. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: ColKLink on February 16, 2009, 06:35:09 AM: We been saying a few words for you and your wife lynx (i detected how much you cared for her early on and enveyed you,...now I have a special lil fillie, and I hear your words loud n clear, as I have thoughts simler for mine. Get well buddy, your highly thought of in this lil home in canada, i bet i mention "lynx" ya know from /AH...every few days at least. Get well man...We care <S> :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Slade on February 16, 2009, 07:00:05 AM: LYNX, we need you back. We're pulling for your speedy recovery at this point. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: PanosGR on February 16, 2009, 07:14:36 AM: Wish you all the best, get well soon Lynx :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Dragon on February 16, 2009, 07:53:40 AM: Hope you get well soon. Miss ya buddy. :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: BaDkaRmA158Th on February 16, 2009, 08:04:58 AM: Dang brother i must admit, you takin' this better than i would.

:salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: VonMessa on February 16, 2009, 08:18:02 AM: Best of luck, Lynx.

The most amazing thing about humans is our uncanny ability to adapt.

I know that sitting in a hospital bed is rotten (been there). Thinking about how things are going to change while you lie there doesn't help, either, but I have noticed that once you heal up, and get back to living a daily routine, things usually don't wind up being as bad as your worst fears.

On another note, if it was you (and not some protoge of yours) that drilled my panzer yesterday from 3000 yds, it seems that your aim has not been affected :D

Here's to a speedy recovery !

:salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: 4deck on February 16, 2009, 10:04:32 AM: :salute
Good luck with everything bro. Sickness sux. Stay positive though.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: texasmom on February 16, 2009, 12:58:04 PM: Wishing you a speedy recovery Lynx :)
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: coola4me on February 17, 2009, 11:18:59 AM: Just to let you know you will survive, i did, thought i wasn't gonna make it having to deal with the colostomy bag every 30 fluffluff'n minutes! :cry It is a life altering experience not a life stopping one! I had my bag for 3 months while recovering from having my full colon removed.

Stay strong, it will pass!! Enjoy the wonders of pharmaceutical innovations while you can!!

If you ever need to talk to somebody whos been through it just let me know!
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: morfiend on February 17, 2009, 11:50:49 PM: Get well soon :aok

and dont get too aquainted with my friend...... :noid
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: SNIPER30 on February 22, 2009, 12:52:37 PM: Get well soon :salute
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Tigger29 on February 22, 2009, 02:06:03 PM: When I first found Aces High about four years ago, Lynx was one of the first to help me to learn the game. I was aggravated and had pretty much made up my mind not to subscribe after my two week trial was up, but after seeing Lynx's flying skills and his generosity I realized that I would improve, and that it was not simply something I was going to pick up in a matter of a couple of weeks (or even a couple of months). I didn't fly with Lynx for long, as I found a squad much more suited to me a bit later, but I never forgot about him.

Here I am four years and one marriage later, after taking two extended 'breaks' from the game and I'm still not what I would consider "all that good", but I have a lot of fun with it and am still learning new things every time I log on. Whenever I happen to fly along side of Lynx, I remember those first days and I can't help but to smile. I now fly under the name of 'PoolShot' and look forward to seeing him again.

Lynx, here's my wish for a speedy recovery, buddy. From what I've seen of you you're probably one of the last people who deserve to be put into this mess. Keep a positive attitude and you'll be back up and running in no time flat.
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Yossarian on February 22, 2009, 02:10:25 PM: Get well soon sir!
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: A8Hunter on February 22, 2009, 02:11:26 PM: God Speed, not get your arse back in the skies! :P
Title: Re: where was I.....surviving.
Post by: Guyver on February 22, 2009, 04:13:43 PM: hope you're beta soon lynx mate. you are missed