Medical Status of Boardmembers

[Ball Hopper]

I still have an issue at the surgery site...seems there is some scarring that is the cause of some discomfort.  I'll get a schedule from the surgeon soon to take care of that issue in the next few weeks.

My cardiac journey is not yet complete either...to deal with the atrial fibrillation issue they have decided to go with the implant of a Watchman device that will close off the left atrium appendage that seems is the source of a lot of strokes.  I won't even need blood thinners after this device is in place, so I see no downside.

[/quote]


The above was from my last post in August. 

In late August I underwent the implanting of the Watchman device...all went well with no issues whatsoever. I'm now done with blood-thinner tablets forever.

The surgeon was a bit concerned with the scarring that still remained from the radiation treatment that I got way back in May 2020. He suggested a course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  This involved being put into a chamber and the entire body being subject to 100% oxygen for 2 hours at a pressure of 2.4 atmospheres. This was for 3 to 5 sessions per week for a total of 60 sessions. I finished it all in early December. 

The chamber was clear and I could see what was going on in the room. A tv was outside the chamber with a speaker in the door, so that was ok...except I was not allowed to have the remote to change channels or control volume. Nothing allowed into the chamber that might cause or assist a fire...such an oxygen enriched atmosphere would be explosive it seems.  So no reading material or electronics of any kind. Not even any lotion allowed, and any suspicion of it being on me resulted in a mandatory shower.  It felt a lot like flying, with ears popping at beginning and end of each session as the pressure changed, and was overall a quite comfortable experience.

I'm a little bit claustrophobic (for example, I must be drugged up for an MRI), but the fact that the chamber was clear helped me greatly and I did not need any medication.

The treatment worked fairly well on my internal issues, in that I'm about back to 90% of where I was before this all began in 2019.  I also had the benefit of pelvic floor physical therapy and the exercises definitely helped me strengthen up the muscles that were affect by the radiation.

A side benefit of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the complete disappearance of all scars associated with my quadruple bypass in December 2024. I find that truly amazing - people won't believe me that I even had the surgery now as there is no visible proof.



I'd say the rate of improvement I experienced in December and into January of this year was accelerated, to say the least.

I'm back to near-normal now and delighted with everything. Weight is probably normal for me at just over 11 stone in old money.  Eating healthy and managing work from home quite well.  Walking and stretching exercises keeping me in reasonable shape as well.

As I have always said, I really appreciate all the support from the GAABoard...it was more valuable than anyone can imagine.  I don't post as much as I used to and that's ok.  I'll be forever grateful to you all.

I'll close by thanking you all most sincerely as I celebrate my birthday today, March 7.  I made it to 65 and I'm in great shape thanks to all.

Stay healthy out there...

[Armagh18]

Don't think I've posted here but have been reading your posts... thats great news chap, keep er lit and all the best for the future!

[gerrykeegan]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. When I see a new post in this thread I have that panic moment and quickly scan the post to see is everything ok and it's been inspirational. One thing I didn't realize is I share my birthday with you so a very happy birthday from me to you.

[Sportacus]

Best wishes, enjoy the spring.

[Rois]

This is fantastic. We have loved following the journey, sometimes felt nervous for you, but learned a lot.

Happy birthday!

[Rossfan]

Fair play ball hopper and best wishes for the future.

[Milltown Row2]

It's mad that we are getting to that age that every twinge or difference we feel in our body we think the worst!

It's an amazing journey reading that Ballhopper! Tough one but one with a happy ending

Stay healthy everyone, while we have some pricks on here, myself included of course, I'm always happy to hear that we are healthy (to a point)

[Tony Baloney]

Great news Ballhopper. The sun is out and brighter days are ahead. Happy birthday.

[Dag Dog]

Keep up the recovery!

[J70]

Glad to hear Ballhopper!

[gallsman]

Brilliant stuff BH. Had never heard of hyperbaric chambers being used for that sort of thing at all. Crazy what modern science and medicine can achieve. Presumably, with same principles as high performance athletes using them, it's all about increasing oxygen rich blood flow?

When you first started this thread you were joking about missing the league. Don't be thinking you can saunter back in ahead of championship having been exposed to all these advantages 99% of players never get close to!

[ONeill]

It's mad that we are getting to that age that every twinge or difference we feel in our body we think the worst!

Never thought I'd be one of those but you're right. You can nearly feel every organ breathing within you. As if you can change anything. Old bones.

[balladmaker]

Great news Ball Hopper, well done!  Brighter days ahead, wishing you a healthy future.

[illdecide]

Brilliant Ballhopper, been following your news for a long time and i'm delighted for you that you're doing well. I've had a few blips myself but feel embarrassed posting anything when you see what others (Ballhopper) have went through or are currently going through.

[AustinPowers]

Brilliant Ballhopper, been following your news for a long time and i'm delighted for you that you're doing well. I've had a few blips myself but feel embarrassed posting anything when you see what others (Ballhopper) have went through or are currently going through.

Fair play BH

Youve been through the  mill but your positivity  is fantastic. Wishing you  years of  good health

Illdecide - fire away.  We're all affected by something, bits creaking  or  falling off.....and  if it helps you and others to write about it , go ahead.