Calling all veterans.....

[Big Muddy]

We installed our new post officers, last night at our monthly American Legion meeting....deputy state commander was there, and asked that we, along with all other posts, nationwide, try to get more vets involved and become members....a membership is not much, as ours is only $27 per year....even if you can't attend all the meetings, it's still money well spent....thank you, that is all, at ease.

[Thumper]

I was a member of the local VFW for many years and never once stepped into the place (about 2 miles from my house). After my hospital stay and "forced retirement", that was one of the expenses that got cut. We're at bare bones minimum on expenses now and use any surplus to "just get away".

I do continue to donate money to a Thai orphanage, but that's about it. I've been involved with the place since the early 70's, and when in country, I always try to visit and donate a bit of time there.

[Big Muddy]

That's good, too.

[LJ3]

I do continue to donate money to a Thai orphanage, but that's about it. I've been involved with the place since the early 70's, and when in country, I always try to visit and donate a bit of time there.

I believe that's called child support, here in the US.

[jb]

Been a member for many years, wife just joined the Auxiliary, up here dues are $35 each.

[Thumper]

I believe that's called child support, here in the US.

Ha! These days, some of 'em could be my Great-Grandchildren! ;)

[No-till Boss]

Thump, being a newbie I don't know your past medical history, but it always sounds serious, could you elaborate. Thanks...

[LJ3]

Allow me to sum: He died 9 times and is awaiting a backiotomy.

[Thumper]

I've told you a MILLION times not to exaggerate ... it was 7 times. ;)

[Thumper]

NTB, as far as I knew, I was "healthy as an ox" and went in for a regular check-up. I then became one of the luckiest men on earth as they discovered an aneurism (upper thorasic) that was right at the bursting point. (WAAAAY over maximum and ready to pop) To make a looong story short, I was admitted, operated on and complications set in after surgery. I spent almost 2 mos. in ICU with 2-weeks of that in a coma, the whole time running a super high fever. While in the coma I was strapped down to prevent me from yanking out tubes and hoses in case I "woke up" and became disoriented or whatever. Since I'd already been immobile in bed for over a month, my skin was in sad shape to begin with. Being restrained and sweating from the fever ... they simply couldn't stay ahead of it and I developed a bedsore. Due to lack of circulation to my back it wouldn't heal and only got worse. This is where it turns into a REALLY long story, but after (I lost count ... 10? 12 maybe?) surgeries, I'm still fighting it. I'm kind of a mess and not quite the man I used to be! :D

[No-till Boss]

Wow brother, don't know what to say, other than bless you ..... thanks for sharing .

[Thumper]

Here's a small example. I was under the care of a Wound Care Specialist for a year and they finally gave up and turned me over to a plastic surgeon. It turns out he is one of the 3 top surgeons in the state (has his own practice). I went through "flap surgery" as well as three skin graft surgeries. All the skin grafts failed (due to the same circulation problem). Each time, the old graft had to be cut back out and replaced. Here's a pic of (I think), surgery number 3 or 4(?). The black area is another failed graft. The pic of my leg is where they had to mine skin for the graft ... this is just from ONE mining operation. To be honest, the dang legs always hurt more than the back. :crybaby

Needless to say, I scare little kids when I walk down the beach these days! I just tell 'em a gator bit me. Ha! That's just the back. I also have a "zipper" in the front from my adam's apple to my belly-button plus a hole in my throat from the Tracheotomy! I ain't as purty as I used to be. :D

5114 5115

[No-till Boss]

Dang........ wow

[Thumper]

One of the worst parts was .. I had to keep going in to "debried" and clean out any dead tissue. About a year ago, they had to go in pretty deep and cut out some muscle tissue. Now THAT HURT! I'm kind of a hunched over old man now and the pain (more of a constant discomfort) kinda sucks. I'm usually good for about a half a day (with a good night's sleep), then things go downhill pretty fast from there if I don't really pace myself. The worst part is excercise is a bit tough to do and I love to eat. NOT a good combination. :(

[Big Muddy]

Been a member for many years, wife just joined the Auxiliary, up here dues are $35 each.

JB, thanks for mentioning the auxiliary....totally slipped my mind, and my wife is a member, too....I think her auxiliary dues are only $20 per year....so, you guys get your wives signed up.

[Big Muddy]

No-Till, I believe those of us who've been here on the GH site, for quite some time, and listened and watch Thump go through that ordeal can honestly say he is a walking miracle....of course, there was a TON of praying for him, going on here....he ain't religious, but deep down he was really thankful for all those prayers. ;)

[Bwana]

My wife is a member of the auxiliary and has been since she was a child as my father-in-law served in Vietnam.

[BarryBobPosthole]

I could go another year without seeing those pictures.

BKB

[Thumper]

I could go another year without seeing those pictures. BKB

Me too! But most of it is behind me. Ha ha ha ha! ;)

Ya' know sumpin' Muddy, everytime I saw the docs standing over me with hypodermics in their hands and another with the paddles to bring me back, I always wondered if THIS is the time I will get "the vision". I always wondered if this time around I'd have one of those "out of body experiences" or "see the tunnel of light" ... whatever ... I was just wondering if I'd get a "sign". I'd go out ... they'd bring me back ... and each time I was a little disappointed that nothing cool happened. :(

Then it was coma time and I missed out on a couple weeks of my life. Still, no "visions" when I came back. Bummer.

[Big Muddy]

Well, Thump, something "cool" DID happen....you lived !!!!!

[Nandy]

Dang Jim, you are a thought SOB to go thru all that.

[Thumper]

Well, Thump, something "cool" DID happen....you lived !!!!!

Yep, true ... but riddle me this Batman ... why didn't my dad live? He went in for selective surgery ... a simple hernia repair. He was healty, business was slow, so he decided to go in and have the procedure done. They operated Friday, he went home Saturday and was dead Monday morning. (bled to death ... internally) He was one of the most religious people you'd want to know, read his Bible daily, was a Deacon at his church, etc. etc. etc.

Maybe the "good life" ain't all it's cut out to be. ;)

[LJ3]

But did you die?

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eH7Mu1PDjsw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Buckrub]

Glad you are around Jimbo.

You reprobate!
;)