Hi Frank and others,

Thanks for your continued interest in my recovery. I am now about two weeks out from my spinal surgery, which removed three herniated discs (C3 - C6) and replaced them with a fused titanium structure. I’m still dealing with weakness, tingling and some pain in my hands and arms. It's not bad enough to interfere with most tasks such as driving or eating, but fine motor coordination such as typing is very difficult. Or said another way, it just takes a lot longer. On Wednesday I have my first follow-up appointment with the surgeon and hope to be able to start physical therapy soon thereafter.

Both motorcycles are now hibernating in my garage and I've decided to defer discussions with Brenda about my future riding exploits until spring, when hopefully this episode is a more distant memory. As you can imagine, she has been a trooper and wonderful nurse during this time.

I enjoyed getting to a few CTZCC meetings and events this season and I wish you all some additional sunny days before old man winter arrives.

Sincerely,

Ross
203-722-3961
[email protected]

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Ross Williams
1978 280Z Black Pearl Edition 38k Original Miles

Great news Ross

I hope your tingling issues clear up soon!

We look forward to seeing you at more of our club events next Zeason!

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner

Wait ~ you're getting tingling sensations for free?
Most people have to pay for that.

Enjoy recovery while it lasts!

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1970 240Z

So? Can we have some updates on your recovery so far, pleaZe? Many of us are concerned about what it has done to your golf handicap.

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1970 240Z

Thanks for asking Frank. I just had a follow up appointment with the surgeon today. Everything is looking good with the spinal fusions of three vertebrae. I still have some tingling and numbness in my hands but that seems to be improving slowly over time. So I'm pretty much back in the saddle and have about six months before I have to break the news to Brenda that I'm not giving up the motorcycles! Hopefully by then this whole ordeal will be a distant memory for her and she won't divorce me.

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Ross Williams
1978 280Z Black Pearl Edition 38k Original Miles

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1970 240Z

Hi All,
John Kish prompted me to post an update so here it is:

I had surgery almost two weeks ago to fuse seven vertebrae (C3 through T2) at a hospital in Rhode Island. The surgery lasted about four hours and according to the surgeons (there were two of them acting as a team) it went very well. Most of the symptoms I was experiencing have gone away and I am hopeful that those remaining will improve over time. I stayed in the hospital only two nights and was discharged with a bag full of medications. As explained to me in a pre-op visit, this type of surgery basically “locks in” your current state of movement. What that means is that since I am able to walk and do almost everything I used to do, the surgery ensures that level of mobility into the future. If I had waited a couple years and was walking with a cane, the surgery would only protect further deterioration but I’d still be walking with a cane. And so forth. So while it was not critical to have the surgery now, it was prudent to do so to eliminate the prospect of getting worse.

Anyone who knows Brenda knows that I’ve had a great nurse by my side. I think she secretly maintains a log of the pain pills because when I try to double up, she slaps my hand. Overall, pain has been manageable and once past the two week mark it should be decreasing.

I miss all you guys and when I am allowed to drive and there is a meeting closer to RI I will try to attend. I’m so glad that the club continues to be active under Juan’s leadership.

Sincerely,

Ross

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Ross Williams
1978 280Z Black Pearl Edition 38k Original Miles

Thanks for posting this last update Ross.

You have many friends in the Z circles as well as those outside of it that were concerned about your recovery. Please follow the doctor's and especially Brenda's orders and get well soon. We all look forward to Zeeing you soon!

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner