Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: cozmik_cowboy on October 11, 2020, 10:54:54 AM
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So, tomorrow I have to be at the horsepistol (as my old grandpappy used to say) by 05:30 AM in the morning for stenosis relief surgery.
Now, I've had two previous back surgeries (though not for this specific problem) and they came out fine; the doc's done this a bunch, and I assume if he wasn't good at it they wouldn't let him keep doing it; my friend Bob "The Emperor Of All Things Musical" Chamberlin has had this very procedure twice with no trouble. Yet the fact remains - this guy's gonna be playing with power tools in the immediate vicinity of my spinal cord (I mean, at L-5 there's no air between bone & nerve), and try as I might, I cannot help but be scared shi......um, a bunch.
Not looking forward to the wonderful post-surgical experience either - but at least that pain will be getting better where as this pain is getting worse. Exponentially.
And I won't even go into the joys of doing opioid withdrawal again.......
Peter (who, obviously, will be incommunicado for a portion of the week........)
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Having been down that Stenosis road, I'll be a-thinkin' about ya' Coz. I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't scared of the next one. Maybe not as scared as the first one, which was 2 years ago yesterday... but nevertheless... I ain't lookin' forward to it.
You hang tuff, my guitar-doctorin' buddy. You'll be okay. ;)
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Good luck, Peter. Hoping all goes well and a speedy recovery!
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Holding you in my heart. Let us know how it went when you can. Oh, and don't give the doctors too hard of a time.
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Hey Peter, best wishes! Scary to have surgery at any time - my thoughts are with you!
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All the best, sir. You'll be fine!
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It sounds like you found yourself a power tool pro. Hoping for the best.
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Good luck and speedy recovery!
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Sorry I’ll be missing you this time as I’ll be leaving NY about the same time you head to the horse place. Overnighting at the Cozmik Ranch while heading cross country has been a wonderful treat - (Peter knows his way around a kitchen). Good luck with the surgery. I’ll be sending good thoughts for a successful procedure and a quick and full recovery. When you’re better, and the world gets a little closer to normal, we’ll put together a mini gathering when you and Mrs. Cowboy are next in Sacramento.
Bill, tgo
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You got this Peter!
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As an alumni of the C5-C7 fusion, I'll be sending positive vibes your way. Best of everything in your recovery.
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I'm sure you have a more than capable surgeon. These guys/gals do this so often that it really has become pretty much a routine procedure. And speaking from experience, it's great to not have back pain and/or numbness in one's hands.
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I'll be thinking of you! My father had this done (at age 87) earlier this year and was terrified of it. However, it all went very smoothly and years of back pain has gone away.
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Hope to hear good news from you soon, Peter.
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Yes! Mica is right on! Now we are trepidatious!
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Hey everyone, I just got an email from Peter. He’s still in the horsepital. His operation took longer than expected and he has some swelling that is impeding movement in his right foot. He should be starting rehab soon. He wanted me to say “hi” to you all for him. His only computer access right now is Mrs. Cowboy’s cell phone and, in Coz’ own words, he feels the same about touch screen communication as he does about gig bags.
Bill, tgo
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Yep, that's Coz all right! ;D
Hang in there Peter.
PS- Outshine Popsicles. When it's time. Getcha some. You won't think about the pain meds so much. (worked great for me)
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Get well soon Peter.
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Thanks for the update Bill.
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Hoping for a speedy recovery, Peter!
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Bill please let Peter know he is in our thoughts.
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Sending healing thoughts to ya Coz.
Thanks Bill,
:)
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Woah 3? So glad to you're recovering. You'll be "back" in no time!
This over at the Kish? They have good people over there!
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Hang in, my friend - the worst is over!
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I spoke with Mrs. Cowboy today. The operation was a success in that Peter is no longer feeling pain at his hips, but he can’t move his right foot and has some numbness in his face. They are keeping him at the hospital a little longer instead of releasing him to rehab today, which had been the plan.
Bill, tgo
A couple of hours later:
Peter just called. He apparently had a mini stroke and has some tingling on the right side of his face. They also found an aneurysm and will be dealing with that. The Cozmik one is in good spirits, sends his thanks to everyone here for their kind thoughts, and looks forward to getting in front of a computer screen again. I can also report that his sense of humor is still all there!
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Thanks again for updating us. Concerned about the complications.
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Also appreciative of updates; equally concerned. :-\
I suppose the Horsespital is the place to be, if those things are to be going on.
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Thanks as well for the updates and wishing the best for Peter, hoping for a speedy recovery!
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Glad to hear Peter is keeping his quip level elevated!
Best thoughts out to him, it sounds scary.
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Sending best wishes to you Peter. Sorry for the delay - enforced internet break.
Graeme
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So, She brought me the laptop today, so I can finally contact the world! (Thanks serving as go between, Bill!). I am, however in an intensive program, and the wi-fi ain't terzacly the fiber optic I have a t home, so I shall no doubt remain somewhat peripheral for the nonce.
Roger, I truly wish I were at Kish (She has had 3 shoulder replacements, and they are, indeed, 1st rate. And, they're 5 minutes from home.
Alas, due to the vagaries of the for-profit insurance scam, the surgery was at Good Samaritan in Downers Grove (45 min). As Bill said, the surgery stopped the pain I had it for; this was my 3rd go, and so that was expected. What was not expected is that when I awoke I no longer had the use of my right leg. During the interceding week, I noticed some mild numbness on the right side of my face; 3.5 hours of various scans later, they decided I had a TIA ("mini-stroke"). Those symptoms have receded, but I now face life as a stroke "slightly elevated" risk for a full-on stroke; they found 60% blockage of the right carotid artery - and almost none on the left artery, which would have caused right-side symptoms (I will point out here that, despite my diet, life-style, and immense lard-assedness, I am not diabetic, my average resting pulse is 62, ave. BP 117/70, and heart and all cardiac arteries are excellent).
While looking at the stroke, they quite accidentally discovered a 5mm aneurysm behind the right eye; the bare stats: .03% chance it will pop anytime soon; if it does, 50% I'm done; they can repair it arthroscopically w/ 5% chance of complication. She is is thinking fix it now, as my friend Rufus Brown (great guy, wonderful dad, superb guitarist & pianist) discovered his by dropping at breakfast, age 33.
I, however, have concerns about complications (did I mention I CAN"T FREAKIN" WALK??)
So, now I am in "acute residential rehab" at Lutheran General in Park Ridge (75 min from home; again, for-profit insurance) for an unspecified number of weeks learning how to drag 290 non-functional pounds around a 100 year old house that Bill will attest was not designed for such living.
As near as I make out from the 3,965,295 medicos I speak to each hour, my foot will recover in 3-4 days (didn't happen), 2-4 weeks, 4-6 months, and/or never.
And I have just hit the wall, my friends; I will now call the young folks who will assist me in getting undressed & into bed, and give me the drugs to hopefully whack me out of the very dark place I assure my head is in right now.
Peter (who did get a sponge bath from 2 20-y-o nursing students out of the deal.........)
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Awfully sorry to hear all that went down, but really glad to hear from you Coz. Just do what they're tellin' ya' man.
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Yes, really good to hear from you. Sounds like you're being well cared for, and I'm hoping they get things figured out quickly.
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Sounds grim Peter but good to know you’re on this side of the operation. Thanks also to Bill for filling us in. Hang in there. This will be a tough few weeks. I’ll be thinking of you and your struggle. It does sound like you are getting good care - hope that holds up.
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Peter we are thinking of you, dear. Even if it seems like the physical therapy isn't doing much of anything, it really is. I've been with many people down the path of recovery from a variety of injuries, both primary and surgical complications. What I can share is your state of mind and determination is one of the greatest variables and it is one thing you can control. In my mom's words, "you can't help how you feel about something, it's how you feel! But, you can help how you continue to feel about it, and that makes the difference."
I'm not sure if you need to hear all this now, but I hope you come back here often and read your friends and supporters from around the world and gain some strength from that.
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Mica’s message is good.
Peter, keep your light shining bright. Watch funny videos, avoid the news, read some good books, do sudoku or crossword puzzles (if it’s your thing), FaceTime with folks and do what ever it takes to get yo arse home!
Paul (who likes number and word puzzles... as long as they are at a sophomoric level of difficulty)
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Peter, good to hear from you and sorry to hear about the complications. Sounds like you are on the right trajectory, so follow your doctor’s orders and embrace the challenge. Hang in there Cosmic one, the universe and everyone here is with you!
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Sending you support from Atlanta, and hoping you recover swiftly. For what it's worth, I had a so-called "mini-stroke" back in 1990. And NOW look at me! (Imagine a ...oh, never mind!)
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I'm not sure if you need to hear all this now, but I hope you come back here often and read your friends and supporters from around the world and gain some strength from that.
It is exactly what I need to hear now, Mica; thank you so much!
Mica’s message is good.
Peter, keep your light shining bright. Watch funny videos, avoid the news, read some good books, do sudoku or crossword puzzles (if it’s your thing), FaceTime with folks and do what ever it takes to get yo arse home!
Paul (who likes number and word puzzles... as long as they are at a sophomoric level of difficulty)
There are 2 weeks of newspapers piled up at home; yesterday I told Her to start bringing them in oldest first - because, while I agree with the wisdom of you anti-news admonition, they each have 2 crosswords 3 on Saturday!
Peter (who does the NYT crossword every day - in ink)
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It is good the surgery had its intended result and was successful. I'm sorry to hear about the mini-stroke and other problems. As Mica says the physical therapy might not seem like it is helping much but if you look at it not from day to day but use longer periods of time it becomes more obvious it is helping. You've always impressed me as a pretty upbeat person and think if you can keep that attitude you will be back in the swing of things sooner than you think. And just keep in mind those 20 years olds and sponge baths.
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Peter, I too am sorry to hear of your complications, but you sound like a strong guy with the mental capacity to power through this. Also sorry you had to go all the way to Lutheran General, but they seem to do good work there. Both myself and my daughter were born there. :D
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Peter,
Thanks for the update and sorry to hear about the unexpected twists. Be a patient patient and hopefully the pros can get you back to factory spec.
Sending love and good vibes in your direction...
Jimmy J
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Peter,
I just want to reach out so you hear one more of the many voices of those thinking good thoughts for you.
My experience with several rounds of PT was that I saw only marginal improvement - until it finally (in time) aggregated toward significant movement to where I wanted to get. I say this as hopeful encouragement toward better times.
Be well,
Ed
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Hang in their Peter. I know from my experiences with this type of surgery that nothing other than the pain seems to initially be solved. It took quite a while (we are talking months here not weeks) for me to feel improvement in my arm, hand, and fingers therapy. From what my doc and PT told me, when the nerves get damaged as a result of being pinched, they are the slowest things to recover. At times, the tedious rehab exercises were quite difficult to maintain but I kept remembering what the pros told me. And then one day, the numbness and tingling were completely gone. I couldn’t tell you exactly when that occurred they just weren’t there any more.
So...keep the faith and attack those rehab exercises like you would a practice session.
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Hang in their Peter. I know from my experiences with this type of surgery that nothing other than the pain seems to initially be solved. It took quite a while (we are talking months here not weeks) for me to feel improvement in my arm, hand, and fingers therapy. From what my doc and PT told me, when the nerves get damaged as a result of being pinched, they are the slowest things to recover. At times, the tedious rehab exercises were quite difficult to maintain but I kept remembering what the pros told me. And then one day, the numbness and tingling were completely gone. I couldn’t tell you exactly when that occurred they just weren’t there any more.
So...keep the faith and attack those rehab exercises like you would a practice session.
Thanks; I think the rehab (while exhausting; I did 15 whole steps with a walker today, and it did me in) would OK if the work was to restore function. But they're teaching me to deal with the lack of function; which requires a whole 'nother mindset........
Peter
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Good to know you're geting yourself back on track again, Peter. Be patient to get through the rehab process, our healing thoughts go with you.
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Healing vibes sent. Stay positive and focused and you will reach your goal. Meanwhile, this is a good place to vent if you need to, the community here cares!
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Now my callouses are peeling off.
I appreciate the offer a venting ear, Stephen, but if I started, it would not take long before none of you ever wanted to hear from me again, so..... :-X
Suffice it say I am pissed as all hell, thoroughly discouraged, and feeling extremely weak & helpless - which is not a fun place to be in. But I will try to save for dumping on therapists here, OK?
Peter
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All though I don’t have a certificate, my birth initials ARE PhD.
Let ‘er rip Peter.
May not have answers, certainly don’t have solutions but willing to be a sounding board...
Let me throw this at you:
Up until this time in your life you have survived 100% of your worse days ever - do not stop now. ♥️
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Staples removed today; you can't imagine how much more comfortable this damn wheelchair is without 30 pieces of surgical steel in the small of my back.
Also - today, microscopic movement - intentional movement - just in front of the inside right ankle bone!!!! I mean, the foot ain't nowheres near actually moving, it was more like a tic - but I told it to move, and something happened!
At this rate I'll be able walk to my seat at my granddaughters' weddings................
Peter
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Progress! :-D
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Grand-dude is making a comeback. :)
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Positive test on the ward; my daily 3 hour visit with Her is over for the foreseeable future.
This sucks.
Peter
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poop
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Hang in there Peter!
FaceTime is a fun and functional tool these days... just sayin'.
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I have my laptop here; it seems to have a camera, but the software says it doesn't. I have a message into my friend the systems analyst to see if he can suss it. If not, I order a monitor-mount camera tonight.
Peter (whose test from yesterday, BTW, came back negative)
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Second positive test on the ward. All therapy will now be in our rooms - which precludes at least 99% of the work, and thus both impedes my progress and extends my stay massively - over and above the risk to my health & life.
I will steer clear of the politics ban by refraining from what I think would be a non-political and purely logical rant against morons who try to make a public health crisis into a political issue, but I will urge you all to vote - and I think you can extrapolate what a proper vote would be.
Peter (who apologizes if that crossed the line - but who is really pissed [and more more than a little scared])
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Peter:
I'll cross the line for you. As Peter says, GO OUT AND VOTE. And this vote isn't about individuals or political parties. It's about democracy vs. fascism. It's about science vs. witchcraft. It's about free thinking vs. cult mentality. Have things in this nation degenerated so much that stating that Biden, Kamala, and Hillary ARE NOT drinking the blood of children is a frowned upon political statement? Has our nation been duped by Goebbels' "Big Lie"?
Bill, tgo (who hopes that at least Peter gets to see this before it's censored)
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Peter, your situation is breaking my heart. I am so worried for you. And in my book you can say whatever you want. You have the floor, sir.
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Thank you, Bill.
It just infuriates me that over 220,000 Americans and - counting rapidly - have died needlessly because fools have tried to turn a national medical crisis* into a political issue, and get their medical advise from a moronic "reality" TV host and a bunch of reich-wing internet basement dwellers instead of from scientists.
*U.S./ Constitution, Article 1, Sec. 8:
"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;" (emphasis mine)
There you have it right there; a specifically delegated power of the Federal government, and interpreted as such in centuries of jurisprudence: So much for the "But muh freedumbs!!" bulls**t.
Peter
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Second positive test on the ward. All therapy will now be in our rooms - which precludes at least 99% of the work, and thus both impedes my progress and extends my stay massively - over and above the risk to my health & life.
I will steer clear of the politics ban by refraining from what I think would be a non-political and purely logical rant against morons who try to make a public health crisis into a political issue, but I will urge you all to vote - and I think you can extrapolate what a proper vote would be.
Peter (who apologizes if that crossed the line - but who is really pissed [and more more than a little scared])
Peter this sucks, hang in there!
As for the message, I remember Pogo possum ran for office in the swamp. His platform was to GO OUT AND VOTE! No party or political affiliation. I am glad someone on this forum knows Pogo.
Glad your staples are out at least!
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I have my laptop here; it seems to have a camera, but the software says it doesn't. I have a message into my friend the systems analyst to see if he can suss it. If not, I order a monitor-mount camera tonight.
Peter (whose test from yesterday, BTW, came back negative)
Sent you a PM on this.
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Thanks, Roger. I Googled the specs, and what I took for a camera is a light sensor. Ordered a Logitech camera/mic that sits atop the screen; She'll put it in the next shipment of clean clothes (along with some books; just finished the one I had & will be going crazy for a day or 4 until salvation arrives).
Peter
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I am glad someone on this forum knows Pogo.
With holiday season approaching we can all get together (virtually, of course) and sing:
Deck us all with Boston Charlie,
Walla Walla, Wash., an’ Kalamazoo!
Nora’s freezin’ on the trolley,
Swaller dollar cauliflower alley-garoo!
Don’t we know archaic barrel
Lullaby Lilla Boy, Louisville Lou?
Trolley Molly don’t love Harold,
Boola boola Pensacoola hullabaloo!
Bill, tgo (whose father read Pogo to him as a little boy)
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I am in no way surprised to learn you are a brother Pogoist, Bill.
Peter
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Peter,
Being confined to a room now would try anyone's patience.
Medicinal use could be very applicable for your situation...
Keep venting... also keep believing that you will get better. Mind over matter and all of that.
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Peter,
Medicinal use could be very applicable for your situation...
That's a big 10-4! And a number of the practitioners here concur. The suits, of course and alas, have different ideas.
Peter
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Pogo
I am glad someone on this forum knows Pogo.
With holiday season approaching we can all get together (virtually, of course) and sing:
Deck us all with Boston Charlie,
Walla Walla, Wash., an’ Kalamazoo!
Nora’s freezin’ on the trolley,
Swaller dollar cauliflower alley-garoo!
Don’t we know archaic barrel
Lullaby Lilla Boy, Louisville Lou?
Trolley Molly don’t love Harold,
Boola boola Pensacoola hullabaloo!
Bill, tgo (whose father read Pogo to him as a little boy)
My mom had a bunch of Pogo books. I didn't realize they were so old when I was reading them. More Pogoists than I would have expected....on a different forum...weirdos!
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I have not touched a guitar in 21 days.
This puts me out of sorts.
Peter
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Change of plans.
I've started losing strength in the hip flexion for the good leg, so they're moving me back to Good Sam in Downers Grove so the guy that broke me can run some tests to see how I'm broken.
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Oh yeah - yesterday I tested negative for the 2nd time since the 2-case outbreak on the ward.
I think that makes my 12th or 13th negative test this year - and if you've ever had the pleasure of a Trump Plague test, you understand what I'm saying.......
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Best wishes for the results of your further testing...
And best wishes that we won’t have to say, hear or think about the T word ever again.
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I wouldn’t mind hearing the T word a lot next year ... on Court TV!
I got a letter yesterday from the assisted living facility I helped my mom move into when I drove to NY last month (stopping at the Cozmik ranch on the way) that two of the staff have tested positive. Now I have to keep my fingers crossed for the next two weeks. And the US Corona Virus Task Force hasn’t met in over a month! Everyone needs to VOTE today, if you haven’t already done so.
Bill, tgo
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Peter, good to hear you are getting out of the rehab place you are currently in, hoping the facility in Downers Grove is free from Covid cases, stays free of Covid cases, and can find a way to patch you up.
Bill, keeping fingers crossed for your mom!
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"Let the Cozmik, be unbroken....". Hope its going ok!
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It turned out to be a very rapidly-growing infection; yesterday they opened me back up & basically power-washed a metric sh*tload of pus out of me. Currently on general IV antibiotics while they grow the cultures to ID the bacteria/um so they can use targeted ones. They'll put in what they call a "pick line" (I guess a sort of log-term IV in the upper arm) for once or twice daily antibiotics over 2-4 months, then probably daily oral ones for life.
Monday or later back to the rehab place to start over.
This is really starting to wear on me, I gotta tell you Brothers & Sisters..............
Peter (who last touched a guitar Oct 11)
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Hey Coz, at least it sounds like they are zeroing in on the issues and taking the necessary steps to resolve them. But yea, it definitely sux that you have to endure this - and I'm sure it's damn stressful on Mrs.Cowboy too. At least you can turn on the TV and get some wonderful news.
Bill, tgo
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I have not yet worked up the nerve to really tune into the trainwreck; saw about 15 sec. earlier today & it still wasn't called. Don't need that stress.
Peter
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PS - what they put in, it turns outs, is called a "PICC line"; "Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter".
It's stuck into my inner left arm about 2/3 of the way from elbone to shoulder, and extends 45cm into my bloodstream to sit in the superior vena cava (I dunno; ask Jonathon).
Peter
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Moderator's note. Given the circumstances, we thought to extend the boundaries of our posting guidelines for a moment. That moment has passed. Please keep our guidelines in mind.
Many have spoken of the need for healing the nation, and not just the US but healing divisions within countries and communities throughout the world. Such healing is not the work of politicians and governments; it is our work. Each of us. And the starting point for such healing is always now.
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Bill, tgo
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Glad they figured out that infection Peter! Seems like you're in better hands now. I hope now you can start to really recover.
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Peter, I shall continue tossing my healing thoughts into the ether for you.
I’m with moderator Dave... the rest of this year and the rest of my lifetime there will be a heightened focus on healing. Both friends (you and others I am aligned with) and also those who are confused about what is truly important in Life.
Paul (who finds Fred Rogers to be more iconic everyday)
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Fingers crossed for you Peter
Graeme
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Moderator's note. Given the circumstances, we thought to extend the boundaries of our posting guidelines for a moment. That moment has passed. Please keep our guidelines in mind.
Many have spoken of the need for healing the nation, and not just the US but healing divisions within countries and communities throughout the world. Such healing is not the work of politicians and governments; it is our work. Each of us. And the starting point for such healing is always now.
Thank you for the latitude, Dave. We remain, as always. enthralled by your awesomeness. Controls back on as requested.
Peter
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Let’s start the healing with some more good old Grateful Dead!
Bill, tgo
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Back at the rehab joint; tomorrow I jump back in where I was Oct 19 or so......................
Peter
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Keep the faith Peter! Positive though in your direction.
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Well, they've decided I'm good enough; I go home Wednesday (after 45 days of hospital food).
Still need a walker to get around for the foreseeable future, and am worried about the stairs - but I'm way ready to blow this joint!
My farthest to date with the walker is 150'; I won't be walking to the library anytime soon, but that's more than enough from any point A to any point B in the house and to spare. #3 son (the carpenter) came down from AK for about a week to help his Mom, and (along with winterizing the yard & garage for me and such like) ADAed my walk-in shower in the basement & the bathrooms.
Peter (who, day after tomorrow, actually gets to touch a guitar for first time since Oct. 11!!!!)
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Congrats! You're gettin' BETTER!!
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Great news, Coz! May I suggest a stairs strategy from my own limited experience. Your butt is your friend. Sit down on the top or bottom step and go up/down on your ass one step at a time. And maybe get a second walker for upstairs. It's a lot easier than wrestling it up and down your narrow stairway. As for "blowing the joint", I'd wait until you get home, and don't forget to suck the joint before you blow. It works better that way.
hehehehe
Bill, tgo
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Home is the best place to be.
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That's awesome Coz, glad to hear it!
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Great news, Coz! May I suggest a stairs strategy from my own limited experience. Your butt is your friend. Sit down on the top or bottom step and go up/down on your ass one step at a time. And maybe get a second walker for upstairs. It's a lot easier than wrestling it up and down your narrow stairway. As for "blowing the joint", I'd wait until you get home, and don't forget to suck the joint before you blow. It works better that way.
hehehehe
Bill, tgo
I decidedly have not ruled out the butt-scoot maneuver (especially considering that the steps I've been working on are up to current code, and mine, as you know, are a whole 'nother smoke). And there'll be a walker on each main floor, plus one in the basement (where my shower is).
When the youngster headed north, they brought me clean clothes & Halloween candy; he included a non-Halloween candy. I've been torn between the improved mellowness & sleep quality, and being under the influence in here; maybe tonight, maybe at home.
Peter
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Tonight ... go for it! Enjoy!
Bill, tgo
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Great to hear you'll soon be home Peter.
Graeme
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Good to hear you'll be home tomorrow. As long as you heed the MD, OT, PTs recommendations, it's a far better place to recover physically while staying sane than a rehab facility or hospital.
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Excellent news Peter, so great to hear you are going home!
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On advise of council, last night. Very nice evening.
Peter (who thanks one and all for the good energy and friendship)
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Bill knows a thing or two!
:-D
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So glad to hear the good news!
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Home for the holidays. Glad to hear the report.
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So glad you will be home for the Holiday. Keep working at it Peter! The only reason I walk as well as I do is PT after I broke my leg in half in the 80's.
I hear you in the non code stairs, just be careful and don't take a "free ride" to the bottom. Its fast, but traumatic.
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Yeah - 6 weeks ago the stairs were a 1-minute, worry-free jaunt; today they're a 10-minute exercise in exhaustion and terror.......
But, still and all - so glad to be home!
Peter (who really wishes he'd just stayed home on Oct. 12)
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Good to hear you are home. Hospitals are lousy places to convalesce.
As to the stairs I had an aunt who had back troubles from her nursing days. One day I asked her why she went down the stairs backwards and she said it put a lot less strain on her back and it was easier to keep her balance. I gave it a try this past summer after pulling some back muscles and it worked for me as well. It is worth a shot if you haven't tried it.
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Hey Peter, was thinking about you this morning. Hope you are doing well at home. Much safer than a hospital at our age, these days especially. Healing thoughts your way.
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All is going as well as can be expected; I'm extremely limited, but what I can do I'm doing well.
OK, I lied; I could never play well; after a 6-week layoff.......well, I need to brave the stairs and play more.
Peter (who can confirm the studies indicating that cannabis increases the efficacy of opioids)
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Progress is progress, a little everyday adds up.
Keep on keeping on!
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I think this would easier if I was sure of a prognosis; either I will eventually recover and discard all my walkers, grabbers, shower chairs, etc., or this is me now, so get used to it. Not knowing which is driving me nuts.
Peter
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<snip> Not knowing which is driving me nuts.
Peter
Peter, I am a notorious over-thinker. I understand what you are saying and empathize with your current situation.
Now for the advice you didn’t ask for and it also fits cleanly into the “easier said than done” category - especially coming from me.
You need to be focusing on the present. Tomorrow may be good or bad but right now is most excellent! Keep aiming high with your recovery goals and recognize the blessing of being at home where you are loved. Your Alembic friends love you also.
Paul (who has seen your past posts and feels that you are already nuts... so don’t sweat what is to come!)
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... focusing on the present ...
Yes
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Yesterday is History and Tomorrow is a Mystery. Today is a gift, that is why they call it the "present"!
Baba Oluntunji
Keep at it Peter, I broke my leg in half once and felt the same way.
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PICC line just came out of my arm; first time since Oct 12 I haven't had medical equipment of some sort inserted into my body. Yes, I'm a happy boy right now!
Peter
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:D :D :D
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The Grand-dude is on the mend. 8)
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That’s great news! Huge psychological shift happens when you’re finally independent of lines and machines.
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Hell Yeah! ;D
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No more PICC? I guess you'll just have to play with FINGRRS!
Congrats on making some real progress!
Bill, tgo
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No more PICC? I guess you'll just have to play with FINGRRS!
Congrats on making some real progress!
Bill, tgo
As if Bill didn't know I play with fingrrs anyway.........
And thanks to all for the good wishes.
Peter (who did, indeed, laugh at Bill's pun anyway)
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Good to hear!
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Good to know you've conquered a new step in your recovering, Peter.
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Hot diggitey! Today at physical therapy, I walked the length of the ~10' parallel bars 4 times, only touching the bars to turn around! It sure weren't pretty - I was not what you could call steady on my feet at all - and I'm still stuck to my walker for a while yet; but hey - I'll take whatever positive things I can at this point.
Peter
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Far f***ing out!!!!! Any and all progress is good, it’s all about moving forward.
So, did you watch any of the NFL playoffs over the weekend? I’m rooting for my 49ers to win their second straight Superbowl. They really won last year. I mean they were way ahead most of the game and then at the end, all of a sudden, a bunch of K.C. points appeared on the scoreboard! I hear that a lot of people are wondering about that?
Bill, tgo
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Peter- thanks for the Good News! Keep on keeping on and things will get better.
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Great to hear some good news Peter. All the best.
Graeme
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I quit watching in the late '80s when the Bears started sucking again, but She still watches, so I saw them stink the Superdome up.
My dad called & asked if I'd heard the Steelers won; they found 14 points under the bleachers after the game.....
And, as always - thanks, all, for the good thoughts.
Peter
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Peter-always great to hear more good news as you continue your healing process!
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Good to hear!
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Peter, that’s Fantastic!! :)
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Glad to see you in such good spirit, Peter.
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Hey Peter, very happy to hear you are making some real progress!
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Glad to hear of your progress. I also share your feeling on the Bears.I miss old Mayor Richard J. Daley as he certainly could have found a few extra points for the win.
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Hey, Peter. Here’s my repair. So far so good. Hope yours is good, too!
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That looks about like what they took out to do this one (but a tad higher; L3-4). It worked fine, too. This one, the repair seems to have worked; the nerve damage & infection - not so much. Glad yours is trouble-free, Peter.
Peter
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On another track - last Weds they did a biopsy of a nodule on my thyroid; today I got the word: "Negative for malignancy".
Peter (who is once again breathing normally........)
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Great, Peter.
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Glad you are still going Further! You're more metal now than you've ever been!
So like, are metal detectors a problem now?
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So like, are metal detectors a problem now?
When it was just L3-4 fused, it was no problem; I have yet to try it with hardware from L2 to L5. Senior Management does have trouble with her prosthetic shoulders, though, so we'll see.
Peter
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So, while I was in the hospital getting gimped by a surgeon, they - quite by accident, looking for something else - found a 5mm aneurysm in my brain behind my right eye. They told me I had other things to worry about right then, but to come get it checked again in 6 months.
Went in Wednesday; CT scan & consult. Here's the basics:
On the one hand, I have a certain trepidation in re surgical procedures these days - understandably, I'm thinking - and there is currently a less than 1% chance of it popping.
Opposed to that, there is:
That <1% increases by 1% every year I'm alive; if it blows, I a 50% chance of checking out; if it lets go & I live, I have a 25% chance of living out my days vegging in a nursing home.
And my friend Rufus Brown - great guy, wonderful father, excellent teacher, and superb pianist, guitarist, and composer - discovered his brain aneurysm by dropping dead at the breakfast table in front of his wife & 2 toddler daughters at age 33.
So, all things considered, Thursday I hie myself back to Lutheran General in Park Ridge, where they will go in through my wrist & put a stent in it to cut the aneurysm off from the artery; in a month or two new arterial wall will grow over the stent and voila, no more aneurysm (assuming I don't hit the 5% chance of rupture, stroke, and/or infection - which I will be past danger of by Friday when I check out. Of the hospital, that is. I hope.)
But, while I'm sure I made the right decision based on the facts (don't know that I would have arrived at the same conclusion sans Rufus, but there it is - and there he isn't), that don't by no means mean I ain't scared sh***ess about this whole thing, ya heard?
And I gots to add; after 45 straight days in the horsepistol (as me old grandaddy called it) last year - about 32 of them at LGH - another day there fitteh not upon mine bucket list, 10-4?
Peter (who thanks you for letting him blow off some of the pressure at your expense)
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Not my field of expertise, but on the face of it, I think you've make the right decision. Keep us apprised. Will be sending good vibrations.
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Peter,
Cranking up good vibes for ya over here.
Seems like you did the math and chose a path.
You got this!
Paul (who believes the collective mindset here will change the percentages even MORE to your advantage)
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Well that just sux, Peter! At least it sounds like you are making the smart choice, under the circumstances. Expect lots of good vibes flowing from the West Coast. And look forward to 2022 when all this will be in the rear view mirror.
Bill, tgo
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Not my field of expertise, but on the face of it, I think you've make the right decision. Keep us apprised. Will be sending good vibrations.
Why am I hearing a theramin all of a sudden?
Peter
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Man, Peter, my thoughts are with you. I’m sure this will work out!
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Thanks, folks; your support means a ton to me.
Peter
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Rufus is a great name. Don't hear that one much anymore. We'll talk about Rufus Flinchum sometime.
I'm rooting for you, Coz. My turn at the horsepistol is coming... I ain't much afraid of anything anymore, but that doesn't mean I'm looking forward to it either.
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This the right decision to make. This was not an easy decision to make!
God luck and good speed sir! We will be here we urging the Benevolent Spirits your way!
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Thinking about you Peter. You've definitely made the right decision. My dad put his op off and ended up in critical intensive care back in 1998. Luckily he pulled through but only just. Celebrated his 92nd birthday last July and looks like reaching 93 in reasonable health.
Graeme
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Sorry to hear about your situation. Will be thinking of you and for a good outcome.
While in a more forgiving area I've had a stent placed in one of my heart arteries back when going in through the groin was the only option. The worst part of it for me was when they inject the barium and the feeling of incontinence that brings on. After that it was getting use to the blood thinners they had me on for about 6 months after the procedure. They've come a long way with catheterization and stents which make treating of arterial problems much safer, not to mention successful, than they were even ten years ago. So while it is rational to have some trepidation a successful outcome is still the most likely result.
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Hey Peter... so sorry to hear of your latest medical setback. A good friend of mine and the bandleader who gave me what I consider my real first professional gig as a bass player died suddenly of a brain aneurysm in 1999 at age 49. He did not have the luxury of a previous diagnosis. Consider yourself lucky to have gotten the chance to make an informed decision about treatment and the support of family and friends to help you get through... which you will!
Stephen
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I'm guessing Peter should be back home resting and recovering by now. Still sending
surf's up good vibrations.
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Peter you’ve done it before and you can do it again. Get well soon.
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Modder Dave is correct.
All went well. I got home early this afternoon - and went right to bed; couldn't even manage a shower first (ever try to sleep in an ICU bed? Didn't happen.....)
Thanks for the positive energy, folks!
Peter
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Welcome back! Get some rest.
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Great news, Coz! Now you can rest up and relax. Welcome back.
Bill, tgo
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Excellent news!
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Great news Peter!
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Glad to know you're finally home, Peter.
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[High-Five] 8)
Awesome news! Good to hear.
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Sweet - still throwing out
Little GTO good vibrations for extra reassurance...
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Now I don't have to worry about my brain killing me by exploding.
By convincing me to do something foolish? Less likely than it once was, but...........
Peter
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Congratulations, sir! :)
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Way to go! It's the karma coming back to you!
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Glad to hear everything went well.