Frank Harris medical update

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Frank Harris medical update
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Harris from Long Beach & Big Bear on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 02:50 pm:

For the past four and a half years I have been suffering from stenosis of the spine with neck and back pain as well as electric shocks from bone spurs on the spinal processes pinching the nerves along the way. All in all not a fun time and at times it made me crotchety and at other times mean when posting on this site.

So here is what they had to do, sort of like a major crank, rods, pistons and rings and transmission overhaul with everything down to new Babbitt and poured mains with reworked caps.

They locked up five links in my spine to remove the pain that has been being partially controlled by epidural injections. They didn't work any more so we had to go to the hammer and chisel place.

They go in through the front of your neck on the left side so as not to injure the swallowing nerve trunk and then they stretch the slit into a round hole and can move it around so as to get to where they need to go to. They move your throat and wind pipe way over the the right without cutting anything of that assembly open. That action exposes the spine so they can grind out the offending spinal processes that were pinching the nerves and causing electric shocks.

Then they removed the cartilage from between four cervical disks three (3)through six (6) and stretched the spine apart and ground out some sockets to receive some false carbon fiber wagon wheels with spokes fabricated with the empty spaces which were filled with my own bone dust and some growth hormones which will grow the five segments into one complete bone in about 90 days. Then they held it all together with a metal ladder off of a toy fire truck and screwed them all together with lag screws.

I grew another inch taller again and am no longer 5'5" was 5'7.5" when in high school but am now 5'6". When they put it all back together there is a lot of swelling and pain but all should be well in a couple of weeks and promise to be more cordial in the future.

Not so Fast any more . . . Fast Frank







22


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 03:00 pm:

Dang! No wonder I haven't heard from you. That is delicate stuff. Recover rapidly, please.

No jokes about being stiffnecked?

I was sure you would respond about the Modified Bitumen Roofing Tar used on the SpaceX bird. Should have known something was amiss.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Spaziano, Bellflower, CA. on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 03:13 pm:

Well Frank-O, you and Mary sure have done your part in keeping America's medical industry in the black over the last year or so.

Glad you finally explained why you're so p*ssed -off all the time. Nice to know it wasn't something I said.

Glad to hear you're on the mend.

Mike.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 03:39 pm:

Here's wishing you a speedy recovery with good results.
Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron White on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 03:46 pm:

Frank

Glad to here everything went well, and that you're feeling well enough to be trolling the forum.

Can't wait to see you at the next car show!

P.S. check out the pics of the new DU4 we were talking about, I posted them under "My new DU4"

Ron & Linda


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 04:05 pm:

Wishing you a "Fast" recovery Frank!
I've been worrying about you lately. You hadn't been commenting as much. Glad to hear the prognosis is good.
W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Semprez-Templeton, CA on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 04:31 pm:

Frank, That procedure sounds like changing bands through the magneto post opening! Best of luck to you and I hope you're up and Running very soon.

5'7" is good but what you've been through makes you a giant in my book!

Regards, John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 04:35 pm:

Best wishes for a speedy recovery


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 04:51 pm:

Wow Frank. Your very detailed description of the operation made me cringe at what you went through. I hope you have a full recovery and once over the pain, will have a new lease on life and will be able to crawl all over your T like you did many years ago. Take care and follow your doctor's orders. Best regards. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George Button III (Chip), Lake Clear, NY on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:18 pm:

Hope you have a speedy recovery. (You not your car! Get well soon)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:20 pm:

Frank,

You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so thankful things went well. As mentioned above -- follow the doctor's advice. We are looking forward to your full recovery and seeing you and #22 back on the road again soon.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jack daron-Brownsburg,In. on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:29 pm:

As a fellow back pain person,I feel for you. I have lost several inches over the past 10 years and had two back surgeries. May you recoup and be pain free soon.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Gilham Bellflower Ca. on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:35 pm:

Frank, Feel better,get Well Soon! And while doing so, if you get bored, post a few pictures of #22 just because you can!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Horlick in Penn Valley, CA on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:45 pm:

Frank, I sincerely hope you have an uneventful recovery with complete resolution of symptoms. You're gonna need to add some rear view mirrors on old 22!

TH


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve McClelland on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:54 pm:

Frank
I have a hand full of rods and screws my self along with carbon fiber cage, down about L4 - L5
Good luck with your recovery.....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Miller, Sequim WA on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 05:57 pm:

Wow Frank I had the same thing done at the University of Washington Hospital 4 years ago and I am way better now. I have felling coming back in my legs and hands and can walk again in a proper gate. The shooting pains are now gone. I was so scared the I might be paralyzed after the procedure but that didn't happen. I hope it goes as well for you too. The sort throat only lasted for 2 weeks and the neck muscles were a little confused about what their new job wasn't, but I'm sure glad I had it done.

Fred
Doctors


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 06:27 pm:

Hey Frank,

We're wishing you a fast recovery back to the old Fast Frank.
BTW who was your Neurosurgeon?

Gene


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary H. White - Sheridan, MI on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 06:53 pm:

Glad you are getting some relief Frank. I know where you are coming from although my old fart spine syndrome is at the other end like Steve, Fred and others. Maybe we need a subset forum for spine challenged T'rs. Just kidding. Long live Vicodin. ;>)
Gary


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 06:58 pm:

Frank,

Do what the Doc says and let things heal up real good!

Hope you get back in the drivers seat very soon after the doc says it is OK again.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Leming on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 07:49 pm:

Frank, I feel your pain, Im in the same shape, ready for spinal fusion of 4 major bones in the lower back this August. They are going thru the front, then over to go thru the back - 3-4 hour surgery. Im on major pain killers for now, and I do try to keep going with the Model T, but its not easy - get well, I'll be thinking about you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bill harris on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 08:42 pm:

My Dad's doing fine. He'll be feeling like a 23 year old again real soon. I just went over & mowed the lawn so he wouldn't do it:-)

24


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Leming on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 08:47 pm:

Tell him I feel for him and admire him for his strength to get the surgery Bill, myself, Im scared as hell, but I have to have it done. Same type thing, fusion, hardware - the works!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 08:58 pm:

Bill. You're a good son. Is that you or your Dad in the picture you posted? Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Jablonski on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 09:00 pm:

Frank:

Best wishes for a quick recovery

Bob Jablonski


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 09:37 pm:

Frank - All the best for a fast and complete recovery.

One thing though, PLEASE don't post pictures of the pig.....

Thanks, Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 09:53 pm:

Frank,

I hope you have a quick and complete recovery.

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bill harris on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 09:56 pm:

Jim: Yes, that's my Mom & Dad in the photo taken in 1955 before they were married. That's the same 1924 Studebaker that is still in our family & was driven by me in "The Artist".
Lots of history in the Harris family!

movie car


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Harris from Long Beach & Big Bear on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 10:06 pm:

Gene the doctors name is Jack Chen, he is a young and handsome Asian surgeon who stands about six foot three and has a wonderful personality. . . .very upbeat and a life saver.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 10:54 pm:

I got woozy READING about your procedures.......PLEASE get well now so you don't have to detail any more gore....... <teasing> ....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Sunday, June 10, 2012 - 10:58 pm:

sounds like you've been through hell's door Frank.
I sure hope you come through this OK.
I wondered why you were not with humble Howard today at the speedster run in San Jose.
You couldn't talk them into hanging an outside oiler on you?
We'll be watching for your posts.
Regards to Mary.

Aaron Griffey


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tony Bowker on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 12:23 am:

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, hope you can make the 2012 Speedster Run in October, we missed you greatly.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 08:19 am:

Hey Frank

This right coast guys wishes you a speedy recovery.

I thought the "cranky old man syndrome" was the norm for a wrong coast person because they really wanted to be on the right coast.

To make thing clear -
The southern looking Canadians call Callifunny the right coast and New England the left coast but New England is never the wrong coast.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 08:37 am:

Wishing you a perfect recovery Frank. Sounds like it will be extra hard to look over your shoulder for lane changes. Get bigger mirrors if you have to. Amazing what a good surgeon can do. They make it look so easy too (but could he repair a T?).


Since you made it sound like a ton of engine and trans work and we know that is all about balance, please don't feel you need to have some prostate surgery to balance things out now. You have been through enough. Speedy recovery prayers for you sir.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Coiro on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 11:03 am:

Spine surgery is no fun at all. Get well soon, Frank.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dena & Dennis Gorder on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 02:34 pm:

Frank, Dena and I wish you a very quick recovery. And look forward to seeing you at an event in the near future. Best of luck and let us know if "Cow Pies" would help the healing process


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 02:57 pm:

Good thought, Dennis. Cow pies or similar are what they put over the belly button of a newborn child in some primitive tribes. It contains what we know as penicillin.

Frank, would you like some parrot guano? . :-)

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dena & Dennis Gorder on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 03:04 pm:

Rick, I did not know that! Wow, I learn something here every day and sometimes even something about a Model T:-)

Frank, nice to have you back on the forum. If it hadn't been for you I wouldn't know this about cow pies.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mark herdman on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 03:46 am:

Get well soon Frank


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Williams on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 05:05 am:

Good to hear from you Frank.

I talked to Humble Howard at the SCVMTFC endurance run and he told me that you were at the body shop getting some repair work. Hope you are feeling better. Just remember better living through modern pharmacology.

Tim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 10:06 am:

As my good friend, Norm Tremblay, an old WWII veteran P-38 fighter pilot of the Pacific Theatre, told me from his hospital bed, shortly before he died: "Growing old is not for sissies". He was right. Jim Patrick


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