Physical Health part 1

This is part 1 covering my physical health issues from 2012 up to July 2, 2020. For Part 2 go to: https://tombeetlebailey.wordpress.com/2020/07/02/toms-physical-health-part-2/

Link at bottom also.

For video journal go to:“START HERE” Those are all videos regarding my health.This is the written version.

📣🚧Warning, some information and photographs are explicit 🚧📢

A Lot of people are asking about my health and i figure rather than retell it verbally several times i will put out this blog post and people can read as much or as little as they want. My wife Rhonda typed this up for and about me….

In 2012 he was hit by a truck which caused left lateral paralysis. Through surgeries he was able to use his left arm and learned to walk again.The L4-L5 was operated on back in 2012 is now disintegrated. According to CTmyelogram and MRI, his Neurosurgeon tells him his L5-S1 is entrapping the nerves that shoot electrical pains from his left hip down to his ankle.Tom struggled for 6 months still doing his best with his work at The Salvation Army. On Monday December 21, 2015, even while trying to not irritate it, to no prevail, his right leg is now worn out by trying to over-compensate for his left leg and ended up in the ER. By Thursday Dec. 24th, 2015, Tom was in the ER for the second time in a week.The ER doctor, Neurosurgeon, Primary doctor, Pain doctor, and physical therapy all agree that this surgery needs to be done ASAP even if insurance doesn’t pay for it.

🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑🚑

I appreciate my wife, Rhonda, she is a registered nurse at work, who comes home and helps me with the same difficulties her patients deal with.

The following is documentation I wrote while going through the thick of health issues I re-encounter just 3 years after my accident.

I returned to work in January 2013 after being a C.N.A. (certified nurse aid) for 10 years, however, I could not go back to that type of work because it would involve me doing tasks that would irritate my back home the discs that the doctors repaired.So, considering my past career options I went applied to go back to working with The Salvation Army, thinking a desk job & working with people would be better for my health. I did my best not to herniated the discs.

Between 2013 and 2015 somehow my body took a course all of its own. I noticed it was becoming more helpful more difficult to walk, stand & even sit. I tried stretching & exercising but my legs became weaker & weaker. My pain continued to increase regardless of what I did.

UPDATE: Jan. 8th, 2016
Just went to a neurosurgeon (Dr. GREENWALD) who explained that back surgery is impossible due to scar tissue from previous surgery; however, they are going to try a spinal cord stimulator implant to try to manage the pain. He told me that was my only option to relieve me from the endless pain. I seeked a second opinion.

UPDATE: Jan. 11th, 2016
Have an appointment for Feb. 23rd 2016 to get one last opinion before we even seriously consider the SCS Implant.

UPDATE: February 23, 2016. Saw Orthopedic Dr. In Clearwater. Got clarification & 2nd opinion. Given 3 options (in layman’s terms)1.) Dr. can shave L4 & L5 to relieve pain.2.) Take out discs that are entrapping nerves pinched & give plenty of room I hope that this doesn’t happen again in same area.3.) SCS spinal cord stimulator implant (last resort). I got shots from pain management March 1st to see if that would help with Pain (it did not) March 16th go back to pain management for epidural (they’ll shoot pain meds. deep down directly around L4&L5 and evaluate if that helps relieve pain) same thing I’ve gone through in St. Augustine. March 31st I meet with Orthopedic Dr. again to decide what they can do (considering once again above 3 options given above. April 4th I will loose my job as program coordinator of The Salvation Army of Saint Augustine, Fl. It looks like I will be able to keep my Ins. but will have to pay the premium by paying out of pocket, the generous ‘love offering’ taken up by The Salvation Army of Saint Augustine, FL will help me make those monthly payments. Glory to God!

UPDATE, MARCH 16, 2016:
Epidural did not relieve my pain.UPDATE, MARCH 31, 2016:
Visit to Orthopedic Dr. In Clearwater –
Orthopedic DR.. BYRON DAVIDSON
wants to do surgery April 11th (a week from Monday.
Here on Clearwater they do Pre. Op.(EKG, Blood work) thru local practitioners so they set up an appointment with another Dr. this afternoon & pending Ins. appoval & Pre. Op. approval I’ll be able to have surgery APRIL 11th, Glory to God. Planned Surgery is April 11th 6:30a.m.
“REVISION L4 & L5 HEMILAMINECTOMY DISCECTOMY”
(go in & clean up discs, untrap nerves & make room in my spine so nerves will not be irritated).

UPDATE APRIL 11, 2016: I checked into surgery center at 6:30am, was taken in for surgery at 10:30am. I don’t know how long I was in recovery but Rhonda, Dad & AlexX (my son) were given permission to start taking me at 2:30pm. Dr. Said it was a success & although I have extreme back pain I do not have the electrical pain in my left hip & going down that leg. Dr. also said he cleaned whole area up & He found some type of cyst, no big deal removed that. Next check up April 26 with Dr. Who did surgery Dr. BYRON DAVIDSON CLEARWATER, FL mean time I am to use wheelchair to walk 10 min. Rest walk 10 min. More -do that 3 times a day. After April 26 do P.T. in St. Augustine end of April/ beginning of May -I’m going home (st. Augustine) Glory to God, Bless His name, success means something entirely different now. Thank you all for your love, care, prayers in action & all around support. It is so good to have family, both blood related & those under the blood of Christ our Lord.Bless God & God Bless you,
Tom “beetle” Bailey

Most recent update:MAY 6TH START P.T. in St. Augustine 7a.m. still no lifting, bending or twisting. May 18th P.T. went as well as possible but slow. Still a lot of pain.
Seems like there something wrong with both legs. Told to don’t push too much, listen to body so when try to stand, sit & when doing a short walk (25 feet) when legs shake because they hurt and feel weak just STOP.I WALK VERY SLOWLY FOR 6 MIN & HURT. MY GOAL IS TO TRY TO WALK 10 MIN. REGARDLESS OF DISTANCE THEN BREAK 1 OR 2 MIN. THEN WALK ANOTHER 10. It is very very CHALLENGING but I am trying.

UPDATE: July 7th 2016 I got word that my 22 year old son Alexx died. This was a devastating blow but I was able to maintain my mental health enough so that I didn’t go into a manic episode or deep depression. I am currently seeing a counselor and journaling a lot.

UPDATE: September 2016I promised my wife if my pain didn’t go away & I can’t keep up with what P.T. gave me because of pain & weakness of my legs I’d go back to a Dr. So, I did…Dr. Murphy is a neurosurgeon in Palm Coast.I was ref. by Dr. Karaffa (neurologist – palm coast)Dr. Murphy had CT SCAN of my brain & MRI of my thorax to see if problem with my legs is coming from hirer up in my spine. Then (on 2-20-17) Karaffa had me get MRI of my neck.2/27/17
Dr. Karaffa reviewed MRI of my neck.
(Didn’t show any problems) So, he did EKG (nerve test). Showed nerve damage where I’ve already had surgery (2 times) in L4 & L5 -HEMILAMINECTOMY .
EKG showed Dr.
Nerve damage in left hip & leg.Good news is I don’t have M.S. and the problem is not in my spine. It is not neuromuscular.The bad news is they still don’t know the EXACT problem.So, I’m going back to P.T. then going back to neurologist & back to neurosurgeon after P.T.It’s a crazy cycle but as Dr. Karaffa told me, if the problem is in my spine they can do something but if it is on my legs there is nothing they can do. AFTER ALL THE MRIs, ALL THE CT SCANS AND THE EKG THE CONCLUSION THUS FAR IS THAT IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS JUST NERVE DAMAGE. THAT’S GOOD AND BAD. Good because it is not neuromuscular, not M.S., but bad because it looks like the problem is severe nerve damage and they can’t fix, repair or replace nerves.
I’lI try my best at P.T. again but things are getting worse all the time as far as standing & walking.

UPDATE 4/19/17Saw Dr. Murphy (neurosurgeon) today. He reviewed Dr. Karaffa’s notes & confirms it is neuropathy that is causing my problems. There is no surgery that can help.I see Dr. Karaffa (neurologist) next Thursday and will let him know P.T. has been good for me, although painful and scary because some of the exercises irritate same nerves that were entrapped before.I’ll see what can be done for pain & keep doing my own P.T. when official P.T. is over (1st week in may). That will keep me from becoming contracted & keep atrophy away.

UPDATE 5/14/17 I finished 8 weeks of physical therapy. They stated my improvements but also noted that I am still a fall risk and to do what I can but not to the point of teasing damaged nerves. Dr. Karaffa (neurologist) worked hand in hand with my regular Dr. & Dr. Murphy (neurosurgeon) and after analysis of all the test (CT, MRI, NERVE TEST) They diagnosed me with Neuropathy. My nerves have been damaged to the point where no surgery will help. The best thing for me to do is light stretching & movement that will help keep pain, atrophy & contracting away.I’ve learned & I’m still learning to not walk too much & when sitting adjust when needed to keep pain away. While trying to stand as I go past 1 minute my legs begin to shake beyond control. If I walk too much (more than 50 or 100 feet at a time, sometimes much less) or sit for more than a few minutes I not only have much more pain but I feel that irritation get worse and pain levels keeps increasing until even laying flat doesn’t take it away.The only medication I take is Gabapentine (400 mg) 3X a day. Other than that the best pain management plan I can do is limited my walking & sitting, stretch & move legs in simple motions without irritating nerves.My regular Dr. (Mantineo) and Dr. Karaffa (neurologist) are sending me to a blood specialist after blood test showed an increase of a protein in my body that shouldn’t be there, this may be part of my problem as well.Mean while it is up to me to keep pain down to a dull roar. It never goes away completely but if I limit my sitting, standing & walking I am away bless to keep it from flaring up.

UPDATE 5/25/17: Dr. Karaffa ordered blood test a few weeks ago and noted and abnormal amount of protein in my blood. He sent me to Dr. Sai (Oncologist). The Oncologist ordered more test and a bone marrow biopsy. The Doctors are concerned that the abnormality may be an indication of more & may be another reason why my bones & joints hurt so much.There is no doubt about the polynuropothy but there may be more. So, again, I wait and go through more test. My legs never stop hurting but I am learning to live with the pain and focus on doing what I can without getting frustrated with what I can’t do.

UPDATE 9/30/2017: Seeing neuropsychologist regarding repercussions from concussion I received from initial accident in 2012. RESULTS: In short the diagnosis from neuropsychologist after weeks of doing all kinds of testing showed my memory difficulties are not necessarily from the concussion but other conditions I have were very apparent. They noted my Bipolar Disorder, Chronic pain, Cognitive disorder, attention and concentration deficit as medications I take are all reasons for my trouble remembering and retaining information.

UPDATE JANUARY 2018: My neurologist (Dr. Karaffa) increased my Gabapentin from 400 to 600mg 3 months ago and that is helping with the pain. Although the pain in my legs never goes away at least I can manage it with exercises I learned in P.T. and try not to irritate or strain them. No real updates now. It is up to me to accept my condition and do my best to live with it. Unable to work I am in desperate need to receive the social security disability I paid into all the years I was able to work. “Premier Disabilities” is the company helping me fight to get that. I applied in March 2016 and was informed I may get a court date this May, however, the waiting list is unbelievable and the struggle to get disability is long and drawn out for most people.

UPDATE MARCH 14, 2018: Premiere Disability Services is handeling my case. My hearing case manager (Kristina Sundguist 612-326-9229 ext. 6010) called me yesterday and I am currently trying to call her back. I left two messages and sent her the following email:Dear Kristina,

I called again today and left a message for you to call me back.

Most recent changes for me since we spoke last are:

I saw a neuropsycholohis in Sept. 2017. We were looking for any repercussions from the concussion I receive from the initial accident back in April 2012.

The neuropsychologist’s diagnosis as to my memory problems was

-Bi-polor Disorder

-Chronic Pain

-Cognitive Disorder

Attention concentration deficit from medication I am on (you have the list of)

I’m still in a lot of pain and have trouble with my memory and moods.

My neurosurgeon has been working close with my neurologist and P.T. (all in the same building. You have their info.) There are no more surgeries available to help me and I’ve got to learn to live with the pain and manage my polyneuropothy the the best I can.

My Gabapentin for nerve pain has been increased to 600mg from 400 mg.

I also saw an accupuncturist and went through 3 pain management sessions with them. It didn’t seen to help much and I can not afford to continue acupuncture. I have a reciept from the accupuncturist. I would like to send to you a copy for my file.

I’ve has a few massage sessions also but that does not reduce my pain.

I am wheelchair bound now. Physical Therapist told me I should not be driving & I need to use a wheelchair. I continue to do the exercises I learned in Physical Therapy but the pain in my legs never stops. When I stand to transfer my legs shake uncontrollably and while sitting in my wheelchair or a car I am constantly struggle to get into a better position to try and reduce my pain.

Contact for Neuropsycologist:

Katherine M. Billiot, Psy. D.

Medical Psychology Center

57 Memorial Circle, Ste. 150

Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Phone: (386) 672-9250

Fax: (386) 672-9251

I concluded the letter with my s.s.# and name along with my sincere thanks for all they are doing for me.

I heard from an employee for social security disability dept. that I need to make sure my s.s.# is on everything I send them.

I also sent them a link to my health updates I am keeping here in my blog to print out and include with my file.

UPDATE APRIL 10, 2018 – I got an official notice for my hearing. After applying on March 25th, 2016 and being rejected once I now have a hearing set for July 25th, 2018. Premier Disabilities are providing the lawyer. I will be going to Jacksonville (8880 Freedom Crossing Suit 400) to appear before Judge William H. Greer regarding my case. I mailed in the confirmation for this today.

UPDATE JULY 25, 2018 – I went to my hearing for disability benifits. Before entering the hearing I was told the judge may only offer to give me benifits from my 50th birthday up to the present date. That was just this past February 2018. My last working date was December 2015 and I originally applied for benifits March 2016. If offered the settlement from Feb. 2018 I was guaranteed to get benifits but no retrospective pay since my last time of employment. If I said no I’d have to wait up to an additional 2 more years for another hearing.

I was deeply concerned but my wife Rhonda & I agreed to take what was offered because we have been struggling to live on only her income. The pressure on Rhonda has been almost unbearable & the fact that I have offered nothing to the financial needs of our household has really been a strain on us. Waiting 2 more years just to get another hearing would be ridiculous.

So, after this brief pre-meeting with the lawyer, provided by Premier Disability, I entered the court room, which was actually about the size of a walk-in closet in which they managed to cram a judge’s podium, a table & 3 chairs around the table. A clerk sat on the right side of the judge (up on his level – two to three feet higher than the ground). They removed the chair just inside the door to make room for my wheelchair. It was unbelievably cramped. Inside the whole building the only thing offered was a grey gloomy light. To my left was some type of state official who remained silent the whole time but exchanged pleasant expressions. To my right was the lawyer provided for me. She held the file packed full of documentation & doctor’s notation.

In front of each of us was a small oval shaped object. I assumed they were mic.s. They had a light that radiated red once we were all settled in the best we could. The judge addressed me as I was sworn in to tell the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth.

I was asked simple questions like what my daily routine is like. I was completely honest. I explained how the pain in my back, hip & legs never goes away completely & the only way I am able to live with it is to change positions frequently, do the physical therapy stretching & mostly remain in my geri chair that offers a zero gravity position. The key is to manage it the best I can and learn to live with it, keep it from getting worse & not irritate the nerves any more than they already are. I explained that I can not stand or walk for any real considerable amount of time & even sitting there my pain continues to climb. My daily activities mainly consist of trying to read, write & draw while in a reclined position, only getting up and moving when I absolutely have to. My goals are to make it to the bathroom in time, try to stay positive & keep my pain managed.

After a relatively short period of time the judge said that he had heard enough. He didn’t offer an undeniable, clear cut ruling with his words but said my lawyer would explain things to me out in the hall. He did say that I would be pleased to hear how his ruling was in my favor. I just hoped he was going to allow me to receive the social security benefits I have paid into over my past work experience. It seemed to be over fairly quickly & I had to leave the room with a certain amount of uncertainty.

I thanked him for hearing me & made an exit. My lawyer said that what the judge meant was that I will be awarded my benefits in retro pay back to Dec. 2015 (my last time of employment). My minor children (Abbey, Madi & Olivia) will also get some type of benefits. I should be getting an official letter within 90 days.

I’m not completely sure why people in less fortunate position or situations such as mine have to enter a building that is purposely poorly lit, go before a judge who is literally up several feet from the ground & not offered a clear indisputable explanation from those who make the decision on their livelihood or why it takes years to come to a ruling and then have to wait as long as 3 more months after that ruling but those are the realities of my experience.

I’ll continue to write updates on my health here from time to time. It has been 2 years & 7 months since I was able to work last. Writing about this journey has helped me get a realistic picture of my triumphs & struggles but also has helped give me a healthy perspective of time. As I look back I’m able to see how far I have come & know that although my physical health continues to get worse I am able to continue to make progress & endure mentally & spiritually. Our whole lives can so easily focus on just physical, materialistic things which are so temporary but life is so much more than this, what we see, touch, hear & taste.

UPDATE 8/4/18 I ussually wake to back pain or back pain wakes me; however, this morning my lower back seized up & would not let go.

Around 4:45am it started. I YELLED for help but Rhonda had just gone to sleep about an hour earlier, the a/c unit in the bed room was on & door closed so no matter how loud I cried I couldn’t get help.

I know from past experience if I can:

-Change positions

-Move my legs

-Apply heat

Those things help the muscle spasms stop .

Every time I moved it seized up worse, took my breath away & wasn’t going away.

I finally decided to push through the pain & crawl to the hall. I knew if I got there she’d hear me & I could get the heating pad out of the closet.

I did breathing exercises I learned in LaMas classes & pushed myself to hall.

Rhonda woke, got heating pad & I laid in hall. She helped me raise my legs slowly (exercises I learned in P.T.) the pain retreated. She helped walk me back to floor in living room where I sleep, got me on heating pad there & got heating blanket on top of me. By this time it was 5:30am.

It is now 6:30 & able to move my legs to get pain to go away. Now it’s normal pain for me, what I am use to & I know I’ll be ok.

UPDATE 8/4/18 -BACK MUSCLE SEIZED UP-

One step forward one step back? I don’t know about that but this morning was almost unbearable.

Beyond normal pain my muscles seized up. I treated with heat & positioning to manage it. Made video:

https://youtu.be/LflfOjVxaI8

UPDATE 9/14/18

Noticing more & more certain areas in body where there must me nurve clusters or something. It feels like someone poking me. Just want to make note of it so if Dr. asks when it started becoming obvious I coukd tell him.

Great news- benifits for my children is in the works & my 1st regular monthly benifit was directly deposited.

UPDATE OCTORBER 16, 2018: As I continue to learn how to live with my disability I wrote another post. Go to: https://tombeetlebailey.wordpress.com/2018/10/16/polyneuropathy-my-illness/

Also I watch many encouraging videos, listen to pod casts and read what other write on the subject of health.

As a result I spent most of my day writing an exposition on this new term “Spoonies”, the Spoon Theory & the metephore of how each of us only have so many spoons. For my post & the original video of the lady who came up with it go to: https://tombeetlebailey.wordpress.com/2018/10/16/honey-spoons-tea-metephore-health/

UPDATE MARCH 21, 2019

Medication

Quetiapine 100 mg. Same (for my mental health)

Levothyroxine 50MCG (same for thyroid)

GABAPENTIN 900MG 3X A DAY (increased for nerve pain)

Melatonin 20 mg (same for sleep)

Atorvastatin 80 mg (same cholesterol)

Flexeril 5mg 2x a time (increased for muscle spasms)

Allergy to: Tetracycline

Fairly recent increased Flexeril to 5mg 2x a time ( for muscle spasms)

GABAPENTIN 900MG 3X A DAY (for nerve pain).

Back muscle seizing up really takes my breath away, making it hard to do anything but lay on the floor until they let up, take the Flexeril & ibuprofen.

I know I must learn to live with the nerve damage but what is troubling me a lot lately is how it is effecting the rest of my body not just my hips & legs.

In the following vid. I’ll share some of my art & how that is helping me manage my pain.

Also,

I’ve become a pro with my wheelchairing and even wrote a few jokes making light of it.

Wheelchair jokes:

If your lap becomes an instant cup holder…you might be in a wheelchair.

If your shopping with your family & you become an instant coat rack & holder for all the stuff they don’t want to carry….

you might be in a wheelchair.

If your mobility level of traveling is at everyone elses ass level….

you might be in a wheelchair.

Although I’m still learning to live without the full use of my legs I still have my faith (Spiritual health), my mental health, sense of humor and ability to do some artistic things.

When I feel like having a pity party I journal and draw, which gives me a clear picture that I’ve got so much more to be thankful for.

https://youtu.be/KA0XZXS0LUM

Update 8/6/19

made the above video on August 6th not the 4th as stated but since this is the written doc. on my health i can include some things i didn’t say in that video. On my last visit to Dr. Karaffa (Neurologist) he said when muscle spasms flare up i just need to take an extra 10mg. Flexerill, apply heat, lay flat on floor. That is what i’ve been doing & it helps. Ussually between 30 & 60 min. I can get the spasms to finally leave me alone.Every night i sleep best on the floor and it makes it easier for me to move in the morning. When i wake with pain i do the p.t. exercises & small stretches. I do that when i am waking up to face the day as well.As i do P.T. here at home, when i wake and a few times a day, i get what i call ⚡⚡⚡ZAPS!!!⚡⚡⚡Like electrical lightning strikes under my skin from my toes up to the back of my head. They are quick & sharp. It’s hard to keep doing the stretches & p.t. movements because of those but i know the importance. I just have to back off when that happens.Inside the house i use a wraparound walker but when i go out i have to use the Wheelchair fulltime. Walking any distance more than 10 feet or so is impossible, my legs buckle & give out from under me. Inside my Zero gravity/geri chair offers me the most relief.Now I don’t go back to Dr. until Jan. 2020 unless something new comes up.That’s all for now…So i thought.Shortly after writing thus update my mom called. She has to take my dad to the ER. As a time or two before, he was slurring his speech & had some confusion. Waiting to hear more on what is happening with him.8/7/19 Today’s verse of the day from the online Bible I read from my phone:I will be with you, when you go through (dangerous) waters. And when you go through rivers they will not carry you away. When you walk through fire it will not burn you. And the fire will not make a fire out of you.
Isaiah 43:2 EASY
https://bible.com/bible/2079/isa.43.2.EASY

UPDATE – 11/27/19

In short I’m still struggling with the damaged nerves in my spine. I don’t take anything for granted and I’m thankful that I am able to still use my arms and hands. Writing, reading, music, art, and most importantly God’s word (promises & good news) keeps my hope lit. It is good to be alive & my weakness just verifies my need for God’s strength.No need for any real worries, regardless of circumstances. F.r.o.G. (Fully Rely On God)

UPDATE 1/18/20

personal pain. My left shoulder blade cramped up more than ever before. I noticed a stiff neck & shoulder blade muscle spasms in late Dec. as 2019 was coming to an end. I was visiting my parents, my daughters, sisters, & family. I thought it was caused by sleeping on it in a strange way or something. Usually i find out what causes the pain & avoid doing whatever irritated it. Nothing seemed to work or get it to go away.I noticed more trouble with my arms. I know that is to be expected, but this shoulder blade muscle cramp creeps around to my chest, up my neck & to the back of my arms/biceps.I will be seeing my neurologist Dr. Karaffa Tuesday (it is Saturday right now)

UPDATE 1/23/20 CURRENT Medication
Quetiapine 100 mg. (for my mental health)
Levothyroxine 50MCG (for thyroid)
GABAPENTIN 900MG 3X A DAY (for nerve pain)
Melatonin 20 mg (for sleep)
Atorvastatin 80 mg (for cholesterol)
Flexeril 5mg 4x a time (for muscle spasms)
Still take Fish Oil and Multi vitamins
Allergy to: TetracyclineAfter seeing Dr. Tuesday he increased my flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) 5mg to 4x a day (noted above. Now, Thursday, muscle spasms are finally leaving me alone with occasional jolts but just quick hits, not lingering, holding on & keeping me from moving. Thank God.Video journal & updates at:

Health Vlog (Vid. Version)

UPDATE 3/15/20 I will see my neurologist on the 25th. I’m going to see if anything can be done to relieve the pain in my left arm and shoulder. I realize that polyneuropathy is very complicated and the accident I had (coming up on 8 years ago) along with other complications sped up my issues with nerve pain; but perhaps there is some type of relief, like the spin surgery I had for my legs, that can be done to free up my arm. My left side is my dominant side and unfortunately that is the side that was damaged the most in the accident.I guess it is true, that we don’t really, fully appreciate what we have until we lose it.Mentally I am staying stable. Emotionally I am coming to an acceptance. Spiritually I am staying strong. Socially I am developing. Financially God always supplies; but physically I am so weak and at times I’m literally stalled out and stopped from being able to move. All I can do is try to keep taking on my condition, not just day by day but moment by moment.https://youtu.be/tCrrltjnYyk

UPDATE 3/25/20 Saw my doctor but didn’t go to office because the corona virus pandemic (Covid -19) the whole world is dealing with right now.I had to download “zoom” and we did video visit.
He is ordering an M.R.I. scan.
Last one I had was 2017 and it showed my C5 & C6 discs were bulging. That is probably my my left arm stops working some time.My left hand never stops tingling like it is asleep and the pain in my left should blade, my neck, left bicep & down my arm becomes completely contracted at times.I feel it coming on so i try to lay, sit, stand different ways to relieve it.He increased the flexiril (cyclobenzaprine) muscle relaxer to 10mg tabs 3 times a day. And he order the M.R.I. so we can figure out how to relieve the pain in my left arm.Dr. Karaffa (my neurologist) is always honest and he told me he wants to increase med.s slowly like we’ve been doing to avoid bad side effects.

UPDATE 4/9/20 Had MRI today. Results show C5, C6, C7 are bulging and and has “stenosis” meaning bulging causing narrowing of the area where spinal cord sits. My spine is compressed. Dr. Karaffa (neurologist) referring me to Dr. Murphy (neurosurgeon). They also said the left side is worse than the right so that explains my I’m having trouble with my left arm.Next step is to meet with Neurosurgeon to see what can be done.

UPDATE 5/5/20 A clinic note by Dr. David Karaffa dated 03/25/2020 was available for Dr. Murphy (neurosurgeon). Here are his direct notes from my 5/5/20 appointment:I reviewed a cervical MRI scan done RA on 04/09/2020. It is in my files. Findings on the T1 sagittal images include moderate, and perhaps under estimated, DSN C5-6, normal sagittal plane alignment and vertebral body contour through T2, and a probable large left C6-7 disc herniation. Findings on the T2 sagittal images include a large subligamentous left C6-7 disc herniation at the interspace that indents the ventral dura to the left of the midline no central canal extrinsic cord compression through T2-3, normal cord signal, and normal foramen magnum. Findings on the axial T2 weighted images include a subligamentous left lateral canal and central C2-3 disc herniation without neural compression, bilobed lateral canal disc protrusions at C5-6 without cord compression, relative ventral narrowing of the upper aspect of the left C5-6 neural foramen, and a large soft appearing left lateral canal and medial foraminal C6-7 disc herniation that slightly impresses the ventral left lateral aspect of the cord. It essentially fills the left C6-7 neural foramen. There is no high-grade central canal stenosis throughout.

Impression: 1.) Several month history of worsening left neck, shoulder, and C7 radicular arm pain extending into the hand with mild weakness of left triceps. 2.) Radiographic findings as above include a large left C6-7 disc herniation. 3.) Gait abnormality due to peripheral polyneuropathy.

Plan: 1.) I recommend ACDP at C6-7 ASAP. 2.) I reviewed the radiographic findings and clinical diagnosis and explained the operation. I quoted a 5% chance of permanent hoarseness. There is a very good chance that surgery will be successful. It is goal is to reduce or relieve left upper extremity radicular pain and to give the damaged left C7 nerve root, causing left triceps weakness, the best chance to recover. 3.) Dr. Vinas will see the patient 6 days from now. 4.) I anticipate an overnight hospitalization. 5.) In my opinion an ESI is contraindicated in this specific clinical setting.

My short video/vlog summery:

UPDATE 6/3/2020 Surgery scheduled for 6/25/20 be there at 8am starts at 10a.m. They will be calling be 7 days before it. If I haven’t heard 5 days before it I am to call Dr. Vinas’ scheduler/assist. 386-231-3540 My parents are going to come here to St. Augustine to help Rhonda with me, recovery, and rehab.Dr. Vinas said he is not going to put me thru Physical Therapy and I am thankful for that.Follow up appointment after surgery on July 13th 1:30pm.

UPDATE 6/25/2020Yesterday I went through a successful

disc·ec·to·my

/disˈkektəmē/ surgical removal of the whole or a part of an intervertebral disc.”recurrent episodes may be treated with discectomy” Definitions from Oxford Languages

This time it was my C6, C7. I am writing this the day after. I stating in hosp. over night, I saw a rep. from P.T. yesterday and today I’ll see Dr. Vinus. Picture of J.P. drain

The funny this was, when they pulled the drain tube out the hole in my neck actually, literally, whistled. No joke it was nuts. June 26th I back home no more pain other than the wound left to take away the pain.

The hole seen in pic. below is from drainage tube. The butterfly bandage above it stays on until it disolves. The didn’t stitch it up or staple like they did with my lower back. They used glue to close it.

📝📝📝📝📝📝📝📝📝📝📝📝📝

I am trying to keep up with updates so there is a record. Hand written journaling is sometimes hard for me to do because I still find the need to stay in a reclined position to keep the pain from being unbearable (sitting at a desk to write or type still caused pain).So glad I can use my cell phone like a typewriter, a computer, to journal, search the Web and share info., progress and HOPE (Hope = Opposition & Opportunity).
———————————————–BACKGROUND Written by my wife——————————

Tom “Beetle” Bailey worked for The Salvation Army as a volunteer and employee since he was 14 years old. From mopping floors to Camp Keystone to becoming a commissioned officer in 1992. He became a Captain but left the work to be a better soldier. Officership was too hard, he had a nervous break down trying to do the work/ministry/administration required- much respect to those who are still officers.He continued to work for The Salvation Army but then became a C.N.A. and worked in Nursing Homes.Then the accident took place in 2012, causing partial paralysis to his left arm & leg.After several surgeries he learned to walk again and got full range back in his left arm.He was warned by Dr. About going back to work but took on the job of Program Coordinator back with The Salvation Army. That lasted 3 years but his back got progressively worse again until he was completely unable to sit, stand, walk or drive.He has spinal surgery April 11th, 2016 and hopes to get back on his feet again but plans on proceedings with caution so this never happens again.

🔥EXTRAS🔥

Tom’s son Alexx did a 20min. devotional thought which partially included his dad’s process & progression. Alexx did this on January 31st, 2016 before Alexx died that July.

This concludes part 1 of my physical health documentation.

For part 2 (starting July 2, 2020) go to: https://tombeetlebailey.wordpress.com/2020/07/02/toms-physical-health-part-2/