Cragin's DNIF

[CraginS]

OK, I'm grounded until at least August. I'm already jealous of the flying reports in just the past two weeks.
My last flights were at Blue Sky three weeks ago, on a Sunday,. the day after being blown out and not flying at Highland on Saturday. Those will have to hold me for a while.

I was able to tell a few folks last week at the Smithsonian that I was having surgery on the 30th (yesterday).
Everything went great and I am already at home on May 1st, now in recovery and recuperation mode for a while.

After a mild nerve problem in my arm last December (which caused an ER visit) I ended up seeing a neurologist who had an MRI done. As soon as she saw the images sent me to a neurosurgeon at Georgetown University Hospital. I saw him on Monday,. April 19th, and as soon as he saw the MRI he said he wanted to operate sooner rather than later. Scheduled for the 30th that morning, then rushed to get the insurance company to agree he could do it there.

The operation was to remove two disks in my neck and fuse three vertebrae, C4, C5, and C6. The surgeon goes in from the front, slitting the throat, and not cutting the back of the neck, to reach the vertebrae. That minimal cutting of muscle is why I am already up and about with only the overnight stay in the hospital.

I am restricted from driving or lifting over 5 pounds for two weeks, and in a soft foam collar for four weeks. I return to the doctor at that four week point for further instructions. He estimated I could be back flying in three months (thus, August). I'll get another read on that next month when I see him.

During the two weeks I will be at home, telecommuting for work. I can go out, just not drive myself.

I feel very fortunate that the sequence of events allowed us to catch this disk problem. If I had not had the surgery, I would have had to ground myself permanently. Or- If I had not known about it, a hard landing or car accident could have been VERY serious. The disk between C4 and C5 was distended into the spinal fluid around the spinal cord so closely that any impact on the neck cold have caused spinal damage.

I'll be around and doing stuff. If we have others to go play, I can probably do the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Thing in June. Even though I cannot fly, I can still be on display and talk about flying.
And both the neurosurgeon (Dr. Chris Kalhorne) and one of his residents expressed interest in hang gliding. I left the March issue of the magazine with them and told them about the local school and club. We'll see.

My scar is pretty easy to deal with:

[hepcat1989]

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[CraginS]

Shawn,
Thanks for the reassuring words. Yup.. I'm in the Titanium Club. Funny, though, they didn't give me a card to carry.
I am most thankful that both the trache tube and the foley catheter went in and came out while I was knocked out. I only have residual indications that either were there.
Darn it, no Hyner Memorial Day or July 4th this year.

[John Dullahan]

Cragin,

Sorry you won't be able to join us on the hill or tow farm for a while. But it's a small price to pay for what appears to be a delicate but successful operation to retain your health and mobility.

We are extremely lucky to be living in an age when such early diagnosis and successful treatment is available.

Looking forward to seeing you back flying. Until then, we would be glad to have you hang out and share a beer at Ridgely and other sites.

Best regards,
John

[Larry Huffman]

Cragin,

I'm sorry to hear that you had to have surgery and that you will be laid up for a while. On the other side it is good to hear that all went smoothly and you are on the road to recovery. I hope it goes quickly and you are back in the air soon.

Larry

[Dan T]

Wow Craig, glad to hear you caught that in time! If you want to ride up with me when I go that direction, let me know and I'll call you before I leave.

Dan

[Pete Schumann]

Cragin,

Mend well. C-U out there soon.

Pete

[Richard Hays]

Wow. Sounds scary....especially about the part of NOT having the operation, etc. Getting old sucks. Aaaah, for the "green bones" of youth. LOL. Anyway.....get well and sorry for your discomfort.

Richard ( and Leigh ) Hays

[Ashley Groves]

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Dave Proctor]

Cragin,

Three months isn't that bad in the grand scheme (been there, done that). Heal fast. Hopefully in a couple of weeks when the swelling goes down you will start to see some improvement. I also see some disk work for me in the future, one cervical, one lumbar. Trying to hold off as long as possible.

Take care, let me know if you need anything.

Dave

[mcelrah]

Cragin,

Couldn't you have asked for a more impressive scar? What a great way to pick up chicks!

Can you trace the problem to any specific trauma or was your cervical disk just out of warranty?

Speedy and complete recovery! - Hugh

P.S. It would be great if you could do "Be a Pilot Day". Do you need a crew for the heavy lifting? I think Margy Natalie needs you to submit an application (link on that string). There will be a sailplane there and she will probably put you right next to it.

[Spark]

I hope you heal quickly Cragin

[dbodner]

Cragin,

I might be getting back in the air just as you've eased out. Hope to see you back soon.

Dave