My last post for a while...

todd95GT · 10-23-2001, 09:17 AM

Well all. I never put the 4.10's in my car like I was planning last weekend. Nor did I give it the full-on tune up I had in store for it. I haven't even driven my 'stang since Friday. I got the results of an MRI I took because of some back pain I had. That turned out to be nothing to really worry about, however, the doctor found something else. Kind of like going to the mechanic for an oil change and finding out you have a spun bearing. Basically, I have a fracture in C1, the very top vertebrae that supports the skull. It can only be treated surgically and involves fusing C1 and C2, the top two vertebrae after the skull,with a piece of bone taken from hip. I'm looking at a three to four month recovery wearing a halo or similar immobilaztion apparatus. This particular doctor also told me I'll never return to my line of work, which for those of you who I have had contact with outside of this forum know, means the world to me.
On the bright side, if there is one, my 'stang will get to sit for a few months w/o any miles being put on her. I had to wait on the installation of the new parts because I am now temporarily out of work and I ran out of sick time which means no income coming in. The $600.00 has to go to more important things right now. What could be more important than 4.10's?
So, I'll be seeing you guys in a few weeks when I'm able to get back on the computer. In the meantime, smoke an import for me.

------------------
Todd
1995 GT/T-5
Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

PKRWUD · 10-23-2001, 09:25 AM

Oh man, Todd! I was wondering why you hadn't been on to gloat about the gears! i know you were concerned about your back, and avoiding a desk job, but this just plain sucks eggs. I'm really sorry to hear about it! The c-spine is a very delicate are, though, and must be in working order! I'm glad you had the MRI before snapping your neck with the 4.10's!!! damn! Will they move you to a desk job while you recover? There must be something. I really wish I knew what to say! Did they remember to remove the spout connector from the MRI before the scan? Sorry, that's just the way my mind works. I wish you only the best, and, as always, am still at the same email address if you feel like talking.

Take care,
-Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop

My teams site: Jim Porter Racing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

PKRWUD · 10-23-2001, 09:42 AM

Todd-
The address I have for you in my address book comes back as bad. I'm trying the one listed here. If it's changed, send it to me.

Take care,
-Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop

My teams site: Jim Porter Racing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

todd95GT · 10-23-2001, 10:45 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PKRWUD:
Did they remember to remove the spout connector from the MRI before the scan? Sorry, that's just the way my mind works.

That's hilarious. I called the MRI center to ask about the SPOUT connector. Unfortunately, it was connected. However, the nurse did say the machine had not been tuned up in a long time, and it felt as if it had a miss. Maybe they can dyno tune it and give me another shot. With any luck, the reading will be better next time.
Thanks man,
Todd

------------------
Todd
1995 GT/T-5
Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

PKRWUD · 10-23-2001, 11:28 AM

Tell 'em to hook up a vacuum gauge to it while scanning!

Take care,
-Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop

My teams site: Jim Porter Racing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

Rick 91GT · 10-23-2001, 01:26 PM

Todd- Sorry to hear of you problems, you have stated in your other post how important your line of work is to you. Hopefully they will find a nice desk job, my friends father was injured in the same line of work as you and thankfully he was able to get a nice job on the inside.

Take Care and good luck!

Rick

Chris- your humor was good, maybe the nurse will lube your seals and let you pack some bearings

------------------
Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,30#,76mm C&L,75mm Accufab, Full MAC, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension, SPEC stage III clutch, Lakewood SFI bell, S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 33 splines coming very soon!
[b]12.16 @ 113.5, 1.78

10-23-2001, 01:31 PM

Good luck Todd. Was it a work related injury? Better off not getting the 4.10's right now anyway

Take care, and hope to see your posts again soon.

------------------
'90 LX 5.0;12K original miles;FMS 3.55 gears; March pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads;BBK 1 5/8" equal length shorties;MSD 6AL ignition w/ blaster 2 coil;FMS E303 cam;Pro-M 75mm MAF;BBK 70mm TB; Eibach drag-launch spring kit;Southside weld-on subs;9" K&N cone filter charger;Hurst shifter;Cervini 3" turbo hood;A/C delete;gutted cats;2 chamber Flomasters;Corbeau racing seats;FMS 30# injectors;JMS custom chip;Holley 190lb fp;TFS track heat intake (12.299 @ 113mph w/ a 1.78 60')
....soon to be b

joe4speed · 10-23-2001, 10:33 PM

Sorry to hear that, Todd, I hope everything goes well for you, and we'll see you back here real soon!

Take care,
Joe

BowTie Eater 5 Liter · 10-23-2001, 11:56 PM

well, I hope everything goes well.

Take it easy.

Oh yeah, how did you injure your neck like that???

Later

------------------
1988 Mustang GT, T-5
3.08's, No Smog Pump (Shorty Belt), Dynomax 2.5" Super Turbo Cat-Back, K&N Air Filter (Stock Air Box), Removed Air Silencer
14.691 @ 94.7 With A 2.24 60ft.

1988 Mustang GT

todd95GT · 10-24-2001, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the sentiments guys. Believe it or not, this is an injury that occurred when I was two years old and I fell out of my crib. I landed on my neck and the radiologist at the hospital said that I had broken my neck. THe doctor treating me said that was not the case, rather at my young age, the bones simply had not grown together yet and that's why it "looked" like a fracture. Turns out that 26 years later, the radiologist was right. The fracture eventually healed, but it set in a slightly different location leaving a small finger-like bone called the odontoid protruding inward toward my spinal cord. I had some other back problems that I went to the doctor for in the first place. Wearing 27 pounds of gear at work is not conducive to a healthy back, so we went for an MRI. Turns out, the original problem was nothing to worry too much about, but that's when the doctor found this. He said that I must be the luckiest man around being as how that bone never touched my spinal cord in the 26 active years I've had since the initial trauma. So, today at 3:30 I have a consultation with another surgeon. This one is a friend of a family member who is a doctor and he came highly recommended. So, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. In the back of my head, there's this little hope that he will say, "Todd, you've managed to go 26 years with this condition, just go back to normal life and don't worry about it", but I think that's highly unlikely. I'll keep you all posted-I want to get to the track before it closes for the year.

------------------
Todd
1995 GT/T-5
Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

[This message has been edited by todd95GT (edited 10-24-2001).]

todd95GT · 10-24-2001, 09:42 PM

Hey guys, there's some good news to come of this. I went to a neurosurgeon today that came highly recommended. He was the chief of brain trauma at St. Mary's Hospital here in Palm Beach County, so that only helps me in assuring that he knows his stuff. Anyway, he said it will be a long, painful road, but I WILL return to full duty after several months. In fact, he said that after 10-12 weeks, I should be able to return to light duty status. That means money will be coming in at the least. He referred me to his partner who is up to date on all of the latest medical technology. I go for a CT scan Friday. With the films from the scan, he will perform the operationo on a virtual reality based model of my neck and spine to ensure that I am a candidate for this new procedure he wants to do. Cool stuff. I will have to frame an x-ray of my neck after the surgery-it should look cool with two screws holding my vertebrae together. Okay, maybe not, the thought actually makes me a little sick, lol. Well, the procedure won't be for another few days, so until then I'll be around. Some of you, and you know who you are, have really shown a genuine concern. I can't tell you how much that is appreciated. Isn't it amazing how a common hobby and interest can bring people together like that? And to think I drove an Audi at one point. I can't imagine there even being an Audi forum, but then again, I didn't expect the responses that I have received here either. I needed to get this off my chest so I figured I'd post it here. Thanks for listening. I'll be in touch!

------------------
Todd
1995 GT/T-5
Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

PKRWUD · 10-25-2001, 01:58 AM

I want a copy of the x-ray!!!

Good deal, dude. Sounds like a great doc, too!

I guess you can be a bong next year.

Take care,
-Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop

My teams site: Jim Porter Racing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

10-23-2001, 09:17 AM	#1
todd95GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Posts: 191	My last post for a while... Well all. I never put the 4.10's in my car like I was planning last weekend. Nor did I give it the full-on tune up I had in store for it. I haven't even driven my 'stang since Friday. I got the results of an MRI I took because of some back pain I had. That turned out to be nothing to really worry about, however, the doctor found something else. Kind of like going to the mechanic for an oil change and finding out you have a spun bearing. Basically, I have a fracture in C1, the very top vertebrae that supports the skull. It can only be treated surgically and involves fusing C1 and C2, the top two vertebrae after the skull,with a piece of bone taken from hip. I'm looking at a three to four month recovery wearing a halo or similar immobilaztion apparatus. This particular doctor also told me I'll never return to my line of work, which for those of you who I have had contact with outside of this forum know, means the world to me. On the bright side, if there is one, my 'stang will get to sit for a few months w/o any miles being put on her. I had to wait on the installation of the new parts because I am now temporarily out of work and I ran out of sick time which means no income coming in. The $600.00 has to go to more important things right now. What could be more important than 4.10's? So, I'll be seeing you guys in a few weeks when I'm able to get back on the computer. In the meantime, smoke an import for me. ------------------ Todd 1995 GT/T-5 Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

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10-23-2001, 09:25 AM	#2
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Oh man, Todd! I was wondering why you hadn't been on to gloat about the gears! i know you were concerned about your back, and avoiding a desk job, but this just plain sucks eggs. I'm really sorry to hear about it! The c-spine is a very delicate are, though, and must be in working order! I'm glad you had the MRI before snapping your neck with the 4.10's!!! damn! Will they move you to a desk job while you recover? There must be something. I really wish I knew what to say! Did they remember to remove the spout connector from the MRI before the scan? Sorry, that's just the way my mind works. I wish you only the best, and, as always, am still at the same email address if you feel like talking. Take care, -Chris ------------------ Retired Moderator MustangNet My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop My teams site: Jim Porter Racing RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

10-23-2001, 09:42 AM	#3
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Todd- The address I have for you in my address book comes back as bad. I'm trying the one listed here. If it's changed, send it to me. Take care, -Chris ------------------ Retired Moderator MustangNet My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop My teams site: Jim Porter Racing RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

10-23-2001, 10:45 AM	#4
todd95GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Posts: 191	[QUOTE]Originally posted by PKRWUD: Did they remember to remove the spout connector from the MRI before the scan? Sorry, that's just the way my mind works. That's hilarious. I called the MRI center to ask about the SPOUT connector. Unfortunately, it was connected. However, the nurse did say the machine had not been tuned up in a long time, and it felt as if it had a miss. Maybe they can dyno tune it and give me another shot. With any luck, the reading will be better next time. Thanks man, Todd ------------------ Todd 1995 GT/T-5 Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

10-23-2001, 11:28 AM	#5
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Tell 'em to hook up a vacuum gauge to it while scanning! Take care, -Chris ------------------ Retired Moderator MustangNet My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop My teams site: Jim Porter Racing RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.

10-23-2001, 01:26 PM	#6
Rick 91GT Procharged! Join Date: May 1999 Location: Hanover, PA Posts: 1,539	Todd- Sorry to hear of you problems, you have stated in your other post how important your line of work is to you. Hopefully they will find a nice desk job, my friends father was injured in the same line of work as you and thankfully he was able to get a nice job on the inside. Take Care and good luck! Rick Chris- your humor was good, maybe the nurse will lube your seals and let you pack some bearings ------------------ Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,30#,76mm C&L,75mm Accufab, Full MAC, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension, SPEC stage III clutch, Lakewood SFI bell, S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 33 splines coming very soon! [b]12.16 @ 113.5, 1.78

10-23-2001, 01:31 PM	#7
bada$$lx Guest Posts: n/a	Good luck Todd. Was it a work related injury? Better off not getting the 4.10's right now anyway Take care, and hope to see your posts again soon. ------------------ '90 LX 5.0;12K original miles;FMS 3.55 gears; March pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads;BBK 1 5/8" equal length shorties;MSD 6AL ignition w/ blaster 2 coil;FMS E303 cam;Pro-M 75mm MAF;BBK 70mm TB; Eibach drag-launch spring kit;Southside weld-on subs;9" K&N cone filter charger;Hurst shifter;Cervini 3" turbo hood;A/C delete;gutted cats;2 chamber Flomasters;Corbeau racing seats;FMS 30# injectors;JMS custom chip;Holley 190lb fp;TFS track heat intake (12.299 @ 113mph w/ a 1.78 60') ....soon to be b

10-23-2001, 10:33 PM	#8
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	Sorry to hear that, Todd, I hope everything goes well for you, and we'll see you back here real soon! Take care, Joe

10-23-2001, 11:56 PM	#9
BowTie Eater 5 Liter Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Maple Ridge B.C. Canada, The Best Place In The World Posts: 871	well, I hope everything goes well. Take it easy. Oh yeah, how did you injure your neck like that??? Later ------------------ 1988 Mustang GT, T-5 3.08's, No Smog Pump (Shorty Belt), Dynomax 2.5" Super Turbo Cat-Back, K&N Air Filter (Stock Air Box), Removed Air Silencer 14.691 @ 94.7 With A 2.24 60ft. 1988 Mustang GT

10-24-2001, 09:33 AM	#10
todd95GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Posts: 191	Thanks for the sentiments guys. Believe it or not, this is an injury that occurred when I was two years old and I fell out of my crib. I landed on my neck and the radiologist at the hospital said that I had broken my neck. THe doctor treating me said that was not the case, rather at my young age, the bones simply had not grown together yet and that's why it "looked" like a fracture. Turns out that 26 years later, the radiologist was right. The fracture eventually healed, but it set in a slightly different location leaving a small finger-like bone called the odontoid protruding inward toward my spinal cord. I had some other back problems that I went to the doctor for in the first place. Wearing 27 pounds of gear at work is not conducive to a healthy back, so we went for an MRI. Turns out, the original problem was nothing to worry too much about, but that's when the doctor found this. He said that I must be the luckiest man around being as how that bone never touched my spinal cord in the 26 active years I've had since the initial trauma. So, today at 3:30 I have a consultation with another surgeon. This one is a friend of a family member who is a doctor and he came highly recommended. So, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. In the back of my head, there's this little hope that he will say, "Todd, you've managed to go 26 years with this condition, just go back to normal life and don't worry about it", but I think that's highly unlikely. I'll keep you all posted-I want to get to the track before it closes for the year. ------------------ Todd 1995 GT/T-5 Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing [This message has been edited by todd95GT (edited 10-24-2001).]

10-24-2001, 09:42 PM	#11
todd95GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Posts: 191	Hey guys, there's some good news to come of this. I went to a neurosurgeon today that came highly recommended. He was the chief of brain trauma at St. Mary's Hospital here in Palm Beach County, so that only helps me in assuring that he knows his stuff. Anyway, he said it will be a long, painful road, but I WILL return to full duty after several months. In fact, he said that after 10-12 weeks, I should be able to return to light duty status. That means money will be coming in at the least. He referred me to his partner who is up to date on all of the latest medical technology. I go for a CT scan Friday. With the films from the scan, he will perform the operationo on a virtual reality based model of my neck and spine to ensure that I am a candidate for this new procedure he wants to do. Cool stuff. I will have to frame an x-ray of my neck after the surgery-it should look cool with two screws holding my vertebrae together. Okay, maybe not, the thought actually makes me a little sick, lol. Well, the procedure won't be for another few days, so until then I'll be around. Some of you, and you know who you are, have really shown a genuine concern. I can't tell you how much that is appreciated. Isn't it amazing how a common hobby and interest can bring people together like that? And to think I drove an Audi at one point. I can't imagine there even being an Audi forum, but then again, I didn't expect the responses that I have received here either. I needed to get this off my chest so I figured I'd post it here. Thanks for listening. I'll be in touch! ------------------ Todd 1995 GT/T-5 Pulleys; 65 mm TB; Flowmaster cat-back; Mac off road H-pipe; FMS aluminum driveshaft; short-throw shifter; HD clutch; Cobra R's; Cobra front and wing

10-25-2001, 01:58 AM	#12
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I want a copy of the x-ray!!! Good deal, dude. Sounds like a great doc, too! I guess you can be a bong next year. Take care, -Chris ------------------ Retired Moderator MustangNet My site: Peckerwoods Pit Stop My teams site: Jim Porter Racing RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN.