Back Update

[CatValet]

For those I've talked with and for those of you who have, depending on your personal perspectives, have either been sending positive vibes or keeping me in your prayers:

Thanks very, very much. There is a glimmer of hope. I met with the neurologist today who said my back was in incredibly bad shape. In fact, he wondered if it was hereditary, and will even evaluate my Dad's recent xrays to see. I have vertebral bone spurs, narrowing of nerve openings and disc degeneration. We are going to begin an intense run of spinal decompression and physical therapy next week- along with a strict diet- in an attempt to avoid surgery. I told him I wanted to hike again and get a pack back on my back. He thinks that maybe we can do it.

The ball is in my court now, and with the Lord's help, and the support of my friends and family, that new Osprey may yet get sweat stains. Thanks all and may God Bless. -Randy

[paintninaz]

Randy,

I'll keep sending those positive vibes your way, and when you're ready to give that new Osprey a test run let me know!!!!

Take care!!!
_________________
~Tracy

“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.”

[Hikngrl]

Good news Randy! You know I am prayin for ya!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[mike]

You know you're in our prayers. Elijah's looking forward to hiking with Uncle Randy someday!
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[/size]

[desertgirl]

Randy,

Positive vibes & prayers heading your way from Ambika, Silver & Skye (Yup - I decided Sliver needed company & got anothe Weim!) - Hope you get well soon
_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

[Shihiyea]

Wow, certainly, you have my well wishes, thoughts and prayers. Mary

[evenstar]

All of the above, Randy!
_________________
John Richardson and Richie Rich, El Perro de Playero
http://members.tripod.com/~evenstar/index.html
http://www.arizonahikers.com
When the Man waked up he said, "What is Wild Dog doing here?" And the Woman said, "His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always. Take him with you when you go hunting."
--Rudyard Kipling, from Just So Stories, 1902

[beckett]

Prayers are being sent from Michigan! May God be with you in this journey.
Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

[Shawn]

Good luck!
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

[Daddee]

Include me with all of the above.

I feel your pain brother - I'll be pulling for you.
_________________
"Only small minds want always to be right."
- Louis XIV

"...haven't you lived long enough to know that two men may honestly differ about a question and both be right?"
- Abraham Lincoln

[GeorgAz]

God Bless, Randy..hope all goes well...there are so many advancements today in these fields....I am still dealing with my sleeping foot and will probably sue the chiro who caused this, since I stand for a living...My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there ..gotta get you back on the trails!!

[Tom Treks]

Good luck Bro'

I know this pain has got to be getting very old by now.

[JW]

[wanderingsoul]

Good Luck Randy... I was thinking about you just today and thought I'd ask if anybody heard from you..

when the back hurts its no fun... Take care and I'm sending prayers and good vibes Hope you feel them.
_________________
Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown

[BoyNhisDog]

Good luck Randy. I wish you the best.
_________________
Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide