Posted by Todd Owen (24.4.254.96) on February 26, 2001 at 01:33:01:
Thanks to all of you who posted or e-mailed em about the gamma knife procedure. The neurologist has already informed me that it isn't necessarily 100% effective, as a matter of fact, it only has about a 60% success rate. Even so, it sure as hell beats the thought of going on with this. I'm heading to the ER about once every two to three weeks, and it seems like I go nowhere without some sort of painkillers by my side. Imitrex is great, but I get the tight chest and pain swallowing from it, which worries the neuro. I'm still doing as best I can.
On a positive note, I am still trying to lead a normal life. I have only missed about 4 or 5 hours of work in the last three weeks, and still do what I can to enjoy life on the weekends. I just made my 500th skydive today, and have been invited to join a group of very experienced jumpers to go once a month in large formation jumps. I get to enjoy time with my wife and kids, most of it in pain but I have had the rare break of a few hours that makes things easier.
I hope this finds you all well,
PFNAD,
Todd Owen