Under the blade…

[Mr. Wonka]

Hi folks. As some of you know, I wasn’t around too much during AGI due to a spinal injury which prevented me from walking around too much.

I’ll be going in for surgery tomorrow to have 2 discs removed in my neck, and my spine screwed together in 3 places with a titanium plate. As with any surgery, there are inherent risks… anything from being paralyzed, to infections, to death.

In the event anything should happen to me, AGI will still go on. I have everything written down in a book as to what will take place for 2010, and will also serve as a blueprint for future shows.

If you want to sign up, please call Elaine at (724) 791-2100, but don’t expect her to answer e-mails or anything. Her computer (online) experience is less than 2 hours over the course of her entire life (seriously)!

The “go to” people online are Barry Lafler and Andrew Moch, and they will also keep the show running if I am unable to do so for whatever reason. I hate to paint a doom and gloom scenario, but we are firm believers in planning ahead.

Furthermore, don’t worry about sending payments to us. We have adequate life, health, and disability coverage, so we won’t be spending your money on medical bills.

Take care everybody, and I hope to give you a positive update on Thursday when I’m scheduled to be released from the hospital.

Much respect,
Tom Doner / Mr. Wonka

P.S.- If I happen to be paralyzed from the neck down and have live the rest of my life like Christopher Reeve, I hope someone will find it in their heart to put me out of my misery since I won’t be able to do it myself… I’m being totally serious about that.

[naughty pirate wench]

Sending positive energy your way and best wishes for a smooth procedure and full recovery.

Be well,
Chris

[Mecha]

Good luck man.

Here's to a speedy recovery.

[ALIEN!]

My thoughts and prayers are with you bud. Get well soon!

[Icarus]

Dude, I'm really sorry to hear that. I wish you and your family the best, and hope that everything turns out alright.

[AWhiskeyDrunk]

nothing but love for ya Tom...

[Ben Burton Glass]

Lots and LOTS of Love and Aloha coming your way!!! Get well Quickly!!!

aloha

[somberbear]

best wishs tom ! i hope your feeling better soon! positive waves from down south bro.

[FredLight]

Tom,

You have a large group of your peers and admirers sending you positive vibes.

Many thoughts and prayers go out to you from me, Heather and Marcus (who just turned 2) as well.

[loydb]

Postive vibes your way!

loyd

[themoch]

all the best tom.

keep us updated if possible.

[menty666]

Heal up Wonka! Feel better soon...

[cc_bob]

Hi Tom,

My wife just had the same surgery but only one disc. She was having sharp pain and numbness and it all went away after the surgery. She was in a lot of pain from the operation but not the pain she was suffering with months before.

Are they getting the bone from your hip or a cadaver?

My wife opted for the cadaver bone. We talked to a bunch of people before her surgery and everyone we talked to had more pain from the hip than their neck. The surgeon also mentioned that the hip may be more prone to fracture later on in life. On the other hand, your neck will heal faster with your own bone.

Good luck, if you have any specific questions PM me. I was there the entire time helping her.

Bob

[mer]

good luck tom, i hope that you come out the other side with relief. try not to worry, you're a tough man. they're really getting better at these kinds of surgeries. i know a few people who have had to deal with the same operation, including my 65 year old neighbor who spends hours every day hauling wheelbarrows and such for her garden now. this will all be behind you before you know it. best wishes!

[Greymatter Glass]

Good luck with you surgery Tommy, be nice to the nurses, they're what will keep you comfortable or miserable.

And if by some strange mix up you wind up with a sex change instead of neck surgery you should come up with a new name now.

[CripSkillz]

Ya Tom good luck and dont stress and be positive.. you will be alright..

Dont worry man you can always roll your mouth activated wheelchair right into the swimming pool.. I had that idea b4 hehe,

:doh:

[nafglass]

Sending my energy from MN Tom!

[Blade]

Hope all goes well. Surgery is stressful no matter what kind you are going in for.

I was going to make a comment about your post title along the lines of "thats what she said. . ." but may not be appropriate for the context

Get well soon

-B

[glassdocnc]

Lots of luck to you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Marina

[Kool]

...we are firm believers in planning ahead...


...if by some strange mix up you wind up with a sex change instead of neck surgery you should come up with a new name now.

Perhaps that would be a little too much planning.



Tom, good luck with everything. Can't wait to hear that you are doing well.

[jiminyrootkit]

get well soon tom!
-f

[p.j.]

good luck tom, get better soon.

l'm sure we all be praying for you to have speedy recovery to a pain-free life

[schmoinkel]

Get well soon bro!


Scott

[chayes]

hope ya have a speedy recovery. Get well soon.

[Glassroots]

P.S.- If I happen to be paralyzed from the neck down and have live the rest of my life like Christopher Reeve, I hope someone will find it in their heart to put me out of my misery since I won’t be able to do it myself… I’m being totally serious about that.

OK, but I get to choose the method

[Firekist]

i thought this was going to be a thread about salt's work.. or a salt piece.. but.. this is much saltier.

:/

good luck and godspeed. way to plan for us hooligans

---seth

[Swampy]

Hey mate, I'm wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Jimi The Don]

come back to us ok, we're all waiting on the good word..

[medicatedMELTDOWN]

Hey Tom, we are all rooting for you!! I wish you the best! :)

[Primathon]

Sending good mojo from the mountains... Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery! :)

[KT-Old School Glass]

Hey Tom,

We are all thinking about you here and sending good vibes your way.

We will be praying for you!

[Glow Joe]

Much love and Blessings Tom........

[yinzer]

you are in our thoughts.
im sure you'll be fine, your one tough mf'r
lots of love
keep us updated

[lucidvisions]

We're thinking of you Tom. We'll send a huge amount of white light your way. Hope you're back in the swing of things soon!

Josh and Lance

[metalbone]

we're all pulling for you to have a successful surgery and a smooth, quick recovery.

[Mr. Whale dick]

ask dwaine for the details on the "penis-puppet-nurse game"

[Pogo]

good vibes, bro...
My father has lots of pain from crushed discs in his back.... I hope all goes well

[Aymie]

I know everything will be fine...sending all my love and good energy...I hope you feel better soon.

However, if you do end up like Christopher Reeve, I promise I will never let anyone take you to the body shop wearing a hat.

[Udai Hussien]

ask dwaine for the details on the "penis-puppet-nurse game"
you mean, PEEK-A-Boo?

[Wiley]

Don't worry! The surgery isn't bad!! I had the same thing done a couple years ago -- only they removed 3 disks in my neck and put in a titanium plate, screws and cadaver bone.

My surgery was around 2pm and I left the hospital before noon the next morning. Compared to the pain I was in pre-surgery...the recovery was nothing!! I even had the use of my right arm and hand back immediately!! I am in love with my neurosurgeon!!!

I didn't have to have any PT after the surgery...no neck brace ... no nothing. Granted I have a nasty scar (well, to me anyway - my husband says "it's nothing") from the front center of my neck extending over to by my right jaw (about 3-3.5" long)....the surgery was sooooo worth it!!!

I do still have a little pain and I lost some mobility but I feel guilty complaining about it considering how much pain I was in before and the fact that I had essentially lost the use of my right hand and arm. In the mornings I had to literally put my right hand in the pocket of my jeans to keep my arm from just dangling there like a slab of meat. Like I said...the use of my hand and arm was back when I woke up from surgery!! AMAZING!

Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions definitely feel free to PM me.

Keeping you and yours in my thoughts. GOOD LUCK!!

PS....the side effect I was most worried about (other than dying!) was either losing my ability to talk or waking up sounding like "Minnie Mouse". LOL! Poor DH was disappointed that the surgery didn't "shut me up" LOL!! Stay strong!!

[The Lorax]

stay safe,
-j

[LifeGlass]

Good luck my friend, hope all goes better than planned.

[fumalicious]

wow I rarely stop in here anymore but am glad I caught this...

Tom you're the man, much respect and hope for a perfect surgery and speedy recovery. Take care bro-

[Master Yoda]

i've had a spinal fusion as well, best of luck to you man

[Greymatter Glass]

Sponge baths from Nurse Olga...

[Mr. Wonka]

Well, I went in for surgery at 7:30 am on Wed, and I was home by noon today (Thursday) feeling great. Many thanks for the thoughts, prayers and positive energy. It gave me a very good attitude going into it which is so important. Hell, my blood pressure was even normal right before surgery!

I have a 2 or 3’ scar on my neck, have to wear a brace for 2 months and limit my activities, but at least I can spin glass. The first thing I did when I woke up was hold my arms up and spin my fingers, then checked my voice and swallowing capabilities, and then my legs.

All is good except for some back pain (normal) and I hope to be back to everything full time in a few months. Since my spinal cord was bruised, it may take a while to walk completely normal again, but that's something I can live with.

Thanks again for all of your support, and it is comforting to know that I have so many good friends. Much love and respect to all of you : )

Tom

[loydb]

That's great!

[naughty pirate wench]

Glad to hear you made it through fine! :confetti: :kickflip: :confetti:

[Mecha]

Excellent news. Take it easy and have a smooth recovery.

[cc_bob]

Glad to hear it went good. I bet you were reall happy when you woke up and everything worked.

[Islandglass Man]

GREAT NEWS TOM

Now I don't have to run AGI

Bear:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[blackstoneglass]

Thats great news Tom! Now take it easy and let it heal....

[Greymatter Glass]

Glad to hear all is well Tom! Take it easy, you have a year :)

See ya soon :P

[jiminyrootkit]

I have a 2 or 3’ scar on my neck, have to wear a brace for 2 months and limit my activities, but at least I can spin glass. The first thing I did when I woke up was hold my arms up and spin my fingers, then checked my voice and swallowing capabilities, and then my legs. Tom

1. that is a long f*ing scar....and all on your neck, too....
2. rep for checking spinning function BEFORE speech. :D

glad you came through it well, may you recover swiftly and completely.
-f

[J Howard]

just catching this now....

glad to hear it's so far so good. speedy recoveries!

j

[slave]

I really don't know what to say. I have thought about it a bit I want to say I understand the not wanting to proceed any further If a possible worst case scenario were to emerge, though truly I can't say I do. You arn't the first (nor likely last) person I know to ask for help in passing to the unknown if debilitated.
I don't pray any longer but your situation has pulled me in the direction of wanting to exercise any faith for healing as if it were a powerful practice. I wish you the best.

-Aaron

[krisdaka]

glad your surgery went well Tom, sending healing vibes and hugs
Karen

[LifeGlass]

Sweet, get besta quick.

[glassdocnc]

Glad to hear all went well.

[jane clifton]

Geez, I don't check the board for a few days and THIS happens. So glad everything went so well and my prayers weren't needed!! Mainly glad that Bear doesn't have to run AGI~~~~, just kidding Barry!
Take your time in trying to get back to normal cause that will only make it longer if you push too hard and try to be nice to Elaine!! (she's the one that will need prayers now! :-)))))

Love ya Tom, see you in August!!!


Jane

[loydb]

So I guess we should disband the "How to Whack Tom" emergency planning committee... :)

[smutboy420]

Wow I din't see this till this morning. Glad to here it went ok and you made it.



P.S.- If I happen to be paralyzed from the neck down and have live the rest of my life like Christopher Reeve, I hope someone will find it in their heart to put me out of my misery since I won’t be able to do it myself… I’m being totally serious about that.
I totaly would of had your back on that tho.

I would of worked out an eye blink thing or some thing and had you blink once for yes and twice for no. If you still wanted some one to off you or not.

LOOK he said yes, yes lol lol

[themoch]

GREAT NEWS TOM

Now I don't have to run AGI

Bear:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

+1

glad everything is going fine!

[Icarus]

+1

glad everything is going fine!

That's good to hear. No, that's great to hear. Glad you're doing well Tom.

[shark bait]

I am stoked that the op went well. Sending positive healing vibes your way.

[stackerson]

right on...glad to hear that all went well. sending positive vibes for a speedy recovery.

[Mr. Whale dick]

hell yeah

[CripSkillz]

Good Shit glad to hear it..

[nafglass]

Glad to hear it went well Tom!

[colyerso]

So glad to hear you're doing better!

[wisco lala]

Hey Tom!
I haven't been here in awhile and then I find out this! I am so glad you will be making a full recovery! AGI wouldn't be the same without you! Give a hug to Elaine for me and let yourself heal. REST!
XOXOXO lala

[n3rd]

great to hear!!

[Swampy]

and here's to a speedy recovery Tom.

Tip of the day;

peel and swallow a whole clove of garlic with a glass of water half hour before breakfast, every other day. whole clove won't stay on your breath, so you can still kiss :-)


it's a natural antibiotic, it will also add a horrendous whiff to your farts.

[NOFO]

Good Luck Tom.... think positive !!

[skip]

Glad to hear your doing well!!!

[Mac Maestro]

Crap crap crap crap crap. I just deleted Tom's message that he is doing fine. Im so so so so sorry. Who the hell let me be a mod anyway?

I'm REALLY happy that you are doing ok, Tom. Please come back and tell us again how well the surgery went. Oh man. Epic fail. Im freaking out.

[medicatedMELTDOWN]

Crap crap crap crap crap. I just deleted Tom's message that he is doing fine. Im so so so so sorry. Who the hell let me be a mod anyway?

I'm REALLY happy that you are doing ok, Tom. Please come back and tell us again how well the surgery went. Oh man. Epic fail. Im freaking out.

hey don't worry maestro... Here is his full message if you want to go back and edit the mistake:


Well, I went in for surgery at 7:30 am on Wed, and I was home by noon today (Thursday) feeling great. Many thanks for the thoughts, prayers and positive energy. It gave me a very good attitude going into it which is so important. Hell, my blood pressure was even normal right before surgery!

I have a 2 or 3’ scar on my neck, have to wear a brace for 2 months and limit my activities, but at least I can spin glass. The first thing I did when I woke up was hold my arms up and spin my fingers, then checked my voice and swallowing capabilities, and then my legs.

All is good except for some back pain (normal) and I hope to be back to everything full time in a few months. Since my spinal cord was bruised, it may take a while to walk completely normal again, but that's something I can live with.

Thanks again for all of your support, and it is comforting to know that I have so many good friends. Much love and respect to all of you : )

Tom

Great news Tom! Get better soon :)

[Mac Maestro]

Thank you so much Mer and Medicated meltdown. Relief.

Tom, I'm extremely glad you are OK. I can't decide if you are a father or a brother, but you are as important as one of those. Heal fast.

[glassheathen]

Tom, I don't get here often, sorry to hear of your surgery but am very glad it weny well. Mike

[Pogo]

Good news.... Good news.... : )

[The Lorax]

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/2/fuck-yeah-funny.gif

[kbinkster]

I can't believe I'm just now reading this!

Tom, I am so glad that your surgery went well. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery.

Hug Elaine for me, too.

[Mr. Wonka]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to drop in and give you an update. I’m doing very well physically and emotionally, although I have restrictions as to how much I can lift, and how long I can sit or stand.

Honestly, I was terrified when I found out that I needed this surgery, but overall it was a piece of cake. I’m volunteering my time counseling others and told my doctor to scrap the whole “patient confidentiality” thing and have people call me if they have any concerns regarding this procedure.

Hey, one thing I wanted to share with you guys… please talk to your insurance agent and ask about a disability policy. I’m 43 years old, and it only costs me about $20.00 per month. My particular policy will pay $800.00 per month during my recovery (for up to 2 years), and at a time like this it is money well spent since I won’t be able to work full time / full capacity for a few months. It’s something to consider so you can keep food on the table… you never know when an accident will put you out of commission.

Well, thank you for your continued support, thoughts, and prayers… I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends : )

Much love… Tom

[Greymatter Glass]

dude, change your banner, AGI2009 was so last month.

[Aymie]

Glad to hear it Tom...sending my love to you and the wifey.

[Swampy]

Pleased to hear you're doing okay Tom.

[fumalicious]

awesome. Congrats Tom, glad everything went well!!!!

[FredLight]

Wow! Tom so glad you're ok.

I don't know what we'd do with Bear running the place.

Ya know he can't tell the difference between Trader Joe's and Trader Horn's?

Trader Joe's has wholesome hippie-type food and Trader Horns has everything except that.

I did get a cigarette lighter there with a fish on it that says "Crappie" that I still use from 2006!

"Hey! Is that my Crappie lighter?"

Laughter is the best medicine, and still, I'm no doctor.

[nafglass]

Glad all went well Tom! It's great that you're already giving back to folks that are about to have the same procedure. I wish you continued success on your recovery!

[Greymatter Glass]

Dude... coming this winter to a theater near you:

Under the Blade: The Wonka Chronicles.

[insanecity]

Glad to hear you are doing good. Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery your way.

We have never actually met but I did have a golden ticket to the very first AGI. I think you were calling it pipestock then. Unfortunately I didn't make it that year and still haven't. Maybe 2010.

[FiredDesires]

Wonderful news that your surgery went well, do what the Docs say as far as recovering...your talent won't disappear but will burst forward from being stored up when the time comes to light your flame!

[Cold Seal]

whoa, i dissapear for a few months and this is what i come back to? bullshit. really, suzie and i are thinking about you, hope all goes well as i know it will
--chris

[Snurf]

Glad it went well!! Sending positive vibes for your full recovery

[Mr. Wonka]

Hi everyone.

Thank you again for your all of your thoughts, prayers, e-mails, phone calls, cards, etc… Elaine and I are so grateful for all of your support : )

For some this might be too much information, but below I have posted some photos which show before and after views of my neck.

The first photo is the MRI, and the white stuff is fluid that is passing / not passing through the spinal column (in between the 2 arrows), causing a pinched and bruised spinal cord.

The next two photos are X-rays which show the aftermath of the surgery. They went in through the front of my neck and removed 3 discs, drilled some holes between the vertebrae to insert a few bone plugs, and installed a kick ass piece of titanium hardware that I call “skeletal bling”… which sports more bolts than Frankenstein had : )

I’m still feeling great and have a positive attitude towards life that I’ve never had before, and it has brought me closer to family, friends, and God. Again I want to put out a big “Thank You” to everyone on behalf of myself and Elaine.

Much love and respect!

Tom and Elaine Doner
a.k.a. “Mr. and Mrs. Wonka”


http://users.csonline.net/glass/s22.jpg




http://users.csonline.net/glass/s23.jpg




http://users.csonline.net/glass/s25.jpg

[jane clifton]

No more quick pass at the airport for you!!! Glad to hear you are doing well, Tom.

Jane

[CripSkillz]

hell ya join the club mofo heheh ahh youll be fine... now your 5, 570,000$ closer to being the six million dollar man heheh ..

hope all is goin good..