[schinde]

Well,

Here is the latest, (don't know if it can be called the greatest) news from the Racin' Hippie's world.

Had an appt. today with my Neurosurgeon, wherein he reviewed the MRI scans from a couple of weeks ago, along with a new set of x-rays of my neck.

Long story short, condition deteriorating. I've been experiencing numbness in my fingers and increasing pain issues with my neck, which when added to my ailing old back, has made for a miserable period since I stepped out of the car this year. At least when I was racing, the adrenaline high kept me pain free for a while.

This also has been interfering with my other avocation, that being the Basement Dawgs and our "touring" of the local clubs, etc. We all know our regular jobs are a pain, so that wasn't a factor in the equation.

What was the basic driving factor in this was that the latest MRI's showed that without surgical intervention, the pain and numbness would continue to get worse, and he was concerned about what might be the after effect of a crash on the track. Given that he expects the g's would be higher, and any cervical injury would be a really, really bad thing.

So, his strongly suggested that we address it as soon as possible, and give me time to fully heal prior to next season. Of course, he also told me that he would not be supportive of me getting back into a race car without a Tucker or R3 type device, which he has done some looking into, (all of those type of devices) given that he knows what I do for fun. So, with my pledge to him that I will have one one way or another prior to next season, he was more at ease. A good thing, Don't want a nervous surgeon hacking at my neck.

So, after a bartering session with him, and his nurses, the following info has become available to me.

The surgery will be next Tuesday, December 4th, for cervical spinal fusion.

Provided all goes right, (which it will, my Neurosurgeon is Dr. Charles Bill, known as one of the best in mid-Michigan), I will be up and around and back at work on the car within a month and a half or so. Other things not quite as physical as wrenching will come sooner, such as return to my day job and the band.

Also, after a discussion with him about the non-participation with Blue Cross, etc., he basically along with his billing office, agreed with me to set up a payment schedule for my out of pocket expenses post surgery, in other words, the money he wants over and above what Blue Cross pays for this type of work. Woo-Hoo, baby, another bill!

But, for a good cause, I guess, 'cause I won't survive missing another season of racing.

Want to retire from it on my own timetable, not due to something else.

So, sometime soon, I will be in the market for the Tucker, (look for a call Greg)

So, for now, that is the update.

And beware, if you have Blue Cross, check to see whether or not your Neurosurgeon participates with your insurance. In my particular case, he does not, and from what I have been told by our Health and Human Resource Department, no Neurosurgeons in Michigan do. And, I do not have the time to go to another state to start this process all over again, and build a trust relationship with another surgeon.

Anyway,

have a good day,

schinde
_________________
Short track racing is more fun than a human being ought to be allowed to have!

[Jim Leasure]

Hi Matt, I probably will not see you before your surgery so I would like to wish you the best. Hope all improves for you as well as your family. When you don't have your health nothing else seems right.

[rooster07]

matt i want to wish you the best too and get a speedway recovery.
_________________
MATHEW VAINNER
"THE ROOSTER"07
PAPA MOTORSPORTS

[oldgold]

I had a laminectomy back in 04 for L4 and L5 and my doctor was dr Flood here in lansing and i had PPOM insurance and it was all paid for. he is a specialist on neck and back and he is on Jolly rd @ pinetree.
I hope everything works out ok for you.
Please DONOT start working to soon as you will reinjure your self,because you will feel so good that you can lift that small block with 1 hand but dont do it. I was raking leaves 10 days after surgery and now have some pain in the lower back, no wonder my wife says i am a pain in the a$$. best of luck to you and keep us up to date and get plenty of rest and some crazy drugs. oldgold

[Big Ed]

Matt,

You know Linda and I will have you in all of our thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery, and a speedy recovery.

For all of you out there that are maybe wondering how you might be able to help Matt and his Family out during this troubled time, look no further. The 5th Annual Michigan Short Track Racing Club Bowling Tournament will be held Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Capitol Bowl in Owosso. Matt is one of this years benefactors, along with the Faur Family. I will be posting all the details, and the official press release here very soon. It will be a great day of bowling, and bench racing with a bunch of racing folks from all over the State. And you will be helping one of our own during their time of need.

Stay tuned for further details on Michigan's biggest winter racing fundraising event!!!

Big Ed

[Lack o Diesel]

Matt,

From the Davenports and the Beacon Sales race team we wish you the best and a speedy recovery. Hope to see you back in that race car where you can't keep that smile off of your face.


Perry

[tricknology]

Matt,

wishing you a speedy recovery.

arnold.

[ron1r31]

best of luck with everything. i'll be looking to race you in 2208 so get well soon .later ron parish

[Mod88]

hmmmmm 2208.. Thats a couple hundred years from now ron.. Kinda gives a whole new meaning to senior citizen.
_________________
Bill

[schinde]

Ron's really an old hippie like me, and while we can't necessarily grasp onto the new, we can hold onto the old. And that means that we can stay old for as long as we want, and if 2208 comes round and we are still hanging on, I look forward to racing him then too!

Can't keep old guys down, right Bill? Heck, look at Hobart, just like the E-bunny.

Ron,

I too look forward to getting back on the track with you, and just edging you at the finish line for my first mod feature!

have a good day, and enjoy Florida.

I'm guessing I may have to start joining the rest of you guys that head down there in the off season, hating this cold weather more and more each year.

Have a good day,

schinde
_________________
Short track racing is more fun than a human being ought to be allowed to have!

[Mod88]

That's right Matt, can't keep us ole timers down.

And I agree with the heading south or somewhere where it is warm for the winter especially now that I am retired.
_________________
Bill

[pasto68]

i couldn't imagine trading rebuilding our race car in a cold barn in the middle of winter for warm weather, a sandy beach, and all those almost nude women. just seems sick to me

steve 'pops' pastorino

[queenbee]

Matt:

Well, take care young man and I'll be thinking about you on Tuesday. Please have Mary be sure to keep us all posted on your recovery and all.

Best of luck and may Gods hands watch over you as you recover.

Take care,

Doug and Caroline

[Mod88]

Warm weather, sandy beaches and "almost" nude women. Thats a sickness I could put up with for a little while.
_________________
Bill

[sweeper]

couldnt we all