Tom Smith ([info]filkertom) wrote,
@ 2008-06-09 14:10:00
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Current mood: determined
Entry tags:friends, owowow

A message from Tom
My God.

Before I say anything else I am staggered with everyone's reactions - or I would be staggered if I could stand up.I don't think I can ever tell you all how much I love you and thank you. And I'll go a lot more into that when I get back on line (thanks so much [info]huskiebear!).

OK. Wow. Deep breath. Mechanical details. I was at the ark on Saturday at Christine Lavins concert and for the big finale she was going to lead everybody in a reprise of a song they had done earlier (it was very cool, or would have been. More details later) and she called me up on stage. The stage at the ark is 16 or 18 inches high and there was no intermediary step. Stupid me, I tried to lug my big self up there anyway, and when I made the big effort with my left leg, something went pop crackle loudly enough for somebody near me to hear it and I was on the stage. On my back, yelling. EMTs were called, there were doctors in attendance who helped me and Christine said "Well, that was a real showstopper!"

A few years ago I partially tore a quad in my right leg. That was bad, but it could heal on it's own. This can't. Fortunately, it's a very common procedure. Basically re-attatching the ligament or tendon or whatever to the bone. But right now I can not move my left leg below the knee and I can't put any weight on it. So going to cons is right out. I hope that I will be up and moving in time for Gen Con - I think I will be.

Meantime, I'm in the hospital. They are apparently debating whether or not to fix it. I have no idea why they're debating. I can't move and it won't fix itself, so I'm stayin right here til they fix it.

Naturally, there's no net access. As soon as I can I will be back online and give you guys more details and just thank you all for everything. This is a setback, but not a permanent one by any means. Heck, I might even lose some weight! ;)

In any case, you guys are beyond amazing and I can't thank you enough, although when I get moving again, I'm damn sure gonna try. (Special note to [info]janmagicand [info]per_solo, who I haven't spoken to yet: obviously I'm not going to make DuckCon or InconJunction. I'm really sorry and we'll do something special next time.)

Again more thanks and love than I can say.
Tom


 (transcribed and posted by [info]huskiebear- all typos and grammar mistakes are mine)


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(189 comments) - (Post a new comment)


[info]jimhines
2008-06-09 06:19 pm UTC (link)
Youch! I'm sorry to hear that, Tom. I hope they hurry up with their debate and start fixing soon. Sending good thoughts for quick healing, and I'll hope to see you at GenCon.

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[info]jrittenhouse
2008-06-09 06:20 pm UTC (link)
Well, we wuvs you, Tom. And I for one was surprised as hell to hear about what happened. (Reminds me of the time a second-level boss of mine was trying to be cute leaving a stage and broke his foot and was laid up for months.) (He, however, was an incredible idiot. You aren't.)

You may end up finding yourself kidnapped by a legion of adoring fans, y'know.

Crapsky on you not being at Duck.

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[info]mrgoodwraith
2008-06-09 06:20 pm UTC (link)
We lurvs ya, Tom. Stand firm (ahem) in insisting they fix you up. We'll all be pulling for you and we'll do what we can to help out. (Shoot, I was going to order the iTom albums *anyway*, but I'll move the schedule *up* a bit. ;-D )

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[info]wookiee71
2008-06-09 06:21 pm UTC (link)
Wow, that is the suck! Best wishes for you and hopes you rebound quickly. Now you and HHH have injuries in common!

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[info]herminia
2008-06-09 06:21 pm UTC (link)
Oh no! :-/ I hope you'll be okay soon.

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[info]omimouse
2008-06-09 06:21 pm UTC (link)
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow.

Massive amounts of hugs and you take care of yourself and let other folks take care of you, you hear me?

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[info]artpaulrocks
2008-06-09 06:23 pm UTC (link)
That is sad Tom

I'll be praying for you-Art Paul

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[info]ionicaq
2008-06-09 06:24 pm UTC (link)
*hugs* Feel better soon!

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Well Wishes and a dose of Heartfelt sympathy form a caring fan.
[info]lone_buddhist
2008-06-09 06:24 pm UTC (link)
I hope nothing but a positive outcome for you with no complications.
Your music has become dear to me over the years. I know it will continue to do so in the coming years. Thank you for your efforts to brighten up my days. You are in my prayers and meditations.

Get well soon.

PS: if you are ever in the Roch. NY area, I would be thrilled to meet you IRL.

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[info]allisona
2008-06-09 06:26 pm UTC (link)
Lots of healing hugs, Tom!

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[info]elisabeth
2008-06-09 06:27 pm UTC (link)
Make sure you take the time to let it heal right after they rebuild you, okay? No skipping out on physical therapy, no trying to squeak by and soldier on. Just think: you've got the ultimate opportunity to become the 6 Million Dollar Filker. That's got to be worth something, right? *listens to the crickets chirp*

I had to have a knee rebuilt after tripping on a level, carpeted floor. Yeah, I'm graceful that way, but I've at least a vague idea on the pain levels and damage involved. *many gentle hugs* Get better, please. One of these days I'll actually get to meet you. ;)

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[info]selenesue
2008-06-09 06:36 pm UTC (link)
6 Million Dollar Filker, I think that is Dr. Harry Brener, with the bionic feet.

No, I'm not kidding.

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(no subject) - [info]elisabeth, 2008-06-09 06:41 pm UTC (Expand)

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[info]awfulhorrid
2008-06-09 06:30 pm UTC (link)
Wow, that doesn't sound like any fun at all. (I have ligament damage in one leg so I know how painful it can get doing ... well, nothing at all, really.) Lots of healing energy and all that to you. While you know we'll miss you at DucKon, we'd rather you be getting better.

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[info]kshandra
2008-06-09 07:28 pm UTC (link)
Nothing to add, here...I just thought our icons should hang out.

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(no subject) - [info]awfulhorrid, 2008-06-09 07:40 pm UTC (Expand)

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[info]janetmiles
2008-06-09 06:31 pm UTC (link)
I can't begin to imagine how that must hurt, but I know it does. I'm over here hoping for good surgeons, sensible physical therapists, and a complete recovery.

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[info]jcw_da_dmg
2008-06-09 06:32 pm UTC (link)
I am sorry that I will miss you at DucK and I hope the healing goes well!

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[info]naomi_de_plume
2008-06-09 06:33 pm UTC (link)
I'm so sorry you were hurt. :-( I hope things heal as quickly as they can.

Is there a help Tom effort being organized? If you're not at Cons, you're not playing and selling CDs. I hate to sound mercenary but how can we help you pay medical bills when you aren't out there earning money?

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[info]awfulhorrid
2008-06-09 06:43 pm UTC (link)
There's always here. Buy CDs or just click on the guitar case to donate directly.

(Reply to this) (Parent)
(no subject) - [info]ladysmith, 2008-06-09 07:43 pm UTC (Expand)
(no subject) - [info]qnofhrt, 2008-06-09 09:19 pm UTC (Expand)
(no subject) - [info]otookee, 2008-07-23 08:43 am UTC (Expand)

[info]per_solo
2008-06-09 06:33 pm UTC (link)
*HUGS* Get to feeling better, take care of yourself, and I'll see you when I next can. Will pass the word along.

As I've said, real life takes precedence, and I can't even imagine how this feels.

As normal, if there's anything I can do, please let me know.

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[info]selenesue
2008-06-09 06:35 pm UTC (link)
Holding the healing thoughts out in SoCal. I already own all your albums but they make great gifts, hmmm. Is it a better deal for you if we order through your own website, or through CD Baby or elsewhere?

MAKE them fix it. I have had too many issues with doctors who seem to see obesity as an excuse to abrogate their responsibilities in favor of "lose the weight and everything will fix itself." Sometimes it won't, particularly the structural issues.

I shepherded His Ex-Cellency through the 1999 NaSFIC when he was wheelchair-bound due to an injury. Interesting experience. Lots of places that claimed to be "accessible" weren't. I have no idea how he got in and out of the men's room with that L-shaped access. The wheelchair jousting versus John Creasey was pretty amusing though.

Keeping him fed in a low-carbohydrate regimen also prevented the all-too-common weight gain during convalescence. I recommend this highly.
Sorry if this sounds harsh-but-practical, know it's born of concern.

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[info]firedrake_mor
2008-06-09 08:06 pm UTC (link)
I second her advice -- she also herded me through tearing the quad completely off the right kneecap in '04, and that recovery was horrid because I'd sprained the left quad so badly I was in braces on BOTH legs. Going to the bathroom was a special kind of torture, and it was weeks before I could take a real shower. I hated asking for help, and I'm sure I made SeleneSue's life a special hell during that time -- and yet, she managed to plan and execute my 50th birthday party during it all!

Please go to all your physical therapy appointments, and yeah, losing some weight will help. It's not the be-all and end-all, no, but taking some of the strain off would be A Good Thing.

I wish I had something to send to you to keep you amused during your recovery, as you helped me when I tore up the left arm in '02, or the leg in '04 I don't so I'll settle for sending all the good thoughts I can muster.

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(no subject) - [info]herbmcsidhe, 2008-06-10 06:55 pm UTC (Expand)

[info]scifantasy
2008-06-09 06:35 pm UTC (link)
Ow, ow ow ow ow.

Much love back atcha, Tom; you'll be missed at Contata.

Quick healing, and best wishes.

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Oh for the love of
[info]solarbird
2008-06-09 06:37 pm UTC (link)
Tom, you know when somebody says "BREAK A LEG?" They don't mean it literally. Jesus.

(Get better soon, eh? ^_^ )

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Re: Oh for the love of
[info]dan_ad_nauseam
2008-06-10 06:23 am UTC (link)

Tom, you know when somebody says "BREAK A LEG?" They don't mean it literally. Jesus.


Ook!

Wishing a reasonably rapid recovery.

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[info]andpuff
2008-06-09 06:38 pm UTC (link)
Thinking of you!

::zen hugs::

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Pain and stuff
[info]markiv1111
2008-06-09 06:40 pm UTC (link)
This hurts all the worse when it happens to someone I consider a dear friend and would love to see again. Tom, you may know that I sprained my right ankle about 16 days ago, and will probably need help lugging gear around ConTata -- I am using a cane (crutches only for the first five or six days) and will have less ability to carry guitar cases and stuff. Your situation does totally suck, but listen to your doctors, and when the people close to you think you're overextending yourself (two or three weeks down the line) listen to them too. Being more careful is better than less, so you can heal as well as possible. Hugs and moral support --

Nate

(Reply to this) (Thread)
Re: Pain and stuff
[info]hms42
2008-06-09 07:36 pm UTC (link)
Just ask us for help @ Contata. We will give it.

Harold S.
Contata Staff

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]annathepiper
2008-06-09 06:41 pm UTC (link)
Take care of yourself, Tom! Rest up, and we'll be here when you have regular access again. :)

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[info]baladain
2008-06-09 06:41 pm UTC (link)
Best wishes man, may you heal faster than anyone could imagine.

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[info]fajrdrako
2008-06-09 06:44 pm UTC (link)
Oh dear - I hope it's fixed soon, with minimal hassle!

I am recovering slowly from a broken ankle. I can relate.

*gentle healing hugs*

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[info]jmthane
2008-06-09 06:45 pm UTC (link)
That's why [info]hsapiens, [info]wendyzski, and I adopted "Stub a toe!" as a replacement for "Break a leg!" - *much* less damaging!

Seriously - make 'em fix it, or make 'em tell you why they're hemming and hawing about it. And if it's weight-related - hit 'em!

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(189 comments) - (Post a new comment)

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