Yes I am glad to be back at building and racing.

[cantstopnow]

So as some of you know I dropped out after my work injury back on 6/19/13. Full thickness tear in each shoulder and 3 partial thickness tears. I was told by my surgeon that I should make a full recovery due to being in great shape and that I am a non drinker/smoker. I looked forward to having the surgeries and getting back to work. After my first surgery on my right shoulder I was told that I would not be able to go back to construction. Well, that is what i have done for 25+ years. Had some issues with getting my range of motion back, but I finally did. Have yet to regain my strength, and told I most likely will not. When I had the surgery on my left shoulder ( there was a 6 month gap) the surgeon told my Wife Doni that the damage was far worse than expected. The tendon was torn and frayed. he had to shorten it and the attachment point was not where it was prior. None of this was what I had expected at all.

So after about a year of physical therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, nerve flossing and weight training i am left with a weight limit on my left arm of 5 pounds a couple times a day. I have nerve issues that are very painful when I try and do my weight conditioning. Tonight is one of those nights. My right arm still has a limit of 25 pounds.

So over the last year of having this stuff happen plus learning to live on a lot less of a income I have had to deal with a few episodes of depression. Kinda having one now. I have talked with my docs about this, but don't want to take any meds for it if I don't have to. I spoke with my vocational counselor about retraining, but unless my condition improves she does nit see that happening. They have talk about permanent disability. Not what I want to hear.

So I wanted to thank the kind folks here at Homeracingworld for buying a lot of my cars in Dec/Jan of 13/14. You all saved my Christmas! Also for a couple of you who said to hang on to some of it, as it came in real handy as I try very hard to get back at life. It has been very difficult to accept the change that has been thrown at me, but doing my best to move on.

This site and the people on it are great. I was able to make a couple false starts at posting my builds as I delt with stuff and you all have been great at kind words of support. Thank You all for that :text-thankyouyellow: .

On with the builds, John W

[vonsirius]

Never give up, and keep slot racing!!!!
Best wishes.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Yes, great seeing you back in action. Hang in there and enjoy it :)

[FootScoot]

I too am glad you are doing better, maybe not exactly what you wanted, but better. I have had my own things to deal with since 3-13, but it's improving everyday. I went through the depression thing also, but not because of my physical condition, although that can trigger it especially when you are used to doing things you now can't. I have a friend who is in the same place after having a major back surgery and was told he would never be able to do what he did again. Not what he wanted to hear after 40 years of working the same job, but he's learning to cope with it, and doing much better a year and a half later. So it does get better. It just takes time. :)

[strangebrew]

The best therapy is at least 2 hobbies. Good luck going forward.

[Czar]

Best wishes as you navigate these changes in your life. With support and determination you will find a new challenge that will bring you fulfillment and satisfaction. It may be something that you never expected, just be open to new possibilities. Meanwhile, you have friends here that are cheering for you and all the other slotsters who are facing dificulties right now.

[ChallengerGuy]

Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you continue to improve in health and that this hobby helps smooth over the rough patches. I know it has helped for me.

Cheers,
Mike

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I have long-term experience with Depression personally, and as I read your story I realized I could have written every word myself. All I'm saying is that you are not alone, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel (I'm resisting a reference to a oncoming train here), and always, keep reminding yourself that you will survive these bad times. You only have to tough them out once then move on, gathering strength for the next time it may come over you. Hang tough, John. There are millions of us who fight Depression.

[munter]

It sounds like you are on the recovery pathway.
My little bit of advice is to talk about things with whoever will listen.
That means the people here too....slowly but surely you will move forward. Dont quit slotcars that is for sure.

Regards from another John W

[dreinecke]

John,

I'm very glad to see you back. I loved your old track and cars but am really excited by what you're now building.

Having destroyed my right shoulder I know what you've gone through a bit there. I've also got carpultunnel and tendinitis in both elbows. That sucks, but I get by. The PT was critical and even though I'm not as strong on the right as I once was, I got full range of motion back through PT and am very happy and surprised by that. Because they had to attach my bicep to a non-original point I never thought that would happen.

Hang in there and take deep breaths. We are here for you!

[cantstopnow]

Hey Guys. A little while ago I found out that my left shoulder surgery did not work and is now worse than before the surgery. At that point the depression really kicked in. Bad. I was at a loss. Doctor pulled me out of PT and I sat at home. All I did was play video games, all day. Well I did lurk this and read thru this. With support of my Wife and best friend I was able to pull it together and get moving again. Cleaned my track and working on my cars again. I started a rehab program last week that is helping me learn to live with my disability. They are also helping me with my depression and will help with worker retraining. Reading thru this reminds me that I am not alone. THANK YOU!!! John W. "wontstopnow"

[RazorJon]

John glad to see you posting again

As said, if you ever need to talk or you just want to hear some corny jokes PM me a # and time, I work 2nd shift so I am up all night

Guy goes into a bar with jumper cables wrapped around his neck, bartender said ok I will serve you but you better not start anything

[Gameover]

Good one Jon! Same goes for me too pm and a call my friend!

[HomeRacingWorld]

Hang in there. You will make it through, and we will be here :)