What has AO done for you?

[Nocked]

Hello everyone

First of all I am not a long time member of this or any other forum for that matter. I do consider myself somewhat of an outdoorsman dating back to my illustrious yet short career as a young fish spearing, turtle catching, raccoon chasing toddler. In my late teens I left my parent’s home and came west to Alberta. Transferred really. I was lucky enough to work for a company right out of high school that was contracted to oversee the building of a new power plant in west central Alberta. As many young men entering their early twenty’s I was introduced to a whole variety of new things in the years that followed, and some of those things I took quite a liking to and they remain important things in my life today, such as my wife and subsequent children. I know that should be a given but I thought I would throw it in here just in case she happens to read this. Another thing I was fortunate enough to take up, and be taught, was hunting. Real big game hunting. A variety of both small and large game has blessed my family’s freezer on many occasions over the twenty year period that followed.
Then it happened. I am not sure of the day, month, or even the year, however despite what I thought were my best efforts the reality was clear. I became a non hunter. A very seldom fisher. Unless i was travelling down the highway in a my truck tagging along a near 40 foot fifth wheel complete with big screen tv and fireplace, I wasn’t much for the outdoors. Yes I camped, and quadded, snoring happily away in a king sized bed at night. Now spending every rainy moment, not out by the fire, but in front of the glowing electric heat of the fireplace in all that cozy overpriced comfort. I got soft. I didn't have the energy, the time, the desire. When I hit my 50th birthday I knew what old was, or at least I thought I did. I had chosen a career that although not physically taxing is very mentally challenging and requires the ability to pull rabbits out of hats on a regular basis. That was my hunting. Reaching into the proverbial top hat and immerging with a magical rabbit firmly in hand that would somehow solve each customers need or problem of the day. I got softer. I continued to lose interest. I sold the trailer, then the truck, bought a car, worked and slept.
My 51st birthday was uneventful except for a thought in the back of my mind that something was wrong. Not a pain, nor an ache, just an uneasy feeling that something wasn't right. A long discriminating look in the mirror confirmed my suspicions. Not only was I softer yet, but heavier, not in my face, shoulders and arms but in my belly. That was it. It was official. I was old. A few weeks later I decided maybe something else was wrong. It would be something minor for sure. Not something worth going to the doctor for, and something that would definitely clear itself up in a matter of days, or at the very worst a few weeks. Always the optimist.
On the way to work one morning the feeling of uneasiness finally overcame the secure feeling of optimism and I stopped at the clinic. It started. Two days of tests. Then more tests, more hospitals, nurses, technicians, and doctors, each one looking at me with a measure of sadness in their eyes and wishing me good luck with quiet voices as I left their offices, clinics, and hospitals. What was happening to me?
Diagnosis? Massive tumor. Options? Only one: surgery. Chances of survival? 15 to 20%
One year ago yesterday I was sent home for the second time from the hospital. The first was to have a few days to consult with family and our lawyer. That last opportunity to put things right if need be, and make sure all was in order as they say. This time it was simply to spend my last few days with my family. To enjoy the moments we take for granted, to hug the kids and tell my wife how much I loved her over and over again.
Then it was back to face the inevitable. An estimated 5 to 6 hours of surgery turned into almost 12, which was followed up by a week of intensive care, deep in a medically induced coma as my family worried, wondered, waited, and comforted each other. When I finally awakened one of my many doctors came to me right away, shook my hand gently, and with a smile and a wink, turned to my nurse, and said, “see, I told you sometimes this **** works”! The best one liner I have ever heard.
.After a lengthy hospital stay, some intense therapy, and my share of discomfort and pain, I finally returned to the comfort of my home and the outstanding care of my extremely loving family. It was during this time at home, late the first night, wife tossing and turning beside me, my tired eyes awash in the glow of the dim light of an Ipad, that I discovered AO. I read thread upon thread by men and women alike and although I had never met a single one of you, I knew you all immediately. I followed the adventures of some, scoffed at the rants of others. I witnessed the compassion of members, described in well thought out words to others, when circumstances required them. I read jokes that made me smile so wide inside that I reasoned that there was never was room for a tumor inside of me. I cried reading one particular thread and honestly wondered what some of you were thinking when you occasionally posted replies composed solely of comments of hate and anger. I was truly amazed by most of your writings and once again found the desire to join you all in your adventures. AO became one of the many things I looked forward to every day. I have enjoyed many threads and have honestly been disappointed by a few, as you all may be with this one. I finally joined your group, even though I never have much to contribute. I think this may be my third or fourth post. I have learned things I thought I knew but obviously did not. I have tagged along on so many of your hunts, right there with you, your words and pictures guiding me around every turn, trail, and cutline. I took my son to buy his first bow. I have been outdoors almost every day since well before bow season started. Scouting, seeking permission, and now hunting. I have had no animal willing to give up it’s life to me yet this season, however with your help I have sat quietly by as many have done so to feed the families of AO’s members.
The good news is one year has passed and life is back to very much what I would call normal. There is no cancer in my body, there is no reoccurrence of the thing that was determined to end my live, and there has been no new growth at all. My spirits are high, my strength continuing to build, my desire as strong as it was the day I caught my first painted turtle, and my body no longer tired. My entire being longs for the time spent outdoors.

Keep up the good work all, and please remember, you never know who’s life your words may be touching and although sometimes it may seem trivial to you, someone else may very well be depending on you to get them through. Gentleman, if I have learned anything it is this. If it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.

THANK YOU ALL!

[Alberta Bigbore]

I have met alot of friends, and AO has expanded my hunting and fishing ranges. Just recently make a good friendship on here that is getting me back into bowhunting and have once again learned the thrill of the hunt, and get in the bush and backcountry.

AO was alot of fun for me before moderating. But since becoming one.. it has really killed the fizz for me. Apparently a common trait of the volunteer job

[mudbug]

AO has been an interesting experience for me, I've met lots of great people and have made some good friendships as well

[sureshot]

Ao members went above and beyond to help my family financially when my daughter broke her neck and my wife had to leave her job to look after her. It's something myself and my family will be eternally grateful for. Luckily she made a 100% recovery.

Andy

[bessiedog]

I've met a few members. All stand up guys.
There are alot of incredible great people here... And by the looks of it, you'll fit right in.

Keep your strength up.

[BigRackLover]

Originally Posted by Alberta Bigbore

I have met alot of friends, and AO has expanded my hunting and fishing ranges. Just recently make a good friendship on here that is getting me back into bowhunting and have once again learned the thrill of the hunt, and get in the bush and backcountry.

AO was alot of fun for me before moderating. But since becoming one.. it has really killed the fizz for me. Apparently a common trait of the volunteer job

I've been bugging you for years to put away that silly muzzleloader ....

[Red Bullets]

Nock:
Thank you for your inspirational post. We live in amazing times medically. And luckily the human body is extremely resilient. I am glad you took time to share.

I am glad you are getting close to nature again by hunting too.

An old saying I like is:

A doctor may cure but nature will heal.
And
Strong winds make strong trees.

Nature has been helping me heal from leukemia and more. So you are not alone. We are the true Warriors on the edge of Time.

AO has been a great help to me in that I can impart and absorb the odd tidbit of wisdom, laughter, information, and support. Some very knowledgeable people, some humorous, some just plain entertaining. All in all a great bunch. AO helps keep me in touch with todays hunting, fishing and trapping community too. Alot of people seemed to disappear when I got sick so places like AO are a blessing.

( I probably say too much sometimes on AO but a pact I made when I realized I was a soldier on the edge of time was not to hold back anymore)

__________________________________________________ _______________
A very old fellow I met really did say this to me. Changed my perspective.

Don't tell me what you have done in life...tell me what you have left to do and how much time will it take.

So to you I say ... Carry on, pip pip and all that jazz.
Nice to know you are here on AO.

[Alberta Bigbore]

Originally Posted by BigRackLover

I've been bugging you for years to put away that silly muzzleloader ....

I know i should have listened lol

[Pixel Shooter]

Refreshing post Glad to hear your back on the road to good health!! You say you don't have much to contribute but after reading this post, I think you underestimate yourself. Glad you took the leap of faith and look forward to having you as a contributor. Look forward to seeing some pics soon No pressure LOL

[huntsfurfish]

Welcome to the board.

[ETOWNCANUCK]

One of the nicer threads posted on here in a while...

Welcome nock....

Good luck on your future outdoor adventures

[Lefty-Canuck]

Good post, happy you are on the mend and you were able to find a deflection in AO.

For me I have met some great folks made some friends and had hours of laughs skimming through things.....even learned a thing or two.

LC

[BGSH]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Good post, happy you are on the mend and you were able to find a deflection in AO.

For me I have met some great folks made some friends and had hours of laughs skimming through things.....even learned a thing or two.

LC

Met a great fellow that goes by the name Lefty-Canuck

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by BGSH

Met a great fellow that goes by the name Lefty-Canuck

LOL....you must be on the tail end of an all-nighter buddy

LC

[BGSH]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

LOL....you must be on the tail end of an all-nighter buddy

LC

[Cal]

When I come on here and bash random people for no particular reason, it helps me forget about my small penis!!! Thank you AO!!

[b_doornenbal]

Sold 2 stocks, bought 2 guns !! Positive on them all.

[BGSH]

Originally Posted by Cal

When I come on here and bash random people for no particular reason, it helps me forget about my small penis!!! Thank you AO!!

Feel sorry for you man, but luckly for you in your case it would be how you twerk it

[sakogreywolf]

Welcome to the forum nocked!

I am happy to read that you paid attention to what your body was telling you. I am also happy to read that the surgery was successful and that you have recovered. In my opinion, if you were never to post anything else again, (of course I hope that will not be the case), your contribution to the forum would already be immense. Your post has inspired me to tell my recent/ongoing story and what AO has provided me throughout.

I have been farming for the last 18 years. For most of those years I would pick up a winter job (oilfield work, hauling equipment, hauling grain, etc.) Often times throughout my life, at the end of a physical day, my back would tend to cease up to some degree, but then be fine the next day. I always assumed that this was somewhat normal, due to the physical nature of my work. Throughout this time, I found it difficult to stand in one spot......especially on concrete floors and in malls and such. Again, I did not think much about it, as I have often heard others complain about being on hard surfaces.

In the spring of 2011, I could feel something move in my spine, followed by intense pain. Over a couple of weeks that initial pain subsided, but from then on I had constant pain in my lower back and cyatic pain down my left thigh. After a while, I went to my Dr. to see what could be done. I was informed that an mri could not be done until my symptoms were worse and physio therapy was recommended. Three months after my referral, I got in for physio (stretches and core muscle exercises). Physio did help a bit for the cyatic pain, but never did take it fully away. Meanwhile I was taking over the counter anti inflammatories to make life bearable.

In February 2012, with the pain being constant, I received a referral to a pain specialist, with the idea being that cortisone injections would be my next step. Finally in August/September, I got into see the pain specialist who ordered an mri and a ct scan, Upon receiving the results, the specialist was dismayed by what he saw........and told me that he would indeed give me cortisone infections and refer me to a neurosurgeon. My appointment with the neurosurgeon took place in January 2013. I was told that I was born with a defect in my L5 vertebrae, in which I was missing a piece of bone to help keep my vertebrae in place........and that it was trying to compensate by expanding bone to itself, finally pushing itself out of place. A spinal fusion was my only alternative, and if I did not have surgery, I would become disabled. I was told it would be about a year before surgery would be performed. During this wait time, the pain spread to my right leg as well, and started beyond my thighs and into my calves, as well as tingling in my feet.

After I got the crops seeded this previous May, my back did give out. I could no longer stand, sit or move about beyond the house. I was couch bound and in pain. LOL, I thought that this would get me in surgery sooner.......no such luck at first. Surgery was still scheduled for January 2014. This summer my surgeon was forced into retirement due to illness (another story). I found this out during my second attempt at getting in quicker for surgery, as it was becoming a worry that my spine would completely collapse, causing possible irrepairable damage. My file was transferred to another neurosurgeon. I was starting to give up hope, and starting to look into going stateside. In looking stateside, I needed info on my surgery from Regina. As a result of this call, my new surgeon reviewed my file and booked me for surgery for early September.

It has now been six weeks since my spinal fusion/laminectomy surgery and my prognosis is good with an expected full recovery......hopefully by next spring. Currently, I am doing core muscle exercises and up to walking a mile and a half per day, and increasing that distance every week.

Due to these circumstances, and with great sadness, I have been forced to give up my own farm. However, life goes on and I will look at this as a new chapter. On the positive side, I will resume a normal life with new oppurtunities ahead, or who knows, perhaps even farm for someone else. This has been a life changing event which has reaffirmed that you CANNOT take anything for granted........and for that I am grateful.

I discovered this forum in the fall of 2011. I initially joined it for the pictures of big game animals and in the excitement of showing off a mule deer I shot that fall. I found the forum to be great entertainment for the winters during slower times and never really had much time for it during the rest of the year. Since my ordeal with my back rendered my incapable, and now during my recovery......it has become a site that I have been VERY THANKFULL for, in that it has provided me with an escape to pass time with, as well as the vast information, experiences, debates, pictures and stories of big game being pursued. Simply put.........I will receive much more from AO than I will ever be able to contribute.

[Nocked]

I am just reading through this thread and helping the Mrs get ready for a late Thanksgiving dinner with our kids which will all be home today. Cant wait to have everyone in the house together again. I wanted to say thanks to those who took the time to welcome me, and to say I have really enjoyed reading all the replies this morning. I think that possibly my lurking life is over. Thanks again everyone.

[catnthehat]

I put all the blame on Dick284 for telling me to register as a member here!!
Seriously though, I am a member of several different forums, but enjoy this one the most.
met quite a few members here, some who have become good friends.....
Cat

[Nocked]

sakogreywolf :"Simply put.........I will receive much more from AO than I will ever be able to contribute".

My thoughts exactly. Thanks so much for posting your story. I hope your recovery continues to head in the right direction.

[coyotekiller]

Originally Posted by Nocked

sakogreywolf :"Simply put.........I will receive much more from AO than I will ever be able to contribute".

My thoughts exactly. Thanks so much for posting your story. I hope your recovery continues to head in the right direction.

x2 and welcome nock

[NewGuard84]

I enjoy this forum more than any other I belong to, despite being very new to it. I have been impressed by the vast knowledge of all things sporting and outdoors that the members share here. I came in knowing some basics and learn more and more every time I read the discussions. Without forums like this, people would need to spend a lifetime accumulating the knowledge that is generously shared here. Mostly great people and an awesome resource. Thanks to the mods, I'm sure it's lots of work to let the rest of us enjoy this forum.

[Ruger1022]

Thank you for sharing Nocked, the bush will keep you healthy and happy!!


Like others I have been part of other forums but this forum is the one I continue to come back too..

Keep up the good work guys as I will continue to support anyway I can.

[Nester]

It's nice here. Smells funny at times, nice comfortable seat, no bugs or mice, interesting characters that you have to shake your head at, sometimes it's all business and other times it's all pleasure, warm sometimes cold...you will occasionally have a visitor that passes by never too be seen again, magazines need to updated though......



wait a minute......

[winger7mm]

Well aside from the information shared and the countless hours reading on AO, Most off iv met some really great folks from here. I had some great hunts with these guys. Some got me addicted to elk, others have gotten me addicted to birds over dogs. Some have become great friends and others have been a wealth of info.

[Percher]

I read your story and it had a good ending.
Just thought I'd mention you have the talent to be a great writer.
Good Luck to you and your family.