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Burning a PAM 26 and Thinking...
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smithbw Offline
#1 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:17 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
I generally save these for special occasions but today I said what the heck! Just thought that I would share with my cigar family what is happening in my life!

Today, I learned that I need “Another Operation”. Wow! Just happens to be the fourth one on my back in 10 years. Guess that Army life style is taking its toll on the ole body.

This operation seems to be a little more difficult that the other three. It appears that I have an unstable lumbar and the Doctor’s will stabilize it with hardware. Hardware???? They will use rods, plates, bolts, screws, and some bones from my leg to stabilize three vertebra (L4 through S1 for the technically minded) in the lumbar "lower back".

The operation will require abominable entry as well as entry from the back. The procedures are broken down over a 2 week period. The initial operation they will operate entering from the back. Two weeks later they will enter from the abdomen to get all the hardware properly in place. Double Wow!

I am grateful for the advancements in technology that allows this procedure to be possible but at the same time I am “A Little Apprehensive”…

26 August is the day for the operation and I thought that would be fitting for the PAM 26 tonight. I will be in the hospital at least 4 weeks if all goes well! I am just hoping for a smokin room...


Regards,



B
sketcha Offline
#2 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:27 AM EST
Joined: 03-26-2003
Posts: 3,238
Damn, dude! You should be smoking only the good stuff 'til you go in. Just make sure you save some for your recovery.

Best wishes,
Kendall
smithbw Offline
#3 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:33 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Kendall,

You are sooooo right! I will burn only the good ones...

Of course I don't think it is possible to smoke all of my stash in 4 weeks. LOL!

Thanks for the warm wishes!

Regards,



B

plabonte Offline
#4 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:42 AM EST
Joined: 09-11-2000
Posts: 2,131
Ouch! That sounds rough. The open your back, front, and I assume leg also to get the bone. Plus with all that hardware you are going to always set off metal detectors.

Good luck to you. I'll light one tonight in your honor and in hopes of a speedy recovery.
usahog Offline
#5 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:47 AM EST
Joined: 12-06-1999
Posts: 22,691
Wow B... thats deep Bro!!!!

I been goin through some **** myself here... but I wouldn't wish whats goin on with you on anybody!!!

I dislocated my L4 L5 last year while deployed and pulled the Pan?? muscle that holds all that together away from itself... on top of it all I also got some sort of Infection thats ended up to be Chronic... so I'm awaiting weather I'm still employed for Uncle Sam or not!!! been dealin with allot of mixed emotions and **** too... besides the other Issues... I know how your feelings can be crashing too Bro!!!!

Drop me an email also... I got your project along with several others on the shop desk... I still need them Measurments of your cabnet before I can Cut this stuff up with the Hatchet and Nail it together with the splittin Maul!!!! LoL

"Keep the Leaf Burnin"
and Keep the Faith Bro!!!

Hog
DrMaddVibe Offline
#6 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:57 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,556
I don't want to be stuck behind you at the metal detectors!

Sorry to hear about that. Keep us updated on your progress. I was watching an old movie on FMC and they used to smoke right IN the hospital rooms. It was a John Wayne flick and I can't remember the name, but it was based on a true navy hero that developed the aircraft carriers that won the war.

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em...you know what I mean!
xrundog Offline
#7 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 12:19 PM EST
Joined: 01-17-2002
Posts: 2,212
Best wishes Billy! You will be hurting for awhile. Then you will work hard at rehab and in the end you will feel much better than you do now. Think positive!!
choner Offline
#8 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 1:02 PM EST
Joined: 02-04-2003
Posts: 876
Billy,
Sorry to hear about your condition, but I know everything will be fine and you'll be right back on this board with the same great spirit that makes you one of the top dogs on these boards.

My girlfriend has a history of back problems and she is only 23. A few of her discs in her back have lost their strength (deteriorating) and she gets back pains easily. She has to get checked up often. We have to take it easy when we go on hikes and play sports. So I can relate a little to your situation.

My thoughts and heart will be with you during the days of your operation. Keep strong, keep smokin!

choner
eleltea Offline
#9 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 1:09 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
Wishing you a surgery that makes all your back problems go away for good!

Now, how about a review of that '26?
CigarNewb Offline
#10 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 1:30 PM EST
Joined: 04-24-2003
Posts: 127
Billy,

Best wishes to you my brother!! I am also waiting for another surgery on my shoulder. I know how frustrating it is. Your spirit and good karma will no doubt pull you through with flying colors. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. let me know if there is anything you need or anything i can do for you!!

Aloha,
Jon
Robby Offline
#11 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 3:37 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
Son of a b!tch! Billy, that sucks! I’ve had issues before with my back, but there were temporary. I can only imagine what you must be going through… Are you in a military hospital? Military doctors? Or private hospital/doctors? Is this going to be in Germany? Or stateside? I hope this isn't prying, please let us know the particulars so we can keep good thoughts and send things when the time is right.

Take care.
smithbw Offline
#12 Posted: Fri, Jul 25 2003, 11:44 PM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
usahog - I need your email address again... Sorry, but I lost all of my contacts because I did not use my hotmail account for a while. I will get you the measurements. I hope that you get better soon!

Robby - I am using the German Doctor's and Hospital. I would not let an Army Doctor do this operation. Although, they did do just fine before. The AF Doctor's did great too.

Jon - Wow! I did not know about your shoulder. I hope that your operation goes well. Please keep me informed. Don't wanna loose you now...LOL!

The PAM 26 was in one word incredible.

Here is a quick review:

Construction - Flawless, smooth, oily, shinny!

Cut - effortlessly and swift

Prelight draw: Probably the best drawing cigar in the World is the Padron. Well, the 26 was consistent and incredibly flavorful.

Burn - Absolutely perfect the entire way. Razor sharp line and the gar never got hot!

Taste -. The tastes were Leathery, Earthy with hints of chocolate. Incredible. The flavor was consistent the entire way. On the back end it got a little stronger but not a major change.

One thing about a PAM is that you always get a mouthful of smoke kind of effortlessly which enhanced the experience. The smoke is always light and pure white. One helluva gar!

Thank you all for the Warm Wishes. I am positive that everything will turn out for the best. Please don't get behind me at the airport...

I am still hoping for a smokin room...

Regards,



B



Intel Offline
#13 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 2:21 AM EST
Joined: 06-24-2002
Posts: 546
Best wishes I hope all will go well.
hoagie55 Offline
#14 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 3:51 AM EST
Joined: 03-01-2003
Posts: 909
Billy,

I wish you luck my friend! Anytime you mess with the back it can be tricky. My wife was in an accident in April and it really messed her back up. I would comment more, but we're involved in a lawsuit.

I will also be going under the knife on August 14th. I'll be hospitalized for 3-7 days and then home in bed for at least another 2-3 weeks. I can sympathize with you as they will be making an incision from my belly button to my sternum. I've beem told that I will be in a lot of pain for several weeks. The only good news is that my doctor does not believe in pain and prescribes some good stuff.

Anyway, I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Take it easy, I wish you the best with your surgery, and God Bless!

Matt
smithbw Offline
#15 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 4:26 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Matt,

My Brother - You did not Hijack my thread.

I wish you the best of luck and please feel free to share some of the good stuff! =)

Regards,


B
emgjet Offline
#16 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 4:56 AM EST
Joined: 11-28-2001
Posts: 1,231
Billy,

I was wondering why you haven't responded to the email I sent you.

God Bless my friend, and from my household to yours, we wish you the very best and a speedy recovery.

Please email me with your addy, as I seem to have misplaced it when I was configuring my computer. The boys (Firefighters of Uppper West. NY) and I wanted to send you a little token of our appreciation for the smokes you sent them a while back.

Ed (emgjet at optonline dot net)
BMW Offline
#17 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 6:27 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 3,010
Best of luck Billy, I hope all goes well for you. Everyday above ground is a good day and worth celebrating with the best you've got, and a 1926 makes my mouth water.

Barry
smithbw Offline
#18 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 6:29 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Ed,

Email sent. I love our Nation's Firefighters and truly admire what they do "Every Day" for the rest of us.

Let me know when they need a few more smokes.

Regards,



B
rmarrandino Offline
#19 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 7:00 AM EST
Joined: 12-07-2002
Posts: 893
Billy,

Damn!!! That sounds pretty serious. I'm sorry to hear about your back and the operation. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

As you always said. Smoke 'em if you got them because they always make more.

Rocco
wer Offline
#20 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 8:29 AM EST
Joined: 02-13-2003
Posts: 1,633
Best wishes for complication free surgery and a speedy recovery Billy.
merlin9052 Offline
#21 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 11:06 AM EST
Joined: 04-25-2003
Posts: 308
Hey Billy,
Good luck man!I've had 4 myself since 1991 and have never regretted it!Felt much better each time.maybe we can compare appliances after your healed!!LOL I've got a titanium plate and 5 screws in my neck holding everything together,so i guess my head is screwed on tight!Hang in there bro and good luck on everything.
Speedy recovery!!!!!
Eric
smithbw Offline
#22 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 11:43 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Eric,

I too have a titanium plate in the cervical region C4 to C6. Amazing! I guess we can compare hardware. LOL!

I have a link for this operation. If blood and gore does not scare you take a look at what the Doctor sent me for a referecne:

http://www.neurosurgery.org/focus/july02/intro.pdf

Thanks for the warm wishes.

Regards,


B
cwilhelmi Offline
#23 Posted: Sat, Jul 26 2003, 4:08 PM EST
Joined: 07-24-2001
Posts: 2,739
Billy -

Good luck man! I herniated a disk 8 years ago and understand the strange and incredible pain back injuries can cause. Eventually, I'll have the surgery, but I'm doing my best to avoid it.

We'll all be thinking of you and I'm smoking a special smoke on the 26th for good luck, probably a "Prefexcion" X!! Can't wait to hear from you that everything went better than expected and all is well.

C
docrks Offline
#24 Posted: Sun, Jul 27 2003, 7:37 AM EST
Joined: 03-03-2003
Posts: 2,708
Billy -

You know that all - and only our very best wishes go out to you !

Here is THE Classic example of how our Military Servicemen continue to pay and sacrifice throughout their entire lives for their dedication and service to our nation - long after their "Active" service years are over.......

I had my buddy (Head Ortho at Walter Reed Med Center) speak to your German surgeons -- they all agree that the fastest recovery possible is for you to take that hop over the pond where your own "Smoking Encouraged Recovery Room" is waiting for you in Jersey -- between the seaside air and the mountain streams - (and unlimited access to my humis (including the Sacred 3) you will find that a return to your total healthy old self is just a few days away !!

May God Bless You and Yours ----

smithbw Offline
#25 Posted: Sun, Jul 27 2003, 1:44 PM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
To quote a good friend of mine, "It is not often that I am at lose for words"....

Thank you! For such a gracious offer, I am truly humbled by your generosity.

All the Way and then Some!



B
Tobasco Offline
#26 Posted: Sun, Jul 27 2003, 8:18 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2003
Posts: 2,809

smithbw

Good luck with your operation. You are one of the really good guys around here. Best wishes and I'll say a prayer for you.

Take Care, Mike(Mag)
Lowman Offline
#27 Posted: Mon, Jul 28 2003, 4:01 AM EST
Joined: 12-03-2002
Posts: 6,982
Billy,

Sorry to hear about your on going back problems. Good luck with the surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers... I'll burn the Luci for luck...

Low

BTW, Doc makes a good point. The ocean and mountain air is great for speeding the recovery process... Take him up on that !!
smithbw Offline
#28 Posted: Mon, Jul 28 2003, 5:10 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Lowman,

I know that the NJ bortherhood would take great care of me.

Thank you for the warm wishes!

Regards,



B
jd1 Offline
#29 Posted: Mon, Jul 28 2003, 6:55 AM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
Wishing you a successful surgery and the most speedy recovery possible my friend. My Uncle had some fused vertebrae around his neck taken care of through the front of the throat; it's amazing the technicality of it all!
Love those PAMs/PANs '26/'64
smithbw Offline
#30 Posted: Mon, Jul 28 2003, 11:21 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
JD1,

Yes, I had the same operation some time ago where they fused C5 to C7 with plates. They entered through the front as well. Technology, Technology, Technology...I have to trust it!

Thanks for the Warm Wishes Bro!

Regards,


B
Lowman Offline
#31 Posted: Sat, Aug 23 2003, 2:24 PM EST
Joined: 12-03-2002
Posts: 6,982
Billy,

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck and I hope all goes well with the surgery.

My good thoughts and prayers are with you...

Low

PS... I will be going thru withdralls fron not trading with smithbw for over a month... LOL
smithbw Offline
#32 Posted: Sat, Aug 23 2003, 11:47 PM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Thanks Bro!

I go in the hospital tomorrow with the operation scheduled for Tuesday.

Regards,


B
JustDanD Offline
#33 Posted: Sun, Aug 24 2003, 3:39 AM EST
Joined: 02-27-2003
Posts: 748
Best of luck. Been saving my PAM 26 for a special occasion too. I'll smoke it on the 26th in your honor. We will all eagerly await the results (of your sugery, not my cigar)

Dan (JustDanD)
smithbw Offline
#34 Posted: Sun, Aug 24 2003, 9:36 AM EST
Joined: 09-01-2001
Posts: 2,444
Tommorow is the big day, of sorts, needless to say I am very nervous but I am also very hubmled because of the outpour of "Warm Wishes". Thank you "All Very Much"!

Smoke em if you got em because the (almost) always make more and blow some smoke to the East for "OUR Nations Warriors"!

Mega Hooah!


B
xibbumbero Offline
#35 Posted: Sun, Aug 24 2003, 12:06 PM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
Billy,Here's wishing the best. X
HarleyDave Offline
#36 Posted: Sun, Aug 24 2003, 5:06 PM EST
Joined: 03-10-2003
Posts: 1,550
Billy,

I wish you a very speedy recovery. I'm sure you will bounce back from this better than ever. My prayers and best wishes are with you.
octowings Offline
#37 Posted: Sun, Aug 24 2003, 6:10 PM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 390
Good Luck Billy!

...octo
rasdas Offline
#38 Posted: Sun, Aug 24 2003, 6:39 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 4,716
Billy...my prayers and thoughts will be with you...

RasDas

Joe
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