Michael T. Shaffer "Snake" auto accident on 10/07/08.

[Mike McFarlin]

Stay in touch and let us know how your doing from time to time..Spanky

Hang in there. Things have to get better!

[doctormoo]

hang in there snake
hip replacements aint that bad
alot of available women  nurses and patients ( patients around 70)
i just had my 2nd  one last year
1st 1 20 years ago
that titamium last a long time
i was hit head on by a 78 caprice in 88
and i believe radiation wont hurt it
if ya got any questions about the surgery let me know
i learned the hard way
iwas a contractor for a while
and spent 20 years at river bend
later kevin brow

[pappy]

Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress. I had a friend here in Ga that just did the hip replacement and was out dancing Saturday nite, 3 weeks after the surgery! Keep reaching for the next rung of the ladder, ask "what do I do next to get going again!"
I hope that things improve soon for you. I was very lucky, hope I can send some luck your way....

[blackballedsnake]

Thanks much fer the support...Karma to all "yinz" out there. I will know more soon enough. The doctor needs some time to decide the proper path to take. Catcha later!  - Snake. 

[blackballedsnake]

Greetings and salutations! How's everybody doin' out there? Well, anyhoo...here's the latest. I have an "open/non-union" fracture at the very top of my RT pelvic socket that was previously "undetected" on follow-up X-rays! [an MRI/CT scan found it] My RT patella (kneecap) has some damage that was "misinterpreted" as a congenital two-piece kneecap! [a birth defect] The lower back problems are basically pinched nerves in L-4/L-5, and "residuals" from my L-1 compression fracture in 1999. What does all this mean? IF I "fail" at rehabilitation (PT/OT) again, I'll be gettin' my hip replaced...no if's, and's, or but's about it!! I have a few non-surgical options as far as my knee is concerned. There is some good news...I'll be doin' my PT/OT at the Southside Sports Medicine Complex in 'da 'burgh! (I start on 8/7...so cross yer fingers and wish me luck!) This is the place where the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins go to get better! Hey, hey, that works for me!! (maybe I'll try to "schmooz" some tickets, etc.) That's all fer now. Keep it real out there!    - Snake.

[Camella Black]

Greetings and salutations old friend. Glad to hear from you and looks like they finally have their act together. Good luck with the p.t. I know it can be stressful and painful from personal experience. Hope you score some tickets!

[blackballedsnake]

Hey everyone! what's shakin'? I decided to "unmask" the "Snake"...so to speak! I am doin' okay with PT so far...slow 'n steady, right? Anyhoo...I did meet Art Rooney Jr. @ therapy one day...I didn't have the heart to "beg" him for some Steeler tickets! (oh, well) Be good to yourselves out there!   - Mike "Snake" Shaffer.

[slattmandu]

How's that recovery/therapy process going? I talked to your Dad a while back. I think they came and gave a strippable coating presentation. We are still trying to convince folks here of the benefits vs cost. We'll see if it happens. Take cars Mike I hope you are feeling better!

[blackballedsnake]

Thanks much Slatts...I hear ya! I am kinda "bummed out" right now. I tried to do some weed whackin' with the trimmer over the weekend. I used to be able to do the whole yard, etc. in an hour or two. (1.2 acres worth) I did about half of the perimeter around the house!! I was in pain after only 20 minutes! What a let down...oh, well...baby steps, right? Severe injuries really SUCK!    - Snake.

[Jr8black3]

Black I don't know you, but if Slatts does it's cool with me....

[blackballedsnake]

Thanks Black...a "voucher" from an "old roady" like Slatts mean the world to me! Karma to "yinz" both.   - Snake.

[blackballedsnake]

Hi everyone! What's shakin' in yer tree?? I wanted to give yinza update...it's been damn near 9 months! WOW...were does the time go?! Well, I failed my third attempt at PT in late November. I saw my orthopaedic surgeon with the dread of getting a hip replacement...(that's what he said if I failed once more at PT/OT...yada, yada) Well, he "180-ed" his previous statement about what my options would be if I failed again. (no surprise there!) I told them...ahhh...to get 'bent"...yeah...let's stick to that. I went to UPMC's competition, and they are absolutely wonderful! The winter deep-freeze was brutal on me joints, etc. Now, I'm almost ready to be accepted into another PT/OT program to help condition my body for the type of work, and lifestyle I like to live! COOL...ABOUT #&%@ TIME, EH?! Keep it swingin' out there...hope to join all yinz soon.  - Michael T. "Snake" Shaffer.    (P.S.) - Does anybody out there have any "insider" info. on the Army Corp. of Engineers plans to remediate B&W/Numec's trenches in Parks TWP. in Armstrong County, PA? (that's a local job for me, AND a great way for me to get back in 'da biz, right?)

[blackballedsnake]

Hi everyone...AND you know who you are! I am almost ready to hit the ground runnin'. I should be released from my physician's care by the end of July to full duty without any restrictions!!. (freakin' awesome, right?) I am itchin' to get back in the game. (did I just say I wanna work!?) Anyhoo...I just thought I'd update all yinz. Have a good one!  - Snake.

[Mike McFarlin]

Best news I have heard today!!

[blackballedsnake]

Greetings and salutations! A little update for yinz all...if ya care to know. I was hoping to get in 'da game this fall. Well, no such luck. My doctor wants me to stay in PT/OT until late September...oh friggin' well. I need the "official" documents of medical release from care first, right? I am having a hard time getting interviews with "potential" employers...in ANY field. Why? It really doesn't look good (on a resume) when there's a nearly 2 year gap since you were last employed...then add the current state of the economy...yada, yada , yada. I will keep on keepin' on. Have a good fall season everyone, be safe, and with any luck...I'll be back for spring 2011.   - Michael T. Shaffer

[PAULTHEVOL]

Good luck and keep your head up.Things will get better.

[blackballedsnake]

Hello to everyone out there in 'da nukie biz, what's the good word lately? I just wanted to share some great news with all of "yinz" who care. My physical and occupational therapy sessions are FINALLY complete!! I have succeeded with flying colors. My doctor has given me the "green light" to return to the working world...100%...without ANY restrictions at all. Awesome!! It has been a very long, hard road back...it's been over two years since the accident. Now comes the reward. (I hope) I'm sure it's gonna be a real "pain in the arse" filling out all the paperwork to get back in the game again, but it is what it is, right? I am so damn eager to get my life back on track...I hope to see all of "yinz" at a plant or two this spring! Wish me luck. - Mike "Snake" Shaffer    P.S. - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all!  

[blackballedsnake]

Thanks much Sun Dog...karma to you!   - Snake

[pappy]

Great news! I know how hard it can be getting going again. I was very fortunate to be let back in my old position. I thought 6 months was a long time!