SO Much to be Grateful For
To be clear, I’m writing this for myself, first and foremost. It’s how I process things, and I have a lot to process.
I’ve been overwhelmed at the number of people who’ve reached out with support (truly … more on that later). I know there are questions, and rather than repeat myself ad nauseam, I figured I’d make this little writing exercise/record public. Ignore it, or read it, or something in between. That you’ve cared enough to read even this far has already made my day. I’ll update it from time to time.
Two versions: TL;DR:WTAF! summary of the events of the last week, followed by OMG!TMI! gory details/trigger warning, etc. No blood, but there may be poop.
TL;DR:WTAF!
- On Tuesday, 11/25/2025, I was carrying a box down a set of uneven stairs outside at a friend’s, without sight of the steps, when I lost my footing, fell about four steps, and tumbled to a hard stop against an adjacent building.
- I did not lose consciousness, but I could not move. Eventually, I was able to wiggle toes and fingers, and even reposition an arm. (Whew)
- Me being me, I guess, I started directing traffic (I could breathe and talk, more “whew”). Confirmed this was a 911 situation and told someone to call. I had another person take a photo, thinking it could help others down the road better understand what they might be dealing with. (Haven’t brought myself to look at that one yet.)
- I was transported to Overlake ER in Bellevue. CAT scan, MRI (30 minutes in a loud tube!). Diagnosed with central cord syndrome, and had surgery for it late Wednesday afternoon. I now have three fused vertebrae in my neck.
- Apparently, post-surgery, I was asking, “What’s this AI crap?” and whether I could use my brain again. I have no memory of that or post-surgical pain. My first memory is waking up sometime after midnight and texting Kathy to let her know I was OK/alert.
- I was released from the ICU on Saturday, and I’m writing the initial draft of this while sitting(!) at a desk(!) in my orthopedic room on Sunday. Might get kicked from here in the next day or two, depending on landing spot availability.
- Current thinking is some acute rehab for a period of time, mostly to focus on the important work that is to come, and having someone other than Kathy kick my butt to do it.
Perhaps most importantly:
- I’M WALKING.
- I’M TYPING.
- I’M FUNCTIONAL.
- All of which are slightly slower than before, but I’M IMPROVING DAILY.
- I’M SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL for the outpouring of support from SO MANY corners. I’m truly overwhelmed.
OMG!TMI! Gory Details!
Under construction.
Three of my absolute worst accidents were from carrying shit down stairs and not minding my goddamned feet. All where spectacular events. Not as bad as yours, but life-altering for a while. I’ve absolutely been there, Leo. So glad you’re all right and averted the obvious worst case scenario. Glad to know, ;ot happy about the event, but glad you had good care. And yes we care.
“To be clear, I’m writing this for myself, first and foremost. It’s how I process things, and I have a lot to process.”
You’re most definitely a writer. 🙂
You are indeed fortunate: it could have been much worse, not near a wide choice of GREAT hospitals, etc. etc. etc.
Glad you have chosen to focus on healing, and put your side projects On Hiatus. Remember it’s OK to *accept* the outpouring of support. You don’t have to do it all; you can accept help when needed. Heal well!
I’m so glad you’re doing well after surgery, Leo!