Dave's second surgery was last week and went remarkably well. There was a lot of remaining disc debris to remove, some of which was rubbing all over his right sciatic nerve. So much so that it had worn a visible hole in the myelin sheath and the whole nerve was a bright cherry red from irritation. Explains all the shooting pain!! He's recovering better than we expected and is able to walk short distances without his walker or cane. - FFing Enigma from email

I am glad to hear Dave is doing well. Hope you are too. <3 we miss and love you. - aden {Chickadee}

Yikes! At least they found the problem. I hope that fixes it! - John (bird whisperer)

That's the good news. The bad news is that my grandfather is in surgery today for colon cancer. 2010 isn't turning out to be a particularly good year... I think that's part of why I'm not on FF all that much right now, I feel like all I have to share is one downer after another =/ - FFing Enigma

*HUG* we're happy to have you here. very glad to hear they found the source of the pain and sorted it and that Dave is doing so much better. - Joe Silence

Tina, sometimes we get that way. One thing you might need to see: your bad stuff isn't drama stuff; it's real life, people getting sick and hurt. People have no problem with someone being a bit negative if this is the stuff you're facing now. Myself included. Hope Dave continues to heal well...and hope your grandfather's surgery is successful. *hugs* - Bubba was a rollin stone

That sounds like it hurt like hell. The nerve of that nerve! - Todd Hoff

Tina, I'm SO glad to hear that Dave's doing better. You guys are still in my thoughts and prayers. - Ha3rvey (F please!)

Always feel free to share Tina, you've held up FF's positive attitude for years now, you're allowed to let reality creep in every once in a while. Let us know if there's anything we can do. Best wishes for your whole family and especially you in a very stressful time. - SteVe "Beefy Miracle" C

We've missed you! I hope Dave's last surgery finally alleviates his pain; it sounds very hopeful. And I hope your grandfather's surgery leads to a successful recovery. Thoughts and prayers are still with you. - Anne Bouey

When you come to the Friendfeed potluck, you can bring any dish you want, Tina. I can certainly understand feeling that writing about the heavy stuff on your mind feels like it might be a downer for you; but when it works for you, you've got friends here who can take the good and the bad. So good to hear an update on you and Dave. :) - Micah

Tina there's lots of broad shoulders here on FF for you to lean on when you need it. Goodness knows you've been there for so many people here. I'm glad Dave's surgery went well and will keep you and your grandfather in my thoughts. - vicster

So glad to hear Dave's surgery went well! Hope your grandfather's does too. - Ruchira S. Datta

Many hugs and warm thoughts, Tina. We continue to hold you and Dave and your dad and your whole family in prayer. - Ordinarybug Heather

what the ladybug said squared - chaz2b

I echo, Ruchira. I hope everything goes well. - Anika

((hugs)) Tina - so glad to hear that Dave's surgery went well and I hope you grandfather's surgery goes well, too. We've all missed you. - WoH: Minding her Steves

Tina - You've had more 'stuff' in 2 years than anyone I know ..... Hope all is improving!!!! - Charlie Anzman

Pop in when you can. Prayers for your grandfather, and Dave, and you. - John E. Bredehoft

What everyone said. Missed you a bunch - and do let us help carry the load. You have real stuff to talk about - very different from the slightly ersatz stuff that comes in on the back of the Drama Llama, as you so aptly named it. - Mary B, VALUE author