I'm home and I'm ok!

[Mike Venturino]

I just started this new thread to thank all you for your well wishes, prayers, and general support.

First I'll give a brief overview of what happened. Back in September 2008 I had a Lap-Band installed to lose weight and in about six months I did lose about 65 pounds.

Sometime about late spring or early summer the lap-band came loose and shifted. The doctors judge that's about the time frame because I quit losing weight then. But the shifting allowed it to abrade a hole in my esophogus which in turn caused an abcess to form in me. That eventually manifested inself in the form of recurring fevers. The doctors were at a loss until I had one of those fever attacks right in one's office. My temp went from normal to 104 in a matter of minutes. That doctor got me under a cat scan and found the abcess and then got me to the large hospital in Great Falls.

They told me that if the abcess hadn't been caught when it did it would cause my blood to become septic and I would have been a goner.

Surgery removed the lap-band, put drains in the abcess, and repaired the hole in my esophogus, so I'm doing pretty good now except I will be on liguids for at least a month.

Several guys mentioned "hospital food." I can't comment on it because I didn't get any. For 10 days I could neither eat or drink. Not even a sip of water. All I could have were slivers of ice to help with mouth dryness. I never knew that a drink of water could be so precious!

But all's well that ends well. I'm home and happy and looking forward to getting back to work. There won't be much shooting for a few weeks yet because I can't pick up anything weighing more than about 10 pounds. But I can get some winter casting in.

I was truly impress with the professionalism of the staff of the Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. From the surgeons on down they were wonderful to me.

Again my thanks for all you well wishers. Several people kept me up to date on this website and the Shiloh Sharps one - the only two I visit. So I'll be talking to all you guys again soon.

Mike Venturino

[StarMetal]

God Bless you Mike. The Lord does answers prayers. I wish you a speedy recovery my friend.

Joe

[ANeat]

Wow what an ordeal. Glad to hear everything is under control.

Take care; Adam

[j20owner]

Glad to hear it Mike!!!

[Wayne Smith]

Thank God! I've been praying for you. The liquid diet should continue the weight loss at least. Have you had any training in how to eat appropriatly to maintain your weight? I suggest you read the Zone Diet book - it's not a weight loss diet but a way to undersand how to eat appropriately and the choices needed to mantain level blood sugar and hormone control. He established this "diet" for the Stanford swim team - hardly anyone needing weight loss!

Traditional diets don't work because they are based on denial - and once you reach your goal you stop the denial and, guess what, the weight goes back on because there has been no learning how to eat appropriately. A whole new relationship with food is necessary. It takes time and discipline but it works if you will work it.

[rugerman1]

Glad to hear you're doing better,Mike
Mark

[Dennis Eugene]

Good to hear that you pulled through like the trooper we know you to be. Now heal up get to shootin' and writin' and if ya find the time come on up and we'll get on a Sitka Blacktail together. Dennis

[Recluse]

Glad to hear you're home and okay. Lot of folks around these parts were wishing you well--and continue to do so.

:coffee:

[geargnasher]

Welcome back, and thanks for letting us know. Terrible thing that a simple elective surgery could have such dangerous ramifications. Anyway, I'm very glad the medical folks figured it out in time, there is a silver lining here for sure.

Gear

[fivegunner]

you get well, just a side note that 455Webley I bought from you, was a big hit at my gun club everybody wanted to shoot it! I am trying to work up the best load for it . lot`s of fun . again get well . Frank from Michigan:D:lovebooli

[blackthorn]

Great news!! Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery!

[woody1]

Mike, So glad to hear you're on the mend. Hang in there. Regards, Woody

[357maximum]

Mike

Good to hear all will be well in time.

I just got done reading "MISTAKES" and it makes me feel a tiny bit better about my little mishap. Dropped a LR primer on the floor picked "it up" and put a large pistol primer in a fullhouse 7mm/08.....new bolt please! I am alot better at housecleaning since that oops.


..thank you for your writings and get well soon,
Michael

[Hickory]

Long life:
And good health to you, mike.

[sqlbullet]

Thrilled that you are well. Got my latest handloader yesterday, and expect my handgunner any day now. Looking forward to benefiting from your knowledge there, as well as here.

All the best to a speedy recovery.

[LIMPINGJ]

Great news Mike. Take care of yourself first, we can survive on rereading some of your early articles till you are feeling like some new projects.

[9.3X62AL]

Good news, indeed! You go easy on the return to work, good health outranks just about every other venue of life.

[45nut]

Glad to hear you're home and okay. Lot of folks around these parts were wishing you well--and continue to do so.

:coffee:

I'll second that!

[1874Sharps]

Mike,

So glad that you are doing better! Thank the good Lord for our answered prayers.

[Jim]

Yeah, Mike, I'm in line behind everybody else. Sure glad to hear you're home! Man, you had some of us sweatin' for a bit there. Take it easy for a bit and stay in touch.

When you're not here, this board ain't the same!

Best wishes and good health!
from Floyd, Va.

[Ajax]

Glad to hear it has all worked out. Thank god for answered prayers.


Andy

[Freischütz]

Glad to hear you've turned the corner.

[bullshot]

Mike
First I.m happy you're ok. As I read your post I smiled when you described how much a drink of water meant to you. I just spent nine days in the hospital for surgery of an obstructed bowel caused by adhesions from a previous surgery. I also could not eat or drink except for the wonderful slivers of ice. How something we take for granted can be so great when deprived. The best to you in your recovery. We'll both look at water in a different light from here forward.

[badgeredd]

Mike,

Glad to hear you are on the mend. You had me worried that I was going to lose my favorite writer. God be with you and grant you a speedy recovery.

Edd

[snake jenkins]

Mike glad you're out of the hospital, back home and on the mend. Now you can use this time to cast plenty of .45's and 9mm's for the sub guns.

[testhop]

MIKE
gladyou are home and felling better .
just take it easy . read a lot of your stuff .
ienjoyed it greatly.

[Rocky Raab]

People on other websites were deeply concerned as well. May I cut and paste your post on another board, Mike?

[corvette8n]

Glad your back Mike, I really enjoy reading what you write.

[hornsurgeon]

mike-

glad you are home and on the mend. just do as the doctors say and don't push yourself too hard!

[No_1]

I am glad you are good to go. I did the ice shivers and liquid diet for about 30 days many years ago after some abdominal surgery. I was hungry but lost a lot of weight. I hope your recovery is speedy.

Robert

[Oldtimer]

Mike, Great news. We'll still keep you in our prayers for a speedy, full recovery. Good luck. Bob

[Heavy lead]

Thank the Good Lord Mike, ours and I'm sure loads of others were answered.
Take care.

[Bret4207]

Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery Mike!

[Catshooter]

Man, 10 days without a drink of water! I'll bet that first one did taste great.

Welcome back.


Cat

[anachronism]

Glad to hear it Mike. Best wishes for a full & speedy recovery.

[missionary5155]

Good evening
God still answers Prayers... even when prayers do not know all the deatils.
Good to read you back about.

[leadman]

Glad you are on the mend and back home. When one is down is means alot to be able to return home to familar surrounding.

[MT Gianni]

Welcome back. I hope that you continue to heal.

[Dframe]

Glad to hear you're on the mend. Sounds like you caught it just in time. All my best for a quick recovery. Have you considered LIGHT guns? :mrgreen: Wouldn't want you breaking that 10 pound rule!

[Patrick L]

Glad to hear you're home and OK. Godspeed!

[EMC45]

Glad to hear you're back Mike!

[HeavyMetal]

Glad to hear you going to be O.K.!

Followed both threads about you and was looking forward to seeing this one!

So is this common with the lap band thing or are you just the 1 in 200,000,000 to have an oopsie? And why doesn't that work with the lottery?

Take care and looking forward to new stuff.

[jnovotny]

Good to hear everything is okay on your end. God bless and have a speedy recovery.

John

[wiljen]

Glad to hear you are doing better. We recently lost a friend to the same problem with a lap band. I have serious reservations about the safety of those things.

[danski26]

Great to hear Mike.....ya know, you have to fight through that little stuff!

[454PB]

Glad to hear you're home and on the mend.

I hope you had insurance. My wife was recently in the hospital for less than 48 hours, and the bill so far is over $15K.

[waksupi]

Good to have you back, Mike.

[44man]

Wonderful news! You had my prayers every day.

[sagacious]

I'm glad to hear some good news! Hope you're feeling 100% soon.

[Tazman1602]

Different surgery but I was there three months ago GREAT to find your out Mike!! Get well soon!

Art

[canyon-ghost]

That's great news! Welcome back, Mike.

[StrawHat]

Good news at last! Godspeed a full recovery.

[dubber123]

Welcome back Mike, I hope all goes smoothly from here on out.

[Phat Man Mike]

glad your home and hope you have a easy speedy recovery!!

[John Guedry]

Glad to hear you're going to be O.K.

[timkelley]

Pleased you are home, do what the Dr. says.

[jlchucker]

Great to hear, Mike! Have a speedy recovery in the comfort of home. You must really enjoy the occasional glass of water these days.

[cbrick]

Great news Mike, thanks for letting us know. Looking forward to many more years of your writing.

Rick

[Bull Schmitt]

It is great to hear that you are "back in the saddle" so to speak. Give yourself time to heal properly.

Keep'em in the black!

[Adam10mm]

Excellent news! My mother had the lap band surgery done last year and had some issues for a bit.

Glad to read you are back on your feet.

Take care,
Adam

[buck1]

Great news! Take it easy and god bless!

[eka]

Sounds like a pretty rough time for sure. I hope you feel better soon Mike.

[MtGun44]

Mike,

Glad you are OK. You had us worried there, buddy. :shock:

Get well, take it easy. We can't go indefintely without a
new article or two. :-D

My Mom always used to say "Better than a poke in the eye with a
sharp stick. " True for almost anything. In this case, sounds like about a toss up !

Bill

[Cherokee]

Good news !! Don't rush the recovery, glad to have you back.

[EOD3]

Glad to hear you're on the mend Mike :) It's cold as a well diggers butt anyway so a little time reading in front of the fireplace/stove is in order. :drinks:

[Leadforbrains]

Wow Mike! It surely does sound like you had a close call there buddy.
Good to hear that you are back and that you will be getting better.

[madcaster]

Glad that you are okay Mike.As you can see,a LOT of folks care about you here!

[Frank46]

Welcome home Mike. Take care and no superman stuff. been there and don't want the tee shirt. Frank

[Captain*Kirk]

Good to hear you're doing better. Heal & get better.

[ddixie884]

Glad you are doing better. Best thoughts, Be Well.

[HORNET]

Mike, glad to hear that you're back home and on the mend. Just take it easy and don't try to rush back into full speed operation. Get better first and then try to catch up.

[wallenba]

It's good to hear you're better. Scary situation to be in.

[Farmall 1066]

Sure glad to hear everything is looking good Mike! Hope Yvonne is taking good care of you!

Andy

[w30wcf]

Mike,
Wonderful to hear that you are back home and aok.

w30wcf

[AZ-Stew]

Glad to hear you're doing better. I'm thankful you were in the doctor's office when it flared up so they could get you the attention you needed as soon as possible. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Regards,

Stew

[Gun Junkie]

Mike,

I didn't know about your problems until today. I've thought about a lap band for myself, but after hearing your story....I think I'll pass.

So glad that you are on the mend. I have enjoyed your writing and look forward to more in the future. Take care man.

[edsmith]

Real happy to see that you are going to be o.k.you have a LOT of us rooting for you.take care.

[Char-Gar]

Well that is very good news. I have heard some good things and some bad things about the lap band procedure. I am sorry it didn't work as well as you wish. Take care ol scout and get back to a full head of steam.

[MakeMineA10mm]

One word: "WHEW!" ;)

[pjh421]

Didn't know until reading this that you were in trouble, Mike. I enjoy your writing because you do the legwork to get the facts straight and you write in a style that doesn't immediately put the reader off. A lot of people would miss you if you were gone. Get well soon.

Paul

[Mike Venturino]

I want to thank everyone for the well wishes. Yesterday they pulled the last tube from my guts and told me not to lift more than 15 pounds for a couple more weeks and to eat "soft" foods. With that I'm already feeling a bit stronger and ready to get back to work.

Again thanks to everyone. Your comments boosted lagging spirits.
Mike

[bobke]

what great news for you, your family and the entire shooting fraternity. we all look forward to your continuing recovery and future good health. now...i promised some pics from my dad's b17 photo recon squadron from ww2 and as soon as i get back to where the albums are put up safely, i'll post 'em up. welcome home!
bobke

[1Shirt]

Mike, You have gone thru a pile of hell. Had a ruptured appendix and was 12 days in the hospital. Was told that I had but a few hours to live if they had not caught it when they did. I could not agree more with you about how good water in the form of ice chips are. At the time I would not have traded them for a prime A-1 T-Bone steak. So glad that you are on the mend, and back on line. God Bless!
1Shirt!:coffee:

[Maineboy]

I'd like to add my wish for a continued speedy recovery and thanks for keeping us posted.

[ammohead]

Mike,

Glad to hear you are doing better. Keep up the good work. You only have 4 months and a couple weeks to get ready for NCBS 2010 in Winnemucca. BruceB has set the date at the weekend before Memorial weekend. The invitation is always there and we hope you can make it this year.

ammohead

[smoked turkey]

Mike,
I'll join with the others from our group to say I wish you a total and complete recovery. I see you can lift up to 15 lbs at the moment. Guess you know which of your thunder-boomers weigh more than that. So you may have to stick with the old revolvers and some of your smaller stuff for now. The big stuff will come soon enough!

[Dean D.]

Welcome back Mike! I sure am happy to hear your doing better. We're looking forward to more of your articles in the magazines and your posts here but please take your time and dont rush your recovery! You scared us there Pard!

[Bent Ramrod]

Glad you're back with us and on the mend, Mike. You shouldn't really need to lift more than 12 lb 2 oz anyway.[smilie=l:

[lbaize3]

Mike,
I probably speak for a great many others when I say that you, along with Taffin and Smith, have had a great influence on my likes, dislikes, and attitudes. I have followed you from nearly day one of your writings. We have much in common. I sincerely hope you get back up on your feet and lifting more than 15 pounds quickly. Take it careful and easy. A lot of us live vicariously through your adventures.......[smilie=s:
Leonard Baize

[Three44s]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Three 44s

[Tom308]

Give all thanks to GOD through Jesus for your healing. It was VERY serious. A few years back, I lost a relative to the procedure you had. She didn't know there was a problem. It cost her her life. You have been blessed. I'm thankful you are doing well.
Tom

[flint45]

mike i am glad you are doing better you are in our prayers. I have ben a fan of your work and knowlage for a long time . All the best to you and yours.

[Chunky Monkey]

First I have seen of this Mike. Glad everything is OK.

I have been too busy planning and calculating a trip to the CMP north store to acquire M1 carbines to go with my M1. Once I got em I had to spend some time stripping them down and cleaning. Shot em yesterday with great results.

So me not seeing this thread was partly your fault for putting out those great articles with those wonderful pics. You've created a monster. :bigsmyl2:

Take care Mike!!!

[RugerFan]

Good to hear Mike. Looking forward to reading some more of your articles.

[9.3X62AL]

Very good news, indeed! You go slowly and deliberately, and let your body heal itself at its own pace. You'll hit your stride in good time, no need to rush things and suffer a setback.

[freedom475]

Take care of yourself Mike.. Prayers will continue... Sure glad to hear you are getting stronger..... Heck 15lb's!! that's great you can get the Sharps out :mrgreen::mrgreen:,, Don't you dare..LOL
Wes

[Down South]

It's good to hear that you are doing much better Mike. I've been following this thread since it started. It sounds like you have about got this thing whipped.