This is a really sad intro...

[TheRickna]

Hello, My name is Richard & I'm from Stamford CT, USA. I'm 51 and started diving when I was 9 yes, it's true-why would I make that up. It was quite a trip using the double hose regs & horse collar BC's. The evolution of equipment was just like anything else, cars, audio, video, etc. My diving adventures were mostly centered in the Caribbean and Wreck Valley-located off the south shore of Long Island, NY and east of New Jersey. I also had a short career in commercial diving. Graduating from ICDI in Wilmington, DE in 1993, and working for a short time in the Chesapeake Bay area for a short time. OK it just wasn't for me. Now the sad part; about 1-1/2 yrs ago I was T-boned on the way to work (I was a network administrator). Three surgeries to put my left shoulder back together, but for reasons unknown at the time I couldn’t fully heal. Well now they know. The impact triggered symptoms of severe spinal stenosis and I am facing serious spinal surgery. I'm not here for sympathy, I'm here to try and sell whatever equipment I can. It's not the latest, but it was the best I could buy at the time. Thanks for reading & your time.

 

[cudachaser]

I have severe spinal stenosis also. Fortunately I have little or no pain. The neurosurgeon also recommended extensive surgery to correct the problem. My major issues that I have lost sensation in my lower legs.

Plus side...I'm still very able in the water and above. I can still teach VERY EFFECTIVELY...even though I use hand crutches...actually beach dives are easier...I now use 4 legs to distribute the weight of my gear...underwater the crutches make great lobster ticklers

 

[TheRickna]

Mine is cervical 1-7, from the base of my skull to the bottom of my shoulder blades. I have no feeling in my hands and arms. Can’t stand up straight. I can relate to your situation. It is very frightening. But we manage and keep fighting. I’m going to have to sell my heavy gear. The Northeast wreck diving is over for me. Glad I did it when I was able.

 

[a22shady]

Sorry to hear about you situation wish you the best

 

[USCScubaboy]

I'm 51 and started diving when I was 9 yes, it's true-why would I make that up.

LIES! (another question would be why are you defending your history when no one's questioned it so far? )

Welcome to SB! Sorry to hear about your current situation. But it sounds like you still have quite a lot of experience to contribute to everyone!

 

[TheRickna]

LIES! (another question would be why are you defending your history when no one's questioned it so far? )

Welcome to SB! Sorry to hear about your current situation. But it sounds like you still have quite a lot of experience to contribute to everyone!

When I 1st saw this I was like WOW! If I seem defensive to you, then perhaps you misunderstood me. No big deal. Anyway, after I get through this, I hope I can do some resort diving at least.

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

Welcome to :sblogo:

I hope all will turn out well with your upcoming surgery. Hopefully, you will be able to return to the water, I have friends that have gone through severe trauma and fought to get back to the water. I think that is what got them through the surgeries, the rehabs...the thought of getting back to the underwater world. Hang in there and know we are all one big dive family and we are here to support you in any way we can!

If you decide to sell your gear, head over to the classified sections here and post what you want to get rid of. If you need any assistance with navigating the board, or help with posting pics or links, feel free to PM me.

I wish you the very best!
Carolyn:shark2:

 

[TheRickna]

Thank you Carolyn for the kind words. Last week i saw a neurologist at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. He's supposed to be one of the "top guns". He was sonewhat perplexed whith my condition as I have no feeling in my hands and extreme pain in my arms & shoulders. Anyay, I'm going to be selling my drysuit & deep diving gear. My tanks are overdue for visuals & hydros-I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them.