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Rich,
What you have gone through and fought for and conquered shows you (as Van Canna says) are a true warrior that soars with the eagle. I believe someone who has "been there" is much more qualified to help one with a similar problem. That's why organizatios like AA are so successful with people who want the help. There are certain things that can not be learned from reading a book.Please check in with us regularly. Your input is invaluable. Thank you.
Bill

Hi Bill,
And greetings to all of you who have posted their stories on the list.
It helps I think to know that others have faced serious challenges to
their well being and found that the countless hours training have
reinforced their will paying off. We will not lay down and waste away!
My own story as Bill knows is one of fighting a chronic, progressive
inner ear disease. It is called Menieres disease and affects about 2% of
the populace to one degree or another. Manifestations of the disease
include dizziness, severe vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. It can
include one, or both ears. I am unfortnately, affected in both. The
vertigo became so bad that in 1996 I elected to have the balance nerve
for my left ear cut to stop the attacks. When this happens, you don't
just have half of your balance, but none for awhile while the brain
reprograms so to speak. You actually have to re-learn your balance.
Doctors prescribe a series of vestibular exercises to do this, but after
evaluating them I decided just to do kata. I did kata at first very
wobbly with eyes open, then progressed to with eyes closed. I was back
at work within two weeks after surgery. Normal recuperation time I was
told was one to two months. I have no doubt that the kata I trained in
for many years prior to the surgery gave my brain a pattern it could
relearn balance much faster with.
The disease still progresses in my right ear, but again, I believe that
continuing karate practice keeps me healthier than I might otherwise be.
It brings to mind the saying(pardon me if I don't phrase it quite
right)"Karate lengthens one's life span."
Bill, thank you for the forum. You and all of the others are very
motivational for me.
I wish you all well.
Wayne McKnight

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Hi Wayne,
So glad to hear from you again. Thank you for posting your story. Yours shows that there are all types of handicaps, each one individual. You used your training to pull you through. The martial arts become so much a part of our lives, we use it as a crutch in so many ways. Sometimes things have to get tough for us to realize it. Take care.
Bill

[This message has been edited by caddybill (edited 11-18-98).]

Rich,
I can not begin to tell you how your last post impressed me. If I were ask what is the most rewarding thing that has come out of the years of martial arts training, it would be the kids. When I passed my black belt test, I commented that this belt is the heaviest thing I have ever worn. The responsibility of wearing a black belt was enormous for me. Over the years it has become much lighter, now I don't notice it.I finally grew into it. The teaching of kids, the impression you make on their lives, a tremendous responsibility. To have one of these kids come to you 10 or 15 yrs later and tell you what an influence you were in their lives, WOW!! The job you are doing, especially after your experiences, is, for want of a better word, beautiful. You are a credit to the martial arts and a perfect example of what it's all about. I thank you for sharing with us. It is indeed an honor to have you here.
Bill

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Sorry Rich, been busy and just got back to read your post. I'm sure George will welcome you to give a presentation at the camp. Am looking forward to meeting you and hearing from you first hand. E mail George and tell him what you would like to do. I'm sure he is already working on next yrs camp schedule etc.
Bill