QUICK UPDATE ON MATT POTRATZ

[nothin serious]

Hey guys, wanted to jump on real quick and update everyone on my recovery. Snowesters are like family after the support I got over the last year. Anyway, still no function in my left arm and fightin chronic nerve pain in my left hand from torn nerves at the spinal cord. It's been difficult but I'm learning to be mentally tough and not focus on the pain...I cant do anything about it so I'm not gonna burn up energy focusing on it. The injury cant be repaired so we re looking at other options. 2 weeks ago we tried a spinal cord stimulator where they would use Xray to place a little electrode at the place of injury. The electrode then gets a signal from a small control box to trick the signal from the spinal cord to the brain to not feel the pain. But, Turns out when I broke my neck, that it crushed the vertebrae down almost to the side of the spinal column and blocked the path to place the electrode so it wont work. So, the next step....I'm working with a clinic in Chicago to do the same type of system, only an electrode at the brain instead of the spinal cord. Please pray that it works. The pain is a deep internal nerve pain, is constant 24-7, it drastically affects quality of life. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for all the support and prayers. YOU GUYS ROCK! Matt

Oh, but I made it out on 6 rides this winter. Gettin the one handed thing down pretty good so watch out! lol Roll on the boost!

 

[Reese]

Thanks..

Thanks for the update Matt. I've been following your story here on snowest since the news of your accident was posted last year.
It sounds like you could be headed to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago which is the #1 rehab hospital in the country. I hope they are able to help improve your nerve pain.
Again I just wanted to say thank you for your updates and to let you know that you have alot of people here rooting for you, in maximizing your recovery!

Keep that turbo spoolin!!

 

[m8magicandmystery]

wow...well a prayer for ya...a real real sincere one or not one at all..!!!

 

[Scott]

Glad to hear you are improving.

 

[snowmanx]

I must say you have incredible courage. After such a bad accident and life changing event, you have such a positive attitude; an encouragement to all!
Good luck with your recovery, and who knows what research will discover over the next couple of years.

Thanks for the update. Keep us posted.

 

[F-Bomb]

Visited briefly with Matt this past weekend in McCall. Just a flat out Super Hero I say! Lee told us about your revisit on Sunday. Good for you. He was totally impressed with your courage and commitment. Keep on fighting and hopefully these expiremental programs will offer some relief.

 

[SnowXTC]

WOW, I cannot even come close to imagining what you are going through. I have an osteoarthritic facet in my lower back which causes me a lot of pain and it is nothing compared to what you have going on. I feel for you and pray that this next treatment works. It is amazing how sledding makes it all go away though. Boost would make it go away faster too. I admire your courage and your attitude. You are truely an inspiration.

Pam

 

[907to406]

Way to have a positive attitude and making the best of the situation...your a tougher guy than me. Good luck and hope the next step is one step closer.

 

[Sxrlar]

Your positive attitude is awesome. I just watched 'A Calculated Risk" again last night. Man what a scary situation. Keep the faith Matt!

 

[GrizTrack]

Keep you head up...metal pain is nothing to screw with, I've been there and I deal with it daily and someday's are far worse than others. After crushing L1, I now know what it is like to live that way.

All I can say is try to stay focused on the good and stay away from the booze, the booze will help relax you but it won't do anything good for your attitude.

Brady
bwkolden@msn.com

 

[tukernater]

Keep you head up...metal pain is nothing to screw with, I've been there and I deal with it daily and someday's are far worse than others. After crushing L1, I now know what it is like to live that way.

All I can say is try to stay focused on the good and stay away from the booze, the booze will help relax you but it won't do anything good for your attitude.

Brady
bwkolden@msn.com

X2 thats good advice about the booze, wish someone would have gave me that advice when i got hurt, severde spinal cord t5 ,you got great attitude keep it up you will be sledding soon its not a set back, its a new challenge[thats how i look at it] keep us updated

 

[Anthony Oberti]

Visited briefly with Matt this past weekend in McCall. Just a flat out Super Hero I say! Lee told us about your revisit on Sunday. Good for you. He was totally impressed with your courage and commitment. Keep on fighting and hopefully these expiremental programs will offer some relief.

Ditto.....talked to him for awhile at Jacks last weekend. Hope you keep coming along bud....and good meeting you!!!

 

[DenverR1]

Just said a prayer for you. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[sledchick]

Great to hear an update..sorry to hear about the setbacks. Keep up your positive attitude...it'll carry you a long ways!! Focus on what you have, instead of what you don't..the other things will fall into place! Good luck in Chicago!