BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks

Subject: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Max
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:16 AM

On May 12, I was rear-ended and pushed into the opposite lane of traffic just in time to meet a cement truck head-on. My car was totaled, I was banged up good. I was airlifted to the city trauma center at Temple University Hospital. I was bleeding to death from inside my mouth and my arm was broken in two places. It took them 3 hours to put my face back together and 5 hours to put a titanium plate in my arm and screw it all together. The good news is, I'm going to be fine. My face is already almost as handsome as it was before, and the arm is in a cast until June 30. Everything points to getting back to 100% by July. I'm OK with that.

So my good pal and musical partner came over last night to see what I can still do. I am happy to report that I can still play my 1956 Harmony Lap Steel Guitar and my 2004 Max Special Washtub Bass. And, I can still sing. So happy day. I figure in a couple of weeks, I'll be able to turn my wrist within the cast enough to play banjo too… maybe even dobro.

I'm going to do physical therapy too. We're going to start even before the cast comes off. I'm hoping I can continue to play with medium strings. Actually, I always have had trouble with bar chords and medium strings… With therapy and some luck, I should get all my strength back.

So, now you know.

Let me just take a moment to say that my Emily is the greatest gal a boy could have. She has taken complete care of me since I got out of the hospital on the 17th, without a single complaint. I am one lucky boy. She feeds me, cleans me, makes my coffee, everything. Boy, do I love her.

Anyhow, I'm doing fine, and pleased to get back to music in any capacity. I'm going to work on one of those tripods with noisemakers on it like JAB/Gutbucketeer/JimBunch has. A tripod with a crossbar, and tape kazoo, slide whistle, duck call, etc. My 6 piece band gets back to business on Monday, so I'm looking to make as much noise as I can. My lips still aren't healed up enough to play harmonica.

Any other advice?

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From:
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:20 AM

Just glad to hear you are ok Max. Take care, listen to what the doctors tell you and you will be playing in no time.

Heal well

Khatt in London x

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: GUEST
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:22 AM

Jaysus, Max...just taking care of yourself would be a great start....

btw youre little one is gorgeous.

amergin

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:28 AM

Damn, buddy. Sucks, but I am relieved to hear that you are fine. And your mental attitude does the trick.

I was in a similar circumstance coming home from 20+ hours of playing on St. Pat's. We started out in a TV studio at 4:30 AM and until almost 1:00 AM the next morning we were either playing, driving to the next gig, setting up, or breaking down. By the end of the day I was completely exhausted, and foolishly decided to drive home. I fell asleep at the wheel, drove down an embankment, smashed head on into a retaining wall, shot up in the air and travelled about 15 yards, came down on the rear end, bounced up in the air and then nosed in. Spent a day or so in the hospital, but luckily came out OK. I was a hurting folk singer for a month. Like you, no one including the deputies can believe I survived. I guess we have something left to do, eh?

You have the best therapy with Emily and the music. But pay very close attention and devotion to the therapy. I have had a very severe bone injury from my days as a hard hat diver. They take time and work to heal. You will get discouraged, but stay at it.

I am but a half hour away, if you need anything. Things are starting to slow down a bit (finally), and I can be there quickly.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:32 AM

Buy a flamenco guitar, restring it with Saverez LOW TENSION strings, and follow the true path!!

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:34 AM

DAMN!

sounds like Emily has things and you under control - Do NOT hesitate to call on the Mudcat if there is ANYTHING we out here in the aether can do ...

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:39 AM

You guys!!!!!!! My best educated guess is that you are now in the middle of, say, your fifth lives. 'Cats land on their feet- after a reasonable time - but are not immune to injury and other trauma.


Seriously- congratulations on just plain survival.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:40 AM

Hope it goes OK Max. But then I still can't play guitar 6 months after my stroke and quite a lot of people seem to think that it's an improvement.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Bill D
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:57 AM

Cement truck???? Where are the Honda Civics when you need them?

Wow, guy....that sucks. But you sure were smart to wait to let the news out till you could give us the good prognosis. It gets you counting your blessings, huh? And you have several. Emily IS a treasure.

Take care and don't push it too fast...(yeah..like you'll listen...*grin*)

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Once Famous
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:58 AM

I don't know you Max, but no doubt you have probably heard of me.

I hope your recovery is quick and you get it all back together again.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Mooh
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:00 AM

Holy Max! Gell well soon! That's one scary picture of your arm. Hope you get some tunes out of the experience. Take care of yourself.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:03 AM

luck + good medical treatment + TLC from the family seem to be working. It's good to see you can still cuddle your little girl!!

keep following instructions & making music

love from sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:17 AM

Well, Max & Mick, at least at this point, it's a bad news/good news story for both of you. I'm torn between wishing you'd let us know earlier & relief that we didn't have the initial worries! I'm very thankful that you are both ok. Max, here's hoping you heal well, quickly, & completely! Mick, watch it; I want you around for a looooong time!

love,

barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: GUEST
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:21 AM

Say, fellas, glad you weren't up here when you mis-happed-- up here we run into the back of fully-loaded manure-spreaders.

(Relieved you're still with us)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:25 AM

Good Lord and Holy Moley!

Dang good thing you had good EMTs and a trauma center available!

Look on the bright side -- you'll get a new car out of it, right?

(And keep huggin' the women in your life.)

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: rumanci
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:28 AM

Thankyou for such a lengthy explanation when we here must be the last things on your mind. Phew ! - some experience to get through.   
Stay positive, be well, and flourish on all the love in your life.
rum

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:29 AM

That was me up there arriving via a link--

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Amos
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:30 AM

Glad you made it, pal. Get that healing vibe working inside ya and sue the pants off the sunuvabitch.   You can get a whole new studio and Mudcat Operations Center outta the deal!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: gnu
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:45 AM

Shite!! Scary stuff. So glad to hear you are okay. Thoughts and prayers and a speedy recovery to you. Take it easy and don't push yourself... the longer you heal, the stronger you will be.

g

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:47 AM

Max looks like things could have been worse looking at the pix of your car, so somebody else must be looking after you too. Best wishes from the highlands of Scotland, get well soon, take things easy and get playing real good for October, when the Brits invade the US. Better start stufin' that 'gator's head with cannonballs :~)
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: kendall
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:55 AM

Whale oil beef hooked! I hope you are ok for the Getaway.
Just curious, were you sitting in the left lane waiting to turn left with your wheels turned to the left? I see this all the time and it's an invitation to get rear ended and rammed into oncoming traffic.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:57 AM

Max - At least yours was 'just' the arm - I managed nineteen fractures and dislocations of my left wrist three months after I bought my D35 !!! Thank The Lord that you are mending - and looking forward to meeting you at the Getaway !

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:05 PM

Max - I used to deal with these as a claims handler up till recently. Looking at your car you were lucky you get out alive! Someone certainly was looking after you that day.

I'm glad that you have Emily to care for you and that wonderful little girl to make you want to get better fast. You've got our good thoughts here anyway.

I agree with Amos - sue the bugger. Yours was the sort of case that I wouldn't argue about, blame is quite clear and the injuries are serious enough that there couldn't be an argument.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: jeffp
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:06 PM

Thanks to the Lord for your survival and thanks to Emily for taking such good care of you. At least you can play some instruments so you won't go completely crazy.

Hang in there.

Jeff

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:12 PM

Well shit. I'm kinda' bummed here Max as I can't get too many jokes about a head-on with a concrete mixer. Now if you'd gotten slammed in the ass with a septic tank pumper, THAT would be funny even if you had gotten racked up. As it is, you're racked up and no laughs......damn.

So I guess I'm stuck with saying that I feel for you. I'm an expert at convalescence and I have no advice whatsoever except to say try not to drive Emily nuts. I know you'll have trouble believing this now, but no matter how good a patient you think you are, the reality is that you are a pain in the ass and a whiney titty baby of the first order. We all are when we're sick and hurting. Trust me on this so you can be prepared. Within a few weeks after you're healed and you think everything is normal, Emily is going to let you have it.   It's a tension release thing because you scared the hell out of her. Now if you're not aware of this, then you might fight back or something silly like that. Here's what I suggest instead.

A pre-emptive strike that will make you both happy is the key. Get her some neat gift and make reservations at great place. Tell her how wonderful she is and how sorry you are for any trouble you were and that your life before her was zip. Which it was. You can get any number of us to tell her what a miserable prick you were if you need help. In any case give her the chance to unload on you for scaring her and then have a pleasant evening.

So get well soon and heal up completely and better than new. That shouldn't be too hard thinking what a low standard "new" was for you. Cleigh also sends his love and says you can blow up his ass even if your lips are in bad shape.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Tinker
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:36 PM

Damn Max, nothing simple in your path . Guess it's my turn to send some healing energy out. Thanks for letting us know, and pictures to prove it looks to be on recovery road. I'm not sure how believable the words alone would have been.   Give all of your ladies a few extra hugs for me. And I'll drop a line soon.

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:45 PM

Gee, Max, that's quite an adventure you've had. I think we should all have a psychic song circle and think a few songs for you. I'm thinking of camp songs right now - the ones with the motions that I'm sure you don't feel like doing right now.
C'mon, now, Max. I want you to think your way through the "Hokey-Pokey" without screaming...
Hope you're feeling better soon.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Charmion
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:17 PM

Oh, the sympathetic ache in the bones 'n' joints that had screws and plates once and don't any more.

The day will come when all this is an adventure you will remember as a learning experience. This is where you learn how mortal you are, what genuine pain feels like and that if you can feel it you're alive and that's good, and who really loves you baby. I think you've already figured out that last one.

Wait for the day when you set off a metal detector and it's funny. It will come. Meanwhile, have fun with the next task: learning to climb into and out of the bathtub.

The Getaway would not be half as much fun without you and the Mick. So the pair of you better be there!

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:22 PM

I'm glad to hear you're on the mend. As Woody G used to say "Take it easy - but take it".

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:25 PM

Dang!

The entire story is pretty amazing, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of the whole deal is how you managed to produce an unprecedented color illustrated Mudcat post while laid low by your various injuries. Great job!

Glad to hear you have such a wonderful nurse at home. Your story reminded me how great my wife Peggy was during my cancer treatment and convalescence last year. It's easy to take each other for granted after a while (30+ years in our case!), but surviving a crisis together can bring a whole new perspective and restore your awareness of how much you love and need each other.

Happy healing!

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:33 PM

Max, take care of yourself.

Doctor, when this cast comes off, will I be able to play the banjo?

Yes, of course.

Great! I couldn't play it at all before the accident."

(or something like that)

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:41 PM

Hope you get back to pickin' again soon.
Take care,

Nightbird

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: alanabit
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:45 PM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from Cologne. I know what a bastard it is to be put out of action by sickness and injury. I just hope the recovery continues to go well.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:55 PM

Get well soon max...

But I thought there was a rule against posting pics in threads...

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: DougR
Date: 27 May 05 - 02:08 PM

Max: I'm glad you have a good woman to take care of you. Mind what she says and I'm sure you will be fine. From the looks of things you were lucky to get out of that accident as well as you did.

Take care and get well.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Lanfranc
Date: 27 May 05 - 02:15 PM

I have every sympathy, Max, but at least you have the consolation that your injuries were not sustained as a consequence of your own stupidity, as mine were. Furthermore you can sue someone, so there might be a silver lining to the cloud.

Last October 15 I tripped, fell and sustained a spiral fracture of the left humerus while (wait for it...) running to catch a train. After seven months, the bone is healed (ish) but the muscles and nerves are still bu99ered, notwithstanding four months' physio. I couldn't play guitar until Christmas, so contented myself (ish) with lap dulcimer, bowed psaltery and unaccompanied songs. Even now, I cannot play accurately much above the seventh fret, as I have lost a good deal of movement in the arm.

You are lucky that you are young enough to have them pin you together on the spot - they didn't want to operate on me because "the trauma of the operation would be risky at your age".

Good luck with the recovery, the court case and make sure to tell your ladies how much you love and need them.

Alan

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 May 05 - 02:18 PM

Hey, it's Max's site he can post what he likes... I for one am glad he did... perhaps it'll shut the whinyassed crybabys up for a while when they comlain about not being able to get in here... imagine if the first pic was Max and the third was his casket....

Max, someone was riding with you that day.... may they always be at your bedside whilst you're getting better. Take care dear and you better be getting online to order your best girl the biggest bunch of sweet flowers she's ever had!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 05 - 02:48 PM

"imagine if the first pic was Max and the third was his casket.... "
Would have been hard for him to post it all in if that had been the case....

"when they comlain about not being able to get in here"
If this accident was a factor in such, then maybe it would... I for one don't expect the 'service' here to change much at all...

"With therapy and some luck, I should get all my strength back."
Rootin' for ya!

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Metchosin
Date: 27 May 05 - 02:57 PM

Holy old crow Max! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, eh. Be thankful after all that, that you are still able to hug a wee one.

Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:05 PM

"you are still able to hug a wee one"
I KNOW it's not supposed to be, but that sounds SOOO rude!

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: GUEST
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:34 PM

Damn! You could have been gone forever Max! What a horrible, horrible thought. Sue their buts off, Max! I wish we here at Mudcat could sue them. This is really mental anguish.

Get well and be a good patient.

You know you and your family always have our love.

We were listening to you sing just a couple of days ago. I just went over to my media player and put on Sampson & Delilah.

I'm smilin'!

Hugggs!!

Love, Annamill

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:34 PM

Glad it wasn't any worse! Still bad, but could have been SO much worse. . . course, it could have been better, too!
Hugs from Riegelsville PA-- not THAT far from West Chester!

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Deckman
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:43 PM

It's obvious that your casting about for attention is keeping you in stitches! It's also clear that we'll need to break you of that habit! Best wishes, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Peace
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:52 PM

I am very pleased you are going to be fine, Max. You had one close call. Your face was smacked by the airbag, was it? Man, you have my sincere sympathy. You have someone caring for you and that young gal is absolutely beautiful. There are gonna be lots of broken hearts in ten years. Take care, Max.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: fat B****rd
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:52 PM

All the best Max. A speedy recovery and all that from fB.

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 27 May 05 - 04:07 PM

You the bionic man now Max mate, will you be able to play faster?
;-) speedy and easy recovery mate, take care.


Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 05 - 04:17 PM

" your casting about for attention is keeping you in stitches"

Groan!

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: Don Firth
Date: 27 May 05 - 04:29 PM

Good grief, Max!!

Last time I was in a hospital was a little over five years ago. I was transferring to my wheelchair, the wheelchair slid sideways, and I wound up on the floor. It all happened in the blink of an eye, as such things have the nasty habit of doing. Broke my left femur real good. My souvenir from about four weeks in a hospital (part of that was physical therapy) is a titanium rod in my left leg, held in place with three screws in the knee and one just below the hip. Like your Emily, Barbara kept me going during the darker moments. . . .

I don't like hospitals! Thank God they're there, but lets try to stay out of 'em, okay!

One thing about it:   with all the iron-mongery we've had installed, we can really give them wall-eyed fits when we go through airport security!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: dwditty
Date: 27 May 05 - 04:34 PM

No air travel for you Max...you will never get thru the metal detectors....which is actually ok, because l'il old West Chester needs you.

Heal well,

dw

Subject: RE: BS: Max Can't Play Guitar for 7 Weeks
From: bobad
Date: 27 May 05 - 04:40 PM

I wish you a speedy recovery - get well soon.

Bob