I'd been playing in a small tournament at Commerce, but I couldn't get my head into the game because my back was killing me. I made a couple self-destructive bets and was relieved to give up my remaining chips to head for the lounge. This wasn't the first time I'd had incredible pain in my back, hips, and legs. For relief I sat and bent forward from the waist, touching my toes; I couldn't do that at the poker table. I was doing these exercises when Hobby showed up.
"What's happening, Joe? I saw you leave the table a while ago. You look like hell. Are you sick?"
"It's my freaking back. It flared up, big time."
"I didn't know you had a back problem. How long has this been going on?"
"Long time actually, I had to give up jogging a few months ago and now it kills me to even walk for more than fifteen minutes. I've had an MRI and I've been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. It's a pinching of the sciatic nerve in the lumbar region of the spine. Unless I get some relief, I won't be able to sit at a poker table for very long."
"Jeez, Joe, that's like life threatening. I mean if you can't play poker, what the hell kind of life can you have?"
"I can't imagine, but I have some options. The surgeon I conferred with has suggested I have a laminectomy. They cut away some of the vertebrae that are pinching the nerve."
"It sounds simple, but surgery can be complicated, Joe."
"I know. I've done some research on the internet and find that such operations have only about a 50-50 chance of success."
"And what's the downside, Joe?"
"There's a lot of trauma associated with the operation. To get at the spine the back muscles in the region must be cut and moved aside. They are sewn together afterwards, but the healing takes months or longer depending on your age and health."
"That's not encouraging. What are you going to do?"
"I'm between a rock and a hard place. I'm convinced I must do something, but I'm reluctant to go under the knife. I'm checking out alternatives on the internet. There's a lot of stuff out there, probably a lot of kooky ideas, but you never know."
"Joe, I'm out in left field on this, but I've got a lot of contacts in martial arts and alternative wellness methods. I'm going to send out an SOS for you."
"It can't hurt, Hobby. Thanks."
"We'll find something Joe. I can't imagine what it would be like losing my poker buddy."
It's been a few days since I last saw Hobby. I've read so much about back therapy I could write a book, but still I have no feel for what makes sense and might work for me. Meanwhile, I'm taking it easy at home consuming ibuprofen and occasional pain pills. The buzz of my cell phone interrupted my reach for another of the strong sedatives.
"Joe, I've got it all set up. My pal Dr. Ken Ling will be flying in from Hong Kong tomorrow and staying on Lazybuns. He'll be your personal physician to help you with your back."
"Whoa, slow down, Hobby. What are you getting me into?"
"Not to worry, Ken is an M.D. and board certified surgeon who also practices alternative Chinese medicine. He's an acupuncturist, herbalist, and massage therapist. If he can't help you, you might as well go for surgery. And another thing, Joe, he's doing this as a favor for me. It won't cost a penny."
I had some immediate reservations, but who could say no to such a well-intentioned friend who would bring an expert from half-way around the world to help a buddy. "Hobby, I really appreciate what you've done to help. I must say however, that I'm a bit of a skeptic, especially after all I've been reading on the subject, but I'll give it my best shot with Dr. Ling. Just let me know when he's ready for me."
"It will probably be day after tomorrow. I've give you a call."
A massage table and a soft cube about a foot-and-a-half on a side had been added to Hobby's exercise room on Lazybuns. Dr. Ling, who insisted I call him Ken, was attired in white looking like a traditional doctor. He gave me an examination and studied my MRI. He was silent throughout the process. I finally asked, "What do you think."
"Diagnosis is correct; lumbar spinal stenosis with pinching on nerve at L-4 and L-5. A laminectomy would be logical surgery, but you may get much pain relief from other methods I will show you. I must tell you, Joe, it's no quick fix up. You will have to work at it."
"Ken, I don't want to have surgery if it can be avoided. I've got the time and energy to work on whatever might help."
"I'll get started right now, but first I ask you a favor. I would like you and Hobby to teach me how to play poker, especially that game now popular in Hong Kong, Texas Hold'em."
"It's a deal."
"Good. First I'll give you back massage to warm up and relax muscles, then I will do some acupuncture to block pain. I don't want you to take any strong pain pills. I will give you herbal tea to drink-and sorry, no alcohol for a while. This afternoon we start physical therapy."
"How about Ibuprofen?"
"That's okay. It will help reduce inflammation. I will also give you a diet of fruits and vegetables. No meat for a few days while you clean your system."
"Whatever you say, doctor. I'm in your hands."
"Very good, and while I'm working on you, please teach me about the honorable game of poker."
...to be continued in the next issue of Poker Player
Write to author David Valley at: dvalley1@san.rr.com
