signing off - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigblock73 · 09-22-2003, 11:33 PM

Due to some recent events in my life, I have decided to take a break from the hobby and concentrate on getting my life back in order and to a place I feel more comfortable and in control.

A little background...

You see, I have been deaf in my right ear since birth and have roughly 70% remaining in my left, now to some of you that may sound bad but this is all I have ever known (it doesn't bother me) and I can function completely normal without any "aids". Over the past few months my hearing has been fluctuating up and down, and let me tell you, with only one hearing ear it is quite scary. I have seen numerous ear doctors and none of them have been able to tell me what is going on. Fed up with the lack of answers, I started doing alot of research on my own and found a condition that matched what I was going thru...LVAS. Once I learned about LVAS I ran that by my ENT doctor and he decided a CT scan was in order. After the CT scan he looked at it and it "appeared" normal to him (at least in my hearing ear), so he referred me to a specialist (ENT neurologist) at the U of M. After a two month wait to get in I finally spoke with the specialist and he confirmed it was LVAS.

For those of you who do not know what LVAS is, it is a fairly newly discovered condition with no known cure. My hearing has been deteriorating somewhat rapidly as of late and the doctor predicts that to continue. Although he said I would never go completely deaf, if I intend to hear in the future I will either need surgeries or hearing aids to do so. As if losing your hearing isn't bad enough, physical and strenous activities only make matters worse and speed up the deterioration process.

Not satisfied with this, I asked for a referral to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN (one of the best in the world) and will be making that two-hour trip (each way) this Thursday the 25th to get a second opinion. Although I am going there with high expectations, I am almost positive I will be told the same thing I was already told.

For anyone wishing to learn more about LVAS, here is a link I found. http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/LVAS.htm

For the time being, Yeller will be put on hold until I can figure out this and straighten out my life. Just in case you were wondering, I dropped off the cab last week for final bodywork and paint...I should have it back home and on the frame in a week or two...then it will collect dust until at least springtime.

In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you for the help you handed to me, the good times you have shared with me, the firendships you have given to me, and the happiness you have brought me. I hope this doesn't sound like a "poor me" letter, I just felt my friends should know.

I will return (you have been warned

), I just need time to figure this out and cope with it, accept it, and learn how to adjust to it.

Thanks again everyone!

...Jeff

TIMSPEED · 09-22-2003, 11:39 PM

Wow man..hope you hear what you wanna hear at that second opinion. I know how bad not having your hearing can be...good luck with everything my brotha.

apstguy · 09-22-2003, 11:43 PM

Sorry to hear about that (no pun intended). That is not a good thing and I understand why you need time away. We eagerly anticipate your return!

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2003, 12:23 AM

WOW! This is shocking. You come on here and chat with people, and you never know what's going in in their off-line life. I'm glad you felt we are close enough to you to share something so personal.

I offer my prayers for the best results in a seemingly impossible situation. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know....

*mike reeh* · 09-23-2003, 12:45 AM

The best of luck to you. And just remember, it could always be worse. It could be your sight that you are losing or your LIFE. That might not offer much consolation but whenever I think it couldnt be any worse, I remind myself that it COULD be.

At least you have your shiney cab to look forward to when you get everything worked out.

I know its tasteless but I couldnt help but laugh at apstguy's "pun"

Jeff we'll be here when you get back. peace out

1976K5CHALET · 09-23-2003, 01:20 AM

I think your plan of attack is sound. Sometimes life has a way of slowing us down for one reason or another. Concentrating on your condition should take the drivers seat for a while...and it sounds like you have the best in the world ava to help you on your way...i wish you the very best of luck and will miss the cool vintage adds and such you seem to dig up out of no where...just remember if you need a habd where to find your friends...its a funny thing how some of my best friends in the world have been made here on the www.....some seem like family yet we've never meet...lol. My bud in NorCal who does our web site www.blazerchalet.com....have only meet face to face one time....lol...but he's driving the chalet all the way out from NorCal to colorado so we can hang out and run some trails at the annual CK5.com blazer bash 03....camp inthe chalet and wheel in my 79...can't wait. Just remember to give a hollar if there's something we can do for you...

DW

kballan · 09-23-2003, 01:53 AM

All the best of luck to you buddy! I think I can speak for everyone here when I say you'll be in our thoughts! The Mayo Clinic is among the best in the world. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out! Be sure to let us all know what happens! Good luck!

chevychic · 09-23-2003, 03:28 AM

Good luck Jeff! Remember, even if your truck is put on hold, we're always here to lend a shoulder! We want updates too! Let us know how things go. You'll be in my prayers.

78SilveradoSWB · 09-23-2003, 03:37 AM

Jeff:

Hope things work out for the best for you and that you find more definitive answers at the Mayo clinic. You got your priorities to take care of and Yeller can wait awhile. Keep us informed and I am sure all fellow board members and myself will be pulling for your safe and quick return.

1987 blues · 09-23-2003, 07:45 AM

Jef, the best to you!!! Mayo is the best.. I have gone there when I lived in Coon Rapids, Mn. They will definitely take care of you the best they can.
Hang in there!!! Drop in every once ina while and let us know how you are doing.

al.

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2003, 08:10 AM

Jeff,
Like the others said. Keep us updated when you can. We are truly concerned with your outcome. God bless you buddy...

Ken M.

*1FaastC10* · 09-23-2003, 08:13 AM

Jeff, i understand why you want a break, but if you ever need someone to vent to, or jsut to talk, email me at OneFaastC10@aol.com. i'm sure many members of this site will be more than willing to do the same. i wish you the best of luck. we'll all still be here waiting for you when you return!

**swervin ervin** · 09-23-2003, 08:23 AM

Jeff,

good luck my friend. I hope everything works out for the best.

I understand the hearing thing. My wife has hearing problems also. She is about 90% deaf in her left ear, and her right one is not real good either.

Be sure to stop in and inform us about what is happening.

I wish you the very best,

Mike

Jonboy · 09-23-2003, 08:25 AM

Best of luck, my brother in yellowness....

PHOENIX · 09-23-2003, 09:48 AM

Good luck, I hope everything works out for you.

mjsmith1223 · 09-23-2003, 09:56 AM

Best of luck. Hope everything goes well. That two hour drive isn't bad. I did it many times when I lived in that area.

Mike
Grand Haven, MI

LOHRTBT · 09-23-2003, 10:41 AM

I wish you the best of luck broh. YOu are in our thoughts and prayers and we will be hoping the best for you. Dont be a stranger and keep us updated man.

AirMale · 09-23-2003, 10:55 AM

We will be here when you want to talk. Don't cut us loose. After all we're family too

**Captkaos** · 09-23-2003, 11:03 AM

Jeff,
You got my email addy, use it at will. My prayers go out to you.

**old Rusty C10** · 09-23-2003, 11:05 AM

good luck to you and i hope that mayo clinic helps you out ill keep good thoughts for you.Hope to see ya soon

BigRed · 09-23-2003, 11:09 AM

Good luck Jeff! You have been a great help to me in the past. You obviously have your head on straight because you and your family should always come first!

1974ChevyC10 · 09-23-2003, 06:18 PM

jeff all i can say is best of luck to you and yours in this situation and you will be in my thoughts.keep us updated.Jim

bigd65 · 09-23-2003, 06:28 PM

good luck with it man, i really hate to see someone good in the world have any kinds of problem, especially when there are so many BAD PEOPLE out there. i hope everything works out for you

79BIG10 · 09-23-2003, 07:16 PM

Jeff I wish you all the luck and hope for the best with the new Dr.'s results. Let us know how everything is going with you and make sure to keep us up to date with the wedding coming up as well. You've got a great big family here that's behind you 110% and if you need anything just let us know. We'll do our best to help. You and your family will be in our prayers.

low 84 · 09-23-2003, 07:33 PM

hope it all turns out ok for you jeff

09-22-2003, 11:33 PM	#1
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	signing off Due to some recent events in my life, I have decided to take a break from the hobby and concentrate on getting my life back in order and to a place I feel more comfortable and in control. A little background... You see, I have been deaf in my right ear since birth and have roughly 70% remaining in my left, now to some of you that may sound bad but this is all I have ever known (it doesn't bother me) and I can function completely normal without any "aids". Over the past few months my hearing has been fluctuating up and down, and let me tell you, with only one hearing ear it is quite scary. I have seen numerous ear doctors and none of them have been able to tell me what is going on. Fed up with the lack of answers, I started doing alot of research on my own and found a condition that matched what I was going thru...LVAS. Once I learned about LVAS I ran that by my ENT doctor and he decided a CT scan was in order. After the CT scan he looked at it and it "appeared" normal to him (at least in my hearing ear), so he referred me to a specialist (ENT neurologist) at the U of M. After a two month wait to get in I finally spoke with the specialist and he confirmed it was LVAS. For those of you who do not know what LVAS is, it is a fairly newly discovered condition with no known cure. My hearing has been deteriorating somewhat rapidly as of late and the doctor predicts that to continue. Although he said I would never go completely deaf, if I intend to hear in the future I will either need surgeries or hearing aids to do so. As if losing your hearing isn't bad enough, physical and strenous activities only make matters worse and speed up the deterioration process. Not satisfied with this, I asked for a referral to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN (one of the best in the world) and will be making that two-hour trip (each way) this Thursday the 25th to get a second opinion. Although I am going there with high expectations, I am almost positive I will be told the same thing I was already told. For anyone wishing to learn more about LVAS, here is a link I found. http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/LVAS.htm For the time being, Yeller will be put on hold until I can figure out this and straighten out my life. Just in case you were wondering, I dropped off the cab last week for final bodywork and paint...I should have it back home and on the frame in a week or two...then it will collect dust until at least springtime. In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you for the help you handed to me, the good times you have shared with me, the firendships you have given to me, and the happiness you have brought me. I hope this doesn't sound like a "poor me" letter, I just felt my friends should know. I will return (you have been warned ), I just need time to figure this out and cope with it, accept it, and learn how to adjust to it. Thanks again everyone! ...Jeff

09-22-2003, 11:39 PM	#2
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Wow man..hope you hear what you wanna hear at that second opinion. I know how bad not having your hearing can be...good luck with everything my brotha. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

09-22-2003, 11:43 PM	#3
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	Sorry to hear about that (no pun intended). That is not a good thing and I understand why you need time away. We eagerly anticipate your return! __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

09-23-2003, 12:23 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	WOW! This is shocking. You come on here and chat with people, and you never know what's going in in their off-line life. I'm glad you felt we are close enough to you to share something so personal. I offer my prayers for the best results in a seemingly impossible situation. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-23-2003, 01:20 AM	#6
1976K5CHALET Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 610	I think your plan of attack is sound. Sometimes life has a way of slowing us down for one reason or another. Concentrating on your condition should take the drivers seat for a while...and it sounds like you have the best in the world ava to help you on your way...i wish you the very best of luck and will miss the cool vintage adds and such you seem to dig up out of no where...just remember if you need a habd where to find your friends...its a funny thing how some of my best friends in the world have been made here on the www.....some seem like family yet we've never meet...lol. My bud in NorCal who does our web site www.blazerchalet.com....have only meet face to face one time....lol...but he's driving the chalet all the way out from NorCal to colorado so we can hang out and run some trails at the annual CK5.com blazer bash 03....camp inthe chalet and wheel in my 79...can't wait. Just remember to give a hollar if there's something we can do for you... DW __________________ Doug Wright aka K5NUTT over @coloradok5.com Owner of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChevyK5BlazerChalets Certified K5 Nut

09-23-2003, 12:45 AM	#5
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 683	The best of luck to you. And just remember, it could always be worse. It could be your sight that you are losing or your LIFE. That might not offer much consolation but whenever I think it couldnt be any worse, I remind myself that it COULD be. At least you have your shiney cab to look forward to when you get everything worked out. I know its tasteless but I couldnt help but laugh at apstguy's "pun" Jeff we'll be here when you get back. peace out

09-23-2003, 01:53 AM	#7
kballan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada Posts: 373	All the best of luck to you buddy! I think I can speak for everyone here when I say you'll be in our thoughts! The Mayo Clinic is among the best in the world. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out! Be sure to let us all know what happens! Good luck! __________________ Kent Ballan ANY MAN CAN BUILD A TRUCK, BUT IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!

09-23-2003, 03:28 AM	#8
chevychic Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chanhassen, MN Posts: 1,061	Good luck Jeff! Remember, even if your truck is put on hold, we're always here to lend a shoulder! We want updates too! Let us know how things go. You'll be in my prayers. __________________ *ChevyChic* 86 Chevy K-10 If I can't be a good example, then I'll just have to be a horrible warning. "You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" - Christopher Robin

09-23-2003, 03:37 AM	#9
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Jeff: Hope things work out for the best for you and that you find more definitive answers at the Mayo clinic. You got your priorities to take care of and Yeller can wait awhile. Keep us informed and I am sure all fellow board members and myself will be pulling for your safe and quick return. __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

09-23-2003, 07:45 AM	#10
1987 blues Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: lubbock, texas Posts: 57	Jef, the best to you!!! Mayo is the best.. I have gone there when I lived in Coon Rapids, Mn. They will definitely take care of you the best they can. Hang in there!!! Drop in every once ina while and let us know how you are doing. al.

09-23-2003, 08:10 AM	#11
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Jeff, Like the others said. Keep us updated when you can. We are truly concerned with your outcome. God bless you buddy... Ken M.

09-23-2003, 08:13 AM	#12
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	Jeff, i understand why you want a break, but if you ever need someone to vent to, or jsut to talk, email me at OneFaastC10@aol.com. i'm sure many members of this site will be more than willing to do the same. i wish you the best of luck. we'll all still be here waiting for you when you return!

09-23-2003, 08:23 AM	#13
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Jeff, good luck my friend. I hope everything works out for the best. I understand the hearing thing. My wife has hearing problems also. She is about 90% deaf in her left ear, and her right one is not real good either. Be sure to stop in and inform us about what is happening. I wish you the very best, Mike

09-23-2003, 08:25 AM	#14
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Best of luck, my brother in yellowness.... __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

09-23-2003, 09:48 AM	#15
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Good luck, I hope everything works out for you. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *



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09-23-2003, 09:56 AM	#16
mjsmith1223 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 94	Best of luck. Hope everything goes well. That two hour drive isn't bad. I did it many times when I lived in that area. Mike Grand Haven, MI __________________ 1986 GMC C1500 High Sierra w/ mid-70's-ish 350 & th350 tranny 1976 Wellcraft 19.5' cuddy, Chevy 250 I6 -- FOR SALE

09-23-2003, 10:41 AM	#17
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	I wish you the best of luck broh. YOu are in our thoughts and prayers and we will be hoping the best for you. Dont be a stranger and keep us updated man. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

09-23-2003, 10:55 AM	#18
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	We will be here when you want to talk. Don't cut us loose. After all we're family too __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

09-23-2003, 11:03 AM	#19
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Jeff, You got my email addy, use it at will. My prayers go out to you. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

09-23-2003, 11:05 AM	#20
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	good luck to you and i hope that mayo clinic helps you out ill keep good thoughts for you.Hope to see ya soon __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

09-23-2003, 11:09 AM	#21
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Good luck Jeff! You have been a great help to me in the past. You obviously have your head on straight because you and your family should always come first! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

09-23-2003, 06:18 PM	#22
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	jeff all i can say is best of luck to you and yours in this situation and you will be in my thoughts.keep us updated.Jim __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

09-23-2003, 06:28 PM	#23
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	good luck with it man, i really hate to see someone good in the world have any kinds of problem, especially when there are so many BAD PEOPLE out there. i hope everything works out for you __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

09-23-2003, 07:16 PM	#24
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Jeff I wish you all the luck and hope for the best with the new Dr.'s results. Let us know how everything is going with you and make sure to keep us up to date with the wedding coming up as well. You've got a great big family here that's behind you 110% and if you need anything just let us know. We'll do our best to help. You and your family will be in our prayers. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

09-23-2003, 07:33 PM	#25
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	hope it all turns out ok for you jeff __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

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