Terry Hora is an amazing 71 year old resident of our community! Like the mythical Phoenix, he has risen from the ashes, those of pain and disability, to overcome multiple heavy-duty surgeries in just 14 months and 3 weeks. Let me tell you his story and how it might help all of you with future medical difficulties. Here is the timeframe and surgical description of Terryâs 9 procedures:
(1) March 5, 2012: Removal of cancerous tumor from left kidney, saving partial kidney
(2) May 8, 2012: Removal of right kidney, containing cancerous tumor
(3) June 25, 2012: TURP procedure on prostate
(4) November 4, 2012: Removal of gall bladder
(5) March 25, 2013: Spinal fusion/ L5 and S1
(6) April 3, 2013: Micro spine surgery
(7) April 4, 2013: Second Micro spine surgery
(8) April 9, 2013: Third Micro spine surgery
(9) April 26, 2013: Second spinal fusion/L4 to L5 to S1
When asked how each physical problem was first discovered, Mr. Hora replies, âThe kidney and prostate [were found] by doctor exams [and tests], the gall bladder by ER tests.â
In fact, Hora states, âAfter a car accident in 2011, when I was broad-sided, a variety of tests began on my body. Iâm lucky because of scans and reports being given properly [on my kidneys] physicians kept searching. They didnât like discoveries made on [kidney] test results.â
He says, âIt is good advice for everyone to go to doc at least once a year. You never know what doctors will find early enough to fix.â He continues, âThe spinal [area], after months of pain and multiple physical therapy treatments, surgery [was] done by an orthopedic doctor. All surgeries were successful except for spinal surgeries, which needed to be repeated.â
My next question to our senior survivor was âWhat treatments helped you recover successfully from each surgery?â
Terry answers, âKidney, prostate, and gall bladder surgeries required rest to recuperate. Spinal surgeries required therapy and medication. [Iâm] still under treatment for this condition.â
Mr. Hora gives full credit to his wife, Linda, his family, and many friends who helped sustain him through the multitude of physical issues.
He adds, âExercise, prayer, and doctor follow-up treatment have helped me to be stronger.â
He tells residents who face medical emergencies to âStay positive, keep active as much as possible.â
He states, âFollow doctorsâ orders. I drink a lot of water to keep my one kidney functioning (4 to 6 glasses of water daily). My doctors say exercise is good for me, but I have to choose activities that are good, such as walking and swimming. With handball, I have to be even more careful now to protect my only kidney and my weakened back from being harmed. I want to survive with what I have.â
He continues, âBe pro-active. Find a doctor you feel comfortable with and can discuss all issues. Ask all questions and be satisfied with the medical answers before proceeding with any medical procedures for surgeries.â
Though our Sun City/Huntley resident is now cancer free, as mentioned above, he still has back issues and nerve pain in his left leg, which is being treated by continued meds, doctor visits, and exercise. Nevertheless, Terry, inspired by the U.S. Masters Swimming Saves Lives Foundation, has just led, with the help of Stingrays Swim Club volunteers, 5 Wednesdays in April as âAdult Learn To Swim Month Seminars.â With his own saved life, Terry now unselfishly gives back to his community to save other lives.
About.com on the Health Subject of Surgery supports Terry Horaâs statements for surgical recovery; it also adds a few other recommendations of its own: (1) Follow your physicianâs instructions (2) Keep follow-up appointments (3) Help prevent infection (4) Drink and eat properly (5) Cough and sneeze carefully (6) Know when to go to the ER (7) Control your pain (8) Get moving.
