Everyone has suffered an injury of sorts over time and it has limited
their performance in sports or everyday living.

In bodybuilding torn muscles are more common now than ever. This is
mainly because of the use of steroids and steroid 'like' substances that
increase strength so much that the muscle can take the heavy weights but the tendon weakens and rips. Tendons also become similar to Swiss cheese and pull apart.

Also in Pro Wrestling, using holds and picking someone up can cause the
same problem. Staying in shape, eating properly and having a positive
attitude will help you heal much faster. But never the less we do put a lot of strain on our bodies. We go beyond the normal person and eventually something has to give. There are warnings at times with soreness and weakness, but in most cases a good night's sleep will make those symptoms disappear.

I've ripped off both triceps; two knee ligaments, one shoulder thrashed
and have been back in the gym the next day working around it only to find
out that there were still many things that I could do to flow blood

through the injury and make it heal faster. Sure, it was sore, but much
less when I walked out of the gym. That probably wasn't the smartest thing for me to do as I ignored it feeling that it would heal on it's own. Yes, it seemed to, but every time there was an injury, it weakened more.

Now, I have had an injury last week that I thought would end it all. I
lost 3 fingers off of my right hand on a table saw.

My Pinky at the base, ring finger and middle finger. My Son 'Shane'
called 911 and rushed me to the hospital where a specialist was called in
to do a 3 hr surgery and try to re-attach them. He was only partially
able to save two and I lost the little one. I spent the night in the
hospital against my will and checked out the next morning. I couldn't
take laying there wondering if I'd be able to work out or wrestle again, I
had to get back on my feet and test my limitations. I regained my
routine and acted as if nothing was wrong and the following day went to
the gym to work legs. I was amazed at what I could do. That night I
taught a wrestling class to 10 students at the AWF wrestling school. I've
been working out every day since, using the heel of my hand for some of
the exercises and straps around my wrists for others. I can get a pretty
good workout on all my body parts.
I also want to say that I never took (not even one) pain pill through this
whole ordeal. I just focused positively and moved on as I am now typing
this with my left hand and right thumb.

After one week I felt great. The Dr. told me that he was surprised how fast my hand was healing.

Now, remember I told you about my knees taking a beating? Well just recently during a wrestling match, I literally tore off my quad tendons on my right leg. I mean they were completely detached. I stayed in the ring for another 7 minutes to finish the match and give the fans their money's worth. But I had to get help to the dressing room, as I had no leg from my knee down. It just wasn't attached.

I had my Chiropractor check it and he said that it looked like a partial tear. So I iced it, wrapped it up and went home. I hobbled around, went to the gym as I always do, did a work out and worked the other leg. Four days later on Thanksgiving, I went out to my garage without a crutch and fell on the step, ripping out my quad on my left leg. Now, both legs were shot. I had no choice other than go to the Doctor. I was told that I needed surgery immediately to reattach both legs or I'd never walk again. Of course it bothered me. I don't want to go through another surgery this year and be in the hospital. But for the sake of my family and myself, I had to do it. I went in on a Friday and had both legs operated on. A twelve-inch incision down both knees and then they stitched up the quads and pulled them down three holes drilled in each kneecap. I woke up from surgery and literally felt no pain. I was told that it would be excruciating and that they would give me pain pills to ease it. Now, I'm not trying to be a 'hero' but honestly I never took a pill. It wasn't in my mind, that bad.

I came home the third day and got a wheel chair and walker to get around and everyday I'd walk some and move around to keep blood flow. After the first week, I went back to the gym to do upper body with my walker. What a site walking in this thing. But, the fact is, I was in there for my own good. I still haven't any pain, it's been two and ½ weeks and I'm healing fine. I can only hope that the rehab to bend and walk will be as easy as this has been. The only down side at all is being driven around in the back seat as I am not able to bend my knees at all for six weeks. Putting on shoes and socks, getting up and down is a real challenge but I've found ways. I will conquer this and move on and my legs will eventually be better than ever.

I just want all of you to know this and apply it to your own injuries if
you can and be positive. Depression is not a word in my vocabulary
To go a step further, as most of you know, I am also an actor and do play
a lot of bad guy roles. I called my agent and told him to add to my
resume along with 'shaved head', beard, tattoos, and now missing finger. I also added if they need someone in a walker temporarily, that's me!

It may add a whole new dimension on my roles. I plan to replace it with a
slip on 'gold finger'.
See, there's a lesson to be learned here. There's a Good Side to
everything, even an injury! But face your fears, think positive, wear a
smile and you win, no matter what!