One down, one to go

Hi all-

This is Zac. I know you all are nervous to hear about how my dad is doing after the surgery. I called my mother immediately after the surgery (while my dad was still getting stitched up) and here is what she told me. The surgery was a success. My dad's spine was reset with no difficulties, and while he lost a lot of blood, this was expected because of the type of surgery he was undergoing. The surgeon said that at that time, he had no qualms about my father going under the knife again tomorrow for his shoulder blade. Before he undergoes that surgery, he was going to have my father put on a brace and walk one lap around the ICU. Everything is fine.

Now that the most worrisome part is over, let's keep him in our thoughts until everything is completely done. We can take a deep breath knowing that the worst is over.

Zac

Surgery Tuesday afternoon

Hi all-

Ariela here, again. Just wanted to let everyone know that Bill will go in for surgery Tuesday afternoon at 2 pm EDT. He doesn't have internet access currently.

Kids, this is your back on DUMB!!! Listen to you Moms!!!

More Images. I can't easily access the Head CT scan to send Images, but I will try again later.

Some Images from injuries

Some Images from my shoulder and Back Injuries.

Return to the New World with Bill !!!

Limited Internet Access has waylaid any recent blogs from me.

As we slowly make our way to San Diego, I am struck with the realization that I am now spending 2 unexpected days in David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. Thru some miscommunication ( possibly from the Radical Center.... or perhaps from Robot Bears !!!), we were unaware that we were to have a layover in Northern California prior to our final arrival at San Diego Naval Medical Center on Sunday. Hopefully this will not overly delay my expected definitive surgery on my back on Monday !!!

Actually continuing to feel better during the time that I am not being carted around as luggage thru the Med-Evac Systerm. Hard to get good pain control when you are strapped to a cot....

My kudos to the West Virginia Air National Guard who were in charge of the middle 2 legs of my journey. Exceptionally professional and without a doubt, the best landings on an airplane I've ever experienced.

All in all things are good. I want to get up and walk on my own 2 feet ASAP ( not allowed to stand up, though there is no Neurologic damage). A shower would be great!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the well wishes. Hope to see everyone soon.

Bill Olivos

Onward East!

Hello fans of my big brother!

This is Bill's sister, Ariela. Just wanted to update you on Bill's progress back to the States. As Bill's looking at Japan in the rear view mirror (ok, a slight exaggeration) we just watched their team pound Denmark with three amazing goals to progress to the next round of the World Cup.

Anyhow, here is an excerpt of a note from Maura received around midnight between Wed. and Thurs. EDT:

We are in Okinawa where we spent last night afteer arriving from Yokosuka. It was a difficult journey for Bill, because he has to be in a stretcher strapped onto a metal rack that can hold other stretchers above and below him. It was a 3 hour flight yesterday, and in 1 hour we go to the flight line to process for departure to Hawaii. This will be a 9 hour flight, and Bill is trying to think about when to take his pain meds so that he can be as comfortable as possible.

The CO here in Okinawa is a friend of mine from my BUMED days, and everyone has been so kind to me and Bill. Of course, everyone wants to know what not to do when climbing Mt. Fuji!

Looking forward to San Diego....Bill so wants to get onto surgery and out of bed. He has a long road ahead of him right now, but the surgery will be the first step.

Love to everyone, and thank you for writing on his blog. It is tough to be stuck in bed and he checks the blog and his email every hour when he can.

Looks like we, the people of the blog, are able to keep his spirits up! Let's keep writing, encouraging, and praying.

Ariela

Have Brace, Will Travel !!!!!

Well, everything is on line for a fight out tomm to Okinawa. The next day we will be getting to Tripler (Hawaii) and then the following day (hopefully) to San Diego.

Hopefully, surgery will be next Monday (possibly Friday, but less likely). The shoulder will be re-evaluated.

The surgeon in San Diego wants me to follow-up with him in 2 weeks following the surgery. I was hoping not to get stuck on the West Coast so long ( could turn me into a tree hugging liberal..... NAWWWWW!!!!). Maura wants me to stay in San Diego, but I'm hoping to be able to go home and then possibly come back (thats probably not going to happen!!!!).

Continuing to do better, but I need some definitive therapy before I can get up and restart my Ultimate Fighting Career ( Crazy Bill vs Sumo Jack is my next gig ).

Hope everything is well with everyone. Looking forward to getting home and back on my feet.

Bill