Oh heck; here we go again...

[2b1ask1]

Just dropped Just dropped an conscious/unconscious Nick (eldest boy) off at hospital with mum & girlfriend after he got knocked out at rugby again! This is the second time this year and at least the tenth time we know about (he often hasn't told us I'm sure) he has been KO'd the physio at the club is indicating he will not let him play again EVER unless he can get a thorough all clear from a specialist now.

I don't want to see him come to any harm but this is a lad that lives for rugby above all else and it would devastate him if he couldn't play anymore... I expect he will be in overnight and another scan but there is little they can tell except to reassure no immediate danger. It is tough, apparently this was nothing more than a regular tackle and nobody even spotted a bang on the ground, I don't know as I wasn't there. 22 is no age to end a career though, he has been playing since he was just 4.

 

[Parisien]

Can't be too careful Newton.....hoping they give him a complete going over.............hoping all ok


P

 

[Chrisbassett]

That's such a dilemma, both for you guys as parents and for him as well. Hope the docs give him the all-clear ad he goes on to enjoy his passion for many years to come!

 

[2b1ask1]

Yes indeed Frank, he has had a couple of migraines this year too having only ever had one before when he was about 10 so we do also have concerns.

 

[maverick]

Hope he gets the all clear , I was very big into rugby when young but than discovered girls and beer wish I keep it going now , but that's life , ( both before anyone gets that in first ) may I suggest protected head gear they some times ware or is that frowned upon as a bit week in the rugby world .

 

[2b1ask1]

Not a problem with a head guard but they really only serve to keep your ears on in the scrum! It's keeping the bit of jelly from rattling around that is the problem.

He has had a CT scan & we are awaiting toe Dr to give the results.

 

[Andyk]

God thats a decision Newton....but his health must come first mate which I'm sure you know.......Hope all goes well mate.

 

[BennyD]

Too many knocks on the head can lead to early onset Parkinson's which can be pretty debilitating. It sounds like your lad is becoming prone to bouts of unconsciousness which could have major future complications. Personally, I would get a specialist second opinion once all the results are in and agree to abide by his/her recommendation. Not an easy situation, good luck with resolving it.

 

[2b1ask1]

Well they are keeping him overnight as expected.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Quite a dilemma, Newton, and a tough situation. Health - long-term and more immediate - is always top priority of course. Here's hoping for a speedy, reassuring and well-considered diagnosis. In the meantime... poor sod - he has my sympathy. At that age the future isn't something that warrants much consideration.

 

[2b1ask1]

Diagnosis is an odeama (swelling) so in under obs tonight. Mum & girlfriend are home so not much more to be done for him tonight.

 

[hodroyd]

Newton,
I sincerely hope your boy is OK. I would suggest a private specialist to be honest, it will cost maybe £400 for an initial consultation and they usually either organise an MRI scan, or look carefully at the scans already done, then give you a professional answer with suggestions. It's well worth having a second opinion outside the NHS.
Cheers
R

 

[rossyl]

Newton, really sorry to hear this. Being told you can't do something you love and have always done is terrible, but sometimes life throws these things at you.

Sounds like he's got a tough decision to make. You can only give him all the evidence that he needs and discuss it with him. He's got to make the decision himself.

I would definitely consider a specialist as well for a second opinion.

 

[Grinzzz]

Ouchies, doesnt sound good. Hope he makes a full recovery Newton. Sounds like he's best staying away from playing to me, horrible to be forced into giving something up you love when so young. Still, when one door closes.....

 

[philw696]

My lads going to have to get used to the fact that he won't be working as a mechanic due to his injuries only just got fully qualified. Life eh.

 

[2b1ask1]

We are not in possession of any of the facts Phil but I am sure he will find a way, you will have to stay strong for him, I'll let you know when I'm on my way past Weston but if it is no convenient just let me know, I can defer till Thursday lunchtime or leave it till another time. If it is easier I could drop them at the workshop and leave you in peace, whatever suits you best.

 

[dem maser]

Just read this.....im prating for him newton as i am with phils....

Not easy but health comes first, hope you find a way....great bloke who deserves happiness

 

[Guest 1678]

Newton - I had to give up rugby at 26 - there are only so many times you could pop a shoulder into place. It became comical as my team-mates used to do it in the changing room - they knew the technique better than the St John's Ambulance.

All I can say is I still miss the game and the initial year after the 'retirement' was hard. I had played at a good level. Ultimately, my GP made it clear that I would lose power in the shoulder and would preclude me from motorbikes, motorcars as I would suffer increasing levels of nerve damage.

Anyway, the point of the ramble is that the loss of the thing you love can be tempered in different ways:

coaching - a much longer career
new pursuits - I took my motor bike test and never looked back
rugby administration - a great way to access all sorts of benefits

At 22 he has so much time. I agree with everybody before me. The head injury is serious and our club and league used to ban us for 6 weeks after each occurrence - 3 in a season and we had to sit out the rest of the campaign. As difficult as he will find it to accept he is now facing serious impairment. Bizarrely, the biggest issue could be permanent disability. After so many occurrences I would suggest a CT scan to get a full view of the brain.

You and he will need plenty of opinion from a number of experts. The NFL have just paid out $750m in 'concussion damages', rugby is looking into the findings. The parallels are striking.

Good luck with the discussions

Damon

 

[2b1ask1]

Thanks Damon, and others, As I just posted on the GM thread, he is much better this evening and I had a good chat with him. He is not depressed that is the wrong description, I think it is more shock at the moment, numb with the prospect I guess. At that age you think you are invincible and old age is not comprehensible either.

I can see it and in many ways sympathise, at 16 I had serious arthritis in my knees already, it comes and goes and I get on with it. It was mostly from being a kid, falling off powered and unpowered vehicles at various speeds and thousands of miles of bicycle riding, they were my passions.

Anyway the fragility of things is put into perspective by Phil's lad and he needs our support right now.