Hamilton

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

Saw this on Facebook.

We all know Jack. Longtime member and former moderator. He's fallen on hard times. Here's a link if you want to help out.

[Houston Remodeler]

Thanks for posting. I'm happy to help a brother in need.

[John Bridge]

Jim,

Can you tell us the nature of Jack's problem?

[dgunnels]

Glad to help. Wishing him the best.

[Houston Remodeler]

His L3 L5 vertebrae. Its in the fund raising page.

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

I really don't know much about it besides what's in the link. Here's a quote:

(Jack Hamilton) is having some pretty serious health issues. To support his family, he's been pushing through the pain, continuing to work. Unfortunately, that is only exacerbating the problem. He needs some time away from tile setting to deal with the health issues while still being able to pay some bills.

Jack didn't set up the fund. It was done by someone that wanted to help him.

[Autoplay]

Is he having surgery performed?

I have various back issues,and was told almost ten years ago,I was a candidate to have back surgery/fuse vertebrae. I just try to push through it. And as my wifey a nurse,she stated that surgery,is the last thing you wanna do,if it can be helped.

[Hamilton]

Hey guys. I'll try my best to explain. I've got a herniated disc at my L5. As mentioned it's best to try everything before surgery and I have. Physical therapy, decompression - massage. I've gotten steroid shots in my spine and taken more pain killers over the last six months every four hours than anyone would like to admit. I'm meeting with a neurosurgeon soon and getting a second MRI the day before my consultation as I feel like things have gotten worse not improved. The surgeon is one we trust. He performed a spinal fusion/decompression surgery on my wife over a year ago in March and she's doing well.

All I know is I've had constant pain for six months and I'm so tired and frustrated with all the bs the Dr's have tried to do first I'm ready for what ever it takes.

[Hamilton]

I want to add that Justin Kyle asked me in a message if would be ok with me if he set up a crowd fund so I could take time off to either heal naturally or after surgery. The day he'd asked I was in so much pain I cried for an hour after waking up and wanted to commit suicide. Not every day is that tough, but he asked and I told him any other day I would have said no, but yes and thank you.

If I wake up tomorrow and something pops into place miraculously I'll donate what ever money was raised to a good cause within our industry. If not my plan is to use it to heal up after surgery. Honestly I'm not expecting the easy way out though. Thank you all for caring enough about me, it's a surreal feeling and I appreciate it more than I can put into words.

[jerrymlr1]

Big time bummer Jack. I wish you the best. I had some pretty nasty neck issues that lasted 5+ years. Finally went to the Laser Spine Institute a couple years ago. I had surgery and right after 90% of the pain was gone. Today 100%. I agree that surgery should be a last resort but it can be successful. BTW one of my first pools was right around the corner from you in Murrieta. Good luck.