Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice
| Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292237] |
Tue, 15 December 2015 18:41  |
Guy Lopes
Messages: 499
Registered: April 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Hi all,
There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was the worst that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation now. My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a disc fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have. Pros, cons, advice?
If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to discuss my options, so no rush at all.
Thanks so much,
Guy
Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292240 is a reply to message #292237] |
Tue, 15 December 2015 18:47  |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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So, Guy,
How will this effict your flying profession at SW Air?
On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 4:41 PM, Guy Lopes wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a
> laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was the
> worst
> that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last
> night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
>
> My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation now.
> My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
>
> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing
> this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a
> disc
> fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have.
> Pros, cons, advice?
>
> If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I
> would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
> Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to
> discuss my options, so no rush at all.
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Guy
> --
> Guy Lopes
> 76 Birchaven "Orion"
> Sacramento, CA
> W6TOL
>
> www.GMC-Guy.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292247 is a reply to message #292237] |
Tue, 15 December 2015 19:23 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Guy,
So very sorry to hear that you're not doing well. I know nothing about the
problem or cures, so can only hope for a good outcome for you. Know that
we'll all be pulling for you!
Ken H.
On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 7:41 PM, Guy Lopes wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a
> laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was the
> worst
> that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last
> night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
>
> My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation now.
> My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
>
> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing
> this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a
> disc
> fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have.
> Pros, cons, advice?
>
> If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I
> would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
> Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to
> discuss my options, so no rush at all.
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Guy
> --
> Guy Lopes
> 76 Birchaven "Orion"
> Sacramento, CA
> W6TOL
>
> www.GMC-Guy.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292273 is a reply to message #292247] |
Tue, 15 December 2015 21:50 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Guy, Jim and Jan are planning to come down to the Bay area sometime soon.
Jim will be showing our guys about the parking brake update.
On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 5:23 PM, Ken Henderson
wrote:
> Guy,
>
> So very sorry to hear that you're not doing well. I know nothing about the
> problem or cures, so can only hope for a good outcome for you. Know that
> we'll all be pulling for you!
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 7:41 PM, Guy Lopes wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a
>> laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was
> the
>> worst
>> that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last
>> night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
>>
>> My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation
> now.
>> My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
>>
>> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing
>> this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a
>> disc
>> fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have.
>> Pros, cons, advice?
>>
>> If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I
>> would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
>> Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to
>> discuss my options, so no rush at all.
>>
>> Thanks so much,
>>
>> Guy
>> --
>> Guy Lopes
>> 76 Birchaven "Orion"
>> Sacramento, CA
>> W6TOL
>>
>> www.GMC-Guy.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292274 is a reply to message #292239] |
Tue, 15 December 2015 21:52 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
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Sorry, it's Judy, not Jan.
On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 7:50 PM, Jim Kanomata wrote:
> Guy, Jim and Jan are planning to come down to the Bay area sometime soon.
> Jim will be showing our guys about the parking brake update.
>
> On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 5:23 PM, Ken Henderson
> wrote:
>
>> Guy,
>>
>> So very sorry to hear that you're not doing well. I know nothing about
>> the
>> problem or cures, so can only hope for a good outcome for you. Know that
>> we'll all be pulling for you!
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 7:41 PM, Guy Lopes wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a
>>> laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was
>> the
>>> worst
>>> that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last
>>> night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
>>>
>>> My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation
>> now.
>>> My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
>>>
>>> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing
>>> this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone
>> a
>>> disc
>>> fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have.
>>> Pros, cons, advice?
>>>
>>> If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I
>>> would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
>>> Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to
>>> discuss my options, so no rush at all.
>>>
>>> Thanks so much,
>>>
>>> Guy
>>> --
>>> Guy Lopes
>>> 76 Birchaven "Orion"
>>> Sacramento, CA
>>> W6TOL
>>>
>>> www.GMC-Guy.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292280 is a reply to message #292247] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 00:17 |
Guy Lopes
Messages: 499
Registered: April 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Karma: 3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thank you Ken and all for the well-wishes.
Guy
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Ken
Henderson
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2015 5:24 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice
Guy,
So very sorry to hear that you're not doing well. I know nothing about the
problem or cures, so can only hope for a good outcome for you. Know that
we'll all be pulling for you!
Ken H.
On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 7:41 PM, Guy Lopes wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a
> laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was
> the worst that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with
> contrast done last night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both
> legs.
>
> My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation now.
> My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
>
> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net
> discussing this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who
> has undergone a disc fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from
> any of you who have.
> Pros, cons, advice?
>
> If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone,
> I would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
> Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th
> to discuss my options, so no rush at all.
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Guy
> --
> Guy Lopes
> 76 Birchaven "Orion"
> Sacramento, CA
> W6TOL
>
> www.GMC-Guy.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
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Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292284 is a reply to message #292237] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 05:01 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
|
Senior Member |
|
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Guy,
> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a disc
> fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have. Pros, cons, advice?
I have had disc fusion between L3 and L4 in 1993 and can't be happier
with the outcome. No problems what so ever since then. Only drawback: I
am not allowed to bungee jump :*) (not from the doc, who operated on a
military skydiver, but from the bungee jump operators).
As it is now over 20 years I can say that it does hold perfect.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
'76a Eleganza II, VA
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292299 is a reply to message #292237] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 08:54 |
 |
thesmith
Messages: 589
Registered: February 2015
Location: Cary, NC
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
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Having suffered back problems a couple of times (pretty sure its worse than childbirth but my wife says otherwise  I sympathize a lot, luckily not required surgery.
I would get second and 3rd opinions, then research what is being offered. Sadly there are some charlatans in the business.........
Pete
TAWPTool wrote on Tue, 15 December 2015 19:41Hi all,
There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was the worst that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation now. My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a disc fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have. Pros, cons, advice?
If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to discuss my options, so no rush at all.
Thanks so much,
Guy
Cary, NC
1978 Center Kitchen Royale.
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| Re: Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292311 is a reply to message #292237] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 11:21 |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I had L2-S1 discs removed and fussed back in 2010 due to protruding discs. Solved my stenosis (shooting intense pain had me crawling on the floor) in my right leg but as a consequence of the surgery I ended up with peripheral neuopathy (numbness & tingling, "pins & needles") in my feet, left leg & butt. Now due to having so much of my spine fused the L1-L2 disc is starting to bulge as in now absorbs most of the movement of my lower spine. In some matter of time will likely have to address L1-L2.
I am doing OK but do have some limited range of motion twisting at the waist and cannot run or jog as I have lost the spine cushioning the removed discs provided.
I was given the option of doing two discs and see what happens. I opted to have all 4 done to get it over with and avoid another surgery in the future. Now I wish I had done the minimal as it looks like another surgery will be necessary anyway.
The surgery and recovery was painless for me. The only pain I had was a bandage pulling on a hair. Was funny as it really really hurt at the time when ever I moved and I thought is this what I have to look forward to. As soon as the bandage was changed the pain was gone!
I should have had a second or maybe third opinion back in 2010 and ask each surgeon for options as I have since learned that there are different procedures used by different doctors. I skipped doing that and now wonder "what if."
So my advice is get more opinions before you have anything done and ask about procedure options. Also in getting second opinions find a doctor who is not associated with the with the same medical group or hospital.
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292328 is a reply to message #292237] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 14:52 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
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> On Dec 15, 2015, at 5:41 PM, Guy Lopes wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> There's a long story leading up to this, so long-story-short: I had a laminectomy/discectomy performed on L4-5 on Sept 30th. My stenosis was the worst
> that my surgeon had ever seen. I had another MRI with contrast done last night due to lingering pain and sciatica down both legs.
>
> My Doc called me today to say that there was a larger disc herniation now. My two options are another decompression operation or a disc fusion.
>
> I seem to remember that there were several people on the net discussing this not too long ago. I don't personally know anyone who has undergone a disc
> fusion, so I would really appreciate hearing from any of you who have. Pros, cons, advice?
>
> If you wouldn't mind contacting me off-list so we don't bother anyone, I would appreciate it. Email: tawptool at surewest.net
> Or: nine one six-548-598 four. I'm meeting with my Surgeon on Jan 4th to discuss my options, so no rush at all.
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Guy
> --
Guy
I have had three surgeries now on my back. The back surgeon told me it would take two times because he couldn’t do it all in one.
Due to arthritis I had bone spurs growing inside of my vertebra and they were pushing into my spinal cord. The pain in my back and down into my legs made it almost impossible to walk. This started in Sept. 2014. The surgeon prescribed steroid shots into my lower spine. This was done in January 6 and January 27, 2015. I got no relief from this. So in April I had a 4 hour surgery in which he removed the discs from between S2 and S3 and S4. This was to be followed up by a second surgery later in April. When they started this surgery my heart started an irregular rythm so they stopped the surgery. A heart doctor did tests and then said I was fit for surgery. They could not explain the heart problem. On June 10 they did an 8-1/2 hour surgery where they removed the disks from between S4 and S5 and S5 and L1. They also put in titanium rods to reinforce the area of the 6 vertebra involved and filled the disk areas with ground up cadaver bone. I was in the hospital for 6 days and then moved to a rehabilitation center for 20 days. That is all my insurance would cover so they then moved me to another rehab center for another three weeks which was again covered by insurance. Toital costs covered by insurance was over $200,000. My out-of-pocket was about $4500..
The pain in the legs stopped immediality after the June 10 surgery but I had a lot of other problems with the surgery. I was on so much drugs that I lost my appetite and lost 54 pounds during the rehab time. My legs atrophied so much that my knees were bigger than my thighs. I started to walk with a 4 wheeled walker and this has helped me to build up my legs. I now use a cane to walk around the house but use the walker when going out. I am still a bit shaky when walking but as the strength in my legs improves I will be able to disccard the walker and cane.
It has now been six months and I am slowly recovering. My surgeon has told me it will take 12 months for the fusions to completely heal.
I am now walking 1 mile per day using the walker. I wont be walking today because of all the snow we’ve had in the last two days. Still waiting for them to plow the streets. I have also been doing physical therapy twice per week for the last 2 months.
We equipped the shower with grab handles and a shower chair. The toilet was equiped with a high rise seat. For the first couple of months I needed total assistance from my wife including getting on and off the toilet.
I thought long and hard before agreeing to the surgery. But it appeared that I would not have been able to walk at all without it.
The doctor waited until the 3 month check up to tell me that he almost lost me in the June 10 surgery. I lost 3 pints of blood and started to to crash. They got me going again and finished the surgery. There are always risks associated with any surgery so you should be aware of that.
I now have no pain in my legs or in my back where they operated but I had some pain below the surgery area. The doctor tells me that is because I cannot bend where I was fused so the vertebra below that are being used more than they every were and are responding with pain. Especially when I try to sleep.
I think I made the right decision for me but you should be prepared for a lot of pain and discomfort and for a long, long recovery time. I haven’t driven the GMC since Sept 2014 and I am hoping that I will be able to drive to Alabama for the GMCMI spring convention. I have now been driving my car for the last 4 weeks and that is now no problem.
Good luck to you.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
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| Re: [GMCnet] Off-Topic: Back Surgery/Disc Fusion Advice [message #292346 is a reply to message #292331] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 22:56 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Emery,
Take it slow and easy, I on't think I need to coach you.
On Wed, Dec 16, 2015 at 1:42 PM, Robert Mueller
wrote:
> Emery,
>
> I was so glad to read your email it put a BIG smile on my face!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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