Gary had surgery for hemorrhoids yesterday and was starting recovery at home but started having horrible problems. He was rushed to hospital and was diagnosed as having C. Diff infection.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/basics/definition/con-20029664

I talked to him by phone at 8:30 CST and he is in quite a lot of pain and distress. He didn't feel like talking very long but promised to call me tomorrow if possible.
He is in Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, room 107.
This can be a very serious infection and he is already in a weakened condition because of other problems.
If all goes well, recovery from all this will be somewhere around six weeks, so it will effectively end his career as an entertainer, since he planned to retire Oct. 1. He has had to cancel all his jobs.
I will say a prayer for Gary tonight for sure, whether he wants me to or not.

Don ... so sorry to hear this news ... I was wondering how come he hadn't posted in a coupe of days ...
He will be in our prayers as well ...

This is very sad news something I really didn't want to hear I hope his recovery goes well and he will be back on his feet sooner than possible I will call him soon also... thank you for the information.

Oh man! Terrible news. I have been praying for Gary for quite a while as he has some serious health issues. He certainly didn't need this. We all need to continue prayers for this great guy who has somehow avoided his Maker for so long. So let's pray as Don says whether he accepts it or not.

God Bless,
Don

Don have you posted this on PSR? Gary has been a big part of that community for a long time.

Thanks Don. When he called to tell me he wasn't coming to FLA this year, it was obvious he knew his health needed major attention. I'm not much for bugging people in the hospital, so I will watch this thread for the GOOD news that he is home.
Eddie

Thanks Don. I talked with Gary for a long time the day before his surgery. This is very distressing news. I will try to contact him and Carole tomorrow.

Joe

Our thoughts are with him. Gary is a special person and I've been grateful for all the help he's given me.

Get well Gary...... We all miss your wisdom and friendship....

Ron & Judy

Don, I did put it on PSR Tutorial.

Gary,
If you are reading this tread you know Glenda and I are deeply saddened by this news.
Good luck my friend and may all end up well for you.

Deane

Gary was very helpful to me several years back, when I called him about a particular arranger issue. Plus, I love all the PSR styles he has made available in the past. Hoping the best for him.

Sad newsn Lots of love Gary. I hope that you get quality of life back. I'm praying for a complete recovery.

Sorry to hear this. Get well real soon, Gary.

All the very best from over here Gary, I will really miss your postings, hope it's not to long before your back and well again.

Col

Sorry to hear that.
Very best wishes for a speedy recovery from another in the UK.
Tony

Get well soon Gary. Health issues are a "bugger" as you get older, but you've got a lot of living to go yet. God bless.

Ray

PS not too much of the dancing for a while?

In many areas Gary has mastered the art of giving and sharing, it’s his form of loving others.
Gary your presents here is needed and appreciated, I will be praying for you Gary --- What a blessing it is to feel that so many miss you my friend. Health and strength to you Gary.

John C.
PS, Our home here in Florida is open to you and your wife; we would be honored. I kinda know you're coming back. (smile)

....and from Holland:

Wishing for a full and speedy recovery, bless you.

John Smies

Sorry to hear of your problems, Gary. May you overcome your obstacles quickly, and may good health quickly prevail.

In other words...GET BETTER!

Ian

Hi Gary

Really sorry to hear that.
Very best wishes for a speedy recovery from me in Denmark.

Jørgen

PS: Your boat is waiting...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

chas

Best wishes to you Gary. I always enjoy your posts, and appreciate your help and support. I hope your back on the sadle again real soon.

Gary, You are in our thoughts and prayers, wishing you the best for a speedy recovery! Best wishes!

May God bless you with healing and renewed strength!

Gary
So sorry to hear the bad news. Get well soon and get going on your boat

Get well Gary I love reading your posts. Cal

Hi Gary,

Get a nice rest and take it easy.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery

Frank, Dublin Ireland

Gary - hoping all will go perfect for a speedy recovery! Look forward to many more of your contributions to this forum and to our ability to maximize arranger use! Best wishes for a short and beneficial recovery!

I just talked to Gary in the Hospital this morning for a while....
he's in good spirits as best he can. They are treating his illness with different medications now & he is anticipating good results for sure. He will have his laptop shortly to post on SZ too. Although this may be the end of his entertaining career gigging out, I assured him music can always sty in your life in so many other ways, recording, playing at home, etc,...I was glad we were able to have a few laughs together, lots of pretty nurses there also and he assured me he'll be home ASAP!!

If anyone wants to call Gary here is the phone number, he'd love to hear from you......

Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

(443) 643-1000........ Room #107

... hmmmm ... knowing Gary, maybe not ...

I wish him fast recovery. .

Thanks Don for letting us know about Gary. I wondered why I hadn't' gotten a joke email or all those neat wonders (pictures) he sent me.
All I can say is my heart is aching now for our dear, dear friend. I love the guy.

d-diff is nothing to mess around with it a major problem in most accute Hospitals

I also run a custodial supply company and I spend lot of time educating hospitals on the dangers of this issue I hope he is getting good treatment
I wish Gary a speedy Recovery

My best wishes and a quick recovery Gary.....
Thank you Don for letting us know....I appreciate it very much!

Manuel

Get better soon my friend. You still need to come to Michigan.

Thanks Don, for posting this, I really appreciate your friendship over these many years.

To everyone else, your outpouring of love and kindness was overwhelming to say the very least. As I lay here in my hospital bed,reading everyone's well wishes,tears of emotion poured down my cheeks. The nurse was a bit worried until I shared the thread with her,then held my hand as I read the remaining posts.

I hope to be released in the next few days, but full recovery will take several weeks.

Thanks again,

Gary

Very good to hear you are recovering well.
As many here, I learned a lot from everything you have shared for many years.

God bless you!

Good to hear you're on the mend, Gary. Gotta keep on keeping on.

Hi Gary,

You're a tough old f..rt! Giving up is not in your makeup at all. Soon it will be smooth sailing on calm waters for you my friend. Your boat is waiting for you. And she wants to be taken to the open waters. Sunshine, a gentle breeze, boat rocking up & down ever so slightly, spray in the face, sea birds everywhere...

Get well soon my friend.

Henni

Get well Gary, and take the time to recover fully so you can put all this behind you.

I don't know you personally but you are a very valued member of Synthzone and my wishes go out to you for a successful recovery.
May the good Lord heal and refresh you. Lloyd

Get well soon, friend. You're appreciated.


R.

Spoke with Gary today ... he sounds good, his voice is strong, and he was complaining about not having eaten anything since last Thursday, so I guess that is a good sign ...
However, he says he is still highly contagious and will be in the hospital for a few more days ...
We will continue to keep him in our prayers for a full and rapid recovery ...

PS ... if you call - (443) 643-1000... press 0 when the menu comes on and ask the operator for Room #107

Just a note too ...to wish you a speedy recovery.

I always admired how you ventured down to the Keys in your "Yacht."

Ron, in Florida

Gary the thumb suggestion was just a joke.... now look what you did .. Get well soon!!!

Now ya tell me.

Gary

Gary

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Scott

Hi Gary,

It's good to hear you'll be back home in a few days. Take care, and I wish you a full & speedy recovery.

Still in the hospital, still experiencing bad things, explosive, extremely painful BMs, and urination, but it's absolutely unbelievable how good something as insignificant as sitting in a basin of warm water can feel.


Gary

Maybe now you'll think twice before calling me a pain in the ass!
Hope you improve quickly my friend.

Hi Gary
I wish you a fast and complete recovery...
All the best to you.
Eric

Hi Gary. Here's wishing you all the best. As you well know I was in rehab a few months ago experiencing some of the same things you are going through now. It's not fun. Get well soon my good friend!

Joe

Gary, Sorry for getting to the table late (as usual). I see that well wishes and prayers have followed you through your situation. Just a quick GET WELL SOON and a virtual hug for you. God's blessings be upon you, my friend.

Get Well Soon !!

Just talked to Gary. Looks like he will go home this afternoon, but he is still having lots of discomfort. Only able to sleep about 20 minutes at a time because of having to go to the bathroom. He's looking forward to getting some decent food! Home cookin' should help him feel better.

If he gets out on that boat too soon, he'd better hope that I don't find out. I'll get to his place if I have to sell my house to do it, and kick his butt.

I'M HOME! I'm in a lot of pain, but alive.

Gary

Stay in the bed and watch The Virginian, Gunsmoke and Law and Order. That'll keep you mind busy.

great news buddy .....
now heal up & get well soon take it easy and relax..

Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Enjoy the "downtime" as much as you can Gary! Hopefully the discomfort will subside soon!! In the meantime, no horseback riding!

Put a phone in the bathroom.
It's really handy when Nature calls.

I've had a phone in the bathroom for 40 years.

My daughter just called from the pharmacy - $978 for a week's antibiotics and that was after the discount card reductions OUCH!

Gary

Gary ... glad to hear you are home ... that should speed recovery ...

Gary good job you had a phone in the bathroom when your daughter gave you the news of the cost of your drugs Keep your recovery moving along wishing you all the best. Johnnie

Gary great to hear you are back home resting. Talk about the pain of your health problems they are bad enough..........seems to me the cost of the antibiotics is a bigger pain where the sun don't shine. Stay well my friend.

Gary, ya got a paypal account?

Boo, I've made hundreds playing music -I've got it covered.

Thanks for concern and friendship over these many years, take Penny out to a nice restaurant and enjoy life.

Your friend,

Gary

Sorry I'm late, Gary:

I sure hope you are recovering nicely and will be back on your feet soon.

All the best,

Dave Rice

Gary, I was going to solicit you for money from your PayPal account.

Haven't stopped in by in a little while...sorry to hear of this in general but happy you're home....

Here's hoping to a full recovery!

Q: Is your famous (infamous?) "kick-a-poo joy juice" part of your discharge plan?

He said DISCHARGE plan!!! HEHEHE!

Glad you're home, now get well my fellow Swabbie
It's Anchors Away my friend, and we need you on-board.