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Thom breaks his neck

August 22, 1997- David and I celebrate our 14th anniversary. I am feeling great just got back from my first MORNING PARTY on FIRE ISLAND. It was my VIRGIN TOUR. I have never in my life been to a more magical place. The energy was in full force. I made some new friends whom I owe allot two. They opened their doors to stay with them the night after the morning party. I had got a hotel that was on the mainland and was a real killing to go back and forth. Honestly, I really didn't mind it to much but they made it allot easier for me. I will know next year and I promise not to snore guys. LOL (Nick, Michael, Sean, Rob, Gary, Steve, Danny, and Mike). You guys made the trip all the more worthwhile I will never forget our time together and your kindness, I will always remember you all as my soulbrothers.

So I get home only to find out that I have lost the feeling in my left side. I had hurt myself before in early June at the gym, but thought only of it as a pulled muscle. I did the circuit like nobodys business. Lauren, one of my dearest friends took me under her wing when I conquered Los Angeles (Yeah I know about my wig falling off!!!!!!), then off to Chicago's Gay Pride. I will tell you now 2 gay prides in a row makes to much MARCIA. I was wiped!!!!!!!! Chicago is the ULTIMATE in GAY PRIDE CELEBRATIONS. They wore me out. 5 hours on the Fusion float in Platform heels, I am a trooper but nothing like CARMEN, GOD Bless you girl.

Anyway as I arrived back into my place of serenity preparing for FIRE ISLAND I had numerous problems with my left side. It only got worse by the time I got back. So off I go to one dr. to go to another dr. to finally get an x-ray. It shows nothing then an MRI is ordered and it takes 3 weeks to get it done for I went out of network. The whole time in pain and bitter. If it wasn't for my family physician Dr. Lynch I would have gone crazy. So when the MRI is done low and behold the dr. who ordered it and is also an acquaintance of the family is arrested for a hit and run. So no one is able to read the results. Once again Dr. lynch to the rescue. I have SLIPPED A DISK in my neck pushing against my nerve that controls my left side. The insurance company is giving hell because I have gone out of network so I have to go to my primary care physician. I do only to be told I can never work out again!!!!!!!What you are crazy, I thought and moved on.

So I lie in a state of boredom, not much I can do about this. I am told it is a chronic condtion and I will always have to be aware of it. The therapy is helping but I am told the only sure way to releive the pressure is surgery. I don't think so. Not at this juncture. I am being a good boy following every instruction and feeling much better. I however am growing out my hair (regardless of how many comments I got on how I look much better with short, dark hair.) Change is good and I hate looking the same.

Yes I am gaining weight and just wallowing in FAT GRAMS. I had to cancel my trips to Los Angeles for Halloween ( Chi Chi is taking my place that evening), and St. Louis for World Aids Day. I will be back in full force next year. I hope to work the same schedule with Florida as my first stop. With the exception of doing two Gay Prides in a row. I would like to get booked in a new town, I like to add a new place each year to my adventures. Life goes on and I must say after my troubles with Drs. I have so much respect for those fighting aids and other issues without insurance. I was hassled and I have insurance.

I decided not to get bloodwork done until I heal up from this injury so for all of you out there that want to know what my viral load is and t cell you will have to wait. I am feeling better then ever concerning my hiv issues. My med therapy is working out great. I have heard some real horror stories of protease inhibitors and how they work for some but not for all as was expected. Remember to listen to your bodies and what feels right. You can go by your dr.s advice or make your own decisions concerning how you want to treat your hiv or aids. PLEASE DO RESEARCH on your meds before you hop into a therapy like I did. I will never do that again started out of FEAR. Not a good thing, Martha.

Besides all of this I am working daily on my book, working within the internet community, and I am up for MAN OF THE YEAR on PLANET OUTS WEBSITE. You can go to keyword: fantasyman and click on man of the year. By the time you all read this the winner will be announced. I wasn't hopeful to win just honored to be a part of it. Plus I met PNO Derek and we are working on my own chat room. I hope to hear from all of you who have kept my website alive and well while I am down. I must say depression and eating do not mix. It is all of your letters of support and love that keep me going. ROLEX is 8 lbs and is not a happy monkey. He is not allowed to ride daddy's back for awhile. I wish you all could see him right now he is sucking his thumb and watching me type on my lap. I love him so much!!!!!!

Forgive this misplaced letter in my performance area, but I have received numerous letters on where I will be next. So I thought best to put this up in this folder to let you know what is up. I do want to thank all of the promoters and organizers (big kisses to you both Jeffrey and Cameron) that trusted me this year for their events and hope to work with them all again. To WET formulas for using my image on the Platinum product(cool ad huh, Bill Bricker nothing but a genius), and to all of those who I came across in my travels with warmth, support, and kindness.

BOY, I LOVE BEING GAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!