Jeremy Waibel

[FlyingW]

Just wanted to let everyone know that they took Jeremy to Bayfront Medical Center today during the event at Bradenton. As many of you know he has struggled with a back problem since he was in the military, and today was just the day.
I know many of you may have seen them have to cut the roll cage in the car to remove him and that was really the best thing that could have been done.
At this point they have admitted him to the hospital and he will be consulting with a neurosurgeron in the morning. Apparently there are several new end plate fractures in his back as well as have a ruptured disk. We are not sure yet to the extent of the damages. When I left him this evening, they still had him in a neck collar and laying in a prone position. I am to understand that he will be this way for some time.
I thank all of you that were there that helped in the process of getting him out of the car, making sure that our kids were understanding, or just there to help in what ever way that you could.
I know there have been times where each and every one of you have wanted to lay hands on Jeremy for one reason or the other and trust me the line starts with me, but in my absence I appreciate all the help and understanding with this.
As soon as I know more I will let you all know. Thanks in advance for all of the prayers and support that you all have and will give us during this time

Ramona Waibel
863-934-3979

[Sean Haning]

I hope he recovers, but I am confused. Did he have an accident in the car, or just couldn't crawl out of the car?

[Larry Sullivan]

No accident - he pulled off the track after losing to Adam Davis in the first round of Stock and stopped near the scales, unable to get out of the car, with severe back and neck pain.

The first anyone in the tower knew of the problem was when the safety crew was called to the scales to help, and they called in the Fire Department paramedics to assist them.

They wanted to airlift him to a trauma center (Tampa, I think), but there was a weather front between the helicopter home base and the track and they could not fly through that weather, so he was transported by ambulance instead.

As noted, the safety crew and paramedics treated it the same as they would a back pain complaint following an accident.

It was an unusual chain of events and all we can do now is pray that Jeremy recovers with no long-term consequences.

[FlyingW]

I thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement. Thanks so much for that.
We found out that he has L4 and L5 bulging, but it is not pressing on any nerves so it is inoperable. However he does have a condition that they have found where the nerves in his back for no certain reason get swollen and it causes the pain and numbness in his legs. This can be treated with cotrizone shots. We are hoping to start that tomorrow. Jeremy is still in the hospital, but we are hopeful that he SHOULD get to come tomorrow. I will keep you updated as I know more.
Also I wanted to thank all of the AMAZING personnel that came to the aid of my husband!! You are wonderful and you never get as much credit as you deserve unless we are in need of your services but again thank you all!!!!
Ramona Waibel
863-934-3979

[stage1scott]

I have had the shots twice in 7 years, in my case they are awesome!! I went from not being able to put weight on my right leg at all due to the pain, to feeling better than I had in years, after one hour, the first time. they lasted me 3 plus years before wearing off, and the last ones are now just 3 years and slowly wearing off (pain returning sometimes) Good luck to him and I hope his body responds to them as well as mine did.

[Kenny Wigington]

We'll keep him in our thought and prayers !

[FlyingW]

On my way back to the hospital now and I will let you all know something soon. Thanks again for all the prayers and support.


Ramona Waibel
863-934-3979

[Freddie]

I recently had a buldged L5-S1, with nerve dammage, took me out of the race car early last year. I opted not to do surgury but to try a physical therapy instead. Between the shots, and the machine they put me on, within 4 months I felt alot better. Now almost 9 months later I am ready to get back int the car, and hit the track. The treatment is expensive, but I felt well worth not having to be cut open.

We used a Dr here in Sun City, but he has offices in Brandon, and North Tamps as well.

Now I am almost completely pain free, and dont take much medication at all. I have been back to my normal duties for about 4 months now, including chasing my son around with his Jr. Dragster. I have been getting in and out of my car lately and moving it around, not un comfortable at all. I even went as far as to roll some of the preload out of it so it wont hit the tires as hard the first time out there. I will see how it works out in a few weeks.

[Tracy Robbins]

"I feel you pain" so to speak. The doctors and treatments out today are amazing and I'm sure Jeremy will be fine. On 12/14/09 I had L-5/S-1 rupture causing undoubtedly the most pain I have ever been in my life. Couldn't move my right leg, I could only lay down, no sitting or standing. Went to the ER and they just gave me enough pain meds to make me comfortable until I could see my neuro surgeon. He immediately admitted me and operated to remove fragments and a piece of vertebrae. Four weeks later I was released to go back to work w/ limitations on lifting. He also told me I could get back in the race car for the first Division race at Rockingham on 2/28. Needless to say my winter did not include any kind of "freshening" of engines or transmissions because I will not lift anything over 10-15 lbs. Currently I am completely w/ out pain or numbness, just a little slow moving at times. The key is be careful how you lift...twisting or leaning over to lift is the worst. Good luck w/ your recovery.

[FlyingW]

Jeremy is still in the hospital and hopefully they should be doing the injections today. I will let you all know as soon as I know something