Bad Leg 2007

Once again in my life, diabetes has caused a major setback. On Sunday, November 4, I awoke to a stinging in my lower left leg. Upon examination, I found the entire bottom of my leg inflamed with what looked like a bad sunburn.

Since I had not been in the sun recently, I piled myself into my car and proceeded to our urgent care center, where doctors were usually there to help. Finding it closed, I went to the only other place besides the hospital, and that was our local fire station.

I spoke with the paramedic on duty, and she, after speaking with me for a few moments, convinced me to go to our emergency room at St. Luke's Hospital. I quickly returned to my car and went home a few blocks away to secure my valuables, as I didn't want to go through the scenario of dealing with hospital security about what I had in my possession.

Arriving at St. Luke's some 15 minutes later, I was rushed through the paperwork of their express service and taken to the doctors in the emergency room itself. I wasn't there five minutes and had more people looking at me than I had ever imagined. Finally, the doctor came in, and one look at my leg convinced him that I had a bad case of Cellulites.

It is a complication from dry skin and cracks between my toes where the infection had reeked its way in. Within the hour, they had me secured in my room, and I began a series of tests to see what could be done to combat this problem that was eating all the strength out of my body.

By now, my blood sugars had risen to 450 where, normally, they are in the 110's. I was running a fever and was very much in pain. The nursing staff did their very best to keep me comfortable, but, usually, the only time I felt relief was when I was asleep.

Dr. Edge, my personal doctor, was there on Monday and assured me that everything was being done to help me out and that the pain would be gone in a few days. I would put my entire life in her hands at the drop of a hat, I trust her that much.

During the next few days, I had a few setbacks, but they were quickly resolved, and I was discharged to do home care with IV's in my own environment instead of in a noisy hospital.

I want to take this time to publicly thank all the fans and friends that e-mailed me and sent cards, flowers and good wishes. I especially want to thank the Orton family for the beautiful Bamboo they sent. It is on my computer desk right now, and, each time I am online doing stuff, it will remind me of the love we share.

Hopefully, next week will be a better story. Stay well and take care of your body … it is the only one you get in this life.

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers

2003 BWC Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 CAC Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 LWA Hall of Fame Inductee
2007 TCCW Hall of Fame Honoree