Mike Matusow Recovering In Hospital After Spinal Operation

Several months ago, American poker player Mike Matusow complained about experiencing “feet pain and muscle weakness” which, after seeking professional consultation, was found to be caused by a 7mm central disc protrusion interfering with the blood supply to his spine.
On October 20th, Matusow subsequently underwent surgery at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, and unfortunately suffered complications which required him to remain in the hospital for a while longer. Commenting after the operation, the 46 year-old pro, wrote:
“I just woke up as I’m still in hospital from my surgery that I had last Sunday. It was very difficult week but everything points to me walking again and making a full recovery with a lot of physical therapy on horizon on learning how to walk again. I can’t begin to today how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends, fans, and family who truly care. I’m looking forward to tackling another obstacle in my path once again, [one] that will make me even stronger.”
Amongst the outpouring of messages of support from poker fans was a number of tweets from some of Matusow’s closest poker buddies, including Raymond Davis who visited Matusow in the hospital,  and Phill Hellmuth, who tweeted:
“Great news from @TheMouthMatusow, although his spinal surgery had serious complications: he will walk again! #GoMikey #ComebackTimeAgain.”
Matusow is now undergoing rehab at the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, and giving an insight into his present condition, wrote:
“Just got up onto end of bed by myself for first time.. After a horrible night of sleep and some severe pain.. I’m getting ready for a nice shower and the goal of walking 50 steps today after doing 12 yesterday.”
Mike “The Mouth” Matusow has won 4 WSOP bracelets and $9,015,656 from tournament since 1996, but his career and confidence took a dive in late 2005 following the Russ Hamilton/Ultimate Bet cheating scandal, and again in 2011 when Black Friday put an end to his tenure as a Full Tilt pro. More recently, however, Matusow has revealed he has returned to grinding the mixed games at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and in 2013 he apparently won $1.2 million, but this year hasn’t been so kind to him, and he recently revealed:
“This year has been the worst year ever for me. Prior to this year, I’d had only one losing month playing poker. This year, so far, I’m a $300,000 loser.”