Local Columnist Faces Serious Health Scare After Surgery Complications

Karl Terry recounts his brush with death and the long road to recovery after a spinal surgery went awry.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Local columnist Karl Terry faced a serious health scare after complications from a spinal surgery left him unable to move below his shoulders. After an emergency follow-up surgery, Terry has been working hard in rehabilitation to regain his mobility and feeling in his hands, sharing his experience through dictation as he continues his recovery journey.

Why it matters

Terry's story highlights the risks and challenges that can arise even with routine medical procedures, as well as the importance of perseverance and community support during difficult health battles. His experience also underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The details

Prior to his January 19th spinal surgery, Terry had planned to write a series of columns about "brushes with death" while he recovered. However, the surgery did not go as expected, leaving him unable to move his limbs. An emergency follow-up procedure helped restore some mobility, but Terry still faces deficits and a long road to full recovery. He is now dictating his columns as he works through occupational therapy, learning to adapt to new ways of writing and expressing himself.

  • On January 19, 2026, Terry underwent spinal surgery.
  • After the initial surgery, Terry came out unable to move below his shoulders.
  • An emergency follow-up surgery helped restore Terry's ability to move his limbs.

The players

Karl Terry

A local columnist for Clovis Media Inc. who recently faced serious health complications following a spinal surgery.

Spaulding Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation hospital in Denver where Terry received excellent care and support during his recovery.

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What they’re saying

“We're still not too sure what happened, but with a lot of hard work I've been able to learn to walk and I'm working to try to get feeling back in my hands.”

— Karl Terry, Columnist (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“I truly appreciate all the prayers and support that I've received from family and friends during my time in the hospital. In addition, the staff at Spaulding Rehabilitation was excellent and very caring and brought the best out in me.”

— Karl Terry, Columnist (The Eastern New Mexico News)

What’s next

Terry continues his rehabilitation and recovery process, working to regain full mobility and function. The next key milestone will be when he is able to return to writing using a keyboard rather than dictation.

The takeaway

Karl Terry's harrowing experience underscores the importance of perseverance, community support, and gratitude in the face of unexpected health challenges. His story serves as a reminder that even routine medical procedures can carry serious risks, and that resilience and a positive attitude can make all the difference in one's recovery journey.