Shortened Season

[cheesy]

No, I didn't drop the CX again. Didn't blow it up and didn't get hit by a car again, either. Nope, none of that. Just paid a visit to the podiatrist to get a couple things checked out.

Doc looks at my foot and first wants to know how I walk without limping, and second, why I'm not in more pain than I am. Get my foot x-rayed and the Doc shows me what 'mods' need to be done and says that there is an awful lot of arthritis in those joints, "you sure you're not in a lot of pain?"

The end result of the visit is that I'm having surgery on my left foot in early June and will be laid up for about eight weeks. No CX, no bicycle, no Jeep for eight freaking weeks. No sense springing for a Ural now, either. Just a boot, then an air cast on my foot during the hottest part of the year.

[Bruce's]

Sounds like a sad summer for you ,any chance you can get it moved back a few months ?

[Weldangrind]

Queso, that totally sucks.


While it will be an eternity for you, the reality is that you'll be back on your CX in early August, and getting the most out of the remainder of the riding season. With any luck, summer will extend well into September, giving you even more time to ride. After that, perhaps you can use a trainer in preparation for cycling next year.


Prayers sent for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery, sir.

[Azhule]

Funny how the mind can become "used to pain" when you live with it 24/7, I still laugh every time I look at my X-rays/Scans with a new Dr/Chiropractor... they always wonder how I do everything I can do (all day every day) without any medications and then ask why I have the Back/Spine/Disks, Hips, and Ribs of someone over 2.5 times my age (those parts are pushing 80 according to everyone I talk to ... and also... might I say... OUCH! )

All I can say is find a good rehab/foot/leg specialist and take every one of the sessions and "homework" seriously, it will get you back to riding/jeep fun in no time flat

Best of luck with both the surgery and in the task of getting 'back on your feet' in half the time those Dr.s tell you

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Bruce's

Sounds like a sad summer for you ,any chance you can get it moved back a few months ?

It's because of my schedule, not the docs'. My employer is finally gearing up for expansion and I'll be bouncing around the US until the end of May. I thought about making it later but I want to be well healed by the time the South Africa trip rolls around.

Azhule-Ain't it the truth. All that long distance cycling I did in my twenties and thirties may have done wonders for my cardio-vascular system but it sure raised hell with my joints. Most of the fools I rode with back then are in the same boat as me; slow to get up and moving but once the creaking stops, we can go all day. PT will be adhered to.

WnG-Thanks. Though getting the foot worked on wasn't unexpected, the extent of the damage was. I'm looking into mobility options so I can still get to work. I won't be able to climb on or under equipment but I can still run the shop and do bench top repairs along with teaching. And yes, I'll be back on the CX for the best part of the season. The new shed is going up in three weeks, so I''l have some real room in the garage to work. With my rolling stools, life probably won't skip a beat, although getting the De Soto down here also got pushed back.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Queso, that totally sucks.


While it will be an eternity for you, the reality is that you'll be back on your CX in early August, and getting the most out of the remainder of the riding season. With any luck, summer will extend well into September, giving you even more time to ride. After that, perhaps you can use a trainer in preparation for cycling next year.


Prayers sent for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery, sir.

X2! I spent much of last year laid up. It will pass... You'll be back on your bikes again before you know it.

[FastDoc]

Call me if you want to talk about this in more detail, but in general I treat people not xrays. The exception is if there is impending danger of significant progression.

I lost part of last summer with my exploded back disk and weak leg so I feel for you.

[FastDoc]

I'd start with a second opinion, third if you count mine ;-)

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I'd start with a second opinion, third if you count mine ;-)

Thanks, Doc. No worries.

The podiatrist was the third opinion. My docs' was the second and his was "holy $h#t, that's gotten worse." Mine was first, like "I can't put this off any longer."

I've dealt with the foot doc in the past. He got me through a bout of plantar fasciitis, in both feet at the same time, which I would wish on no one. And a ruptured Achilles tendon. No one wants that either.

[FastDoc]

Ok. Makes sense. You have obviously thought this through. Some things just suck. We will help get you through this. When it comes to orthopedic issues like this, I tell people that "the one thing worse than an orthopedic problems so bad is that it needs surgery, is one so bad that surgery would not even help".

[BillR]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Ok. Makes sense. You have obviously thought this through. Some things just suck. We will help get you through this. When it comes to orthopedic issues like this, I tell people that "the one thing worse than an orthopedic problems so bad is that it needs surgery, is one so bad that surgery would not even help".

I was going to chime in earlier and "ditto" Doc's comment about "why" if it ain't that bad.
I've known and cared for plenty of patients who had worse pain "after" the fix (shoulders mostly).
This is the one to "ditto", though.

Good luck. Hope all goes well.
Prayer and thoughts.
BillR

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by cheesy

I thought about making it later but I want to be well healed by the time the South Africa trip rolls around.

Here's hoping you'll be well healed and well heeled.

[SpudRider]

I'm sorry to hear of your foot problems, Cheesy. However, I'm glad you are receiving good care. I wish you a speedy recovery, and time for some late summer riding.

[cheesy]

Thanks all.

Weld-I see what you did there.

[cheesy]

I had the surgery today. No problems and it looks like I now have a straight foot. I have a plaster cast of a few pounds that I will call 'Billy'. Billy goes everywhere with me. Mostly, we've gone to the bathroom. The drugs haven't worn off yet, so I am having some joyous naps. It does, however, lead to some interesting spelling and typing mistakes. Otherwise, this would only take a minute or type.

A more lucid report tomorrow.