I have made it through to the other side of the other side. Pretty goofy from the drugs. No pain. Neither of my legs move yet. Haven't seen Dr. Rector yet. He told my wife the hip was shot and said everything went well.
Not alert at this point but neede to say thank you to all you well wishers. No way I could have done this without all of your support. My OA nightmare is over.
Thank you Hippy Nation. So many of you have stayed with me from the beginning. Humbling experience, but here we are.
Sleepy now.
Thank you. You Hippys are the finest group of people I have ever been associated with.
Boomer
Excellent, Boomer - thanks for checking in, I know how groggy you are. Congrats!
Great to hear from you Boomer. Enjoy the view of Boulder. :)
Great stuff Boomer!
All the best for your recovery & remember, you've got experience on your side this time!
I heard from your son today, sounds like he's nearly there with his itinerary.
Cherz
Simon
So pleased Boomer :) Had to check in and see !!
Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm doing OK. Great lunch and dinner, good pain management by the nursing staff and first PT today. I have a nice view of the Flatiron Mountains. Bleeding has stopped. Pretty good first day. I get to see Dr Rector tomorrow, which will be good. My lawyer is coming by at 7:30 with some good coffee. And, it is so nice to have the two surgeries behind me. Really does take a load off the mind.
Simon, thank you so much for helping my so get his NZ adventure organized.
Thanks to all of you for seeing me through this long journey. I know I still have the recovery to deal with, but you carried me through the worst of it.
Live Strong
Boomer
So Glad to see this post Boomer! Was thinking of you today as I rode through the Boulder Open Space and hoped you'd had your surgery. We'll have to take that ride this Fall!
Happy Healing!
Boomer;
Fantastic to hear you are doing as well as possible following your 2nd hip surgery. You've also been there for many of us, so the appreciation is indeed mutual. The relief of being through it is a huge thing, enjoy it. Just a few weeks of predictable recovery to go!
Beware of lawyers bearing gifts, even good coffee, and don't tell the medical staff he/she's of the barrister clan, they may spill something on em.
Best wishes, Dan
Just finished that incredibly long first night. Nurses did a wonderful job controlling my pain, but sleep was fitful. This morning all the inserts and tubes get yanked so I can start moving around. No complaints so far except thath they could not accommodate my wife last night, so I missed her company.
The hip got really stiff laying around all night. Toes and feet are moving fine.
WTW a celebration ride sounds most appropriate! Give me three months to recover.
So many good, kind hands have been laid on me recently. Just as many good thoughts. As Kirk M told me when I first started this journey, you need to give yourself up and let people take care of you. Enjoy their kindness. That was wonderful advice. Thanks Kirk M. Special thanks to Woodstock Hippy for helping me move forward with hip number two quickly. Dan, Kiwi, Lori, WTW, Hernanu, Tin Soldier, Curt, Pat and all the rest of you Hippys raise a glass for me tonight. We're going down this road together! I've never felt alone.
Thanks to all.
Bilateral Boomer
Great to hear things are going well. Stay patient and keep in touch when you can.
I started a new chapter in your story so people can read about your recovery.
Good Luck.
Pat
Boomer, all good news, happy to hear you're at a good starting place. Kirk was right, we're all programmed to be self sufficient, but sometimes the best thing is to be the recipient of tenderness from others. You need it now, so why not?
Sounds great.
Met with the incomparable doctor Rector this morning who told me I now have two, perfect matching hips. He gave me permission to go home today if I feel up to it. I'm enjoying my stay, so I may stay a second night to take some pressure off my wife.
What a joyous feeling to be done with the surgeries! I knew if would feel good, but wow, this is just amazing. Thinking about buying some new hiking boots so I can get back into the Rockies. Had given up on that activity. All the doors that had been closing over the past few years are starting to open again. A year from now I can ski. I will be able to get back on a surf board. Picking up the pieces as Hernanu described.
Dan, notice that I am not talking about doing any work. I've got two Birmingham "Play Hips". The warranties are void if I do any kind of labor. It reads " Congratulations on your Birmingham Play Hips. These hips were made specifically for recreational use. Any attempt to use these hips for physical labor will void the warranty. Now, go play!"
I'm about the happiest Hippy you ever saw. Just had a great cup of coffee with my attorney. OT and PT in a little while.
It's so good to be on the other side. Raise a glass.
Bilateral Boomer
Will be raising a glass to you once in the domicile (or maybe my favorite pub).
Excellent news, love the matching hips. As a seasoned driver of such, here's to your having a long and exciting trip on them.
Boomer;
My 2 cents is stay the extra night, just easier all around, room service, shiatsu massage, happy hip talk, and all those fun people to amaze with your new appliance.
Just check the fine print very carefully on your post-op x-ray-- damnedest thing when I saw the mix of devices, but needed a magnifying glass to pick it up. Hopefully the label is not on the back of your device and not visible in anterior view. You'll know you got the wrong one if you start squeaking at Garden of the Gods, or "up on Cripple Creek" (no pun intended, ancestral home of one side of our family).
I got my hiking boots on after #1 last fall, maybe a bit too early-- the weight of the boots in the snow was a bit of a challenge at first, and added some pain, but only briefly. Have been using sneakers since for hiking, but now approaching 4 months on #2, time to get the Merrill's back out for a good hike. I purchased a really nice pair a couple years ago, with the slightly rocked (convex) soles that are great on good hips (were very hard on the bad hips though).
Will toast you while not working in Grapjuiceland this weekend, will hoist a number of frosty cold Molsons for that matter, hopefully in front of a roaring campfile.
The happyness will continue, I feel so incredibly fortunate every day, and you're going to as well, with the great start you're off to already.
All the best,
Dan
Boomer - so glad to hear you're doing well. I was thinking about you last night when I played 2 hours of soccer :). I'd say you have 2 really good success stories of your own now and a helluva lot of other ones coming up. As a bilat and one who has followed many stories here, I've really enojoyed your perspective on the journey and its really great to know that you've completed the big hurdles. Now it's time start having fun, obviously in moderation over the coming weeks. Take care of those hips.
BTW - I never got any shiatsu when I was in the hospital. All I got was a good stiff yank of the catheter and the threat of a suppository. Good times, but I still think the meat loaf was truly the best part of the hospital, other than the excellent staff.
I'll hoist a couple pints for you tonight, it'll be Oakshire pale ale.
Boomer, get those new hiking boots as soon as you can. You've earned them!
Congratulations on your matching hips. It's a good move to stay the extra night, just sit back and relax.
Physical therapist got pretty aggressive with at about 5 PM yesterday and encouraged me to do a cycle of the entire medical ward with my walker. We've been trying to regain control of the pain all night. I finally threw in the towel at 4:38 AM. Four Norcos, four tramadol, two ambient. What a horrible night. I did no PT in he hospital the first time except learning how to shower and go up and down stairs. I can assure you we are taking it slow and easy today, and I am going home after lunch.
Dannywayoflife warned me about the PTs. It's back to slw and steady for Boomer.
Sorry to hear, hope it gets alot better, real soon. I wonder if crutches vs a walker might be easier that early into the recovery.
Dan
Take it easy Boomer, every recovery seems to be a little different. Don't give up on PTs due to one hyper one, but you know your body best. Keep us posted...
We have the pain under control now and I have regained my composure. Off to take a shower and do some stairs and then I'm going home. I have outpatient PT starting next Tuesday. I'll do PT every Tuesday and Thursday for ten weeks.
I think we all have that one bad night when things slide a bit. I' through mine. Dr. Rector came by for a visit, which was comforting.
Looking forward to slipping back into my recliner.
Boomer
Congratulations Boomer!
Cheers to a smooth forward recovery!
D.
Quote from: Boomer on June 13, 2012, 12:01:25 PM
We have the pain under control now and I have regained my composure. Off to take a shower and do some stairs and then I'm going home. I have outpatient PT starting next Tuesday. I'll do PT every Tuesday and Thursday for ten weeks.
I think we all have that one bad night when things slide a bit. I' through mine. Dr. Rector came by for a visit, which was comforting.
Looking forward to slipping back into my recliner.
Boomer
Sounds great Boomer. Don't know if you're into movies, but here's some light stuff that I liked during the rehab:
- Lone star state of mind.
- Flipped
- Milagro Beanfield War
- Tangled
- Better Off Dead
Action:
- The Fighter
- War Horse
- Taken
- Battle for LA
- True Grit
- Leon The Professional
Whatever entertains during the rest/ice/walk/exercise cycles.
I had that bad night, but it was only on the first one and it was the first day home. Just take it easy, ice, ice, and more ice and enjoy the recliner. I played a bunch of video games.
I am home sitting I'm my recliner with my Game Ready pants on thinking about how wonderful it is to have two new hips, and a fresh start on an active life. Can't get my arms around it completely yet, probably due to the Percocet, but at some point in the next day of two it will settle in.
Fantastic!
We did it. One more successful Hippy for all of us to celebrate. Congratulations to everyone and special thanks to Pat.
Boomer
I have tears in my eyes for you Boomer as I raise my beer in your honor!!!
SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!
Hiking Boots and Mtn Bikes. I know you are slow and steady, so you name the date and I'll be there!
Keep the Good Vibes Going!
Had a Black and Tan for you Boomer.
Congrats Boomer - I had a Hop Rocker for you, a local brew.
Worst part's over. All the best for a speedy recovery!!
Cherz
S.
Hey Boomer, how you holding up?
Hope you're doing as well as possible at this point, drop the thread a line when you get a moment.
Dan
Dan - Been getting my ass kicked , and thought I wouldn't bring the Hippy world down by singing my blues. Don't know why, but everything about the second procedure was worse. Same surgeon, same hospital, sames nurses etc, but completely different short term result. The pain levels were off the charts for me this time. We were never able to get ahead of the pain.The narcotics, which I never needed the first time, were essential this time, and my body didn't respond well. I didn't sleep for five days. Pat says, every procedure is different. This one overwhelmed me, and I knew what was coming!
Turned the corner yesterday with my first night of sleep, and today is my first day off narcotics. First PT session yesterday with the same PT I had after hip number one. He thinks this one is way ahead of the first one, so of course he had some fun pulling at the drumstick.
I'm moving around on crutches. Took a solo drive today to visit my employees. Delightful to get out of the house and among friends again. nice to be able to raise a glass tonight.
I'm back on track now and see nothing ahead but adventure and a pain free life. There is no finer feeling than knowing both procedures are history. What a load to dump!
Thanks for staying with me through all of this. Some days I felt like Frodo on the road to Mordor.
Much love to all you Hippys. Boomer is back.
Boomer
Excellent Boomer! Though sorry to hear about your bad sleeps & reaction to narcotics.
Sounds like the worst bit is over.... keep chugging along to your destination my friend.
Boomer, I'm glad to hear that you made it through. Now you can work with the PT and let him or her get you back in shape. This one should be easier in the long run now that the summer weather is here.
I'm now at 7 1/2 months and I'd say that my right side is 98% and the left is 95. All I lack is fitness.
You'll be there soon, the future is ours again!
Boomer;
Great to hear you're getting better, figured you were having a rough go when we had not heard from you, or that you had already started hiking up the rockies or something :).
It is really odd how different the 2 experiences can be, the good news is once past the first couple/few weeks, it should be pretty routine and uneventful hopefully.
When I first got out of the house after each one, I felt like my dogs when I take them to the park for a walk, giddy and thrilled just to be out of the house. When I started driving same thing, independence and freedom euphoria.
Best wishes for a continued improvement, many here pulling for you pal.
Dan
Hey Boomer, glad to see you're turning the corner on your second. Crutches at this time is fine, driving now is about when I got back to it. The way is clear, you'll be making good headway soon.
No gollums here, lots of Sams, so good things are coming. ;D
Hern, Dan, Woodstock and Kiwi - much thanks for the ongoing support. You guys have been helping me move forward for along time. I could not have made it without you.
I am grinding away one day at a time. Sleeping better, but still need the Ambien to knock me out. And, a cold beer chaser of course. Getting a good six hours of sleep now, which makes the world of difference. I'm doing lots of stairs with my cane, using the crutches for walks outside, and still cling to the walker when indoors. Pain is manageable now, stiffness is what limits my ability to keep moving. I am practicing walking correctly with walking sticks. Gradually the incision is starting to become less of a "pain in the ass". It was really sore and tight for the first week. I could not find a way to sit comfortably. Probably better that way, since it kept me in constant motion.
Yesterday depression showed up on my doorstep. I think most of us Hippys have met this challenge at some point during the journey. I knew what it was, told my wife it had arrived pretty much as expected. No big deal, just a strong urge to go back to bed and feel sad and hurt. I am not giving in when I am this close to turning the corner. My psychiatrist had prepared me for this prior to my first resurfacing. It's normal. Don't be afraid. Fight it off and it will go away. Keep moving forward.
I was able to begin taking short walks unassisted at 14 days post op after the first hip. I am shooting for the same goal this time.
Kiwi, my son extended his stay in New Zealand by nine days so he could see the entire country. He
hooked up with KiwiExperience.com and is doing the Sheepdog Backpacker tour. I reviewed his itinerary, and it blew me away. He's taking twenty three days to soak it all in.
Thanks again for staying with me guys. Things are picking up. I'll be better about posting now that I am making steady progress.
Boomer
Yeah, Boomer, the 'D' seems to make an appearance each time, you just got to walk up to it, shake hands, arm around the shoulder, talk to it and gently show it the door when time comes.
It's there, but can be dealt with by considering the positive future coming your way.
Hi boomer. Your op was the day before mine. Although I think you had more pain than me to start it sounds like I have a similar experience now. I too have had problems with sleeping initially, seems to have sorted itself now. Stiffness has been there too, especially when I have been over zealous with the rehab. Like you I am waiting to turn the corning and I feel it is close, things are improving all the time. I suppose the depression is not helped with the lack of sleep and sitting around bored all day with some pain. All the best with your recovery. Onwards and upwards.
Boomer, yes I too recall the "D" knocking on my door early post op - as you said, it's something most of us hippies experience at some point to varying extents. You seemed prepared for it this time around & as you know it doesn't last forever. I used to try distract it by reading, watching movies, playing online golf etc but more often than not found myself up at all hours on this site. Somewhat comforting knowing there's so many others going through similar. Just to reiterate Hern & Dan - The end game is within reach - and as you'll know there's so much to look forward to.
I had a look at your son's itinerary - spectacular. Happy to see my 'must see' recommendations are all there. He will have an absolute blast I'm sure. It's winter here - I hope he's used to the cold ;)
Cherz
Kiwi
I have been slugging it out, suffering through my expected slow recovery. It has been far more difficult than I could have imagined. Today, almost eight weeks since surgery number two, and eight months since surgery number one, I finally reached a breakthrough. The details are not important, but what is important is to let everyone know who has been supporting me from my very first post, that I am going to be OK. Woodstock, Hern, Oxi, Curt, Kiwi and Kirk, and all you other great Hippys, thank you for all the wisdom you have shared, and the strength you have shown. It took me eight weeks to walk the mile and quarter around the lake by my house. I failed the first three times last week, and had to be helped home by family. Humbling for sure, but I could not get around the lake prior to surgery, so this is not disappointing. Yesterday, I finally made it around the lake! Not a headline event, unless you have OA. Having suffered thorough the downward spiral over the years, this is the beginning of the new life we all beg for during the dark times. A breakthrough to be celebrated.
I have been working hard every day on PT to help my recovery. There have been days when I wanted to throw in the towel. Not really a choice when you are part of the Hippy community. It means a lot to belong to this fabulous group of athletes. I am constantly inspired, and never saw an opportunity to quit. It's just not an option once you sign on. Keep moving forward, there is so much to enjoy, when you have reached the other side.
I don't expect to post much in the future, because I need to put this chapter of my life in the rearview mirror. However, if any of you prospective Hippys are in Colorado, and need some guidance from someone who has been down the road twice, send me an email, and I will do my best to help you along. My home is your home, and my family is here for you. No reason to do this alone. You are welcome here.
Pay it forward. I can never pay back the debt I owe to the Hippy community, but I will make an honest effort. I get stronger every day, and know that my future will not be limited by OA. My wife and I are riding from Prague to Vienna next summer to celebrate my recovery. I didn't do this alone. I am so humbled by the entire experience. What a lesson in life! I am so humbled.
Thank you to everyone who was there when the dark times were closing in. Thank you Pat, for hosting this most amazing website. How many lives have you saved? You should smile every night when you lay your head down, because you have made a difference. Honestly, who else could we turn too?
I just want to say thank you to the Hippy community. Nobody does this alone. To you would be Hippys I offer encouragement. You can do this!
Thank you.
Boomer
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| HIPPY TIMES |
| ---- ---|
| Boomer is Back!!! |
| ---- ---|
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Thought I'd give you a headline...
Great to hear you're on your way Boomer! Breakthroughs is what we all live for, glad you hit your first. Don't worry about posting too little in the future, the best thing to see is that you're living that life. There's tons of gathering of your life to do still, some of it in Prague and some in Vienna and along the way apparently.
Really happy for you. Check in on anniversaries, I always got a kick out of reading those early on.
Keep moving forward, Boomer, you've got mountains to climb on and off the bicycle.
Good luck with everything.
Congrats Boomer, very happy you are making forward progress. I know what you mean about putting this aspect of our lives in the rearview mirror, I feel that way as well, and on a number of recent days, I find myself almost "forgetting" about my hips. That realization is both liberating and a bit sad, to somewhat leave all the incredible people here.
Sincere Thank You for your humor and encouragement through these past months, your posts were among highlights for me during these not so trivial last 10 months or so, the ball-busting kept me on my toes when I needed it most.
All the best my friend and if in your state, we'll have to have a cold one or two to celebrate the metamorphosis.
Dan
I am just about at the 90 day point on my second hip. This recovery had been slow, just like the first one. However, in the past seven days I have been able to enjoy my new hips, and they responded better than I ever could have hoped. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week I went boogie boarding in San Clemente and Huntington Beach. Cold water, big waves and enormous fun. Sand and the ocean are great for recovering hips, I say. I had a blast, and even when the ocean got a bit rough with me, no problem with the hips. A little stiffness and soreness, but nothing that lasted more than an evening. Went to an Angels game in Anaheim on Thursday night, and had no trouble with the stairs. Saturday I went for a 28 mile bike ride with my wife, who has been training for, and doing triathalons this summer. I'm slow, and I was tired at the end, but it was a splendid ride. Sunday we hiked from Brainard Lake to Isabella Glacier, a five mile loop that includes 800 feet of elevation gain. Not a difficult day for most people, but just enough for me to test out the new hips. Again, some soreness and tightness, but no real pain. What a joy to be back in the Rockies hiking around like everybody else! Monday we did another bike ride, but I was too tired to finish the ride, and we had to skip the big climb of the day. Six days of exercise out of the last seven days. I hoped life would be this good after having both hips fixed, but I didn't want to have unrealistic expectations and be disappointed.
I still have range of motion issues that I need to work on. Putting my shoes and socks on is still a challenge for the second hip. I haven't been diligent enough with the stretching exercises. This recovery is really a full time job. I've missed some things.
My lovely wife has been with me every step of the way, and made the two resurfacing challenges possible. It really takes a whole team of support people to make this a good experience. The support of the people on this website is remarkable. Nobody does this alone.
Life is very good. Thanks everyone for the help and guidance you provided to me all along the way. We've got a successful bilateral story here, no doubt about it. Celebrate with me. And, if there is anyone I can help along the way to the other side, please let me know.
Boomer
Hey Boomer, thanks for sharing the wonderful report!!!
Blimey.... I'm both uplifted and awed reading your post. Who could ever have imagined that given the state you had been in t the beginning of your story, Boomer, you are doing so well you have your life back. Good on you, you deserve it! So great to hear. Enjoy!
Ps, I went back and re read some of your posts. I'm still chuckling at your post about the tooth, the blood sausage and the psychiatrist. I love your humour.
May the sun shine, the trails stretch out and the sea sparkle for you!
Great end to the summer, Boomer - really glad you're on your way, it still gets better after this.
Range of motion will still be an issue for a while, but it comes. Just keep celebrating with your wife and the rest of us. It's great to read and to see.
Nice one Boomer! Sounds like you are using those new wings to the max. So glad everything is going well :)
Boomer! San Clemente? Was there in April, beautiful place, amazing how well you`re doing. Congatulations, what`s the secret? Am way behind you- probably due to being back in the UK:)
Congrats Boomer. Beach bumming in Costa Rica after #1 and along the Pacific Coast after #2, not so shabby a rehab assignment for one of us old guys.
Sounds like some great hikes/rides and morale builders, I'm happy for you. It keeps getting better.
After a week of fun last week hiking in the Catskills near Albany and up/down the Allegheny escarpment in far western NY, all fun mind you, I was thinking of you as I excavated down to the cleanouts of our septic tank and experienced no pain, or squeaking despite your previous warnings of same.
Keep up the good progress, and get after that stretching, socks/shoes should be old hat very soon.
Dan
Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary for my right hip. Getting close to six months on my left hip. Time for an update. I am staying very active, with some kind of work out every day. The weather has been great in Denver this Fall so I have been able to ride both my mountain and rode bikes. No limits of how far I can ride, but I have tightness and some difficulty climbing steep mountains and pushing the biggest gears. I expect it is scar tissue and general soft tissue that is still healing. And, I am slow! Really slow! But, no complaints. I get on and off my bike like most other humans. I haven't been able to do that for years.
I mix in workouts on the treadmill which are helping me extend my stride and stretching the scar tissue. Some Pilates and weight lifting with a variety of different free weights. The first squat I did about two months ago was not pleasant, but now I do squats routinely and things are getting stronger and looser. No problem clipping my toe nails or putting on shoes. I've also been hiking in the mountains and do a three and a half mile walk around a lake by my house every other day, just because it is beautiful. I couldn't get around the lake before my surgeries.
Here's the best part. All the psychological issues that came with the chronic pain, loss of activity and fear of the future are gone. My psychiatrist, who helped me through all of this, told me he didn't need to see me anymore for psychotherapy and stopped the antidepressants. I'm not saying I'm normal, but at least I don't need professional help.
My last few vacations were ruined or severely compromised by my bad hips and depression. Now that I have my life back I have already booked trips to Miami, Costa Rica and Hawaii this Spring. And, my wife and I are scheduled to ride from Prague to Vienna in July. Time to start living my life again. There was a time when I thought active vacations were over for me. I actually started looking at cruises.
I want to give proper respect for my surgeon Dr. Rector, who installed both of my hips. My last visit with Dr. Rector was one of the most memorable meetings I think I will ever have. Follow up X-rays on both hips were "perfect" according to the good doctor. He smiled and told me that we had done good work and that my hips would continue to improve for the rest of my life. I tried to find the words to thank him, but there really isn't anything I could have said that would have conveyed what we all feel at that point. He understood and just smiled to let me know he was happy as well. What a splendid fellow!
Newbies and those just lurking about trying to get their hands around this whole resurfacing thing hear me out. There is nothing to be afraid of if you pick an experienced surgeon and follow his/her instructions. It's very hard work getting full value from the procedure, but the rewards are beyond anything you could hope for. And, the journey will bring you satisfaction and strength, new relationships, a renewed trust in your fellow man, including a number of strangers who will care for and comfort you during the dark times we all face during the initial recovery.
Hern, Tin, Woodstock, Dan, Curt, Kirk, Kiwi and too many others for me to remember, raise a glass and join me tomorrow to celebrate my anniversary. I couldn't have made it without you. I am deeply humbled and exceptionally grateful to be part of the Hippy Community.
Many thanks to all you Hippys.
Boomer
Boomer, I'll be raising a glass to you for sure. My two year on my right hip is today, but that pales in comparison to the one year anniversary, the improvement and lifting of spirits is tangible; the second is just very satisfying.
Really glad for you, I also went off antidepressants at about that time. You are well on your way, brother.
:o ;D ... I actually started looking at cruises. ::) ;D
That's when you knew you were ready for resurfacing, huh? ;D ;D
Great update! Really very inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
Great upsate, Boom. I'm glad to hear that things are going well.
''I have already booked trips to Miami, Costa Rica and Hawaii this Spring''
Three vacations in one spring, you really are doing good!
Awesome report Boomer. Glad you're enjoying both your new parts so much. You're an inspiration to so many people here & the one year mark is a milestone worthy of glass raising.
Cherz to you on your one year anniversary mate .....the first of many!!!
Kiwi
Boomer;
Excellent report, very glad to hear you are doing so well, and sincere congrats on your anniversary. The quote that your doc said about your hips continuing to improve for the rest of your life is profound-- I figured it would plateau at some point, but that is a really nice way to think about it, thank you for sharing. The comments about psychological health ring very true, I am amazed how much better I feel in that respect, almost like a new person.
Three spring vacations not too shabby, in July it is sure to be interesting to explain hip resurfacing in multiple European languages while you "turn your head and cough" at the security checkpoints. "Is that an acetabular cup in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" I've heard that kind of search is extra.
I'm envious of your hiking track-- sounds really nice.
Best regards
Dan
Excellent report Boomer and congrats.
I love San Clemente. I use to surf down by the county line close to the nuclear power plant. Was wierd when you were under water you could hear the turbines humming. The dolphins would come right up to my board. The waves are easy double over head at times there. Man I miss that place.
Enjoy it. There is a really great sushi place right near by there too..can't remember the name now.
Ross
Boomer - love to hear the success and you getting back to what you love to do. I took my good wife on a hike on Sunday and 5 miles was not a problem - I regularly do 8 to 10 miles.
Bike riding - you will soon get back some speed and fitness - take your time. I am now faster than 3 years ago.
Enjoy - Phi ll
Phil,
Thanks for the encouragement, but at 58 years old I have accepted it as fact that I will remain slow. I've been training very hard. I'm just slow. I'm visiting fellow Hippy John_EMD in Fresno in February to do some riding and a hike in Yosemite. He still rides the pro circuit, so I am fearful of a but kicking. Obviously it won't be the first.
I stopped into a ski shop in Salt Lake City late one afternoon last week to buy a gift. Two elderly skiers were holding court telling folks what the ski conditions were like that day. I asked the two fellows how often the skied. They told me they skied three or four times a week. I said, that's pretty expensive. They told me because of their age they skied free. So I asked how old they were. The young fellow was 80! His older buddy was 92!!!. I asked to see their drivers license to confirm this. It was true. I had to sit down. Now that is a success story.
I'll be trying some snow shoeing as soon as we get some snow. Had to give that up a couple of years ago.
Thanks for the feedback. Life is good.
Boomer
Really good to hear that Boomer. Maybe you'll be showing your id at some point and telling some youngster about your awesome hips.
Hey Boomer - Those guys were for real. The age for free skiing has increased to 80! I was looking forward to it, but then they raised the age for Senior to 70! Obviously, the average age of the skiers is going up, otherwise they wouldn't have to hike it up.
Being a young pup, you (and I) have a long way to go to catch them, but I'm gonna try!
LARRY
GBLarry - I had the same thought that you did when I found out how old these fellows were. Epiphany, that despite beating the daylights out of my body over the years, and having two BHs installed, I still have a lot of playing left to do. I feel like I have been granted a fresh start. And, unlike so many other misguided Hippys, I'm not going to waste a single minute doing any "work". I am delighted when my wife tells people that I am useless around the house, haven't been seen in the backyardfor years, and am incapable of doing anything but writing a check.
Thanks for the post GBLarry. Playhard. Live long.
Boomer
Sounds like you've played it well, Boomer - being thought of as useless around the house is the pinnacle of husbandhood. Well played, my man 8) .
Thanks Hern.
I disappear like smoke as soon as there is any mention of "work" or "projects". I keep my water bottles full and a set of riding clothes in the garage. I'm in the saddle and heading toward the horizon before my dear wife can finish her thoughts. It makes her crazy! But, after 28 years of marriage, she has come to expect it I guess.
Boomer
Nice job Boomer, yeah the free skiing age is probably based on the acturial tables for retirement. At 43, I'm not going to be able to retire until 75 and I won't be able to free ski probably until 90.
Maybe those guys weren't skiers in their youth. I sort of think my OA was brought on partially from all the ski racing as a teenager. When we went free skiing we were constantly looking for crap to jump off. Eventhough I have new hips, I'm thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea to take it down a notch.
I need to get back to my chores around the house, got to get that damn trim installed!
Boomer,
Quote from: Boomer on December 20, 2012, 12:47:00 PM
I disappear like smoke as soon as there is any mention of "work" or "projects"
Hilarious. How long into the 28 years were you able to implement this method?
Dan
Boomer, very long time with no read or hear or interaction on my part - my apologies. I was messaged by a prospective hippy about impact on flying etc. and in my reply I saw your name and read your latests posts.
Thrilled with your positive results and outlook and your awesome life prognosis with your new hips!!
I am nearing 1 1/2 years and have been very happy with my progress. Running 4-5 days a week up to 10K. Some of my original 52 yr old hardware aches, but the new hip and surrounding muscles have become non-issues.
I am grateful that I ran across your posts, and got the update on your fantastic progress. Take care and enjoy the new lease on life to the absolute fullest!!
Curt
Curt
We both have much to be grateful for don't we? Thanks for the update and the very positive post. Isn't it wonderful to reflect how far we have come from those terrible painful years of a short time ago?
Boomer