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MAD6Gun
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« on: July 22, 2017, 03:40:14 PM » |
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As some of you may know, mostly those that I rode with at inzane know I have been having problems with my knees. I have ostio arthritis in both knees. I few weeks before I left for Billings they started hurting again. I called my orthopedic doc and he told me he would do cortizone shots again. So ten days before I left I got shots in both knees. Needless to say they didnt work this time. Riding at Inzane was painful. I rode a few times dealing with the pain. Not to mention climbing stairs to our second floor hotel room. It got much worse when I got home. While unloading the truck after getting home I turned my right knee and it popped. The pain was unbearable. My wife made me go to the ER. They did an X-ray witch showed surprise surprise artherits. Was told to fallow up my doc. Thanks for nothing. I called my doc and since the cortizone didnt work its time for surgery.
I saw a surgeon,he told me its a quality of life thing. Since I have yet to ride my bike I would say my quality of life is afected. My surgery is sheduled for Aug 18th. In the meantime I have a lot to do before then. I made a life changing decision. I am done being a auto tech. 33 years is long enough to destroy my body. Over the years I have messed up my back,hurniated a disc in my neck (fusion done). Broke a finger,pain in my right hand from years of impact tool use and now my knees. I AM DONE. I gave my notice. My last day was yesterday. I will have time to find something else. I hope.
I told my boss when he hired my over a year ago that with my kidney desease I will need take time off for appontments. He was ok with it,at first. Lately he isnt anymore. Constantly harping on me about taking time off. So I am glad I am out of there. So wish me luck.
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12764
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2017, 03:46:03 PM » |
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Best of luck......of course I believe we really can mostly make our own luck so figure out what makes you happy and go after what ever it is
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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JimC
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« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2017, 05:12:53 PM » |
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Mark,
I wish you luck!
You are way too young to be crippled up like you are, and without making the decisions you did, you would likely be walking with a cane or worse in short order. You are a smart guy, and I know you are not afraid of work, or a challenge, so I am sure that it will work out for you.
Good luck,
Jim
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Jim Callaghan SE Wisconsin
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TJ
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« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2017, 05:13:18 PM » |
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Good Luck...  |
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old2soon
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« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2017, 05:59:58 PM » |
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Mark-replacement surgery they are accomplishing these days is Amazing. As yer aware lotsa guys here on our board have got some non standard parts installed on them.  My Brother Ross-da prez-comes to mind. Having wrenched worked construction drove a truck and raced I KNOW bout beatin yer body up. Will keep you in my Prayers my Friend! RIDE SAFE. |
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« Last Edit: July 22, 2017, 09:21:49 PM by old2soon »
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15324
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2017, 07:11:28 PM » |
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I hope your surgeon is up to date on the newer procedure for knee replacement. Takes only a 5-4" incision on the side, not the usual 11-12" down the top of the knee. They use the same prosthesis but don't cut any muscles or tendons. Had a lady in my exercise class after my hip job who had the first knee done years ago and carried the long scar on that leg. This time she only had a 5" square bandage on the side of her leg and she was more flexible than I was, plus she walked to/from the class from her room. Recovery is quick. In any case, I wish you the best both with the surgery and venturing out into a new vocation. Keep us posted on you progress with both. |
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gregk
Member
Posts: 794
Retired
Chippewa Falls, wi.
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« Reply #6 on: July 22, 2017, 10:14:09 PM » |
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OK I have a story for you. I've had a real bad back for years and to scared for surgery so I take a lot of alive say 3 at a crack. Had a Quad bypass 13 years ago .shattered a ACL in my left leg about 20 years ago. Last year I got an impingement in both arms and that was unbearable and had to work that out through therapy for the best outcome and that left me with some pain for about 3/4 year. At the Same time my arms took a crap my left leg went to hell again having pain felt like in my cord the outer one. I been beating it up for a while jumping out of a van. Dr. Was going to do a MRI when I got back from a trip to Colo. Theirs a reason I'm telling you all this crap. In Colo. I sat in a hot mineral spring one day 3 times about 1 hr total. The result was no more pain in my leg , this is unbelieveable. My arms maybe a hair better so I thought. No. So, I did not get the MRI. And so from Augest last year my leg has been good till about a week ago the pain is starting to come back in the leg.its not to bad yet so I'll deal with the pain for now. After I got home last year I tried a hot tub or wirl pool with hot water for my arms and that just about killed me. Cousin of mine told me I could find a closer hot sulfer spring to Wi. in Arkansas not sure.
I think you should try something here to see if it helps. If you have a hot sulfer spring in a couple hundred miles I would go give it a shot. It may not be your answer but it sure as hell helped me it was just like majec . If you can't get to one I would try a hot tub. You may not have to get a motel room to do it. I found out as a Courier one stop was a motel and they had a free swim day once a week and mom's would take the kids swimming and this hotel had a hot tub in the swimming area and you could regulate the water current. So I was there at 6 am to beat the rush. I ended up with more pain in my arms because of the hot water.
So try something like I did and maybe you can get lucky with your legs. Let us know if you decide to try these and let us know the outcome and Good luck !
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wiggydotcom
Member
Posts: 3387
Do Your Best and Miss the Rest!
Yorkville, Illinois
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« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2017, 03:39:44 AM » |
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Best of luck to you, Mark, on both the surgery and the career path you choose. Glad I got to meet you at Inzane this year. Take care,
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VRCC #10177 VRCCDS #239  |
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #8 on: July 23, 2017, 05:52:52 AM » |
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Sorry to hear about the health problems Mark. Wish you the best of luck with the knees and the career change. It's never to late for a career change and the rapid learning which takes place when doing so can bring back a level of work enjoyment which tends to go away after doing the same thing in the same industry for a long number of years.
As you may remember, about 4 years ago I left my former maintenance managers position after nearly 15 years and took the job of sole mechanic/electrician in an aerospace oriented machine shop in spite of have no experience with CNC machining or machines. I work there 3 days a week and as required for emergencies. At nearly the same time I started a gunsmith business which keeps me busy when I'm not at the day job.
The career change has allowed me to spend far more quality time with my wife, kids & Grandsons and brought a new optimism to my life in spite of finding myself dealing with diabetes now. Although I took a nearly 50% cut in yearly pay to make the change, I would do it again in a heart beat.
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964  |
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RDKLL
Member
Posts: 1222
VRCC #1231 VRCCDS #271
Mesa, AZ
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« Reply #9 on: July 23, 2017, 06:11:00 AM » |
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Good luck in you choices Mark...I believe I have some hardware in my future at some point. My current 7 hole plate with 6 screws and a lagbolt were as a result of my accident.
Most of all wish you the best in your career change!
It was nice talking to you on the hone the other day!
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solo1
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« Reply #10 on: July 23, 2017, 07:13:41 AM » |
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Mark didn't mention it but his disease will NOT allow him to take any kind of Nsaids. So, no pain killers.
As a dad, I'm concerned for him but I know his determination and he'll find something when he's again available for work.
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BigMac (SoCal)
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« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2017, 09:07:10 AM » |
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Mark I had both my knees replaced and it is truly life changing. I may not have full flexibility but I can ride the bike, stand and walk without pain. Now if they only had back replacement!
Dave
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davit
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« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2017, 01:53:30 PM » |
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Good luck to you man, hope everything works out.
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« Last Edit: July 24, 2017, 06:56:08 AM by davit »
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10626
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #13 on: July 23, 2017, 02:49:38 PM » |
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Mark didn't mention it but his disease will NOT allow him to take any kind of Nsaids. So, no pain killers.
As a dad, I'm concerned for him but I know his determination and he'll find something when he's again available for work.
Not all pain killers, opiates, are nsaids. He might want to look into it further for pain control. Maybe pain management would be in his best interest. |
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10626
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #14 on: July 23, 2017, 02:50:14 PM » |
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Good luck! Hope you can find some relieve.
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Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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da prez
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« Reply #15 on: July 23, 2017, 05:44:29 PM » |
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Mark , as long as the doctor does several a day ,,not just a few a year. Best of luck to you. I had a hip replacement on May 24th. Doc said I would be riding in two weeks. He may not have taken to account the rheumatoid artheritis. I missed IZ and was not even able to drive or fly. I still have not ridden. You are younger and I think you made the right decision to quit while you can. I worked my body into ruin as you did. Then , they just sweep you out. Prayers and blessings to you.
BigMac , Dave . A neighbor has back issues ( I am looking at back surgery) and his Dr. told him to try to hold out for a couple years. A replacement disc is in testing and may be approved.
da prez
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solo1
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« Reply #16 on: July 24, 2017, 04:09:00 AM » |
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Not all pain killers, opiates, are nsaids. He might want to look into it further for pain control. Maybe pain management would be in his best interest. QUOTE by Fudgie
From what I know and Mark agrees with me, opiates are not a good idea for long term.
Tylenol doesn't work for him even though it is not an Nsaid. Tylenol blocks pain, supposedly, but does nothing for inflammation. Also very dangerous for kidney function.
IMO, there is no risk free pain killers in today's medicine and pain management can be on the ragged edge to ever increasing dependency.
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #17 on: July 24, 2017, 06:37:23 AM » |
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Hey Mark - good luck with all you have to do in the future.. knees and finding a new job!
I know you'll do alright.
Keep us posted.
Loth
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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dragonslayer
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« Reply #18 on: July 24, 2017, 06:50:46 AM » |
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Have you looked into stemcell injections.Sometimes they can do wonders.Both my shoulders are toast,arther,so later this year I'm going for a consult.
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2k IS
98 Tour
2001 Stand
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10626
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #19 on: July 24, 2017, 08:33:15 AM » |
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Not all pain killers, opiates, are nsaids. He might want to look into it further for pain control. Maybe pain management would be in his best interest. QUOTE by Fudgie
From what I know and Mark agrees with me, opiates are not a good idea for long term.
Tylenol doesn't work for him even though it is not an Nsaid. Tylenol blocks pain, supposedly, but does nothing for inflammation. Also very dangerous for kidney function.
IMO, there is no risk free pain killers in today's medicine and pain management can be on the ragged edge to ever increasing dependency.
There are many different pain receptors. They effect each receptor differently. Any med has a effect on the kidneys or liver. Depends on the frequency. Guess it depends on his level of tolerance to the opiate. Quality of life over quantity is what I say. |
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Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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mojo
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« Reply #20 on: July 24, 2017, 09:31:32 AM » |
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Best of luck, prayers, and well wishes from Sindee and I. You are a good man and have made a tough decision to get this done at your young age. Mend well! |
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Karen
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« Reply #21 on: July 24, 2017, 10:07:05 AM » |
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Sorry to hear this, Mark. DanL here in New England had both of his knees done at the same time, and was walking and climbing stairs right after surgery. I pray you have a similar outcome. You will find that your strengths of character and determination will make you a very viable candidate for employment in the field of your choice. Prayers for a good outcome, pain free recovery, stress-free living, and working at something you enjoy.
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