Talking bikes w/ your surgeon while he is operating.. you.

[bking]

Hospitals. Nearly lost my dad twice, not to what he was in there for or the procedure, but to infections. Lost a 2 yr old niece last month, liver transplant went fine, recovery progressing but infection set in and just didn't have the strength to recover.

Glad to hear you're home, a much better environment for recovery.

[dogrange]

Welcome back, glad that you are at least feeling well enough to post! We are still here generating trivia to help act as a distraction during your recovery!

[j44ke]

My wife's dad went in for a coronary procedure and the guy putting in his catheter perforated his bladder. Severe infection, lots of antibiotics, a meeting with the hospital legal team, etc.

I was walking in a stream on our friends' property in PA and slipped, put my hand down on a rock and scraped the skin on my thumb. A couple days later my thumb ballooned to twice its size. A big pill and some flora replacement therapy.

Those "bugs" will get you even for minor stuff - and your stuff doesn't sound minor - so I am glad you are feeling chipper enough to work the floor pump. Get your rest, don't overdo it, and eat your yogurt.

[suhacycles]

Good to hear you're on the mend and keep up the attitude. Hey, just think, as you're getting back on the bike (please, no rush!) you'll start off with that climber's physique you've always wanted!

[sk_tle]

Wow looks like a nightmare. Sending you positive vibes. Get well soon.

[holliscx]

Wish I could unread this as I'm going under the knife tomorrow at 8 sharp pun intended!

Wishing you a smooth recovery Colker

[mzilliox]

get well brother, my riding partner is a surgeon!

[Mark Walberg]

Wish I could unread this as I'm going under the knife tomorrow at 8 sharp pun intended!

Wishing you a smooth recovery Colker

Best of luck tomorrow Hollis.
Since we last talked, I've been doing some recovery of my own - hip fracture, metacarpal fracture, 5th clavicle fracture while making a U-turn the day after Thanksgiving.
Got a new hip the next day. Titanium with ceramic bearings!
Trainer only now, aiming to be back on the road in another month.

Good luck on your recovery, too, Colker.

Working on regaining the strength and endurance will be interesting. It is certainly providing me with a new perspective, and I think I'll enjoy just being out there again.
-Mark

[holliscx]

Best of luck tomorrow Hollis.
Since we last talked, I've been doing some recovery of my own - hip fracture, metacarpal fracture, 5th clavicle fracture while making a U-turn the day after Thanksgiving.
Got a new hip the next day. Titanium with ceramic bearings!
Trainer only now, aiming to be back on the road in another month.

Thanks Mark. I just want to open my eyes about an hour after they go into my knee. From that point forward let's go.

My physio said my leg is 60% but my head is lagging behind around 40% but he's busted my balls since day one re: my head holding me back. But I don't think he gives me enough credit for fear is part of the process.

I don't know if it's pure coincidence but about a week ago I ditched the crutch I was using. I had gone from two crutches down to one and although I don't walk great I noticed that I could finally put my full weight down which was the deciding factor to ditch the crutch. Part of it might have been my mind relaxing before surgery and playing tricks on me that I'm strong or wanting to wish so anyway.

I'm a surgery noob but I trust the nurses and doctors and plan to do whatever they say. I hope I don't start babbling drunk when they put me under but my wife will be with me.

What a U-turn you did to yourself, yikes! My brother shattered his tibia into 20 pieces skiing and they reconstructed his leg so I believe it that they can do anything today.

But +1 on your new perspective on the bike. I met two riding buddies for coffee this past weekend and got goosebumps telling them I was going to lose it if I ever ride my bicycle to Santiago de Compostela again.

Not to hijack the thread but Colker's surgery mayhem freaked me out!

[bironi]

Good luck to all involved in this conversation. At 66 I feel fortunate to be upright. Inspiring!

[jumphigher]

Hey so how about an update colker, how're things?

[colker]

Hey so how about an update colker, how're things?

I still have some abdominal pain and i am under the doc´s vigilance. Pain could result from all the poking around inside me.
I have been riding the bike on short distances. Every day a bit further. I am back to work as well. Slowly.
I am still doing blood exams and magnetic scans: my doc is extra carefull. He even wanted to open me up and insert a video just to see what´s going on but since the blood tests come up ok there is no reason to.
I am paying medical bills. Getting back to life has been weird... i feel a bit different. Sadder in a way. Thanks for asking.

[j44ke]

I still have some abdominal pain and i am under the doc´s vigilance. Pain could result from all the poking around inside me.
I have been riding the bike on short distances. Every day a bit further. I am back to work as well. Slowly.
I am still doing blood exams and magnetic scans: my doc is extra carefull. He even wanted to open me up and insert a video just to see what´s going on but since the blood tests come up ok there is no reason to.
I am paying medical bills. Getting back to life has been weird... i feel a bit different. Sadder in a way. Thanks for asking.

Not a doctor obviously, but I know from friends and family that a bit of sadness or depression after traumatic surgical experience (poking around inside you as you say) is not uncommon. I am sure you are profoundly aware all sorts of stuff got jostled around, so keep up with things, watch your moods and sleep, get some sun, eat good food, etc.

[jumphigher]

I still have some abdominal pain and i am under the doc´s vigilance. Pain could result from all the poking around inside me.
I have been riding the bike on short distances. Every day a bit further. I am back to work as well. Slowly.
I am still doing blood exams and magnetic scans: my doc is extra carefull. He even wanted to open me up and insert a video just to see what´s going on but since the blood tests come up ok there is no reason to.
I am paying medical bills. Getting back to life has been weird... i feel a bit different. Sadder in a way. Thanks for asking.

Well it sounds like you're definitely healing up - especially if you're riding. So make sure you're eating right and resting decently.

I have to tell you, I doubt you'll ever be exactly the same mentally, but not in a bad way. It just gives you another perspective on things. As weird as it sounds, I'm glad I went through the whole throat cancer ordeal I mentioned. It really taught me a helluva a lot about medicine and treatment, cured me of my hating getting shots (lolz), and made me a stronger, better person in the end.

Also, dont spend too much time worrying about your medical bills, you'll eventually get them behind you. Just be grateful modern medicine exists and it is available to you. I know all this was due to complications from your gall bladder procedure, but the surgery obviously had to be done. I'd hate to think about where you or I'd be if modern treatment didnt exist. So hang in there!

[jclay]

Just saw/looked at this thread. Jeez... Sorry you had to endure the journey but glad you're recovering Colker. You too Holliscx.

[jumphigher]

Best of luck to you too, holliscx. Somehow I missed your entire post! Better days are ahead for all. :)

[colker]

Well it sounds like you're definitely healing up - especially if you're riding. So make sure you're eating right and resting decently.

I have to tell you, I doubt you'll ever be exactly the same mentally, but not in a bad way. It just gives you another perspective on things. As weird as it sounds, I'm glad I went through the whole throat cancer ordeal I mentioned. It really taught me a helluva a lot about medicine and treatment, cured me of my hating getting shots (lolz), and made me a stronger, better person in the end.

Also, dont spend too much time worrying about your medical bills, you'll eventually get them behind you. Just be grateful modern medicine exists and it is available to you. I know all this was due to complications from your gall bladder procedure, but the surgery obviously had to be done. I'd hate to think about where you or I'd be if modern treatment didnt exist. So hang in there!

Thanks a lot. I feel displaced right now but it´s a consequence of those months of isolation and fragility. Otoh i feel more focused ... I know what i can do and want to do every single moment. I have a clear conscience of my limitations... and i have less of a temper; i can control my emotions.
I have to take care of that residual pain w/ the doc.
Thanks again for sharing your insights. It means a lot to me.

[colker]

Not a doctor obviously, but I know from friends and family that a bit of sadness or depression after traumatic surgical experience (poking around inside you as you say) is not uncommon. I am sure you are profoundly aware all sorts of stuff got jostled around, so keep up with things, watch your moods and sleep, get some sun, eat good food, etc.

Thank You.

[bironi]

Hope that you get on a bike and feel like a kid again.