If it had to happen, at least it was during the summer!

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Jul 08 2002 11:57 pm

Well folks, it looks like I'll be joining Snick on the HAZ Disabled List, for at least the next couple of weeks. I'm hoping it's only the 15 day, and not the 60 or 90!! 8O The details...

Since Thursday evening, my right knee has been getting increasingly stiff and swollen. At first, I thought it might be a recurrence of bursitis. I had it in that knee 20 years ago, due to a softball injury. I've never had a recurrence in the years since, and I've put thousands of trail miles, as well as bike miles, on that knee, and played hundreds of softball games. I can't place my finger on any one particular thing I may have done that may have aggrevated it.

I went to the doctor this afternoon. He sent me next door for x-rays. The good news... no skeletal issues and no arthritis (it runs in the family). The bad news... I definitely have fluid on that knee. He wanted to drain the fluid today, but a scheduling conflict made him change his plan. Instead, he gave me some anti-inflammatory meds, told me to rest it for a couple of days, ice it, elevate it, and see what happens. If all that seems to work, he may not have to drain it, otherwise, I'll go back in a couple days from now and let him drain it. At the very least, this may mean a couple weeks of down time for me, which will make it more difficult to do any training for the rim to rim hike I was planning on doing in the fall.

I licked this thing 20 years ago, I'm pretty sure I can lick again this time! I'll update everyone on my condition as I get more info. Hiking is my number one pasttime and to lose the ability to do it would be huge thing for me, as I'm sure it would most anyone on the site!

I'd appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.

So Snick, how's the water??

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Jul 09 2002 12:17 am

Think positive & I wish you the best :!:

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Jul 09 2002 2:10 am

Come on over anytime. I have therapy sessions in the pool from time to time all day. If you come after 6:00 pm. the therapy includes gin and tonic or the berage of your choice.

BoyNhisDog · Post by **BoyNhisDog** » Jul 09 2002 6:18 am

It's always something isn't it. Sorry to hear that Mike.

I know it is bothering you but the trick is to find something to keep you busy and your mind off the problem for now.

The one good thing about going to Snicks house to swim, is you don't have to buy a new bathing suit.

CindyC · Post by **CindyC** » Jul 09 2002 6:32 am

Mike, My prayers are certainly with you. As a runner this has been something I have encountered too many times. Once I had my knee drained but any other time I recovered without. I did however push myself a little faster/further than my doctor would have liked. I also am more likely to use alternatives (herbs and remedies) for the swelling and pain than the typical path precribed by my doctor. Listen to your body, it usually tells you what it needs. Take care, Cindy

If all else fails Snick's remedy may at least help get you through

GTG_AZH · Post by **GTG_AZH** » Jul 09 2002 6:33 am

Not to make light of a serious subject, but maybe it means it's going to rain.

GTG

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Jul 09 2002 6:52 am

Thanks guys!

Rain is putting it mildly, GTG, if my knee is any indication, we're gonna be in the same boat as Texas soon! 8O

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Jul 09 2002 7:10 am

You are all jealous of me swimming nude because not everyone had the body for it like I do. Some of you have those 6 pack abs, well I've got a whole case of them . . . . . . . . .

kurthzone · Post by **kurthzone** » Jul 09 2002 7:48 am

Mike,

You are on my prayer list.

olesma · Post by **olesma** » Jul 09 2002 11:02 am

BoyNhisDog wrote:The one good thing about going to Snicks house to swim, is you don't have to buy a new bathing suit.

Hey - maybe we could have the next chili shindig over at Snick's place - clothing optional of course...

azhiker96 · Post by **azhiker96** » Jul 09 2002 5:37 pm

Mike, I wish you a speedy recovery. This could be a good time to check out hot springs that are close or at the parking areas. There's a great one at Hot Well Dunes Park SE of Safford. It could be theraputic as well.

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Jul 09 2002 6:46 pm

Snick33 wrote:If you come after 6:00 pm. the therapy includes gin and tonic or the berage of your choice.

I'm gonna go out and beat hell outta my knee with a hammer!

GeorgAZ · Post by **GeorgAZ** » Jul 09 2002 10:35 pm

I have had more knee surgeries than I have knees.One acl repair in "94,aced it in 4 mos.(Dr.Emerson said I broke records). Did it my 2nd day of a 5 day ski trip(slow twisting fall-no binding release-that puppy came right off the bone!) I have had two other scopes on my other knee,for meniscus tear+cartilige repair.This is not a big deal;also had one drained a few weeks ago.All this is compromised by the fact that I stand for 2 jobs.This does NOT happen to inactive people-it's 'cause we are very physical! Do the :R.I.C.E. thing:rest ,ice,compress.elevate! you are in great shape+if anything needs to be done,you will be fine.People that work out,hike,run,etc, fare much better with rehab or even surgical stuff because they are already fit!! Don't fret now,all will be well!!

( However Snick's rehab sounds pretty good!)

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Jul 09 2002 10:53 pm

Yesterday evening, and the first half of the day today, it was all I could do to walk. Trekking poles don't really make great canes, either. But there's good news!! As of late this afternoon, it appears the inflammation is beginning to go down in my knee. I'm actually getting around much better tonight. I'm scheduled to have the fluid drained from my knee tomorrow morning, but I'm hopeful that by then, it won't be necessary! Wish me luck, Y'all!

Hooli, put down the hammer! I'm sure Snick will be happy to share a gin and tonic with you, anyway!

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement, advice and most of all, prayers. I think I'll be back on the trail in no time!

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Jul 10 2002 2:23 am

Yea, don't be wacking your knee, come on over and I'll wack it for you after you have have a few gin and tonics.

GeorgAZ · Post by **GeorgAZ** » Jul 10 2002 7:45 am

Hey Mike! Really when you are at rest or watchin the tube or whatever,wrap your knee with an ace+elevate higher than your head+ice,ice ice!I still have to do that occasionally! Hope it gets better without all the other stuff! Hang in there!

Sande J · Post by **Sande J** » Jul 10 2002 9:59 am

Mike....let me know when you are ready for a simple rehab strength program, I can give you some good exercises and stretches to perform on a regular basis so that you can get the knee strong again and keep it that way.
The challenge will be when it is feeling better and you have to really pay attention and be careful not to re-injure. Isnt it a bummer getting old...

JK, LOL...unfortunately, our bodies change and we have to be more cautious than when we are younger...that means regular strength training...especially for hikers like us....
Im sure you will be back in action in no time..
If not Im sure Randy can pack you up the trail.
SJ

GeorgAZ · Post by **GeorgAZ** » Jul 10 2002 10:10 am

My best bud teaches PT assisting at Gateway c.c..There are some very good instructional websites that give a wealth of info on exercises,strenghtening,etc. I printed almost 30 pages for my kickbox instructor,who is having acl problems. I just typed in acl injury+got tons of info.Yes,Sande J,we have to pay attention to the bod,as we get on,and a lot of it is overuse.I wish the powers that be would've made our knees a little sturdier,for all that they have to do and carry! Like Roseann Roseannadan-It's always something! Good luck! TAKE IT EASY!!

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Jul 10 2002 10:20 am

Hope both those OLD dudes (Snick & Mike) recover rapidly!

nealz · Post by **nealz** » Jul 10 2002 10:40 am

Mike-

Well, it's today and I hope your knee appointment with the doc went well. I have notoriously weak knees and have been using knee braces on backpack trips for some time now. It helps a lot as does the strengthing exercises. I'd be interested in what Sande has to say about it as I'm always looking for additional ways to stay out on the trails. I'd also be heartbroke if I lost the ability to hike. Take care.

-Nealz

If it had to happen, at least it was during the summer!

If it had to happen, at least it was during the summer!

Mike

Not to make light of a serious subject

Swimming

Re: Mike

Hey Mike!

Knee Update

Hooli

Mike's knee

Rehab