Thursday, October 18, 2012

Making Progress

The second heel subtalar fusion has been very successful.
I now have more titanium in me than on my bike!
In three weeks I can start cycling again to which I am really looking forward.
I will be dusting off the bike this weekend and upgrading a few bits.
1. 700c rear wheel to replace 26"
2. Upgraded drive pulley
3. New return pulleys or drop the chain.
4. Experiment with installing narrower bars and remote steering option
5. New headrest to incoporate forward and rearward flashers.
6. New helmet, gloves and jersey to celebrate getting back on.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

No Progress Progress

The news is not good as the bone graft has not taken - no bone union.
How hard is it to get back on my feet?
I was very annoyed with the surgeon who acted like a blind deer.
He told me, a non drinker and non smoker, to stop smoking and drinking.
I would love to have told him "I haven't smoked an orthopaedic specialist before but could start with you!"

I tried walking without the boot but it is too painful. I have ramped my cycling up to 15 minutes a day (I can hear the chuckles :)) and I am doing more swimming pool work. In 8 weeks I do another xray and if there is no improvement I need another bone graft.

The old white M5 20/20 came back from a friend who said it was great and helped his elbow recover. He is now back on his DF.

I have checked out the Performer trikes as they are under AU$1500. They do look like a good commuter and although the cheap end good value. I like the 700c rear wheel model and would get a 36 spoke wheel for added strength.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Stats 2011

Distance - 200km
Surgery - Right ankle fusion
             - Left heel& sub-talar fusion

In 2012 I plan to make up for lack of cycling in '11.
January 22nd, 2011 was the last ride, but the year will be remembered for sorting out my ankle and heel. With a plaster to be taken off this Friday, I am expecting really good news and perhaps can start riding before Jan 22 this year.

The right ankle took longer but has fused correctly and with strength. I waited more than 20 years for new technology to provide something better than fusion. It didn't and in future, I will just go with what is available when I need it. The other thing I learned from this experience is it is better to fix and recover small problems than put things off until they get really bad. Quality of life and living pain free is worth gold.

The left heel was fused to the sub-talar on November 7th and am hoping to start weight bearing on it end of this week.

Bring on 2012 and best wishes to everyone for a fantastic year.