Thanks I could have had one knee done this summer and the other one done next summer but decided I didn't want two summers ruined.Jay w wrote:Deb, sorry about the knees...damn, both of them. Good luck on the surgery.
As for the photos, c'est la vie. The trip reports were something for the moment. A few people read them, but I doubt people are reading 2, 3, and 4 year old trip reports (or older). I've been planning to make a book (or three) out of them, so this is a kick in the pants to do it.
Jay
Thanks Joybird. The fact that I want to be able to get back to hiking by next summer is what led me to decide to do both knees at the same time. That and the fact that is how my family rolls. Both my mom and dad had both their knees replaced at the same time. They both stayed with me afterwards so while you can never know what it's like until you go through it yourself, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. I've been walking 45 minutes every morning since school got out (I'm a teacher) and making sure that I walk up and down stairs even though I'm slow as hell and it is very uncomfortable. I don't have to worry about taking adequate time off of work to rehab correctly so that is a big relief.joybird wrote:Deb,
Good for you, investing in your hiking future like this. I hope your surgery goes smoothly!
I'm a PT and do post-surgical rehab with folks in their homes, and, for what it's worth, I've seen really good results with the clients I've worked with who get both knees done at the same time. Many of them them actually progress faster because they are forced to use the new knees immediately since they can't "favor" the operated knee by relying on the non-operated knee. Just be sure to listen to your physical therapist and don't do more (or less!) than they instruct you to do as you heal.
Also, maybe this will inspire you: my Glacier "mentor" is a gentleman who is 78 years old and still hikes (skis, snowshoes) there every week, year 'round. Indeed, he and a few of his buddies led me up to the top of Triple Divide Peak last summer. This past December he finally had to have a knee replaced, and I'm happy to report that he is back on the trail and summiting mountains again, etc. You'll do fine as well. This is an excellent investment in your hiking future.
Feel free to PM me if you want to know more about what to expect, tips for preparing your living space ahead of time, etc.
Thanks dpratt. I put off going to the initial appointment way too long. I really started having a lot of pain around Christmas but told myself I'd wait until summer break. After 3 week of being in tears every single day and one evening where I thought I was going to die when I had to get down on my knees to get something out from under the couch I decided to make an appointment. Even then I figured the first available appointment would still be in the summer but they had an opening the next day. That being said, the first available opening for surgery was still 3 1/2 months out so I am really glad that I did everything when I did. Looking back, I wish I would have gone in right away.dpratt wrote:Best of luck with your knees, Deb. That is probably something I should do too, but keep putting it off.
I go back to old trio reports quite often, especially in the winter months. So I thank you for your efforts! That must have taken awhile.While I doubt that many people go back to the old trip reports I do like to be able to refer people who ask me about Glacier to those reports.
I used to have Photobucket years ago.JamesBurkett wrote:This is a very useful topic for those involved in photography!