Donna and I just finished a 6 day visit with her family back in New Jersey. Great times with family and friends over the Christmas holiday. Here are some observations from this Midwest Boy -
1 - There's nothing quite like the hum and vibe of NYC, especially during the holidays. The noise, smells, and sights seem particularly heightened during this time of year. To the taxi drivers - keep honking those horns. To the food-cart-workers - keep cooking those smelly chestnuts. To the tourists around the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza - keep crowding everyone in. There's no other city quite like it.
2 - Loved, loved, loved seeing "Jersey Boys" on Broadway. Such good music, such a good story, such a good production. Thanks Tony for making it happen.
3 - Is there such a thing as a straight road in New Jersey? My usually good sense of direction takes a beating each time we visit. You could set me on a street corner 3 blocks away from my brother-and-sister-in-law's house and I swear it would take me 8 days to find my way home. Even the GPS gets confused.
4 - Hey NY/NJ - there really are sports teams other than the Giants, Yankees, Jets, and Mets. Really. Go ahead and look it up.
5 - Just because I'm originally from SOUTH Dakota does not mean I should have a SOUTHERN accent. Yikes!
6 - Is there any course in a meal better than the anti-pasto course? It is hands down my all-time favorite. How fun is it to eat meats and cheeses I have no idea on how to pronounce their names? Best ever.
7 - If the eating habits I adopted during our stay is any indication, I would absolutely weigh 387 pounds if I lived there year-round. It doesn't hurt that all the cooking is excellent as well. Thanks Gail and Tony! Thanks Trish and Joey!
8 - I love how Newark people poke fun at the accents of Philly people.
Thanks to all the Paulie's, Tony's, Sal's, Joey's, diners, Taylor Ham and egg sandwiches on a hard roll, Rowan University sweatshirts, nephews and nieces, in-laws, train stations, Jersey Shores, toll roads, and Parkways that I get to experience each time I visit. You all are a treat!
And finally, thanks to the Wood and Refinski families for opening their homes to us during our stay. My Jersey girl, Donna, absolutely sparkles when she's back in her 'hood. Best Christmas present ever.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
What were you doing 50 years ago today?
Today marks the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination in Dallas. Do you remember what you were doing that day?
I was only 5 years old so my memory is pretty fleeting. What I do remember is how the event changed TV viewing those days - lots of cut-ins and news reports. Everything was happening so fast - the assassination, arresting Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby shooting Oswald, LBJ being sworn into office, the funeral..... so much in such a short time.
I didn't really understand what it all meant, only that it was interrupting whatever show I was watching. I also remember my Mom being very shaken up by the whole ordeal. She was upset and seemed to spend a large amount of time fixated by all the news accounts. The funeral a few days later seemed especially troubling to her. Years later she showed me all the newspaper clippings she had kept from the local papers - almost this mini-shrine to the event.
This did seem to spark the start of some very turbulent times as we rolled along into the mid and late 60's. A true flashpoint in America's history.
Finally, one more item I find interesting. In reading recently about JFK and his time and policies while in office it appears he was almost Reagan-esque, before there was a Ronald Reagan. Despite being a Democrat, JFK was all about smaller government, lower taxes, and trickle down economics. Traits today's Democrats probably don't want to acknowledge.
What were you doing November 22, 1963?
I was only 5 years old so my memory is pretty fleeting. What I do remember is how the event changed TV viewing those days - lots of cut-ins and news reports. Everything was happening so fast - the assassination, arresting Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby shooting Oswald, LBJ being sworn into office, the funeral..... so much in such a short time.
I didn't really understand what it all meant, only that it was interrupting whatever show I was watching. I also remember my Mom being very shaken up by the whole ordeal. She was upset and seemed to spend a large amount of time fixated by all the news accounts. The funeral a few days later seemed especially troubling to her. Years later she showed me all the newspaper clippings she had kept from the local papers - almost this mini-shrine to the event.
This did seem to spark the start of some very turbulent times as we rolled along into the mid and late 60's. A true flashpoint in America's history.
Finally, one more item I find interesting. In reading recently about JFK and his time and policies while in office it appears he was almost Reagan-esque, before there was a Ronald Reagan. Despite being a Democrat, JFK was all about smaller government, lower taxes, and trickle down economics. Traits today's Democrats probably don't want to acknowledge.
What were you doing November 22, 1963?
Friday, November 8, 2013
The NFL's biggest issue - Bullys????
Let's make it crystal clear up front that I love football - love it, love it, love it. Love the Pro's, love College ball, heck, I even check my local newspaper to see how my high school team in South Dakota is doing each week. My "glory days" as a high school football player were some of the best times of my teenage years. Great memories and great competition and great character building.
So now we see all over the news the Bullying issue in Miami involving Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin. What's a Football-crazed nation to think or do?
So there's no doubt, I'm not condoning bullying. What Incognito did is despicable - he's an ass and has always been an ass throughout his career. You don't have to look very deep into his football history to see that he's a thug on the field and now it appears he's a thug off the field. What Martin did is understandable too - no one should have to put up with the crap he did in that locker room. Maybe he should've stood up to Incognito. Might've got his ass kicked but stood up the same. Maybe he felt he shouldn't have to stand up for himself. Either way, he did what he think was right.
But here's my rub on the situation. As I watch all the talking heads on ESPN and the mainstream media yammer on and on about how bullying and hazing in the NFL needs to stop, about how cruel this is, and about the terrible culture that exists in the NFL, it occurs to me how hypocritical all this talk is.
Hypocritical in the sense that football, by it's very nature, is a very physical, violent game. Hypocritical in the sense that millions of fans cheer every weekend for violent hits. Violence that we EXPECT from our football players. So it's OK for these same players to be very violent people playing a very violent game on the weekends but somehow it's not OK when that same violent streak is displayed Monday through Friday. We expect these players to turn off the very switch that makes them successful on the field when they are off the field.
Unfortunately, most players aren't wired that way. Either the switch is On or it's Off and it's difficult to flip back and forth between the two. So while we all agree that Incognito went waaaaaaay over the cliff on this, it's the indignation these "experts" are displaying that has me shaking my head.
Football is having a serious branding issue these days. Former players are killing themselves on a fairly regular basis, they are being thrown in jail for all sorts of serious crimes and now we have an instance where rookie hazing got out of hand. And that's the issue people are suddenly focused on.
Maybe we should spend more time worrying about how to keep players from turning their brains into mush. Maybe we should spend more time eliminating the thugs from the game that beat their girlfriends, deal drugs, or even kill others during the off-season. Maybe we need to demand owners, coaches, and team veterans to do a better job of self-policing their workplace.
Let's turn our indignation to the areas it really needs to be. While bullying is an important issue, I would rather focus on bullying among youngsters and let the big, bad entitled football players work it out themselves. Of all the things Jonathan Martin signed up for when he signed his first NFL contract, being the victim of an A-hole bully like Incognito shouldn't be one of them. Incognito needs to stand down and Martin needs to stand up. And the rest of America needs to worry about how we keep football from extinction in the next 10 years.
So now we see all over the news the Bullying issue in Miami involving Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin. What's a Football-crazed nation to think or do?
So there's no doubt, I'm not condoning bullying. What Incognito did is despicable - he's an ass and has always been an ass throughout his career. You don't have to look very deep into his football history to see that he's a thug on the field and now it appears he's a thug off the field. What Martin did is understandable too - no one should have to put up with the crap he did in that locker room. Maybe he should've stood up to Incognito. Might've got his ass kicked but stood up the same. Maybe he felt he shouldn't have to stand up for himself. Either way, he did what he think was right.
But here's my rub on the situation. As I watch all the talking heads on ESPN and the mainstream media yammer on and on about how bullying and hazing in the NFL needs to stop, about how cruel this is, and about the terrible culture that exists in the NFL, it occurs to me how hypocritical all this talk is.
Hypocritical in the sense that football, by it's very nature, is a very physical, violent game. Hypocritical in the sense that millions of fans cheer every weekend for violent hits. Violence that we EXPECT from our football players. So it's OK for these same players to be very violent people playing a very violent game on the weekends but somehow it's not OK when that same violent streak is displayed Monday through Friday. We expect these players to turn off the very switch that makes them successful on the field when they are off the field.
Unfortunately, most players aren't wired that way. Either the switch is On or it's Off and it's difficult to flip back and forth between the two. So while we all agree that Incognito went waaaaaaay over the cliff on this, it's the indignation these "experts" are displaying that has me shaking my head.
Football is having a serious branding issue these days. Former players are killing themselves on a fairly regular basis, they are being thrown in jail for all sorts of serious crimes and now we have an instance where rookie hazing got out of hand. And that's the issue people are suddenly focused on.
Maybe we should spend more time worrying about how to keep players from turning their brains into mush. Maybe we should spend more time eliminating the thugs from the game that beat their girlfriends, deal drugs, or even kill others during the off-season. Maybe we need to demand owners, coaches, and team veterans to do a better job of self-policing their workplace.
Let's turn our indignation to the areas it really needs to be. While bullying is an important issue, I would rather focus on bullying among youngsters and let the big, bad entitled football players work it out themselves. Of all the things Jonathan Martin signed up for when he signed his first NFL contract, being the victim of an A-hole bully like Incognito shouldn't be one of them. Incognito needs to stand down and Martin needs to stand up. And the rest of America needs to worry about how we keep football from extinction in the next 10 years.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Viva LV
A few weeks ago Donna and I took a quick trip to Las Vegas to help Alison celebrate her 30th birthday. Family members from both sides came along as well. I'm pretty certain Alison enjoyed her birthday and the activities it included. I'm pretty certain everyone else had a good time as well.
I've been to Vegas a number of times through the years going back to my first visit when I was 19 years old (1977 - yikes!). Of course that visit included an "altered" ID and about $40 in my pocket. Hardly took the city by storm that day but it was fun anyway, maybe a story for another day.
Since we've returned from the trip, I've been thinking of my top 10 impressions from that weekend. Here they are:
1. The casinos keep getting bigger and bigger and the crowds keep getting younger and younger.
I know, I know - this makes me sound like the grumpy old man that I probably am. However, I've really noticed the last few times I've been in Vegas that the casinos seem to be getting bigger and the crowds seem to be getting younger. Maybe I can't get around as quickly as I used to, maybe I get turned around in the casinos - getting lost definitely adds time trying to get from point A to point B, maybe I can't run quite as long into the night as I once could and the current crowd seems to be able to. My point is Las Vegas feels like it's becoming a young person's city. However, having said that, there appeared to be lots and lots of older folks wandering around. Maybe my expectations just need to change. Let the youngsters stay up all night (and feel crappy the next morning) and let the youngsters move quickly from spot to spot. For me, I'll try to be patient and continue to take my time, enjoy the sights, and not worry if I shut it down at midnight. Sometimes the best sights (and best gambling) can be found early in the morning.
2. What would Elvis think of today's Las Vegas?
A couple of months ago, the movie "Viva Las Vegas" was on TV - starred a very young Elvis and Ann Margaret. The setting was in Las Vegas. Vegas at that time (and this coincides with my early memories of the city) really revolved around the night club and performing acts. The rise of the Rat Pack and other performers seemed to dominate - along with the gambling of course. Slots and table games were big but other than horse racing, the sports book didn't seem as big. There was much less commercialism along the strip and the traffic and people jams along the streets and sidewalks didn't exist. Evel Kneviel had room to jump his motorcycle over the fountains at Ceaser's. Now there's hardly room for the fountains. Downtown is probably closer to the old "look and feel" but even that has changed a lot. I'm sure if Elvis were still around, he would be performing at one of the big casino's theaters and people would still be packing the place. If Celine and Elton can perform night after night, no reason to think Elvis wouldn't be a big draw. Not sure if he could fit in the tiny race cars used in his old movie however.
3. What's with all the costumed characters standing along the sidewalks?
Take a picture and give them money. What a racket. Here's a list of who/what I saw: Mickey and Minnie Mouse (bad, bad costumes), Las Vegas Showgirls (reason #103 why you shouldn't bring your kids to LV - not many clothes were on), Motorcycle Chicks wearing leather, Transformers (these were pretty good costumes), Hello Kitty (kinda creepy), Despicable Me characters (sorry, don't know what they are called), "Bad Cops" - girls dressed in tight police uniforms with handcuffs, Ghost Rider (bad), Sponge Bob Squarepants, . And of course, lots and lots of homeless folks with homemade signs asking for a few dollars and wishing you blessings. I especially like the homeless man whose sign said he was hungry calming eating a banana and a sandwich as well as the guy that needed a few bucks talking on his cell phone and then checking his email - yep, times are tough even in the electronic age.
4. The "card slappers" rule the street corners.
The folks that stand on the sidewalk handing out "business cards" to the local strip clubs are always a favorite. Their technique of "slapping" the cards (I guess to get your attention?) and then trying to get you to grab the card as you walk by is an interesting marketing ploy. Especially when they stand there with their Dr. Dre over-the-ear headphones on - you really wonder what they might be listening to. Not sure how successful this style of advertising is because it seems in the morning all you see scattered on the sidewalk is all the cards handed out and then dropped by the unsuspecting passer-bys. Again, these handouts are yet another reason (#65) why you shouldn't bring your kids to Las Vegas.
5. Is performing at a piano bar a good way to make a living?
We spent Friday night at the Piano Bar in the Paris casino. 2 guys playing request after request at the piano. This includes songs that were not meant for the piano but were played anyway. Not great singers but good enough. Hard to figure how much money they made. The most money included with a request was $20. They said they would play upwards of 200 songs - I think that might be quite a bit high. Even if they average $10 per song (probably more realistic) - that's $2,000 for 3 hours of playing. Don't know if they keep it all or if the bar gets a cut. Anyway, probably not a great way to make a living but likely a good gig with lots of exposure for other jobs. They do know lots and lots of songs but also cheat a little when they look something up on their iPad. Fun, fun evening with songs for everyone.
6. My new favorite sports book bet is the "teaser".
Love, love, love the Sport Book. Not convinced I'm very good at picking games but it fits nicely with my passion for sports as well as gives you a controlled way to spend (lose) money. This year I bet the "teaser" bet for Sunday's NFL games. The handicappers are really, really good at setting point spreads. It's uncanny how close they can come game after game, week after week. The NFL is so close each week that I find it very hard to pick these games very well. Sometimes in college you can find a sleeper that makes picking a winner a little easier but the NFL doesn't have nearly as many. Getting an extra 6 points (or whatever the teaser bet is) is great. It makes questionable games suddenly look much easier. Of course you have to pick multiple games to lay the bet but it's a new and fun way to watch the games and have some action. Maybe because my 4-teamer won is the reason why I'm excited for this bet.
7. Could a person really live in Las Vegas year round?
Every time I come to Vegas, I always think how fun it would be to live there. But would it? There's something to be said about the weather (most of the time), the glitz and glitter, and all there is to do. But could someone live there all the time? You definitely would need to be away from the Strip. I think the lights and action and chaos would eventually wear a person down. Too much sensory overload. Plus, when you peel it back, Las Vegas is really a seedy, corrupt town. All the things that are bad in the world - gambling, booze, bad morals, crime, drugs - can be found on most street corners. I have to think being there day after day would erode a person's character. Yeah, maybe living there year round isn't the best idea - but it sure is fun to take it in small doses over a long weekend.
8. The 2 hour time difference kicks my ass.
Yeah, I must really be getting old. The 2 hour time difference is tough for me to handle. I can't help but keep converting Vegas time to Kansas time and if it's getting late in Kansas (after 11 PM!!), then I feel like I need to be tired. Unfortunately that means it's only 9 PM in LV. But boy, can I get up early! I guess the gaming tables are open at any hour so if I want to play some Blackjack at 6 AM Vegas time that's just fine.
9. The "inexpensive" dinner is now non-existent.
In the "old" days, Las Vegas always advertised their inexpensive meals. Those days are gone. Dining is expensive in Las Vegas. Granted, there are many top-notch restaurants and options and the prices are in line as well. Even the all-you-can-eat buffets cost a bit. Not sure what bargains remain - all though I did see the 99 cent foot-long special advertised at a small casino along the Strip. I bet that's delicious!
10. How good does it feel to leave Las Vegas with some of THEIR money??!!
I did it. Yep, I finally did it. I left Las Vegas with some of their money in my pocket. Don't think that ever happened before. I suppose when you add up all the other expenses - room, meals, drinks, taxis, etc. - my winnings didn't cover all that but when I count just the gambling I came out ahead. It was fun to peel out a roll of $100's when I got home. Don't suppose I'm smart enough to call it good and try to end my Vegas run on a high note - nope, I'll be back!
So that's some observations from the recent trip. Thanks Alison for including me in your 30th birthday celebration. Can't think of a better group to spend it with. Both Donna and I were glad to be part of the party plus it was just nice to get away from home for a few days after 6 long weeks of being house-bound. We can't wait until you turn 40!!
I've been to Vegas a number of times through the years going back to my first visit when I was 19 years old (1977 - yikes!). Of course that visit included an "altered" ID and about $40 in my pocket. Hardly took the city by storm that day but it was fun anyway, maybe a story for another day.
Since we've returned from the trip, I've been thinking of my top 10 impressions from that weekend. Here they are:
1. The casinos keep getting bigger and bigger and the crowds keep getting younger and younger.
I know, I know - this makes me sound like the grumpy old man that I probably am. However, I've really noticed the last few times I've been in Vegas that the casinos seem to be getting bigger and the crowds seem to be getting younger. Maybe I can't get around as quickly as I used to, maybe I get turned around in the casinos - getting lost definitely adds time trying to get from point A to point B, maybe I can't run quite as long into the night as I once could and the current crowd seems to be able to. My point is Las Vegas feels like it's becoming a young person's city. However, having said that, there appeared to be lots and lots of older folks wandering around. Maybe my expectations just need to change. Let the youngsters stay up all night (and feel crappy the next morning) and let the youngsters move quickly from spot to spot. For me, I'll try to be patient and continue to take my time, enjoy the sights, and not worry if I shut it down at midnight. Sometimes the best sights (and best gambling) can be found early in the morning.
2. What would Elvis think of today's Las Vegas?
A couple of months ago, the movie "Viva Las Vegas" was on TV - starred a very young Elvis and Ann Margaret. The setting was in Las Vegas. Vegas at that time (and this coincides with my early memories of the city) really revolved around the night club and performing acts. The rise of the Rat Pack and other performers seemed to dominate - along with the gambling of course. Slots and table games were big but other than horse racing, the sports book didn't seem as big. There was much less commercialism along the strip and the traffic and people jams along the streets and sidewalks didn't exist. Evel Kneviel had room to jump his motorcycle over the fountains at Ceaser's. Now there's hardly room for the fountains. Downtown is probably closer to the old "look and feel" but even that has changed a lot. I'm sure if Elvis were still around, he would be performing at one of the big casino's theaters and people would still be packing the place. If Celine and Elton can perform night after night, no reason to think Elvis wouldn't be a big draw. Not sure if he could fit in the tiny race cars used in his old movie however.
3. What's with all the costumed characters standing along the sidewalks?
Take a picture and give them money. What a racket. Here's a list of who/what I saw: Mickey and Minnie Mouse (bad, bad costumes), Las Vegas Showgirls (reason #103 why you shouldn't bring your kids to LV - not many clothes were on), Motorcycle Chicks wearing leather, Transformers (these were pretty good costumes), Hello Kitty (kinda creepy), Despicable Me characters (sorry, don't know what they are called), "Bad Cops" - girls dressed in tight police uniforms with handcuffs, Ghost Rider (bad), Sponge Bob Squarepants, . And of course, lots and lots of homeless folks with homemade signs asking for a few dollars and wishing you blessings. I especially like the homeless man whose sign said he was hungry calming eating a banana and a sandwich as well as the guy that needed a few bucks talking on his cell phone and then checking his email - yep, times are tough even in the electronic age.
4. The "card slappers" rule the street corners.
The folks that stand on the sidewalk handing out "business cards" to the local strip clubs are always a favorite. Their technique of "slapping" the cards (I guess to get your attention?) and then trying to get you to grab the card as you walk by is an interesting marketing ploy. Especially when they stand there with their Dr. Dre over-the-ear headphones on - you really wonder what they might be listening to. Not sure how successful this style of advertising is because it seems in the morning all you see scattered on the sidewalk is all the cards handed out and then dropped by the unsuspecting passer-bys. Again, these handouts are yet another reason (#65) why you shouldn't bring your kids to Las Vegas.
5. Is performing at a piano bar a good way to make a living?
We spent Friday night at the Piano Bar in the Paris casino. 2 guys playing request after request at the piano. This includes songs that were not meant for the piano but were played anyway. Not great singers but good enough. Hard to figure how much money they made. The most money included with a request was $20. They said they would play upwards of 200 songs - I think that might be quite a bit high. Even if they average $10 per song (probably more realistic) - that's $2,000 for 3 hours of playing. Don't know if they keep it all or if the bar gets a cut. Anyway, probably not a great way to make a living but likely a good gig with lots of exposure for other jobs. They do know lots and lots of songs but also cheat a little when they look something up on their iPad. Fun, fun evening with songs for everyone.
6. My new favorite sports book bet is the "teaser".
Love, love, love the Sport Book. Not convinced I'm very good at picking games but it fits nicely with my passion for sports as well as gives you a controlled way to spend (lose) money. This year I bet the "teaser" bet for Sunday's NFL games. The handicappers are really, really good at setting point spreads. It's uncanny how close they can come game after game, week after week. The NFL is so close each week that I find it very hard to pick these games very well. Sometimes in college you can find a sleeper that makes picking a winner a little easier but the NFL doesn't have nearly as many. Getting an extra 6 points (or whatever the teaser bet is) is great. It makes questionable games suddenly look much easier. Of course you have to pick multiple games to lay the bet but it's a new and fun way to watch the games and have some action. Maybe because my 4-teamer won is the reason why I'm excited for this bet.
7. Could a person really live in Las Vegas year round?
Every time I come to Vegas, I always think how fun it would be to live there. But would it? There's something to be said about the weather (most of the time), the glitz and glitter, and all there is to do. But could someone live there all the time? You definitely would need to be away from the Strip. I think the lights and action and chaos would eventually wear a person down. Too much sensory overload. Plus, when you peel it back, Las Vegas is really a seedy, corrupt town. All the things that are bad in the world - gambling, booze, bad morals, crime, drugs - can be found on most street corners. I have to think being there day after day would erode a person's character. Yeah, maybe living there year round isn't the best idea - but it sure is fun to take it in small doses over a long weekend.
8. The 2 hour time difference kicks my ass.
Yeah, I must really be getting old. The 2 hour time difference is tough for me to handle. I can't help but keep converting Vegas time to Kansas time and if it's getting late in Kansas (after 11 PM!!), then I feel like I need to be tired. Unfortunately that means it's only 9 PM in LV. But boy, can I get up early! I guess the gaming tables are open at any hour so if I want to play some Blackjack at 6 AM Vegas time that's just fine.
9. The "inexpensive" dinner is now non-existent.
In the "old" days, Las Vegas always advertised their inexpensive meals. Those days are gone. Dining is expensive in Las Vegas. Granted, there are many top-notch restaurants and options and the prices are in line as well. Even the all-you-can-eat buffets cost a bit. Not sure what bargains remain - all though I did see the 99 cent foot-long special advertised at a small casino along the Strip. I bet that's delicious!
10. How good does it feel to leave Las Vegas with some of THEIR money??!!
I did it. Yep, I finally did it. I left Las Vegas with some of their money in my pocket. Don't think that ever happened before. I suppose when you add up all the other expenses - room, meals, drinks, taxis, etc. - my winnings didn't cover all that but when I count just the gambling I came out ahead. It was fun to peel out a roll of $100's when I got home. Don't suppose I'm smart enough to call it good and try to end my Vegas run on a high note - nope, I'll be back!
So that's some observations from the recent trip. Thanks Alison for including me in your 30th birthday celebration. Can't think of a better group to spend it with. Both Donna and I were glad to be part of the party plus it was just nice to get away from home for a few days after 6 long weeks of being house-bound. We can't wait until you turn 40!!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Hardware remains in place
It's been awhile since I've last posted. After re-reading some earlier posts I decided it's mainly because I'm off the hard-core medicine. Some of those posts read like the writer was taking heavy duty pain meds (I was) and thought he was being really clever with his posts (I did). Sheeesh. Why didn't someone stop me?
Now that I'm a little more clear-headed I'll try not to over-clever my posts.....thanks for your patience.
Regarding September 4th's surgery - had an appointment last week with my surgeon - 6 weeks' post-op. This included getting an x-ray before hand as he wanted to make sure the hardware implanted looked to still be in place. For your viewing pleasure, below is one of the x-rays -
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As you can see from this lovely side-view, the 4 screws and connecting rods appear to firmly be in place. And yes, those are my vertebrae and at the bottom that's my hip bones. See what $80K gets you these days!
So the good news is that the Doctor was pleased with the x-rays and said everything appears to be where it needs to be. Whether the bone fusion is happening properly, they won't know until a MRI is done sometime early next year.
We discussed the pain and weakness I'm still experiencing in my right leg but no real concerns from the doctor. That fact that my foot had full movement and strength seemed to be good news to him and the rest could likely be taken care of with some physical therapy. So after a few more questions and answers he sent me on my way with the only restriction to not bend over at the waist and to avoid heavy lifting.
PT was scheduled right away and my first session was last Friday. After an exam and evaluation, my initial therapy consists mostly of just getting some body parts moving. The tingling I still feel in my right shin and the tightness/ache in my right thigh is all part of the nerve trying to get itself back to normal. The main lesson I learned is that by waiting 8+ years to get this fixed, I damaged the nerve which is why this recovery is taking so much time. The good news is that she feels it's nothing that some time and exercise won't overcome.
So I now have some simple leg exercises to do each day along with some core isometric stuff as work needs to be done to rebuild ab and hip muscles snipped during surgery. I'm continuing to walk daily and can manage 75 minutes at a time so feeling good about that. Still relying on the back brace as everything feels "loose" without it but will start to wean myself off of that over the next few weeks. And I'm even going back to work this week - not sure who's happier about that - me or Donna?!??
So yes, it is very nice to be on the backside of the mountain. September pretty much sucked but I'm now starting to reap the benefits of undergoing this procedure and am very anxious to continue rehabbing the leg.
I would be remiss (again) to not thank Donna for her care, patience, and prodding during this period. Pretty certain I couldn't have gotten through it without her.
Will continue to post as time and topics permit. Stay tuned.......................
Now that I'm a little more clear-headed I'll try not to over-clever my posts.....thanks for your patience.
Regarding September 4th's surgery - had an appointment last week with my surgeon - 6 weeks' post-op. This included getting an x-ray before hand as he wanted to make sure the hardware implanted looked to still be in place. For your viewing pleasure, below is one of the x-rays -
.jpeg)
As you can see from this lovely side-view, the 4 screws and connecting rods appear to firmly be in place. And yes, those are my vertebrae and at the bottom that's my hip bones. See what $80K gets you these days!
So the good news is that the Doctor was pleased with the x-rays and said everything appears to be where it needs to be. Whether the bone fusion is happening properly, they won't know until a MRI is done sometime early next year.
We discussed the pain and weakness I'm still experiencing in my right leg but no real concerns from the doctor. That fact that my foot had full movement and strength seemed to be good news to him and the rest could likely be taken care of with some physical therapy. So after a few more questions and answers he sent me on my way with the only restriction to not bend over at the waist and to avoid heavy lifting.
PT was scheduled right away and my first session was last Friday. After an exam and evaluation, my initial therapy consists mostly of just getting some body parts moving. The tingling I still feel in my right shin and the tightness/ache in my right thigh is all part of the nerve trying to get itself back to normal. The main lesson I learned is that by waiting 8+ years to get this fixed, I damaged the nerve which is why this recovery is taking so much time. The good news is that she feels it's nothing that some time and exercise won't overcome.
So I now have some simple leg exercises to do each day along with some core isometric stuff as work needs to be done to rebuild ab and hip muscles snipped during surgery. I'm continuing to walk daily and can manage 75 minutes at a time so feeling good about that. Still relying on the back brace as everything feels "loose" without it but will start to wean myself off of that over the next few weeks. And I'm even going back to work this week - not sure who's happier about that - me or Donna?!??
So yes, it is very nice to be on the backside of the mountain. September pretty much sucked but I'm now starting to reap the benefits of undergoing this procedure and am very anxious to continue rehabbing the leg.
I would be remiss (again) to not thank Donna for her care, patience, and prodding during this period. Pretty certain I couldn't have gotten through it without her.
Will continue to post as time and topics permit. Stay tuned.......................
Monday, October 7, 2013
Slow but Sure
Making progress. Yeah, I feel pretty comfortable saying that. Yesterday was a "downer" day and I don't even know why - just in a cranky mood. But got outside a bit and had some conversations with neighbors so that seemed to brighten my spirits. Patience just running low right now as I'm tired of hobbling around and feeling achy in general.
But, on a better note, just got back from a 25 minute walk ALL BY MYSELF! Donna went to yoga class this morning so while she was gone I drove over to the local park and did a slow (OK, let's be real, it was VERY slow) walk through the park. My troublesome right leg was not happy for the first 15 minutes but seemed to loosen up some that final 10 minutes. As I type this now the leg is not hurting. All that on a couple of extra-strength Tylenol about 2 hours ago.
Unless things so south, I might try another short walk later today. If I can start getting some miles in I know my recovery will speed up and I definitely know my mood will improve. Really looking forward to my next Dr's appointment on the 15th to see how everything is healing and determine next steps. Hopeful some physical therapy will start to build the leg strength back up.
Also as a test, Donna and I had a movie and a dinner date last Friday. Went to "Gravity" - great, great movie by the way. The visuals and special effects will blow you away. Not even a big fan of either Clooney or Bullock but thought both were good in the movie. Anyway, afterwards we went out for a burger and a beer afterwards and got through all that just fine. Wore me out but figured it will take some time to build up stamina.
It's a nice, sunny Fall day here in Shawnee today. Go out and enjoy your day!
But, on a better note, just got back from a 25 minute walk ALL BY MYSELF! Donna went to yoga class this morning so while she was gone I drove over to the local park and did a slow (OK, let's be real, it was VERY slow) walk through the park. My troublesome right leg was not happy for the first 15 minutes but seemed to loosen up some that final 10 minutes. As I type this now the leg is not hurting. All that on a couple of extra-strength Tylenol about 2 hours ago.
Unless things so south, I might try another short walk later today. If I can start getting some miles in I know my recovery will speed up and I definitely know my mood will improve. Really looking forward to my next Dr's appointment on the 15th to see how everything is healing and determine next steps. Hopeful some physical therapy will start to build the leg strength back up.
Also as a test, Donna and I had a movie and a dinner date last Friday. Went to "Gravity" - great, great movie by the way. The visuals and special effects will blow you away. Not even a big fan of either Clooney or Bullock but thought both were good in the movie. Anyway, afterwards we went out for a burger and a beer afterwards and got through all that just fine. Wore me out but figured it will take some time to build up stamina.
It's a nice, sunny Fall day here in Shawnee today. Go out and enjoy your day!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Not quite Obamacare
So this is an old story the kids have heard before in various forms but I think it bears being written down for all of perpetuity. In addition to the story itself, what makes it classic is there's just a shade of uncertainty on all the details - not dissimilar to most family stories from 50+ years ago. But then that's the beauty of the folklore - most of it is based on fact and the reader can choose to believe what they want.
I'll explain it the best I can and in the manner it was told to me. Since both my parents are no longer alive, there's no way to collaborate this version but then that's part of the fun, isn't it?
Here goes.....
I was born in the middle of the winter in a little town in southeastern South Dakota. My parents had recently moved to Yankton from Sioux City Iowa a year earlier to open the local bowling alley. My Dad had always been in the bowling business in Sioux City since moving back there after his Navy days. He had gone to mechanic school and took care of the automatic pinsetters and various equipment at the local lanes in Sioux City.
When they first moved to Yankton, a small 8-lane bowling alley was built and opened in the downtown area. At that time there were no automatic pinsetters. You had "pin chasers" - these were people that perched on a little plank above the pins and after a ball was thrown, they would hop down, clear out any downed pins and put the ball back on the rails that returned it to the other end of the lane for the next shot. Not an easy job as these pin chasers were apt to catch a flying pin off their arm or leg - lots of bumps and bruises for likely not a lot of money.
Anyway, during that winter in early 1958, my Mom was pregnant with me and they were trying to make a go of it in a little rental house literally 1/2 block from the rail road tracks that cut through town with my 2 older brothers. My grandparents (from my Mom's side) also lived in town in a local trailer court so it was nice having additional family in town to help out.
Keep in mind that Ed King was quite a bowler. His bowling was well known throughout the state of Iowa for many years as he owned numerous state titles and championships. After his death 10 years ago, I kept his 1958 Iowa State Championship trophy as a cherished remembrance to his bowling days. He bowled in local leagues right up to just a few years before he died and it truly was his passion in life.
Unlike today, life was much different in 1958. People didn't have health insurance and most workers didn't make much money. Doctors made house calls if necessary and paying for health care was often a conversation between you and the Doctor to negotiate a fair price. If you could afford it, great. If you couldn't, well, something likely could be worked out.
Having babies in 1958 was also a bit different than nowadays as well. The Dads were typically sequestered into some type of waiting room while the labor and delivery happened. Moms and babies would stay put in the hospital for a few days at a minimum and the thought of getting the Mom up and out of bed moving around after childbirth just wasn't part of the plan. The "Family Experience" of today's childbirths looks much different than it did 55 years ago.
Yankton had a hospital in those days (still does). Sacred Heart Hospital stands in basically the same spot it always has and in addition to my birth, saw the birth of my daughter many years later as well.
Saturday, February 1st, 1958 was a cold winter day with a forecast for some bad weather to move in later on. While I'm not exactly sure when my Mom's labor started, I do know I was born sometime that Saturday morning or early afternoon on the 1st. Like all Dads, my Dad waited in the waiting room while my Grandparents watched my brothers. And hopefully like all Dads, his chest swelled a little when he found out he was the father of a brand new, healthy son. Mom and Son were both doing fine.
Whether this was always planned or simply a spur of the moment decision, my Dad and a couple of his bowling buddies decided that a road trip to Onawa Iowa was in order as there was a bowling tournament there that weekend and when you ran a bowling alley and had the opportunity, you went to nearby bowling tournaments during the weekends whenever possible.
In today's world, the child services people would've been called and my Dad would have been shamed as some sort of dead-beat but that's just how it was back then. Dad had a chance to go bowl and if I know his thinking, he probably thought he had a chance to make some money. You also need to understand that these tournaments paid cash and in some cases there was enough money involved to help pay the grocery bill for that week.
So early that afternoon, knowing that his wife and new son were safe and sound at the local hospital and that his other 2 boys were being well taken care of by the Grandparents, off he went to Onawa to bowl later that evening.
Using today's Interstate, Onawa is about an hour and a half from Yankton. Since the Interstate wasn't yet finished in 1958, you had to take State and County highways to get from here to there - probably a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive.
As mentioned earlier, the forecast wasn't particularly good but off they went anyway. Of course on the trip down, it began to snow and the road conditions deteriorated but the group was already on their way - why stop now?
You can probably guess the remainder of the story - Dad of course, won the tournament and collected the winner's share of the prize money. I wish I knew more of the details - I wish I knew who all went, what was his score, and how much he won. But those details have been lost through the years.
Late that night, the group finally made it back to Yankton. Terrible weather caused their 2 1/2 hour drive to take much, much longer but they did make it back safely. And that next day, my Dad went to the hospital to visit Mom and me and of course not a word was said of the previous night because my Dad knew what Mom's reaction would be.
A couple of days later, we were released from the hospital and sent home. And wouldn't you know it, Dad paid cash for the entire bill. Keep in mind this was from someone that made hardly any money and couldn't keep 2 quarters in his pocket for more than 10 minutes if bowling was involved. But the bill was paid and no questions were asked.
It wasn't until years later that the true story finally came out and if I remember correctly, it took another few year until my Mom finally forgave Dad for his antic.
So that's the story - I deep down have this unbridled delight that my birth was paid for with bowling winnings. Partly because few others can tell a similar story but mostly because I know the pride my Dad must've felt when he paid that bill knowing that he whipped a bunch of other bowlers for the privilege to pay off the birth of his son.
Maybe for all our sake, they just don't make them like Ed King anymore - both good and bad. But I still miss him and this story can't help but make me smile. Go get 'em, Dad!
I'll explain it the best I can and in the manner it was told to me. Since both my parents are no longer alive, there's no way to collaborate this version but then that's part of the fun, isn't it?
Here goes.....
I was born in the middle of the winter in a little town in southeastern South Dakota. My parents had recently moved to Yankton from Sioux City Iowa a year earlier to open the local bowling alley. My Dad had always been in the bowling business in Sioux City since moving back there after his Navy days. He had gone to mechanic school and took care of the automatic pinsetters and various equipment at the local lanes in Sioux City.
When they first moved to Yankton, a small 8-lane bowling alley was built and opened in the downtown area. At that time there were no automatic pinsetters. You had "pin chasers" - these were people that perched on a little plank above the pins and after a ball was thrown, they would hop down, clear out any downed pins and put the ball back on the rails that returned it to the other end of the lane for the next shot. Not an easy job as these pin chasers were apt to catch a flying pin off their arm or leg - lots of bumps and bruises for likely not a lot of money.
Anyway, during that winter in early 1958, my Mom was pregnant with me and they were trying to make a go of it in a little rental house literally 1/2 block from the rail road tracks that cut through town with my 2 older brothers. My grandparents (from my Mom's side) also lived in town in a local trailer court so it was nice having additional family in town to help out.
Keep in mind that Ed King was quite a bowler. His bowling was well known throughout the state of Iowa for many years as he owned numerous state titles and championships. After his death 10 years ago, I kept his 1958 Iowa State Championship trophy as a cherished remembrance to his bowling days. He bowled in local leagues right up to just a few years before he died and it truly was his passion in life.
Unlike today, life was much different in 1958. People didn't have health insurance and most workers didn't make much money. Doctors made house calls if necessary and paying for health care was often a conversation between you and the Doctor to negotiate a fair price. If you could afford it, great. If you couldn't, well, something likely could be worked out.
Having babies in 1958 was also a bit different than nowadays as well. The Dads were typically sequestered into some type of waiting room while the labor and delivery happened. Moms and babies would stay put in the hospital for a few days at a minimum and the thought of getting the Mom up and out of bed moving around after childbirth just wasn't part of the plan. The "Family Experience" of today's childbirths looks much different than it did 55 years ago.
Yankton had a hospital in those days (still does). Sacred Heart Hospital stands in basically the same spot it always has and in addition to my birth, saw the birth of my daughter many years later as well.
Saturday, February 1st, 1958 was a cold winter day with a forecast for some bad weather to move in later on. While I'm not exactly sure when my Mom's labor started, I do know I was born sometime that Saturday morning or early afternoon on the 1st. Like all Dads, my Dad waited in the waiting room while my Grandparents watched my brothers. And hopefully like all Dads, his chest swelled a little when he found out he was the father of a brand new, healthy son. Mom and Son were both doing fine.
Whether this was always planned or simply a spur of the moment decision, my Dad and a couple of his bowling buddies decided that a road trip to Onawa Iowa was in order as there was a bowling tournament there that weekend and when you ran a bowling alley and had the opportunity, you went to nearby bowling tournaments during the weekends whenever possible.
In today's world, the child services people would've been called and my Dad would have been shamed as some sort of dead-beat but that's just how it was back then. Dad had a chance to go bowl and if I know his thinking, he probably thought he had a chance to make some money. You also need to understand that these tournaments paid cash and in some cases there was enough money involved to help pay the grocery bill for that week.
So early that afternoon, knowing that his wife and new son were safe and sound at the local hospital and that his other 2 boys were being well taken care of by the Grandparents, off he went to Onawa to bowl later that evening.
Using today's Interstate, Onawa is about an hour and a half from Yankton. Since the Interstate wasn't yet finished in 1958, you had to take State and County highways to get from here to there - probably a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive.
As mentioned earlier, the forecast wasn't particularly good but off they went anyway. Of course on the trip down, it began to snow and the road conditions deteriorated but the group was already on their way - why stop now?
You can probably guess the remainder of the story - Dad of course, won the tournament and collected the winner's share of the prize money. I wish I knew more of the details - I wish I knew who all went, what was his score, and how much he won. But those details have been lost through the years.
Late that night, the group finally made it back to Yankton. Terrible weather caused their 2 1/2 hour drive to take much, much longer but they did make it back safely. And that next day, my Dad went to the hospital to visit Mom and me and of course not a word was said of the previous night because my Dad knew what Mom's reaction would be.
A couple of days later, we were released from the hospital and sent home. And wouldn't you know it, Dad paid cash for the entire bill. Keep in mind this was from someone that made hardly any money and couldn't keep 2 quarters in his pocket for more than 10 minutes if bowling was involved. But the bill was paid and no questions were asked.
It wasn't until years later that the true story finally came out and if I remember correctly, it took another few year until my Mom finally forgave Dad for his antic.
So that's the story - I deep down have this unbridled delight that my birth was paid for with bowling winnings. Partly because few others can tell a similar story but mostly because I know the pride my Dad must've felt when he paid that bill knowing that he whipped a bunch of other bowlers for the privilege to pay off the birth of his son.
Maybe for all our sake, they just don't make them like Ed King anymore - both good and bad. But I still miss him and this story can't help but make me smile. Go get 'em, Dad!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Ups and Downs
Will try to be a tad more up-lifting today - seems my last post was pretty dark and gloomy. While this whole surgery recovery thing is definitely a roller-coaster ride, I remain committed to get my health back and regain the strength and flexibility (OK, maybe I can shoot a little higher on the strength and flexibility thing this time!) I had prior to the surgery.
On the good news front - I rarely use the walker anymore so ready to retire that bad boy. It is kind of handy as a utility cart as I hang some needed items from it and keep it close in case I need something. It might find a home in the garage as I could hang my tools from it for any future projects.
Also, have been walking outside more and more. Making trips to near-by parks and going for longer walks with Donna. I now understand why parks have lots of park benches. I use them often now where before I would just go on by. The bad side of this walking is to be wary of the fine line between enough and too much walking. When I push it too much, I pay dearly the next day (night) - last night has a perfect example - walked a lot yesterday afternoon and paid the price starting around 2 AM this morning - ugh.
The other positive (I think) is that I'm trying to wean myself from the narcotic meds originally prescribed. The problem here is just when I think I have it down to extra-strength Tylenol as the only thing needed for handling any pain, I run into a particularly bad night where something a little stronger is needed to take the pain edge away. Like I said, last night was one of those nights and I ended up taking a Hydrocodene pill this morning to get on top of the discomfort. Also threw in a Valium for good measure as my leg was particularly bothersome all night and this morning. Feeling tolerable now as I write this.
On the not-so-good news front - there's still considerable weakness in the right leg. I really notice it when I go down a stair with the wrong foot first (one of the things I learned during therapy while at the hospital). Lead with your strong leg going up steps and lead with your weak leg going down steps. If I get that wrong (I know, I know, but there's just a lot to think about when I'm walking around) I really get a big twinge in the back - hurts like a mother for a moment or 2. Nothing serious but a reminder that I screwed up. I'm guessing once PT finally gets started, rebuilding leg strength in the weak leg will be one of the top priorities.
I continue to sleep a lot and have had some awesome naps (but let's be honest, aren't ALL naps awesome?). Just wish I could get my stamina back a little more - not sure work will be overly thrilled when I nod off for a 2 hour nap during a client meeting. Speaking of work - still no time table on when I can go back. The narcotics really put a damper on that plan as I need to be 100% clear-headed (at least for me anyway) before I can safely drive to and from work plus not be a drooling idiot with a client. I'm thankful for their patience and hope it continues going forward.
Finally, my posting today wouldn't be complete without my from-the-bottom-of-the-heart Thanks to Donna for all she does. Her concern and care for me is beyond humbling and if there's lesson #1 through all this is that I truly hit the Lottery when we found each other. She is the reason I keep fighting, try to keep my complaining to a minimum, and remain committed to getting better. Thanks Donna, I love you more than I can say.
Let's ALL have a good week - smile at a stranger, help a friend in need, tell a loved one that you love them. Do the things we all know we should do but sometimes don't take the time. And be thankful for your health - it really is at the heart of how we act each and every day.
I'm surrounded by the best support system anyone can ask for and will continue to pay-it-forward when I can.
On the good news front - I rarely use the walker anymore so ready to retire that bad boy. It is kind of handy as a utility cart as I hang some needed items from it and keep it close in case I need something. It might find a home in the garage as I could hang my tools from it for any future projects.
Also, have been walking outside more and more. Making trips to near-by parks and going for longer walks with Donna. I now understand why parks have lots of park benches. I use them often now where before I would just go on by. The bad side of this walking is to be wary of the fine line between enough and too much walking. When I push it too much, I pay dearly the next day (night) - last night has a perfect example - walked a lot yesterday afternoon and paid the price starting around 2 AM this morning - ugh.
The other positive (I think) is that I'm trying to wean myself from the narcotic meds originally prescribed. The problem here is just when I think I have it down to extra-strength Tylenol as the only thing needed for handling any pain, I run into a particularly bad night where something a little stronger is needed to take the pain edge away. Like I said, last night was one of those nights and I ended up taking a Hydrocodene pill this morning to get on top of the discomfort. Also threw in a Valium for good measure as my leg was particularly bothersome all night and this morning. Feeling tolerable now as I write this.
On the not-so-good news front - there's still considerable weakness in the right leg. I really notice it when I go down a stair with the wrong foot first (one of the things I learned during therapy while at the hospital). Lead with your strong leg going up steps and lead with your weak leg going down steps. If I get that wrong (I know, I know, but there's just a lot to think about when I'm walking around) I really get a big twinge in the back - hurts like a mother for a moment or 2. Nothing serious but a reminder that I screwed up. I'm guessing once PT finally gets started, rebuilding leg strength in the weak leg will be one of the top priorities.
I continue to sleep a lot and have had some awesome naps (but let's be honest, aren't ALL naps awesome?). Just wish I could get my stamina back a little more - not sure work will be overly thrilled when I nod off for a 2 hour nap during a client meeting. Speaking of work - still no time table on when I can go back. The narcotics really put a damper on that plan as I need to be 100% clear-headed (at least for me anyway) before I can safely drive to and from work plus not be a drooling idiot with a client. I'm thankful for their patience and hope it continues going forward.
Finally, my posting today wouldn't be complete without my from-the-bottom-of-the-heart Thanks to Donna for all she does. Her concern and care for me is beyond humbling and if there's lesson #1 through all this is that I truly hit the Lottery when we found each other. She is the reason I keep fighting, try to keep my complaining to a minimum, and remain committed to getting better. Thanks Donna, I love you more than I can say.
Let's ALL have a good week - smile at a stranger, help a friend in need, tell a loved one that you love them. Do the things we all know we should do but sometimes don't take the time. And be thankful for your health - it really is at the heart of how we act each and every day.
I'm surrounded by the best support system anyone can ask for and will continue to pay-it-forward when I can.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Ache of all Aches
Ache - the only word I can best describe how my right leg has been feeling the past few days. It's not a sharp pain, it doesn't throb (too much), it just aches (maybe that should be ache with a capital A).
My recovery (it's been 4 weeks already) from back surgery has gone about as expected plus or minus a few unexpected bodily reactions (ugh....) but the right leg pain has been totally unexpected.
It's been sore from the first moment I remember waking up from surgery - my image was seeing the surgeon wrap it around my head to get it out of the way comes to mind. Since then, there's been good days and not so good days and then there was this morning.
I don't cry very easily - sad movies, Old Yeller getting shot, and the death of someone close will elicit some tears, most of Kevin Costner's movies (including Water World but for entirely different reasons) can be a spigot-opener and witnessing my children's birth required a Kleenex alert. But outside of that I can be pretty stoic. Today I cried because it just hurt and unless you've had something like this before it's hard to explain. It just hurt and it seemed like it was never going to get better. Once the pain meds and heating pad kicked in I was fine but there was a 15 minute period where I felt about as much dispair as I have in a long time - and that's the 3rd time in the past few weeks where this has happened.
When I visited the Doctor last week, they of course suggested to keep to taking the muscle relaxant prescribed (which of course I do) - not sure how much it helps but also don't know how bad it would get if I didn't take the med. They suggested heat or maybe ice - what ever might work best (thanks, that was pretty much not helpful). And they suggested walking as the best exercise. "What if I walk too much?" I asked. You'll get terrible cramps was the answer - yep, nailed that one too.
So that's the dilemma I'm in - I need to walk to continue healing the incision site but too much walking causes the leg to seize up. I guess the trick is to find the happy medium. The worst problem is that trying to sleep is very, very hard when you just can't get comfortable with the leg's position. Ask Donna how that was around 5 AM this morning? I finally just got up and went down stairs and once the meds kicked in was able to snooze on the couch for an hour or so.
I'm trying hard not to complain too much (all though that might be hard to believe since I've just written 6 paragraphs of complaining) but right now that whole idea of this surgery doesn't sound so good.
Patience is the key and I will continue to work on it - it would just be nice to get a sign or 5 of some good healing taking place. I'm not looking for much - maybe sleep past 6 AM one morning? Maybe walk like I'm less than 98 years old - just little things like that.
Again, I so appreciate the effort and optimism Donna continues to show. She is the rock of the family. The kids have been great about checking in on regular basis - their voices certainly lift my spirits. I am blessed and try to remind myself of that between bouts of self-pity!!
If your right leg doesn't hurt, do me a favor and take a quick jog around the block and thank your stars you have that mobility. I can't wait for my turn, in the meantime, when is it time for that next Valium????
My recovery (it's been 4 weeks already) from back surgery has gone about as expected plus or minus a few unexpected bodily reactions (ugh....) but the right leg pain has been totally unexpected.
It's been sore from the first moment I remember waking up from surgery - my image was seeing the surgeon wrap it around my head to get it out of the way comes to mind. Since then, there's been good days and not so good days and then there was this morning.
I don't cry very easily - sad movies, Old Yeller getting shot, and the death of someone close will elicit some tears, most of Kevin Costner's movies (including Water World but for entirely different reasons) can be a spigot-opener and witnessing my children's birth required a Kleenex alert. But outside of that I can be pretty stoic. Today I cried because it just hurt and unless you've had something like this before it's hard to explain. It just hurt and it seemed like it was never going to get better. Once the pain meds and heating pad kicked in I was fine but there was a 15 minute period where I felt about as much dispair as I have in a long time - and that's the 3rd time in the past few weeks where this has happened.
When I visited the Doctor last week, they of course suggested to keep to taking the muscle relaxant prescribed (which of course I do) - not sure how much it helps but also don't know how bad it would get if I didn't take the med. They suggested heat or maybe ice - what ever might work best (thanks, that was pretty much not helpful). And they suggested walking as the best exercise. "What if I walk too much?" I asked. You'll get terrible cramps was the answer - yep, nailed that one too.
So that's the dilemma I'm in - I need to walk to continue healing the incision site but too much walking causes the leg to seize up. I guess the trick is to find the happy medium. The worst problem is that trying to sleep is very, very hard when you just can't get comfortable with the leg's position. Ask Donna how that was around 5 AM this morning? I finally just got up and went down stairs and once the meds kicked in was able to snooze on the couch for an hour or so.
I'm trying hard not to complain too much (all though that might be hard to believe since I've just written 6 paragraphs of complaining) but right now that whole idea of this surgery doesn't sound so good.
Patience is the key and I will continue to work on it - it would just be nice to get a sign or 5 of some good healing taking place. I'm not looking for much - maybe sleep past 6 AM one morning? Maybe walk like I'm less than 98 years old - just little things like that.
Again, I so appreciate the effort and optimism Donna continues to show. She is the rock of the family. The kids have been great about checking in on regular basis - their voices certainly lift my spirits. I am blessed and try to remind myself of that between bouts of self-pity!!
If your right leg doesn't hurt, do me a favor and take a quick jog around the block and thank your stars you have that mobility. I can't wait for my turn, in the meantime, when is it time for that next Valium????
Saturday, September 21, 2013
He's Tired?
I re-read an article this morning and kept asking myself if I was missing something. Is there some secret injury or some other personal item at play here? There's got to be something. But no, after reading the article it came down to one thing - Tiger's sucky play this week at the Tour Championship is simply due to the fact he's "tired".
http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/tiger-woods-admits-hes-tired-after-dismal-round-2-of-tour-championship-at-east-lake-092013
Most of you that know me know I'm as big a Tiger supporter as there is in the world. He can pull off shots, he can sink putts, and he can out-psych you in ways that mere mortals have no chance of pulling off. Add to it the scandal of his fire-hydrant incident from a few years ago and suddenly you have a personna of WWF- proportions. An evil caricature that just can't be beat and and one people love to hate or maybe a flawed superstar that has incredible game but just can't resist the dark side of his fame but keeps fighting anyway to regain the adoration he once had.
I guess I fall somewhere between. Tiger's personal life is his personal life. If he wants to bang waitresses while his drop-dead gorgeous wife and move-star kids wait patiently at his story-book home, well then so be it. History is filled with philandering superstars - Tiger's not the first and he sure as hell won't be the last.
But to blame his poor play on being "tired", well I'm sorry, but I really have to call bullshit on that one. Tiger lives in a fishbowl - a life you and I will never truly understand. But even in the fishbowl he sometimes makes his own pergutory.
Hey Tiger, maybe, just maybe, quit being such a dick when you talk to people (not the media but the fans). Maybe smile a little more and look your fans in the eyes when they call your name. Get in front of all the crap being written about you and show your human side. You might be astonished at how people would react. J say that your game isn't very good right now and congratulate all those golfers that are probably just as tired for sucking it up and putting on a good show for the golf playing public. Say you plan to work really hard this off-season and with a little luck, you still might make a run for Jack's record.
Being tired is OK if you work multiple jobs and support a family and worry about where the next rent check is coming from. Being tired is NOT OK when you get paid oodles of money to play a game for a living and good week or bad week, you get to jump in your private jet to fly off to your exclusive ocean side home to begin figuring out your next multi-million dollar endoresment deal. I get tired and even I don't have a right to.
The only thing tired here is to continue hearing how tired you are. C'mon Tiger, suck it up and get back to reality. The planet you currently live on is a long way from real-ville the rest of us live on.
http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/tiger-woods-admits-hes-tired-after-dismal-round-2-of-tour-championship-at-east-lake-092013
Most of you that know me know I'm as big a Tiger supporter as there is in the world. He can pull off shots, he can sink putts, and he can out-psych you in ways that mere mortals have no chance of pulling off. Add to it the scandal of his fire-hydrant incident from a few years ago and suddenly you have a personna of WWF- proportions. An evil caricature that just can't be beat and and one people love to hate or maybe a flawed superstar that has incredible game but just can't resist the dark side of his fame but keeps fighting anyway to regain the adoration he once had.
I guess I fall somewhere between. Tiger's personal life is his personal life. If he wants to bang waitresses while his drop-dead gorgeous wife and move-star kids wait patiently at his story-book home, well then so be it. History is filled with philandering superstars - Tiger's not the first and he sure as hell won't be the last.
But to blame his poor play on being "tired", well I'm sorry, but I really have to call bullshit on that one. Tiger lives in a fishbowl - a life you and I will never truly understand. But even in the fishbowl he sometimes makes his own pergutory.
Hey Tiger, maybe, just maybe, quit being such a dick when you talk to people (not the media but the fans). Maybe smile a little more and look your fans in the eyes when they call your name. Get in front of all the crap being written about you and show your human side. You might be astonished at how people would react. J say that your game isn't very good right now and congratulate all those golfers that are probably just as tired for sucking it up and putting on a good show for the golf playing public. Say you plan to work really hard this off-season and with a little luck, you still might make a run for Jack's record.
Being tired is OK if you work multiple jobs and support a family and worry about where the next rent check is coming from. Being tired is NOT OK when you get paid oodles of money to play a game for a living and good week or bad week, you get to jump in your private jet to fly off to your exclusive ocean side home to begin figuring out your next multi-million dollar endoresment deal. I get tired and even I don't have a right to.
The only thing tired here is to continue hearing how tired you are. C'mon Tiger, suck it up and get back to reality. The planet you currently live on is a long way from real-ville the rest of us live on.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Dream Golf Group
There's been a lot of golf on TV lately - we recently had the PGA championship, and start and continuation of the FedEx playoffs, and next week will be the President's Cup. Plenty for any golf junkie, way too much for that same golf junkie's wife.
All this golf has got me to thinking. If you could play with any 3 other players in the ultimate foursome, who would they be? I know, I know, way too wide open a question so let's boil it down a bit. For today's discussion, let's whittle it down: Your 3 partners have to be deceased (but you don't have to be - unless of course you want to be but then that kind of complicates the debate plus I have no idea how you'll write this, etc.).
They can be from any era, well known or obscure, etc., - you get the rules.
For me, 2 of the 3 are really easy.
#1 far and away would be Ben Hogan. I've been fascinated with Ben Hogan about the time he stopped playing competitively in the 1960's. I remember my Dad talking about him and how private he was with his time after retiring - rarely giving interviews, just content to hit balls at his club in Fort Worth, TX - Shady Oaks. You just never heard much about him other then he made some kick-ass clubs and any player worth a damn at that time played Hogan irons.
Ben Hogan become more of a fascination to me when I read his book "Five Lessons - The Fundamentals of Golf". It was unlike any golf instructional book I had ever seen. The attention to detail, the illustrations, and the theory make it a must-read on any serious golfer's list even to this day. It was also around this time that some of the mystery surrounding the man became to disappaite and you began to get a sense of who he was and what he was all about. His Five Lessons book became one you just had to have in your collection.
One of the definitive reads later on was "Ben Hogan: An American Life" by James Dodson. It was in this account of his life where I learned about his Dad's terrible suicide in the room next door when Ben was a small boy and the extreme poverty he grew up with. Remarkably, Ben was born in 1912 - the same year that 2 other well known golfers were born, Sam Snead and Bryon Nelson. Fascinating that history worked out that way. 3 of the greatest golfers the world had ever seen and all 3 were born the same year.
Outside of an already successful career up to that point, Ben is probably best known for the terrible auto accident he and his wife Valarie suffered on a foggy west Texas highway in 1949. This accident not only should've killed Ben but by throwing him self in front of his wife during the collision to protect her, in all likelihood saved his life. While he had no business ever playing golf again, much less walking, it was less than a year later that Ben completed for the Los Angeles Open title - a title he eventually lost in a playoff. When you read his about his career accomplishments, you have to simply shake your head at the grit and resolve this man displayed throughout his entire career. His early days as a pro simply trying to make it, his glory days with the "Hogan Slam" and his post-accident days.
So you can see why it's easy to be a fan of "The Hawk" Hogan but I think my appreciation goes deeper than than. It was said he "dug his game from the dirt" and it was on the range that he learned how to battle the wicked hook that nearly cost him his career at an early age. Story after story exist about how he would position his caddies out to in the range to shag balls (this was long before today's method of beating balls to later be picked up by the ball picker). The shag balls belonged to the golfer so he wanted to keep close tabs. Anyway, he would position his caddy to the precise location and then proceed to hit iron after iron to that location - never making the caddy move more than a step or 2 one direction or another. This focus and concentration are unlike anything we've seen since.
I think it's Ben's pursuit of perfection is what fascinates me even to this day. To have the courage, drive, and discipline to do what was necessary to be the best he could be is something lost to today's athlete - especially when compared with the adversity he faced. Too much fame, too much money, too much prestige, I guess.
Yes, I know Ben was a man a few words while on the golf course but to have the opportunity to watch him approach a golf course, dissect it, and then hit the shots necessary to conquer it would have been a remarkable sight to see.
Golfer #2 is a little closer to home - it would be my Dad, Ed King. Dad taught me to play at an early age. Ever since I was a little kid, I always remembered seeing a wedge kept in the backyard by the grill where Dad would continually work on his swing while grilling whatever was for dinner that night. He was the proverbial tinker-er and was always trying this or trying that with his golf swing. He taught me how the "how's and why's" of putting lead tape on a club. i still have his old wooden shaft putter that is older than I am. He would use that putter to "pop" his putts as was required during those days of longer, slower greens.
Keep in mind he wasn't a very big man - Dad was 5' 4" and weighed a 130 pounds and that was right after a soaking rain storm. He didn't hit the ball very far but could chip and putt with the best of them. I think that was from all the time spent practicing at the muni's he played at as a kid growing up in Sioux City when he couldn't afford to hit range balls. Like most sports he played (bowling comes to mind), Dad was a precision player and enjoyed the mental side of the game more so than the brute muscle of the game. He could hit a cut or a draw, hit it high or low as dictated by the shot at hand. For an amateur, he had all the shots. I remember more than one occasion walking over to the city park near our house so he could hit balls and I would shag them down.
Yes, Dad would spend hours working with me on my swing, Teaching me subtlety that meant nothing at the time but I sure wish I had a diary now. Any clubs I owned were simply sawed down versions of full sized irons - either my Dad would make them or our good family friend Bob Marchand would make them. Bob was the local head pro and greenskeeper (back in the days were one person typically did both jobs) at the local 9-hole club in Yankton, Hillcrest Country Club. It wasn't until I was around 12 years old that I got my first set of clubs - a half set (3, 5, 7, 9, Driver, 3-Wood, and putter set) made by Austad out of Sioux Falls. Yes, I had truly arrived that day!
Out side of the bowling alley I grew up in as part of the family business, my mornings, days, and nights at Hillcrest or the State Hospital Public course were some of the best memories I have growing up. Even to this day it brings s smile to my face to go back home to Yankton and get the opportunity to play at Hillcrest. In 50 years the course has changed tremendously and in 50 years it's barely changed at all.
Dad was a tough taskmaster on the golf course. If he saw a flaw in your game or more importantly, in your attitude, you would know about. I think the day he saw me throw a club in frustration started a long "time out" from golf until I got my head on straight. It's a lesson I've learned to this day and I think it's helped keep my temper in check and provided an appropriate perspective during a round. I hate to lose and will fight to my last breathe to beat you in a match, but once it's over, let's shake hands and enjoy ourselves over a cold beverage.
My last round with Dad was sometime in the late 90's before his health really started to fail. We played at Shadow Ridge CC in Omaha with my brothers on a windy, cold spring day. He so enjoyed playing with his boys - Pat, Chris, and me. The golf wasn't always very good but the bullshit would fly and no one was immune from a jab. God those were fun matches and I miss them dearly.
I learned to caddy for my Dad during those early days - whether it was an early Sunday morning round, a Thursday stag day, or some nearby small town "Open Tournamenet" that we would travel to. He taught me where to stand and where not to stand. The right and wrong way to tend a pin. How of find a ball in the rough, and now to fix a pitch mark on a green. How to be polite, and maybe most importantly, how to be a gentleman on the golf course.
Quick story - I remember caddying at a state tournament event for him one summer and marveling at some of the local talent at the time. I distinctly remember caddying for Dad at the State Match Play tournament in Rapid City this one summer (1968?) and playing with us in the practice round were 2 hotshot young players from central South Dakota - Curt and Tom Byrum. Both Byrum boys went on to play the Tour and Curt can be heard today as one of the announcers on the Golf Channel while Tom continues to play on the senior tour. Obviously a big deal for me, a kid from small-town South Dakota. Since it was only a practice round, Dad let me play a couple of holes with these guys and to this day I remember what a thrill it was. By the way, Dad got 2nd place in his flight that year - he played great golf and I had a blast being part of the tournament action.
So there's 2 of my 3 I would love to have 1 more round with. The stories I would hear......as I somehow think my Dad and the great Ben Hogan would have hit it off - maybe they just remind me of each other
So now we have 3 of the 4 and I'm hard pressed to pick my fourth. Remember it's someone no longer with us. There are lots of great players through time that would be awesome to play with - Gene Sarazen, Seve Bellestaros, Sam Snead, Bryon Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, etc. - they all come to mind. What other great players have I missed?
For now though, I think I'll stick with my threesome and enjoy my special day that way.
Thanks Dad for passing along your love of the game, I think if you each Saturday morning when I play with my neighbor first thing. Just the 2 of us heading out on a Saturday morning - not much said, just the enjoyment of a quiet round of golf as the sun comes up. Somehow I would always be buying you the post-game beverage because I just know you would chip it dead for par on the last hold just like you did to me a million times before. Mr. Hogan, I too would hope you would enjoy our weekly match - not for the quality of play nor the prestige of the victory but simply for our love of the game
All this golf has got me to thinking. If you could play with any 3 other players in the ultimate foursome, who would they be? I know, I know, way too wide open a question so let's boil it down a bit. For today's discussion, let's whittle it down: Your 3 partners have to be deceased (but you don't have to be - unless of course you want to be but then that kind of complicates the debate plus I have no idea how you'll write this, etc.).
They can be from any era, well known or obscure, etc., - you get the rules.
For me, 2 of the 3 are really easy.
#1 far and away would be Ben Hogan. I've been fascinated with Ben Hogan about the time he stopped playing competitively in the 1960's. I remember my Dad talking about him and how private he was with his time after retiring - rarely giving interviews, just content to hit balls at his club in Fort Worth, TX - Shady Oaks. You just never heard much about him other then he made some kick-ass clubs and any player worth a damn at that time played Hogan irons.
Ben Hogan become more of a fascination to me when I read his book "Five Lessons - The Fundamentals of Golf". It was unlike any golf instructional book I had ever seen. The attention to detail, the illustrations, and the theory make it a must-read on any serious golfer's list even to this day. It was also around this time that some of the mystery surrounding the man became to disappaite and you began to get a sense of who he was and what he was all about. His Five Lessons book became one you just had to have in your collection.
One of the definitive reads later on was "Ben Hogan: An American Life" by James Dodson. It was in this account of his life where I learned about his Dad's terrible suicide in the room next door when Ben was a small boy and the extreme poverty he grew up with. Remarkably, Ben was born in 1912 - the same year that 2 other well known golfers were born, Sam Snead and Bryon Nelson. Fascinating that history worked out that way. 3 of the greatest golfers the world had ever seen and all 3 were born the same year.
Outside of an already successful career up to that point, Ben is probably best known for the terrible auto accident he and his wife Valarie suffered on a foggy west Texas highway in 1949. This accident not only should've killed Ben but by throwing him self in front of his wife during the collision to protect her, in all likelihood saved his life. While he had no business ever playing golf again, much less walking, it was less than a year later that Ben completed for the Los Angeles Open title - a title he eventually lost in a playoff. When you read his about his career accomplishments, you have to simply shake your head at the grit and resolve this man displayed throughout his entire career. His early days as a pro simply trying to make it, his glory days with the "Hogan Slam" and his post-accident days.
So you can see why it's easy to be a fan of "The Hawk" Hogan but I think my appreciation goes deeper than than. It was said he "dug his game from the dirt" and it was on the range that he learned how to battle the wicked hook that nearly cost him his career at an early age. Story after story exist about how he would position his caddies out to in the range to shag balls (this was long before today's method of beating balls to later be picked up by the ball picker). The shag balls belonged to the golfer so he wanted to keep close tabs. Anyway, he would position his caddy to the precise location and then proceed to hit iron after iron to that location - never making the caddy move more than a step or 2 one direction or another. This focus and concentration are unlike anything we've seen since.
I think it's Ben's pursuit of perfection is what fascinates me even to this day. To have the courage, drive, and discipline to do what was necessary to be the best he could be is something lost to today's athlete - especially when compared with the adversity he faced. Too much fame, too much money, too much prestige, I guess.
Yes, I know Ben was a man a few words while on the golf course but to have the opportunity to watch him approach a golf course, dissect it, and then hit the shots necessary to conquer it would have been a remarkable sight to see.
Golfer #2 is a little closer to home - it would be my Dad, Ed King. Dad taught me to play at an early age. Ever since I was a little kid, I always remembered seeing a wedge kept in the backyard by the grill where Dad would continually work on his swing while grilling whatever was for dinner that night. He was the proverbial tinker-er and was always trying this or trying that with his golf swing. He taught me how the "how's and why's" of putting lead tape on a club. i still have his old wooden shaft putter that is older than I am. He would use that putter to "pop" his putts as was required during those days of longer, slower greens.
Keep in mind he wasn't a very big man - Dad was 5' 4" and weighed a 130 pounds and that was right after a soaking rain storm. He didn't hit the ball very far but could chip and putt with the best of them. I think that was from all the time spent practicing at the muni's he played at as a kid growing up in Sioux City when he couldn't afford to hit range balls. Like most sports he played (bowling comes to mind), Dad was a precision player and enjoyed the mental side of the game more so than the brute muscle of the game. He could hit a cut or a draw, hit it high or low as dictated by the shot at hand. For an amateur, he had all the shots. I remember more than one occasion walking over to the city park near our house so he could hit balls and I would shag them down.
Yes, Dad would spend hours working with me on my swing, Teaching me subtlety that meant nothing at the time but I sure wish I had a diary now. Any clubs I owned were simply sawed down versions of full sized irons - either my Dad would make them or our good family friend Bob Marchand would make them. Bob was the local head pro and greenskeeper (back in the days were one person typically did both jobs) at the local 9-hole club in Yankton, Hillcrest Country Club. It wasn't until I was around 12 years old that I got my first set of clubs - a half set (3, 5, 7, 9, Driver, 3-Wood, and putter set) made by Austad out of Sioux Falls. Yes, I had truly arrived that day!
Out side of the bowling alley I grew up in as part of the family business, my mornings, days, and nights at Hillcrest or the State Hospital Public course were some of the best memories I have growing up. Even to this day it brings s smile to my face to go back home to Yankton and get the opportunity to play at Hillcrest. In 50 years the course has changed tremendously and in 50 years it's barely changed at all.
Dad was a tough taskmaster on the golf course. If he saw a flaw in your game or more importantly, in your attitude, you would know about. I think the day he saw me throw a club in frustration started a long "time out" from golf until I got my head on straight. It's a lesson I've learned to this day and I think it's helped keep my temper in check and provided an appropriate perspective during a round. I hate to lose and will fight to my last breathe to beat you in a match, but once it's over, let's shake hands and enjoy ourselves over a cold beverage.
My last round with Dad was sometime in the late 90's before his health really started to fail. We played at Shadow Ridge CC in Omaha with my brothers on a windy, cold spring day. He so enjoyed playing with his boys - Pat, Chris, and me. The golf wasn't always very good but the bullshit would fly and no one was immune from a jab. God those were fun matches and I miss them dearly.
I learned to caddy for my Dad during those early days - whether it was an early Sunday morning round, a Thursday stag day, or some nearby small town "Open Tournamenet" that we would travel to. He taught me where to stand and where not to stand. The right and wrong way to tend a pin. How of find a ball in the rough, and now to fix a pitch mark on a green. How to be polite, and maybe most importantly, how to be a gentleman on the golf course.
Quick story - I remember caddying at a state tournament event for him one summer and marveling at some of the local talent at the time. I distinctly remember caddying for Dad at the State Match Play tournament in Rapid City this one summer (1968?) and playing with us in the practice round were 2 hotshot young players from central South Dakota - Curt and Tom Byrum. Both Byrum boys went on to play the Tour and Curt can be heard today as one of the announcers on the Golf Channel while Tom continues to play on the senior tour. Obviously a big deal for me, a kid from small-town South Dakota. Since it was only a practice round, Dad let me play a couple of holes with these guys and to this day I remember what a thrill it was. By the way, Dad got 2nd place in his flight that year - he played great golf and I had a blast being part of the tournament action.
So there's 2 of my 3 I would love to have 1 more round with. The stories I would hear......as I somehow think my Dad and the great Ben Hogan would have hit it off - maybe they just remind me of each other
So now we have 3 of the 4 and I'm hard pressed to pick my fourth. Remember it's someone no longer with us. There are lots of great players through time that would be awesome to play with - Gene Sarazen, Seve Bellestaros, Sam Snead, Bryon Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, etc. - they all come to mind. What other great players have I missed?
For now though, I think I'll stick with my threesome and enjoy my special day that way.
Thanks Dad for passing along your love of the game, I think if you each Saturday morning when I play with my neighbor first thing. Just the 2 of us heading out on a Saturday morning - not much said, just the enjoyment of a quiet round of golf as the sun comes up. Somehow I would always be buying you the post-game beverage because I just know you would chip it dead for par on the last hold just like you did to me a million times before. Mr. Hogan, I too would hope you would enjoy our weekly match - not for the quality of play nor the prestige of the victory but simply for our love of the game
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Descending the Mountain
Day 7 - can you believe it? I can't as time as flown by. Might be due to the narcotic haze of these past 7 days but it's flown by non-the-less.
So yes, in case you haven't figured it out, I survived the procedure. I survived with no complications, no mishaps, no oops. Guess that makes me ahead of the game.
Last Wednesday got here quickly enough and while I did sleep surprisingly well, I was up and showering before the alarm when off. By the time Donna was ready it was 5 AM and off we went to Shawnee Mission Medical Center for my date with Mr. Scalpel.
The check-in process was seamless and MJ, my Pre-Op nurse, was an absolute peach. She had a dry sense of humor and was marvelous at keeping us loose and having a laugh. When we found out that the surgeon had gone to the wrong hospital there was a few anxious moments but he arrived in plenty of time and was non-plussed on the goof-up so I didn't get too riled up either.
Right on time, they wheeled me up to the OR, I kissed Donna good-bye, said hi to the OR crew and they quickly put me into the big sleep (mostly so they didn't have to hear my ramblings as I was rather "relaxed" by that time.
The next thing I know they were walking me up - "on a level of 1 to 10 with 10 the highest, what's your pain level, Mr. King?" they kept asking. 152 seemed like a reasonable answer.
One aside, and sorry if this is a bit graphic, but during the procedure they installed a Foley catheter. I had never had one before but it definitely had it's advantages. Not worrying about going to the bathroom was really pretty nice. More later on some of the not-so-good sides but all-in-all I suspect there's about 75,000 Chiefs' fans that would love something like this each football Sunday. Just think about it.
The other wonderful device I discovered was the morphine pump. A small plunger that became my life-line during the next 48 hours. Pump it and you feel great, forget to pump it and you feel like shit - pretty simple concept. I didn't forget very often.
Wednesday was pretty much a blur - took me 45 minutes to write 2 small test messages to the kids and to Donna later that night. Kept falling asleep....must've been a really interesting text.
Thursday had me out of bed and that pretty much sucked but got over it with minimal moaning and groaning. Some other good news was removal of the catheter, some not so good news was removal of the catheter. Had to retrain the bladder and "dribbles" experienced were not the kind found on a basketball court.
I did learn an important safety tip - did you know that Vaseline is explosive? So is Oxygen. One of my (not so favorite) nurses was pretty upset that I was using Vaseline to handle chapped lips while also being hooked up to an O2 tube. Her line was something to the effect of "do you want to blow up your face?". So just let that be your important safety tip of the day - unless you DO want to blow up your face.
The remaining few days went by quickly - lots of naps, lots of interruptions for blood, vital signs, working with physical therapists, etc. Had a nice visit with friend Jay through it all.
And of course, I would be so remiss not to give a shout-out to Donna. She's been such a rock through this - someone I could lean on for anything. They say you don't get too many chances in life at finding "the one" - I know I've been blessed beyond what I deserve because of her. She is my shelter and I wouldn't be where I'm at without her. Thanks Babe!
I've rambled on for some time now but want to close with the 10 universal truths I've learned this past week. In no particular order, here they are -
1. When a nurse says "this won't hurt", don't believe it. And when they say "Now, take a deep breathe", you better grab on tight. Nuff said.
2. All modesty is instantly gone in the hospital. My private parts saw more fresh air than a freshman at a hazing party.
3. Your life becomes totally controlled by the availability to use the bathroom. Bathrooms are your lifeline to try and prevent something really embarrassing from happening. However, after a couple of said embarrassments, a couple more just don't really matter.
4. For some reason blood work draws can only happen at 5 AM while you're trying to sleep. I really feel sorry for the poor technicians. All of them start their jobs at 4 AM - how much fun can it be waking someone from a deep sleep only to begin sticking them with needles to find a few ounces of blood. They were at least all very pleasant, apologetic, and appreciative of any kindness offered their way.
5. Nurses are always right on time to take your vitals but show up missing when it's time for your meds. I don't think I missed a blood pressure or temperature taking but when the meds started to wear out or I buzzed for some bathroom assistance the responses were sometimes slow. I will say that all-in-all the nurses were angels and their degree of caring and compassion is above all other.
6. The morphine pump is one of God's greatest inventions. Being competitive that I am, I would try to time my next available pump (every 6 minutes) as close as possible. Like a junkie and his high, there's nothing quite as satisfying as hearing the "double beep" of a successful hit when the plunger was pushed. Kind of a drug-induced version of Russian Roulette. And if I feel asleep for a couple of hours, I got really good at playing catch up over the next 24 minutes to get back to a manageable level of pain.
7. The absolute worst day was day 6 of no BM activity - the absolute best day was late Monday night when the logjam finally broke! (Sorry for being so graphic). You think open back surgery is bad, try going for 6 straight days without taking a crap. I never felt terrible during the ride but I knew the day of reckoning was coming. Figured once I got home to familiar surroundings the body would rally - wrong! Lot's of swings and misses. Started trying anything and finally on day 6 the gates of Hell opened up. I thought just for an instant I would achieve earth orbit. For my wife, you truly are a saint. For the dog, you truly must be without smell. And for my neighbors, a hearty "I'm sorry" is all I can offer. Never, repeat never, mess with the BM - he is ruler of all.
8. Don't piss off the graveyard nurse - they hold your life in their fingertips. It might be just me but I get a little creeped out by the one person who can come into your room at any hour and slip whatever they want into our IV. I tried to be especially nice and oh yeah, tried to sleep with one eye open. Had visions of being "hobbled" by Kathy Bates - enough said.
9. "Escape from New York" with Snake Blitzkin is an awesome movie when you've just taken your narcotic meds. It's really an awesome movie anyway but some Valium just adds to the realism. By the way, if I die, I want to come back as Snake Blitzkin.
10. Thank every day you have your health. I saw lots of very sick people and thank my stars for my health and the great support system I have around me. You can't do it alone. Thanks to Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Dr. Streibinger, his P.A., Connie, and the rest of the staff at Neurosurgery Associates of Kansas. You all have my heartfelt thanks!
As my neighbor has now nicknamed me - signing off -
Nuts and Bolts King
So yes, in case you haven't figured it out, I survived the procedure. I survived with no complications, no mishaps, no oops. Guess that makes me ahead of the game.
Last Wednesday got here quickly enough and while I did sleep surprisingly well, I was up and showering before the alarm when off. By the time Donna was ready it was 5 AM and off we went to Shawnee Mission Medical Center for my date with Mr. Scalpel.
The check-in process was seamless and MJ, my Pre-Op nurse, was an absolute peach. She had a dry sense of humor and was marvelous at keeping us loose and having a laugh. When we found out that the surgeon had gone to the wrong hospital there was a few anxious moments but he arrived in plenty of time and was non-plussed on the goof-up so I didn't get too riled up either.
Right on time, they wheeled me up to the OR, I kissed Donna good-bye, said hi to the OR crew and they quickly put me into the big sleep (mostly so they didn't have to hear my ramblings as I was rather "relaxed" by that time.
The next thing I know they were walking me up - "on a level of 1 to 10 with 10 the highest, what's your pain level, Mr. King?" they kept asking. 152 seemed like a reasonable answer.
One aside, and sorry if this is a bit graphic, but during the procedure they installed a Foley catheter. I had never had one before but it definitely had it's advantages. Not worrying about going to the bathroom was really pretty nice. More later on some of the not-so-good sides but all-in-all I suspect there's about 75,000 Chiefs' fans that would love something like this each football Sunday. Just think about it.
The other wonderful device I discovered was the morphine pump. A small plunger that became my life-line during the next 48 hours. Pump it and you feel great, forget to pump it and you feel like shit - pretty simple concept. I didn't forget very often.
Wednesday was pretty much a blur - took me 45 minutes to write 2 small test messages to the kids and to Donna later that night. Kept falling asleep....must've been a really interesting text.
Thursday had me out of bed and that pretty much sucked but got over it with minimal moaning and groaning. Some other good news was removal of the catheter, some not so good news was removal of the catheter. Had to retrain the bladder and "dribbles" experienced were not the kind found on a basketball court.
I did learn an important safety tip - did you know that Vaseline is explosive? So is Oxygen. One of my (not so favorite) nurses was pretty upset that I was using Vaseline to handle chapped lips while also being hooked up to an O2 tube. Her line was something to the effect of "do you want to blow up your face?". So just let that be your important safety tip of the day - unless you DO want to blow up your face.
The remaining few days went by quickly - lots of naps, lots of interruptions for blood, vital signs, working with physical therapists, etc. Had a nice visit with friend Jay through it all.
And of course, I would be so remiss not to give a shout-out to Donna. She's been such a rock through this - someone I could lean on for anything. They say you don't get too many chances in life at finding "the one" - I know I've been blessed beyond what I deserve because of her. She is my shelter and I wouldn't be where I'm at without her. Thanks Babe!
I've rambled on for some time now but want to close with the 10 universal truths I've learned this past week. In no particular order, here they are -
1. When a nurse says "this won't hurt", don't believe it. And when they say "Now, take a deep breathe", you better grab on tight. Nuff said.
2. All modesty is instantly gone in the hospital. My private parts saw more fresh air than a freshman at a hazing party.
3. Your life becomes totally controlled by the availability to use the bathroom. Bathrooms are your lifeline to try and prevent something really embarrassing from happening. However, after a couple of said embarrassments, a couple more just don't really matter.
4. For some reason blood work draws can only happen at 5 AM while you're trying to sleep. I really feel sorry for the poor technicians. All of them start their jobs at 4 AM - how much fun can it be waking someone from a deep sleep only to begin sticking them with needles to find a few ounces of blood. They were at least all very pleasant, apologetic, and appreciative of any kindness offered their way.
5. Nurses are always right on time to take your vitals but show up missing when it's time for your meds. I don't think I missed a blood pressure or temperature taking but when the meds started to wear out or I buzzed for some bathroom assistance the responses were sometimes slow. I will say that all-in-all the nurses were angels and their degree of caring and compassion is above all other.
6. The morphine pump is one of God's greatest inventions. Being competitive that I am, I would try to time my next available pump (every 6 minutes) as close as possible. Like a junkie and his high, there's nothing quite as satisfying as hearing the "double beep" of a successful hit when the plunger was pushed. Kind of a drug-induced version of Russian Roulette. And if I feel asleep for a couple of hours, I got really good at playing catch up over the next 24 minutes to get back to a manageable level of pain.
7. The absolute worst day was day 6 of no BM activity - the absolute best day was late Monday night when the logjam finally broke! (Sorry for being so graphic). You think open back surgery is bad, try going for 6 straight days without taking a crap. I never felt terrible during the ride but I knew the day of reckoning was coming. Figured once I got home to familiar surroundings the body would rally - wrong! Lot's of swings and misses. Started trying anything and finally on day 6 the gates of Hell opened up. I thought just for an instant I would achieve earth orbit. For my wife, you truly are a saint. For the dog, you truly must be without smell. And for my neighbors, a hearty "I'm sorry" is all I can offer. Never, repeat never, mess with the BM - he is ruler of all.
8. Don't piss off the graveyard nurse - they hold your life in their fingertips. It might be just me but I get a little creeped out by the one person who can come into your room at any hour and slip whatever they want into our IV. I tried to be especially nice and oh yeah, tried to sleep with one eye open. Had visions of being "hobbled" by Kathy Bates - enough said.
9. "Escape from New York" with Snake Blitzkin is an awesome movie when you've just taken your narcotic meds. It's really an awesome movie anyway but some Valium just adds to the realism. By the way, if I die, I want to come back as Snake Blitzkin.
10. Thank every day you have your health. I saw lots of very sick people and thank my stars for my health and the great support system I have around me. You can't do it alone. Thanks to Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Dr. Streibinger, his P.A., Connie, and the rest of the staff at Neurosurgery Associates of Kansas. You all have my heartfelt thanks!
As my neighbor has now nicknamed me - signing off -
Nuts and Bolts King
Monday, September 2, 2013
Pre Pre-Op
It's less than 48 hours before my back surgery. Gulp. It seemed so far away earlier this summer when the decision was made to have the surgery - sure was a good idea then. But now summer has slipped by and here we are on Labor Day Monday and Wednesday is coming quickly.
Tomorrow the process starts with a quick stop at the hospital for some blood work and whatever other fluids they need and then it's Go Time starting at 5:30 Wednesday morning.
The official name for the procedure is TLIF - Transformaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Simply put, a disc removal and fusion on the lower back with some extra hardware thrown in for good measure. The goal is to once and for all remove the numbness and pain down my right leg. Here's a good video of the procedure - http://www.spine-health.com/video/transforaminal-lumbar-interbody-fusion-tlif-video
What I love about this video is how nice and clean the anatomy is - where's the blood and gristle? Somehow I don't think the real thing is quite so sanitary.
I'm definitely anxious about it all - mostly about the recovery both in the hospital post surgery and the weeks following recuperating at home. Visions of tubes and needles and bad hospital food has me wound up so am working hard to keep busy and stay calm these next 2 days.
Donna has been a rock star in helping me prepare. She's been so busy with her own Dad's health issues and the Elvis episode, I feel bad that her plate is so full. So I will try and be a good patient and not be a jerk just because I don't feel so good. If you don't hear from me a few weeks post-op please come looking because I probably pissed her off and she stuffed me in a closet!
While recovery time is a bit up in the air, I've definitely set some goals - I want to be well enough to be part of Alison's 30th birthday party in Las Vegas in late October and I want to be able to walk 18 holes (not play of course) but walk some Saturday morning this Fall with neighbor Lance when he plays. I figure that being on a golf course in the fall will be great for my rehab and my mental well-being. But for now, let's just get to Wednesday night.
More to come. Keep me in your thoughts and let's hope my surgeon is a morning person and brings his A-game on Wednesday.
TLIF on Three. 1 - 2 - 3 - TLIF!
Tomorrow the process starts with a quick stop at the hospital for some blood work and whatever other fluids they need and then it's Go Time starting at 5:30 Wednesday morning.
The official name for the procedure is TLIF - Transformaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Simply put, a disc removal and fusion on the lower back with some extra hardware thrown in for good measure. The goal is to once and for all remove the numbness and pain down my right leg. Here's a good video of the procedure - http://www.spine-health.com/video/transforaminal-lumbar-interbody-fusion-tlif-video
What I love about this video is how nice and clean the anatomy is - where's the blood and gristle? Somehow I don't think the real thing is quite so sanitary.
I'm definitely anxious about it all - mostly about the recovery both in the hospital post surgery and the weeks following recuperating at home. Visions of tubes and needles and bad hospital food has me wound up so am working hard to keep busy and stay calm these next 2 days.
Donna has been a rock star in helping me prepare. She's been so busy with her own Dad's health issues and the Elvis episode, I feel bad that her plate is so full. So I will try and be a good patient and not be a jerk just because I don't feel so good. If you don't hear from me a few weeks post-op please come looking because I probably pissed her off and she stuffed me in a closet!
While recovery time is a bit up in the air, I've definitely set some goals - I want to be well enough to be part of Alison's 30th birthday party in Las Vegas in late October and I want to be able to walk 18 holes (not play of course) but walk some Saturday morning this Fall with neighbor Lance when he plays. I figure that being on a golf course in the fall will be great for my rehab and my mental well-being. But for now, let's just get to Wednesday night.
More to come. Keep me in your thoughts and let's hope my surgeon is a morning person and brings his A-game on Wednesday.
TLIF on Three. 1 - 2 - 3 - TLIF!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Elvis - the next chapter
SARDS - Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome.
Ever notice how we go through life not knowing much about certain topics - until the time comes when you suddenly know way too much about a topic? From my experience, when that happens it usually isn't good.
Elvis went to the animal Eye Vet today. He was so good and so brave during the visit. They checked out his eyes - poking and prodding with shiny lights and magnifying glasses. We talked about his last few days and we talked about what it all might mean.
They then kept him for the day to perform a test called an "electroretinogram" - a way to measure if Elvis' retinas are responding electronically to stimuli.
When I returned late this afternoon to pick him up, the Doctor met me in the exam room and gave me the news - no response in his left eye, barely any response in his right eye. "If Elvis were a person", she said, "he would be considered clinically blind."
Damn was all I could think of - here comes the punch......SARDS is the diagnosis - not sure what the cause is and no known cure. Elvis is a blind dog.
We talked some more about cause and effect - maybe related to immune systems, maybe hormonal, they just really don't know. Bottom line, the retinas have called it a day and they won't be back.
To her credit, the Doctor was upbeat and said Elvis (and his owners) just need to adjust and should expect a happy, healthy life. About then, the Tech brought Elvis into the room and his tail almost wagged off when he heard my voice. How could I feel sorry for him when he was happy to be there and happy to know he was going home.
We loaded up in the car and when we got home, Elvis promptly pooped in the front yard. Yes, he was back home and life would continue. I think I won't even clean it up for a while.
As I type this, Elvis is sleeping on the floor nearby snoring loudly. What do dogs dream about when they sleep? I hope it's about chasing squirrels and saving the world from evil bunnies.
Elvis might have lost his sight, but he's still our dog and I promise not to pity him but to show him patience and consideration - he's certainly earned that much.
Ever notice how we go through life not knowing much about certain topics - until the time comes when you suddenly know way too much about a topic? From my experience, when that happens it usually isn't good.
Elvis went to the animal Eye Vet today. He was so good and so brave during the visit. They checked out his eyes - poking and prodding with shiny lights and magnifying glasses. We talked about his last few days and we talked about what it all might mean.
They then kept him for the day to perform a test called an "electroretinogram" - a way to measure if Elvis' retinas are responding electronically to stimuli.
When I returned late this afternoon to pick him up, the Doctor met me in the exam room and gave me the news - no response in his left eye, barely any response in his right eye. "If Elvis were a person", she said, "he would be considered clinically blind."
Damn was all I could think of - here comes the punch......SARDS is the diagnosis - not sure what the cause is and no known cure. Elvis is a blind dog.
We talked some more about cause and effect - maybe related to immune systems, maybe hormonal, they just really don't know. Bottom line, the retinas have called it a day and they won't be back.
To her credit, the Doctor was upbeat and said Elvis (and his owners) just need to adjust and should expect a happy, healthy life. About then, the Tech brought Elvis into the room and his tail almost wagged off when he heard my voice. How could I feel sorry for him when he was happy to be there and happy to know he was going home.
We loaded up in the car and when we got home, Elvis promptly pooped in the front yard. Yes, he was back home and life would continue. I think I won't even clean it up for a while.
As I type this, Elvis is sleeping on the floor nearby snoring loudly. What do dogs dream about when they sleep? I hope it's about chasing squirrels and saving the world from evil bunnies.
Elvis might have lost his sight, but he's still our dog and I promise not to pity him but to show him patience and consideration - he's certainly earned that much.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Elvis
We have a dog named Elvis. Elvis is a 10 year old West-highland Terrier. Elvis does what all Terriers do - he chases squirrels, barks at neighborhood dogs, and loves to curl up on the couch next to you during a ball game.
For the past few weeks, Elvis has been acting out-of-sorts. Nothing big, just not himself. He was battling a cough and some eye drainage but we thought it was just allergies. We also were doing some remodeling at the house so things were a little disruptive. Elvis doesn't like change so we figured he was upset that his cheese was being moved.
Last weekend, the strangest thing happened. Elvis went to jump onto my lap while I was sitting on the patio and he missed. He didn't just miss my lap, he missed the whole damn chair. Donna and I just looked at each other. "This is not good" I thought.
The next day, Donna noticed that Elvis suddenly couldn't maneuver the steps to the patio - he stumbled and fell trying to go down. Not sure what to do, she made a quick call to our Vet and they were soon on their way. When she explained what had been going on, the Vet did a quick eye exam and stated that it appeared that Elvis had gone blind. Such a shock as you might imagine.
We are visiting a Veterinarian Eye Specialist this week (didn't know there was such a person) to get a full diagnosis but I'm guessing the prognosis is not good.
In the mean-time, Elvis has been trying to adjust to his home and backyard sightless. It's been a trial of bumps and stumbles. He's been a trooper but it's heart-breaking for me to watch. I want to help him but know he needs to find his own way with his sense of smell and hearing as he will soon map out his surroundings.
I'll keep you posted on his progress as well as ours. Dogs are great gifts to their people-keepers and Elvis has earned his place in our home - let's hope Elvis keeps wagging his tail and continues to be the Terrier he is.
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