Re: Hip Replacement - 5 Week Update - RETIREMENT!

[jwinwi]

Congrats Dave!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Attaboy, Dave.  I haven't punched a clock since 92. It will be the best job you never had..

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

That is awesome news Dave! Congrats to you, I know you have plenty of bike projects to fill your time!

I am looking at 7,9, or 11 years til retirement, and it seems that stretches on forever! Especially on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings!  I'm 43 now, will see how the stock market rolls, how my house and apartment renovations go, how much further my wife progresses in her job, and what happens with the healthcare system in this country over those years before I make the final decision on exactly when I can pull the plug --  exciting to think about.  I can't wait.

People talk about getting bored in a few months, but I plan to work part-time at a bike shop or a moto dealer and I think I'll be working on/improving our house until the day I'm too weak to swing a hammer or climb a ladder, so not to worried about that phase.

[Bulldog9]

Dave,

That is FANTASTIC congratulations!  I am likely right behind you, though my process would be a year long one. I have one more assignment in me, will move next Summer, and time my retirement to coincide with my required assignment cycle, so looking at December of 2022 as the most likely.   

I was also right behind you on joint replacement, had my hip done in March, and knee replaced in October am at 5 Weeks & passed a significant milestone...... 

Each week, I do a 'leg check'.  Week 3 I could easily sit on the Convert, so it stays. Week 4 was the Stornello. A bit tight in the knee bend, but promising.  Week 4, and the Stornello is a go, but the 1200 Sport was tight and the Griso a NO-GO.  Swelling is way down, and flexing is MUCH better, so on week 5 (today) decided to try out the 1200 S again, and YES!  I have more range of motion and can easily bend the knee for it and the Griso too!  I was at 15 degree extension and 110-120 bend before the replacement, am currently at 2 degrees extension, and 130-140 bending without any pressure....... My goal is to get it to equal my unviolated leg. Just need to work on muscle strength and let the implants set in the bone over the winter. No need to sell anything, or make changes.

Riding was all I was really worried about, and am super psyched............ . As much as I will miss running, I can hike, and cycle, and other alternatives without regret. This was a real mental challenge for me the last few years, but now I can rationalize not running. But truth of the matter is I could NOT live without riding.  I was already planning COA's to sell the Griso and 1200S, add a side car to the Convert or Stornello, looking into a 3 wheeler, etc. I still may do the Convert Hack, but am very happy about this.  And FYSA, I am officially off pain killers :lol3  Hello Michters, Bookers, Old Forester, Tullamore Dew, Powers Gold label, Edradour, Glenmorangie......

I was just sitting on the Stornello in the garage, and SWMBO reminded me I am not allowed to ride...... :jack  I was back riding with the hip replacement in 2 months, DOC wanted me to wait 4, but given the difference in the two joints, and greater danger of twisting a knee,  I have no issues waiting 6 months till April to get 100%.

Also, in my 4 week follow up last week, the surgeon told me that my knee was so wrecked that my hip alignment was over 1.5" out of whack, and that post surgery, I gained 1.5" length from hip to ankle from straightening the leg and the implant build up. This replacement has changed everything. Posture, back pain, gait...... No more Airborne ops, but that is a young man's game anyway.

[Dave Swanson]

That's an excellent report!  Everything sounds good! 

[LowRyter]

Congrats on your retirement.

If you're like me, you can catch upon 40 years of sleep deprivation. 

[Muzz]

OFFICIALLY RETIRED!     Retirement and another major change in my personal life this past year will lead to much more riding in 2021.  The Norge will start seeing some serious miles for the first time.

I feel it is only fair to warn you Dave that if you are even half pie practical you will quickly find that you have never been so busy and will wonder how you ever found time to go to work.

I was busy yesterday putting the final drive back in the Breva and a guy who was walking past turned around, came in and said that "he had noticed that I seemed to be a very practical sort of guy and would a particular (cash) job be within my field?  Why, yes it would.  Helps fill in the day and goes in to the travel fund ready for when we are able to.

In the meantime, today was absolutely beautiful so today was a 160 mile trip to Akaroa to scrub in the rear tire which is why I had the rear end out in the first place.

And so, retirement goes on...and on....and on (hopefully).

[Chuck in Indiana]

And so, retirement goes on...and on....and on (hopefully).

So far..so good. 

[Muzz]

So far..so good. 

Most days above ground are good days Chuck.