....since I've logged on here. Probably over two years if memory serves me correctly. Developed a serious infection on my left leg in early March 2017 which nearly became septic. That was due to having Charcot Foot plus a horribly incorrect diagnosis and treatment at a local, formerly very good, clinic. After getting referred to our renowned Health Sciences Centre, correct treatment ensued including seeing an orthopedic surgeon. The infection required a debridement, which required the dead tissue be removed using local anesthesia. Surgeon told me I was very lucky. Once the infection was eliminated, I had a triple ankle arthrodesis on my left foot/ankle. Total non weight bearing for 3 months followed by rehab where I could gradually increase weight load on my foot over another 2 months while hobbling around on crutches. Kind of interesting learning how to walk properly again after 5 months. If not for my mom and stepdad staying with me for 2 months post surgery, I would have had great difficulty getting around. We take normal mobility for granted, until we can't do that any more. My foot and ankle have now healed quite nicely, but there's limited movement due to the fusion and three titanium screws holding it together. I had planned on staring a jogging routine, however that's now impossible! Darn it all anyway!! I can still drive a stick shift, but no longer have one to play with. In fact, I'm down to just my daily driver as the Mustang GT which replaced the 65 Gran Sports was sold last spring. Next up for me is right knee replacement in June, I am so looking forward to that, and more rehab. Where's Col. Steve Austin when you need him?? What did I miss over the last couple of years?? Anybody send out a search party??
Sorry to hear of your health issues, and hope all goes well. Miss reading your posts. Are you going to be able to go back to driving trucks?
Glad you’re back and I hope the serious health issues are behind you. Although knee replacement surgery is no small thing, it’s much more predictable than an infection.
Things have improved since the foot surgery. I went back to work driving big rigs in December 2017 doing four hours per day until mid January 2018. Back on the road full time around Jan 20/18. Our trucks have auto shift transmissions and no clutch. It still took me a couple of months to really get used to climbing in and out of the cab again. My calf muscles dwindled down from Arnold size to Twiggy size during my nine months off. I'm thankful to wake up every morning though!
My knee has been bad for years, but I simply lived with it. Most people who've had this surgery have told me to expect a huge mobility improvement!
Welcome back Tom! Sounds like you were wrung out and left to dry! Infections can be terrible, yet look at 100 years ago before antibiotics etc. People gimped along until they expired. Its unfortunate you were wrongly diagnosed. The knee thing isnt sooo bad. I did a bilateral in 2015 and that was ruff. The worst part was having to call for help for the "paperwork" before a shower LOL. Set goals for yourself and follow the regimine. Wishing you the best with a little "dark humor"! Bill in TR
Welcome back. Sounds like it's been a rough coupe of years. Had a friend that just did the knee surgery, and he has bounced back pretty quicky.
OLD TRUCKERS NEVER STOP ROLLIN MISTER T...... THEY GET NEW PETERBILTS KEEP ON ROLLIN SIR... GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK
Glad you are able to go back to work. I would go nuts not being able to do construction work after doing it for 43 plus years. I know several people that have had knee replacements, they seem to do really well. Being the trooper you are, you should do well too. Hang in there, good to hear from you!
Thanks for the welcome back! I'd meant to return a while ago, but wasn't sure of my password. Found it today while digging around some stuff. Been thinking about downsizing my life, selling my house and filling in my electronic log for the final time later this year. Full ELD mandate begins this December and I don't like Big Brother monitoring my every move, or telling me when to stop for a whiz, or an intestinal evacuation.
Good to have you back around Tom, your commentary and camaraderie has been missed. I can empathize with being "down" and unable to move, I had my quad re-attached to my left kneecap twice now. Didn't get infections, but have never been the same since. But hey, the main thing is that one is on this side of the turf, and yes, eventually the clutch foot does come back. It was close to a year after the initial incident before I could even think about pushing a clutch, and even though it hurt like hell, it was worth it. Then I sold the car. Welcome back, and keep up a positive attitude, you'll heal in no time!
Good to see you back my friend.....get healed up before the GS Nationals.....attend and i will buy you a steak dinner ! Peace WildBill
Thanks for the offer Bill! Not sure how long rehab will require. BTW, I sold that Mustang you might have seen at the last BPG event.
Nice to be back! I still have that license plate you sent me years ago displayed on my mantel, next to the die cast GSX's. How's retirement treating you?
Thanks Marc. I'm both apprehensive, and excited at this prospect. That knee has been bothering me for years, likely due to my propensity to never warm up prior to sporting activities such as curling or softball. I always wanted to step to the plate, and smash a Reggiesque long ball, followed by the stare, and the slow stroll around the bases. More often it was a two hopper to short, forcing me to run like hell. I hated being thrown out at first!! When I curled, it was get in the hack, and deliver the rock. I usually skipped, meaning not much heavy sweeping.
