I’m Back!

Hey all, it’s been awhile since I’ve updated things here and I apologize. For those of you that have contacted me, thank you for the concern.

2010 has been quite the experience for me. As most of you already know I have had knee issues for quite awhile. Back in my younger days I thought I was invincible, just like most boys huh? Anyhow, between football, wrestling, martial arts and a few meniscus surgeries along the way my knees were pretty much shot. For the past few years I had been getting cortisone shots religiously and eating Celebrex and pain pills like candy just to be able to walk. So early last year I decided that enough was enough and in April I had a total knee replacement, Vauguard Knee Systems, on my left knee.

I went through several weeks of intense physical therapy and I cant deny that there was a lot of pain involved and at about 2-3 weeks out the pain was so intense that more than once I asked myself why did I go through with it. As time went on, the pain got less and I regained strength back in my knee.

After about 3 months of really pushing myself during physical therapy I was able to take the Champion back out on the water. With the assistance of my fishing buddy to assist in launching, parking of the Chevy in the parking lot and recovering the boat at the end of the day. While my left knee was feeling better my right knee was hurting even more than it used to because it had to do all the work during rehab so walking up and down the launch ramp was tough.

Fast forward a few months. The left knee still hurts from time to time but it’s a different kind of hurt than prior to the surgery. Of course seeing how I my right knee has been doing all the work lately it hurts more than it did before so its back to the doctor for yet another cortisone shot. So I get to thinking, seeing how my right knee is hurting more than before and I know that it’s only going to get worse and I had already met my maximum out of pocket with my insurance I might as well pull the trigger and get the right one done so I scheduled the surgery for early October.

About 2 weeks prior to my scheduled knee surgery I attempted to lift something while in an awkward position, slipped and felt an intense pain in my abdomen. I look down and my belly button that’s been an “Inny” all my life is suddenly on “Outty.” I attempted to push it back in but to no avail so its off to the emergency room where I get admitted for emergency hernia surgery so this in turn delayed the date for my knee surgery.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention, it was during this time my wife Cindy had to have ankle reconstruction surgery so that was yet another complication and then Marilyn, my cockatoo got sick twice this year and had to spend some time at the vets office. The second time she had to spend a week there because she developed an egg that was larger than her opening and she couldnt pass it so they had to wait until it dropped before they could drain it so it would collapse and she was able to pass it.

November 1^st I got my right knee replaced and once again I’ve been doing intense physical therapy and things are going well. I didn’t remember just how much pain is involved in the whole process. Cindy and my physical therapist tell me that I went through the same thing the last time so I guess I believe them, HA! While I am still in pain, it seems to be getting better with every passing day although there are days when it seems to hurt more I know that’s part of the game.

While I have been able to get in a few fishing trips this year I can honestly say that I have spent less time fishing in 2010 than any other year I can remember. I know that previous year’s I’d try to get out and wet a line at least once a week so with not being able to get out nearly as much cabin fever has been an issue. Good Lord willing I’ll be spending more time on the water in 2011.

In spite of it all I still count my blessings. I have a good woman that has stuck by my side through the tough times when I had been, let’s just say, less than pleasant to live with. Thanks Cindy, you have no ideal how much your appreciated.

Well all, that’s what I’ve been up to and why my monthly drawings have not been done taking place. I’ll be having 4, yes 4 drawings on January 1, 2011 so be sure to check back on to see if you’re a winner.

Thanks for visiting my site. Be sure to tell all of your fishing buddies and come back soon.

Until Next Time, Good Luck and Tight Lines To Ya!