New More Surgeries??

“EDIT: I meant NO more surgeries...

Most of you know about what I've been dealing with since late 2004. Last Friday (3-28-08) I went back to Stanford to remove my left knee, straighten and fuse it (Arthrodesis)...just like the right one. Surgery went well and I got home Monday. I'm not able to walk with the left leg yet, but my right leg is 100% usable now. I've been walking with a walker these last few days, only 10-30 feet, but it's a start.

Next Thursday I get the staples removed and they re-cast the leg to completely heal. After that I'm sure there will be some therapy and trying to re-learn how to walk again, but his time without bending my knees.

It's been a long journey for sure and I know it will continue. I just want to thank everybody for the cards, phone calls, e-mails and prayers these last few years. I big "thanks" to my wife...just for putting up with my these last few years!

One more thing...I turn 43 tomorrow and I don't have to be in the hospital this time!

Thanks for listening... :D
last edited: 4/01/08 4:40:58 PM”

“Congratulations Mike - I know it's been a tough few years for you. I look forward too seeing some more of your photographs when you're able to get out and about some more.”

“Bless you. I wish you the best.”

“Photos...I have lots of new photos! He's one from last weekend...


A company that makes all of the souvenir stuff (calenders, post cards etc) and they want me to use one of my photos in a calendar, postcard and magnet! Here's the photo: 'Bridalveil Fall Evening'”

“I know its been rough, but I'm glad the end is in sight.”

“good job on healing! you've more patience than i!!!

Red Shoulder Hawk?”

“congrats mike!

God bless and happy birthday.”

“I don't have any patience. That went years ago!

It's a Red-Tailed Hawk. The RTH has a band around the belly.”

“Hooray, Mike!”

“Fantastic picture Mike.

I'm glad for the progress you are making, impressed by your attitude and sorry that you've had all this on your plate.”

“Way to go!!

Small steps do lead to big ones.
Just take your time.”

“Thanks! My attitude stinks most of the time, just ask my wife!

SS - how's your progress?”

“Hey Mike! that's great news. I'm so happy for you.
I love your photos. Keep um coming.”

“I know what you mean about the 'attitude', Hikin Mike.

I'll never be back to what I was, but I've come a long long way. I still have hope to backpack again some day.

I just passed my one year mark from the stroke. They say your chances are good not to have another if you can go a year without another stroke. :-)”

“Wow great news on both fronts! I've been praying for you and I am glad you are in the home stretch! Good on ya boyo!”

“Same here. I never had any problems with mobility, as far as my stroke, but my mind is not like it used to be either. I guess it could always be worse.

I was apprehensive about the last surgery because the last one triggered my stroke. They repaired my "hole" in my heart in November so it shouldn't do that again.

I would love to meet you some day Stovie and at least do some camping, since I'm not 100% sure that I'll be backpacking any time soon. :)”

“Mike - thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you are at home and healing! Happy Birthday!”

“HAPPPPY BIRTHDAYYYYYY!!!!!

Hang in there!!!!! I don't get around as well as I used to, but I still come here & visit & enjoy other folks adventures!!!!!
last edited: 4/02/08 2:23:01 AM”

“Mike, you share birthdays with my wife.

Blessings for your journey.”

“glad to hear that you are healing - happy birthday!”

“Happy birthday Mike. Glad to hear that things are improving for you. :)”

“Rock on Mike.
I know it's been a hard road for you and your family. I'm hoping for a smooth ride for y'all, you've earned it.”

“Keep us posted, Mike. My surgeon has been talking knee replacement to me and I'm apprehensive.”

“:-)”

“Thanks again!

Gremlin - The reason my knee replacement went 'south' was my immune system isn't up to par. If my immune was 100%, I would be walking/hiking years ago. When I first had my new knee, it was great...no pain, but within 2 months infection set in and after at least 3 other surgeries, they removed the hardware in October 2006. Good luck to you!”

“Happy birthday Mike and I hope things continue to improve.
last edited: 4/02/08 1:05:53 PM”

“Why the need for a new knee (or two) at this age in the first place?

Sorry to be so direct. It is just the second case I have heard about.

I know a guy (36 yo) who just had a double knee replacement at the beginnig of march.

Rheumatoid arthritis. He has had hand operations, now the double knee . . I am worried that it won't be the end of it .. .hips, god knows what else.


Nasty nasty stuff.”

“Here ya go, Lee.

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/37646,-1.php”

“Wow tree, you found that old thread!”

“Now I am scared.


My wife has had lyme several times. last summer my 12 y.o. came home from camp ahving eaten lunch in a nest of deer tick nymphs.

He had twelve tick on him smaller than the period over the 'i' .

We monitored him closely for weeks, but no rash, no fever, no aches.

My wife has had all of those, but we jump on it quickly.

She grew up in Lyme (CT) and we live about 15 miles from there now (her mom is still there), so it is a fact of life.

Just scary.

Especially when the untreated ramifications are so devastating.


Thoughts are with you Mike!!!!


Keep on keeping on. Happy Birthday!


Your pictures are incredible.”

“Thanks Lee. IMO, I don't think I ever had Lyme. It was probably my immune system starting to "shut down" 4 years ago.”

“Good luck and happy b'day!”

“Great attitude Mike!

Keep it up!”