Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Well ...

Doc told me to give it a few days, and I've given it six. I've been a good boy - resting my knee,  taking anti-inflamatories, icing it, using a compression wrap ... But the bottom line is that I'm spending a lot of money staying in this motel, and I still can't walk without pain.

I have a shuttle to Asheville tomorrow, where I'll pick up a rental car and drive home to Michigan. There I'll see my ortho guy, get a better picture of what's going on, and get on any treatment/therapy to repair the injury.

I'm bummed. But I've had a great outpouring of support from my friends and family.  Everyone urging me to get healed, and to get back on the trail.

Which I will.

If I'm ready by June, perhaps I'll flip-flop by going to Maine and hiking south. If I have to wait till July, I'd consider a Flip-Flop where I'd start in Harper's ferry, VA, Hike north to Katahdin, then return to Harper's ferry and hike south to Springer Mountain.  Otherwise, I'll start again on Springer next Spring.

What is certain is that the trail will be here when I'm ready for it.

I'll be posting throughout the process, and I appreciate all your support.

18 comments:

  1. Hope everything gets fixed! my husband and I are a bit ahead of you - ended up breaking my wrist in the Smokeys! Fingers crossed you get better soon!

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  2. Heal fast, train some more, give it hell next time!

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    1. Not sure how one trains to avoid tendon problems. Plan to hook up with a PT once I can get in to see my Ortho guy. Maybe he'll have some ideas.

      I'm thinking those of us who are, uh, more advanced in years need to be consistent about stretching every morning before heading out.

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  3. I'm in the same boat you are in bill. Been laying in Hiawassee for 4 days with a torn mcl. Still can't walk without pain. Heading home to PA tomorrow. I'm going to try for southbound in July maybe.

    - Pages

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    1. I'm considering the same. If not, I'll start over at Springer next Spring.

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  4. God's speed to healing in all ways. The journey just got a little longer but may there be some reward in that.

    Cheers!
    ~ Mark (Winds)

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  5. LDawg, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm heading into Fontana Dam today and upward into the Smokies. Take good care of that leg and I'll see you heading Southbound.

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    1. That's the plan! Looking forward to passing each of you along the way

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  6. I've been able to walk now for the last 24 hours pain free ... but i can't bend and twist the knee or if i put alot of body weight on it like when my dog darted and yanked the leash he caused some serious pain ... but it's a step in the right direction ... if it was a complete tear i wouldn't be able to do even that ... which means with alot of rest and meds and a CLEAR MRI, which is tomorrow ... I'm looking at a flip flop from PA since i live here and 20 minutes from wind gap ... Why go back south? I'll start here, enjoy the level mountains till i'm out of CT and that should be a good warmup without the throbbing knee killer's of georgia ... lol .. I got it in my head that i'm not done, this isn't over ... don't come to any conclusions till that MRI brother ... you could be back sooner than you think .. The first week i was sure i did something really really bad to my knee ... Just go with the flow.

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    1. Just found out I can't even get in to see my doc till the 24th ....

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  7. Sorry to hear you didn't heal quickly. Rest well ... the trail will be there when you're ready again! - JK & Navigator

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    1. Thanks folks. Looks like my PT found the underlying cause, and I'll be back on the trail in June - Perhaps a soho from Maine, and we'll pass on the trail. Hope Gator's issues have cleared up?

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  8. Yep, "you first." I learned that recently. If you're broke, you can't do stuff. :o) I'll watch out for updates, get better and get back at it!

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    1. Yup. But sitting here day after day, I feel my trail toughened legs getting soft. Gonna take an extra effort to get trail-ready again!

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  9. Get better l-dog! The trail will always be here! Hopefully you will be back on and I can cross paths with you as you sobo! Brian aka the Flash

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    1. Prognosis is looking good for a June Sobo run. God willing, we'll meet on the trail!

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