Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Saga of a 378LB Clyde, Knee Surgery, and More!

Peter, I had a total knee replacement in 2006. My new knee is still puffy, stiff and sore at times and there are always two or three "fluid bulges". ! I find that if I bike regularly, with easy spinning at first, the knee loosens up nicely. It is sometimes a bit of a chore to get started but improves quickly. Biking is probably the best therapy I can do. I'm glad I had the surgery as I can walk and bike much better with the new knee than I could with the old one. These knee replacements are a lot tougher than you think, and it is very unusual to damage them (if you don't do anything crazy like bouncing onto the knee on the pavement or extreme skiing!). I am probably old enough to be your grandmother but my knees are still up for a bike tour or two each year, as well as daily errands. The old adage "use it or lose it" works for me. Sometimes it's enough to just tool around and enjoy the view. and not worry about mileage. Best to you and congratulations on your great progress so far. Hang in there and don't get discouraged.

Prior to Sunday, the knee has worked wonderfully for me. This is the first time since rehab that I've had any real pain or swelling - and no, I do not ski, or roller-skate either :P

Sorry if I sound dumb Peter, I truly mean not to.

I was just curious to your general strecthing regiment. It just sounds to me like you did a ride that would warrant a good warm up stretch, and then to me the ever important post ride stretch.

Just from personal experience, I find that helps me with general post ride soarness after big rides.

Perhaps I am the dumb one? I do 20 minutes of stretching every day (both back and legs) and usually do another 5-6 minutes before riding to stretch the hamstrings. I have never done any *after* ride stretching of any type as I always feel very loose and relaxed when done. Never thought bout it?

Stretching after activity is the most important. It will help you keep that lumber feeling. If you are going to stretch before a ride do 5 easy minutes first then stretch. Stretching a cold muscles not only useless, you can hurt yourself.

Wish me luck. Going riding and will see what happens..

Perhaps I am the dumb one? I do 20 minutes of stretching every day (both back and legs) and usually do another 5-6 minutes before riding to stretch the hamstrings. I have never done any *after* ride stretching of any type as I always feel very loose and relaxed when done. Never thought bout it?

Try working in stretches as part of your after-ride cool-down process. Enjoy your ride. ;)

Hi Peter - I am new to this forum and just started a thread of my own to document my 'journey' after being inspired by reading through your thread over the last several nights. I think the thing that impressed me the most about your thread (and this forum) is that your story is real life, not some slick magazine article that leaves out the mundane details, back slides, problems, etc. I find it very refreshing (and oddly touching) to read about a regular old working stiff trying to keep his boss, wife, kids/dogs/whatever, mom, inlaws, etc. all happy while trying to find time to take up cycling for YOUR benefit. To me, your story is encouraging and inspiring because it is real life - the grass needs to be mowed, the garage needs to be cleaned out, life gets in the way of a committment to cycle because that's the way real life is. And yet - you are finding a way to do it. I am blessed to be starting out from a point of a little less weight than you and fewer medical problems - but this shows me that if you can find a way to do this, there is no reason that I can't as well.

Thanks for continuing to share your story.

Hi Peter - I am new to this forum and just started a thread of my own to document my 'journey' after being inspired by reading through your thread over the last several nights. I think the thing that impressed me the most about your thread (and this forum) is that your story is real life, not some slick magazine article that leaves out the mundane details, back slides, problems, etc. I find it very refreshing (and oddly touching) to read about a regular old working stiff trying to keep his boss, wife, kids/dogs/whatever, mom, inlaws, etc. all happy while trying to find time to take up cycling for YOUR benefit. To me, your story is encouraging and inspiring because it is real life - the grass needs to be mowed, the garage needs to be cleaned out, life gets in the way of a committment to cycle because that's the way real life is. And yet - you are finding a way to do it. I am blessed to be starting out from a point of a little less weight than you and fewer medical problems - but this shows me that if you can find a way to do this, there is no reason that I can't as well.

Thanks for continuing to share your story.

Thanks for your kind words :)

That's what Real Life is... trade-offs, good days, bad days - stuff like that. Writing helps me get it focused in my own head, and, hopefully may help a few others on similar journeys of their own. Feedback back from others gives the whole process some perspective.

Well, I go see the knee DR tomorrow at 0800. Frank's been talking to me most all week - so I really don't know if it's simply over-use, still healing, or I did something to him...

I did a total of 87 miles this week - have only had two 100 mile weeks so far :(

Cindy and I rode Sippo from the Bison RD crossing out to Dalton and back yesterday (making this Cin's longest ride to date) for just shy of 16 miles.

For perspective, that's the only riding I did yesterday, and it was easy miles, not pushing it at all, and 'Frank' woke me up complaining this morning...bleh! I'm wondering if the OA is coming back? Will need to ask the Doc that tomorrow? X-Rays will show it too - that (sadly) would explain most everything - we shall see~!

I did a total of 87 miles this week - have only had two 100 mile weeks so far :(



On September 19, 2009, you posted:

"I wish to know if it is only a dream, or if it is possible for me to get back into cycling again in some form?"

You created your own answer.

On September 19, 2009, you posted:

"I wish to know if it is only a dream, or if it is possible for me to get back into cycling again in some form?"

You created your own answer.

Great point~! I guess I did create my own answer!! Now, do I dare plan to do a century in Sept? The "2010 Hancock Horizontal Hundred" in Findlay, Ohio looks to be very tempting!!!

HHH RIDE (http://www.hancockhandlebars.org/HHH_-_Annual_Club_Tour.html)

Thoughts anyone? They state it's one of the flatest rides in Ohio - right up my alley

Great point~! I guess I did create my own answer!! Now, do I dare plan to do a century in Sept? The "2010 Hancock Horizontal Hundred" in Findlay, Ohio looks to be very tempting!!!

HHH RIDE (http://www.hancockhandlebars.org/HHH_-_Annual_Club_Tour.html)

Thoughts anyone? They state it's one of the flatest rides in Ohio - right up my alley

I wonder why a person who created his own answers before needs Bike Forums to answer this one. :-)

Great point~! I guess I did create my own answer!! Now, do I dare plan to do a century in Sept? The "2010 Hancock Horizontal Hundred" in Findlay, Ohio looks to be very tempting!!!

HHH RIDE (http://www.hancockhandlebars.org/HHH_-_Annual_Club_Tour.html)

Thoughts anyone? They state it's one of the flatest rides in Ohio - right up my alley

The century may be a tad optimistic, but register anyway so you have a goal. If you haven't quite ramped up enough mileage, the 100k option should definately be doable.

Great point~! I guess I did create my own answer!! Now, do I dare plan to do a century in Sept? The "2010 Hancock Horizontal Hundred" in Findlay, Ohio looks to be very tempting!!!

HHH RIDE (http://www.hancockhandlebars.org/HHH_-_Annual_Club_Tour.html)

Thoughts anyone? They state it's one of the flatest rides in Ohio - right up my alley

The HHH was my first century back in the 70s and I've done it every year since moving back to Ohio in 2000, since it is usually on my birthday weekend. It's pretty much flat as a pancake except for a couple of overpasses, but that can be a double-edged sword - if you don't go up you can't go down and you still have the wind to contend with.

You've got plenty of time to get ready tho, the first year Cheri did the HHH she had only started riding in May and her longest rides prior to the HHH were never more than 65 miles. Think of the HHH as nothing more than 4 25 mile rides with rest breaks between each leg. Keep putting the miles on - 25-30 miles without stopping for a rest should be your first goal...then start taking a short break after 25 and continuing on until you can do 50-60 miles. If you can get to doing 60 fairly comfortably by late August, I'll take you on a 75-80 miler either the last weekend in August or the first weekend in September. I'm on vacation the week of July 19, so maybe I can take you on some long rides during that week too.

Hi Peter,

I admire your gusto. The only thing I can relate on a personal basis is that, as I am also relatively new to longer distance riding, on the longer rides there is a definite throbbing of my knees the next day. I rode a 58 miler last Saturday and felt great (except for butt pain). However, the next day I did have knee pain and stiffness and my knees are fine (no surgery to overcome)! If you have problematic knees, I would try a couple of weekends of a 40-50 mile ride and see how that feels.

This is just my opinion, and don't forget, I'm the guy who is supposed to be cycling 200 miles on the STP in three weeks - ha! - what do I know about cycling logic :) Should be very interesting....

UPDATE

Went to the knee DR today, he took X-Rays and bent my knee all sorts of ways...

States the pieces/parts are fine, but all the soft tissue (muscle, etc) is original equipment so aches and pains will still be normal. He reminded me that the knee will continue to improve for another 6-18 months but as I use it, I need to remember it's not good as new, or better than new - just much better than the old one...

So when I got home, I filled out the online registration form for the HHH Ride, and under 'route' I chose 100 miles. So have bout six weeks to get ready for it.

Chipcom - as always, great ideas! While I do not wish to impose, would love to join you whenever you have time to ride, and do not mind a bit of baby-sitting :)

The Historian - poking me with a stick as usual~! Perhaps I was seeking reassurance? Sorta like you and your hiking thread perhaps :)

Magohn - Gusto = stupidity = ignorance - right??? Even if I am only 'training' 2 or 4 days per week, I should still be able to get it done. We shall see :P

No worries, the 100 and 60 mile routes both go to the lunch stop, so you can always opt for the 60 after lunch if you are feeling poorly.

No worries, the 100 and 60 mile routes both go to the lunch stop, so you can always opt for the 60 after lunch if you are feeling poorly.

And *chicken* out??!! No way man! I bet I can do 50 flat miles right now, so unless I am missing something, six weeks to double it? Now, if we were adding hills to the ride - that would be different I bet...

My concern right now is getting my average speed up enough so that I finish before all the ice cream is gone :P

Everyone's different but speaking from my experience, at the 30 mile mark I feel like I can ride all day - by mile 60 I'm beginning to feel it and you will certainly know that you've been riding for 4+ hours by then. Go do a 60 miler and report back...Ive found that after a certain distance its not about your beliefs of what you can do but more about what you've been feeding your engine for the last 4 hours and what left in your tank...Im afraid ice cream ain't gonna do it as an incentive :)

UPDATE

It's been quite a week. 98.7 miles total. Trying out the B68 saddle didn't help - still am a bit sore - talk about being a pain in the butt~! Geesh! I crack myself up :) :D

Went on a ride yesterday with Chipcom, Mrs Chipcom, and Mr DanW down on the Holmes County Trail. We went end-to-end and back. Just over 33 miles, took 3.6 hours including a meal break, averaged just at 12.8 MPH

Chipcom was on his single speed, and of course he was ridning circles around me. But hey, where else can you get into a drag race with a horse-and-buggy???

Just a note: We are having virus issues on every computer here. So I do not currently have good internet or email on a daily basis. If anyone needs me, please call my cell phone? Mr. DanW, Chipcom, and The Historian can all reach me if desired. I will update again once I resolve this...


For those that wish to know, "Win32/Alureon.H" is the primary issue, even though I use good A/V with current definitions - yay!

UPDATE

It's been quite a week. 98.7 miles total. Trying out the B68 saddle didn't help - still am a bit sore - talk about being a pain in the butt~! Geesh! I crack myself up :) :D

Went on a ride yesterday with Chipcom, Mrs Chipcom, and Mr DanW down on the Holmes County Trail. We went end-to-end and back. Just over 33 miles, took 3.6 hours including a meal break, averaged just at 12.8 MPH

Chipcom was on his single speed, and of course he was ridning circles around me. But hey, where else can you get into a drag race with a horse-and-buggy???

I dunno if the horse took the bit or if the driver was just wanting to have some fun. As I began to pass the horse sped up...then kept matching me until I was about at the top end of my cadence (only had 70 gear inches to work with) and finally backed off...I crushed his his horsey soul. I was like, "you wanna piece of me, Mr Ed?" :D

The horse was a sore loser too...I think he kept trying to bite Peter as he attempted to pass himself.

Chipcom was on his single speed, and of course he was ridning circles around me. But hey, where else can you get into a drag race with a horse-and-buggy???

Lancaster County, PA. How do you think Floyd Landis improved as a cyclist?

UPDATE~! :(

Well, I'm here to tell you that sticking your head in the sand and pretending a problem doesn't exist - don't work!

After the TKR I was very done with doctors, and surgeries, and PT, etc... All I wanted was a year or two to work on my health, and my riding, and get time for life to get better...

Ever since leaving pain management my right shoulder has been bothering me (am left handed at least). It has steadily worsened, to the point that my shoulder is what tells me when to get out of bed in the morning.

My regular DR tried steriods, no help. Then he tried a 'tendon shot' - no go. Had an MRI done last week, and saw my Ortho today. It's a torn rotator cuff (complete tear) with 2 bone spurs. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday 07-15-10.

I asked and was told that no biking for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery~!

So, my plans to ride with The Historian are hosed. My plan to ride with other Clydes up in MI next month are gone. And my plans to attempt a Century (the HHH) are most likely dead too.

So, on that bright note... Have a HAPPY day :)

Sorry to hear that. Do you know anyone that could teach you how to play chess?

UPDATE~! :(

Well, I'm here to tell you that sticking your head in the sand and pretending a problem doesn't exist - don't work!

After the TKR I was very done with doctors, and surgeries, and PT, etc... All I wanted was a year or two to work on my health, and my riding, and get time for life to get better...

Ever since leaving pain management my right shoulder has been bothering me (am left handed at least). It has steadily worsened, to the point that my shoulder is what tells me when to get out of bed in the morning.

My regular DR tried steriods, no help. Then he tried a 'tendon shot' - no go. Had an MRI done last week, and saw my Ortho today. It's a torn rotator cuff (complete tear) with 2 bone spurs. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday 07-15-10.

I asked and was told that no biking for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery~!

So, my plans to ride with The Historian are hosed. My plan to ride with other Clydes up in MI next month are gone. And my plans to attempt a Century (the HHH) are most likely dead too.

So, on that bright note... Have a HAPPY day :)

The good thing is that they can fix those and they have gotten really good at fixing those. Just thinking, what you may want to do is see about getting a trainer, it's like a stand that your bicycle fits onto, with a small wheel that runs on the tire or rim. IIRC you have a crank forward bicycle, so mounting shouldn't be an issue, although most of us like to put a support under the front wheel to keep the bicycle from feeling like your going downhill, I use an old book on Java programming that's about 5 versions out of date, and it's 850 pages is just the right thickness....

Trainers also mean you can bicycle indoors when the weather is too ugly for outdoors like when the forecast is for blowing snow and ice pellets.... This week I have the opposite problem, the city is sitting in the middle of a sauna, it's 30℃/86℉ currently feeling like 42C/108F and that's at 8 o'clock at night, when I was heading home from work this morning it was 28℃ feeling like 37C already, so I passed on a ride for the 3rd day in a row....








:eek:

I've pretty much given up on this week, when the temperature is 34C and the Humidity index in the 40's I

Whoa, that sucks, but you'll still have some weather left for riding and will probably feel much better doing it too.
Ain't nuthin, dude, get er done. ;)

Sorry to hear about the shoulder Peter, a couple of thoughts come to mind.

1. Did you have some type of fall or anything that caused an acute injury to the area or has this just been an ongoing thing? Have you done any physical therapy on this shoulder before? If not, I STRONGLY suggest asking if any type of physical therapy prior to surgery would be beneficial to you.

2. Probably two of the worst surgeries to come back from are TKR and rotator cuff. The rotator is tough because chances are those first 4-6 weeks after you will have to keep your arm immobilized. You seemed to have gotten through the knee well so you should be good with this.

3. I strongly urge you to kick the soda habit. hopefully the idea of getting an indoor trainer will be able to work for you but if not, your going to be limited on what you can do for cardio so nutrition becomes all that much more important. Start by just not even brining soda into the house anymore.

4. regarding the advise of not riding a bike for 4-6 weeks, that is probably based on the fact that you will be immobilized for that amount of time and not able to hold handlebars. If any other reason is given for why you can't by your DOCTOR, ask your Physical therapist for their take. Generally doctors are great about knowing how to do surgery but you would be amazed at how little they know about the actual rehab aspect.

Hey Peter, that's a tough break, and I feel for you. All is not lost for the season though. One possibility is getting access to a recumbent exercise bike. No need to use your arms at all, just sit and pedal. That will allow you to maintain and even improve your cardio fitness while you rehab the shoulder. And, after rehab, you'll still have time in the fall to ride and the weather is generally perfect for riding then around these parts.

If you can get with the sawbones soon and find time on the exercycle, the HHH may NOT be out of the question, maybe not the Imperial C, but a Metric C may still be in the cards for you. Check out your local YMCA, community center, and area health clubs for access. Your rehab facility may even have one.

All the best for your surgery and subsequent recovery.

Sorry to hear that. Do you know anyone that could teach you how to play chess?

I know someone who was once considered one of the leading historians of the game who might.

The Historian - poking me with a stick as usual~! Perhaps I was seeking reassurance? Sorta like you and your hiking thread perhaps :)


Sorry, Peter, I posted the thread for cold facts, not a warm hug.

So, my plans to ride with The Historian are hosed. My plan to ride with other Clydes up in MI next month are gone. And my plans to attempt a Century (the HHH) are most likely dead too.

So, on that bright note... Have a HAPPY day :)

That's tough, Peter. Still, six weeks lets you ride on the GAP with me the end of August. You might be cleared to ride sooner. You could always ride a shorter course at the HHH. Can you find other activities while you are recovering?

In other words, don't use this as an excuse to give up.

If any other reason is given for why you can't by your DOCTOR, ask your Physical therapist for their take. Generally doctors are great about knowing how to do surgery but you would be amazed at how little they know about the actual rehab aspect.


I second this comment. My wife is in PT right now for a knee injury. Doc said dont' do this, dont' do that. But the PT told her to do various activities including riding - just no mashing, put the seat low so her leg doesn't straighten, etx.

4. regarding the advise of not riding a bike for 4-6 weeks, that is probably based on the fact that you will be immobilized for that amount of time and not able to hold handlebars. If any other reason is given for why you can't by your DOCTOR, ask your Physical therapist for their take. Generally doctors are great about knowing how to do surgery but you would be amazed at how little they know about the actual rehab aspect.

I agree. IMO, you should be able to at least manage the trainer to keep your legs limber and continue to build muscle memory, if not take some easy one-handed rides. Might be good practice in modulating that front brake. ;)

As far as the HHH...remember that you can do one of the shorter routes, if you want to get your money's worth.

I agree. IMO, you should be able to at least manage the trainer to keep your legs limber and continue to build muscle memory, if not take some easy one-handed rides. Might be good practice in modulating that front brake. ;)

As far as the HHH...remember that you can do one of the shorter routes, if you want to get your money's worth.

What Trainer?? While I would like to have one, I imagine it will be some time before I get one...

As for the triple H - I am adopting a wait-and-see outlook, and hoping for the best :)

That's tough, Peter. Still, six weeks lets you ride on the GAP with me the end of August. You might be cleared to ride sooner. You could always ride a shorter course at the HHH. Can you find other activities while you are recovering?

In other words, don't use this as an excuse to give up.

If i AM RELEASED TO RIDE IN TIME, I would *LOVE* to still ride the Gap with you~!

I am not giving up, but I am fairly bent and frustrated. I am tired of all the medical crap, and do feel like I am going backwards...

As for my plans while recovering goes...first, whatever my shoulder (and PT DR) allow, plus I will be doing my PT 3 times weekly at the same place as before, and they will allow me to stay and work on the other side ((GYM side) after each PT visit as long as I like - so me, my Kindle, and Frank plan to ride stationary just like old times for an hour or two after each PT visit, regardless of how I am feeling - shoulder has nothing to do with legs, and I can hurt on a stationary bike as well as at home.

I completely agree (and know) that the Ortho may be the greatest surgeon, but doesn't mean he knows anything bout what is OK or not OK to do after the one week wait after surgery - learned that many years ago... and 'Concord Therapy' is the best PT place I have ever been in 30 odd years...

Basically I am just pissed, and tired or my body constantly having issues. I do know that many of the issues are caused 100% because of me, what I weight, what I eat, what I do or don't do.

All I can do is get past this, try to rehab as fast and as fully as possible, and take advantage of the tools at my disposal. Between now and Thursday, am once again trying to get anything and everything done so that Cindy won't have to worry bout stuff.

It simply sux that plans I had made will have to be cancelled or changed, and stuff I was really looking forward to can't be done (this is where I get to say "I told you so" to The Historian... if you don't make plans, you don't get disappointed when they fall apart). This is way I try to never plan stuff far in advance. Heck - I was planning to do the night ride tonight on the towpath (As it's raining cats and dogs right now) - oh well :(

What Trainer?? While I would like to have one, I imagine it will be some time before I get one...

As for the triple H - I am adopting a wait-and-see outlook, and hoping for the best :)

Come on over, I'll let you borrow mine...at least until winter when Cheri will want to use it again.

It simply sux that plans I had made will have to be cancelled or changed, and stuff I was really looking forward to can't be done (this is where I get to say "I told you so" to The Historian... if you don't make plans, you don't get disappointed when they fall apart). This is way I try to never plan stuff far in advance. Heck - I was planning to do the night ride tonight on the towpath (As it's raining cats and dogs right now) - oh well :(

BS, Peter. Your self-defeating attitude is just BS.

BS, Peter. Your self-defeating attitude is just BS.

Peter - you do have a tendency to choose words and phrases that indicate you expect failure. Make some goals, write them down on paper, figure out how to achieve them, then adapt the plans and/or goals as you move through time. If you fail to plan....well, you know the saying.

Basically I am just pissed, and tired or my body constantly having issues. I do know that many of the issues are caused 100% because of me, what I weight, what I eat, what I do or don't do.

All I can do is get past this, try to rehab as fast and as fully as possible, and take advantage of the tools at my disposal. Between now and Thursday, am once again trying to get anything and everything done so that Cindy won't have to worry bout stuff.

It simply sux that plans I had made will have to be cancelled or changed, and stuff I was really looking forward to can't be done (this is where I get to say "I told you so" to The Historian... if you don't make plans, you don't get disappointed when they fall apart). This is way I try to never plan stuff far in advance. Heck - I was planning to do the night ride tonight on the towpath (As it's raining cats and dogs right now) - oh well :(

Make sure you tell your PT that you are a cyclist and need to get ready for the rides that you had planned for, tell them the dates and distances, your an athlete who has to train, and they will treat you differently then they would someone who's only exercise is lifting a beer can or the TV remote. Use the Stationary bike at the PT place every visit, an hour if you can get it, you need to keep your legs in riding shape, you also need to walk, walk as much as possible, an hour a day at the very least, at a good brisk pace, this is also to help keep the legs in riding shape, even though it uses different muscles, it's still helpful.

Expect us here to give you a good swift kick in the pants as encouragement, so here :eek:, now stop feeling sorry for yourself and get back to work. Plan on buying a trainer, before winter, there are some nice ones from Minoura that are not too expensive. This is so that you don't lose the legs over the winter, an hour 3 times a week is sufficient.

Peter,
I've been following your story for a while now. I must say that I'm am impressed with what you want to do and what you have already done. Keep it up and don't give up. About that trainer. Start hitting the thrift stores, 2nd hand stores, flea markets and places like that. I picked up 2 last winter that cost me $60 dollars total for the both of them. Go to those stores that are located in the upper middle or upper class neighborhoods of the town you live in and around you. That's the best place to find them.

Chipcom - yes please~! I would love to borrow your trainer~! Doing a brake job on the Tuscon today - maybe this evening (if I get it done soon enough - I am a slow wench) or tomorrow sometime??

I *DO* want to find a trainer as while I plan to ride this winter (dryer days only please) I know it won't be enough by itself. The thrift store idea is good - I know a few places to look - would love to pick out and buy a quality new one, but not til I am working again.

FYI - for those that don't remember, the reason why I chose the PT place I am going to is the PT DR *IS* a cyclist~!! Only a smallish gym on the other side, but has 10 stationary bikes, plus 4 'bent ones... it is his *focus*. He used to race when he was in college - so, no worries there. I plan to have my PT APPTs in the early afternoon, so when done, I can spend all the time I want on the gym side (they close at 9PM)

Self-pity, yup. "Your self-defeating attitude is just BS" - I disagree with. Always have. Because I state facts, and my frustration with them, people *assume* that I am giving up, or am a self-defeatist (is that a word??) - feel free to go back to the begining and read this entire Saga - negitive at times - yes! Frustrated at times - Yes! But, the "proof is in the pudding" - and I didn't quit, didn't stop posting, compared to some my achievements are nothing, but I call 500+ miles on my bike from TKR til now pretty darn good! Out of Pain MGNT, off many of the meds I was on, some weight lost (much more needed) - point is, if I was everything I've been accused of being, I wouldn't even be on this forum any longer, as I'd have given up long ago.

Just because I speak plainly, and say what I think and feel does not translate into "giving up" - so some of you simply need to get over it :P Or, better yet, try acknowledging those thoughts and feelings yourselves, so you can figure out what to do about them, like I have ??!!

Yup - I will *ALLOW* myself some self-pity, I do think I deserve it - but I won't drown in it, and I will move past it. Remember, some of *MY* reason for writing all of this is to clarify it all in my head - and if desired, some unknown folks *may* possibly get some good out of it.

Every single one of you have felt self-pity at one point or another, or been pissed off at life - people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones~!

Peter - you do have a tendency to choose words and phrases that indicate you expect failure. Make some goals, write them down on paper, figure out how to achieve them, then adapt the plans and/or goals as you move through time. If you fail to plan....well, you know the saying.

It's much deeper than that. During our ride out here, Peter asked me what sort of "magic" I had that allowed me to ride a bike. In other words, hard work and stick-to-it-ism had nothing to do with it. That's denial writ large.

It's much deeper than that. During our ride out here, Peter asked me what sort of "magic" I had that allowed me to ride a bike. In other words, hard work and stick-to-it-ism had nothing to do with it. That's denial writ large.

Neil, I mean no rudeness at all, and I have a LOT of respect for you...

That comment was simply me being amazed that someone with such foo-barred legs not only being able to ride, but to ride well, and to chose to ride. A *compliment* to you.

Taking words said to you in admiration, and using them as ammo to throw at me is rather tacky Sir.

I stand by what I say, and I mean what I say. I do not agree with you.

I must admit while Peter does have a lot of negative self talk at times (and I USED to get lambasted in this thread for calling him out on it, suddenly more people are agreeing with me) in this case I don't feel that he was. his statement

"Basically I am just pissed, and tired or my body constantly having issues. I do know that many of the issues are caused 100% because of me, what I weight, what I eat, what I do or don't do.

All I can do is get past this, try to rehab as fast and as fully as possible, and take advantage of the tools at my disposal. Between now and Thursday, am once again trying to get anything and everything done so that Cindy won't have to worry bout stuff."

shows him taking complete ownership of the situation, so while he's not happy he's not giving up. I have no problem with it.

One thing Peter, do not attempt one handed rides. It would be silly for a 150 lbs cyclist to do after rotator cuff surgery, its flat out dumb for a 350 lbs man to attempt it and risk falling. All it takes is one little bump that you didn't see and your in trouble.


FWIW, there may be an issue with elevated heart rate and increased blood flow to the surgically repaired area too soon that the doctor is worried about which would be why he may say NO cycling. I do believe my friends doctor cited a reason like that but it didn't make a ton of sense, because typically increased blood flow helps repair tissue.

Chipcom - yes please~! I would love to borrow your trainer~! Doing a brake job on the Tuscon today - maybe this evening (if I get it done soon enough - I am a slow wench) or tomorrow sometime??

I *DO* want to find a trainer as while I plan to ride this winter (dryer days only please) I know it won't be enough by itself. The thrift store idea is good - I know a few places to look - would love to pick out and buy a quality new one, but not til I am working again.

FYI - for those that don't remember, the reason why I chose the PT place I am going to is the PT DR *IS* a cyclist~!! Only a smallish gym on the other side, but has 10 stationary bikes, plus 4 'bent ones... it is his *focus*. He used to race when he was in college - so, no worries there. I plan to have my PT APPTs in the early afternoon, so when done, I can spend all the time I want on the gym side (they close at 9PM)

Self-pity, yup. "Your self-defeating attitude is just BS" - I disagree with. Always have. Because I state facts, and my frustration with them, people *assume* that I am giving up, or am a self-defeatist (is that a word??) - feel free to go back to the begining and read this entire Saga - negitive at times - yes! Frustrated at times - Yes! But, the "proof is in the pudding" - and I didn't quit, didn't stop posting, compared to some my achievements are nothing, but I call 500+ miles on my bike from TKR til now pretty darn good! Out of Pain MGNT, off many of the meds I was on, some weight lost (much more needed) - point is, if I was everything I've been accused of being, I wouldn't even be on this forum any longer, as I'd have given up long ago.

Just because I speak plainly, and say what I think and feel does not translate into "giving up" - so some of you simply need to get over it :P Or, better yet, try acknowledging those thoughts and feelings yourselves, so you can figure out what to do about them, like I have ??!!

Yup - I will *ALLOW* myself some self-pity, I do think I deserve it - but I won't drown in it, and I will move past it. Remember, some of *MY* reason for writing all of this is to clarify it all in my head - and if desired, some unknown folks *may* possibly get some good out of it.

Every single one of you have felt self-pity at one point or another, or been pissed off at life - people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones~!

I'm going for an early morning ride then to my sister's in the afternoon, so tomorrow may not be good. Monday after work maybe?

You do tend to have less than a positive attitude sometimes, but that will change in time...after the doc has to pull my foot out of your ass a few times. ;)

I must admit while Peter does have a lot of negative self talk at times (and I USED to get lambasted in this thread for calling him out on it, suddenly more people are agreeing with me) in this case I don't feel that he was.

I never disagreed about his attitude...what I have called you and others out about is the manner in which you tried to address it. Different people respond to different types of motivation...and the types of motivation they respond to also change over time. IMO your approach just made Peter defensive and wasn't helping to motivate him. If you all got to spend a little bit more time with him in person, you would realize that. ;)

Peter, I for one think you should follow what the doctor tells you to do. Its easy for a bunch of strangers on a forum to pass comments and judgement on you, but follow what an actual REAL-LIFE doctor is instructing you to do. This person has met/examined/diagnosed you and knows much more about your predicament than we do. Look at this as a hiccup in your training. Get yourself fixed and start again. :)
The jobless situation doesnt help either - at least the biking gave you a goal. Keep your spirits up, things WILL turn a corner...

Surgery Update

I am writing this one handed, so it will be rather short. The shoulder surgery basically went as expected, other than finding a third bone spur and the beginning of a second cut.

They want me in the sling for at least three days without ANY use. At this point, i get pain through the pills simply by small bumps or b y a shoulder shrug.

26hrs after sugery, i call a shoulder scope more painful than a knee scope. So for those who care, and for those that have pondered this question - since i hav e had BOTH knee and shoulder scopes i can say from a PAIN LEVEL, the shoulder is worse. We shall see in time which is worse to improve, but any shoulder motion creates strong break-through pain. So, now we know...

More as there is more to say...

Heal quick! Then we'll have you back on the towpath in January.