Jazz Band

Hey Erik,

I just wanted to let you know that Caitlan made her high school's jazz band. She plays alto sax, but they want her to play the tenor for the jazz band. So, she'll be learning how to play that next Monday at their first practice. It all brings back great memories of Shorewood band concerts and listening to you as you played in their jazz band. The tradition continues....:)

The Results are In (2)

Spent 3 hours with my new orthopedic doctor. I am much more comfortable with his advice and recommendations (especially since they are exactly what Dave Badger recommended as well). Looks like I'm in for surgery after the first of the year (since the supply of donor tendons is short due to the 'end of the year' rush to avoid deductables). So I'll have my leg straight for about a month -- which means that I will not be able to drive (UGH!!!!) and who knows what else. I am a bit concerned since Emily needs to go on a visit to SF and I might need to fly to Quincy, IL for an interview (neither of which is easy to do with a leg that isn't allowed to bend). So, we'll see.

Anyway, I'm not looking forward to it, but I suppose it's for the best (in the long run).

The Results are In

Well, in spite of both my family doctor and the orthopedic specialist telling my that the initial prognosis was no surgery and no major damage, the MRI revealed that my ACL is completely severed. The good news is that the ortho doctor says that he's never seen a knee as stable as mine after this type of injury and that I should seriously consider not getting surgery to repair it. It might, however, require that I never step foot on the basketball court again. He suggests that I get back to exercising regularly by jogging, swimming, or biking (none of those three hold nearly the fun quotient that basketball does). Then in an undetermined time frame I can try playing ball and see how it goes. Then determine if I should get surgery or have a brace custom made so I can play again. They put a movement gauge on my knee and it said that I have an additional 2mm of movement versus my good knee. The average additional movement for an ACL tear is 5-7 mm, so the doctor wasn't really sure what to tell me. My plan is to get a second opinion and try to get in touch with Dave Badger to get his opinion on the matter.

I can't tell you how disappointed I was to hear that news. I've never had issues with my legs before and this is one of the worst things that can happen.

Pain in the arch!

Since we seem to be talking about aches and pains (thanks, Erik) - I thought I'd tell you of my trip to the podiatrist on Monday. I've had "plantar fascitis" (sore arch in my left foot - right in front of the heel) for about 18 months and it seemed to be getting worse, so I went in for treatment. The doctor promptly took x-rays - nothing wrong (but I do have an extra bone)- and then gave me a cortisone shot. It was uncomfortable for the first minute or so (slow shot, like mine) and then he hit my sore spot...like a hot poker in the foot. He was asking me questions, etc. and during those 20 seconds or so, I literally could NOT talk. Good news though - it seems to be working - my pain levels are almost nothing now - so I have hope to work some of my 10-15 pounds off that I have gained since my life became so sedentary. By the way - here is Sam's picture of himself...