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kevin

Looks like the pic thing is working now. Thanks Kevin! For those who could not open previous link to xray, here's what it looked like a few weeks ago. And the one taken of the hip area is obviously after surgery and cleaned up. I still don't have copies of the original xray prior to surgery. In that one, the pieces of bone are scattered all over the place. Some crazy stuff and I still can barely believe this is my leg.

Nine weeks ago today was surgery...

My 9 year old son Max said the other morning before school, "Dad, I like it when you teach me stuff like scrambling eggs and stuff," and he gave me a hug. Then yesterday morning before school, my youngest son Sam said, "Dad, thanks for teaching me to tie my own shoes. I like it when we talk." He has this practice board with laces on it made specifically for learning how to tie shoes. So I guess some good things like spending more time w/my sons has come from the injury and time home.

This last weekend I was finally able to get myself in and out of the car and drive comfortably. I made it to the SSFTA BBQ and had a good time catching up w/some riding friends. Sam had a birthday party on Sunday so I volunteered to drive to the grocery store to help w/prep. All went well except all the little scooter thingy's were taken. Crutchen around a store or two is tiring. I needed a nap by the time I got home!!

I've been off the pain meds for a while now and survive on Ibuprofen. It's not too bad unless my knee gets bent farther than it likes. I can bend it about 1/2 way now so there is progress. I can still feel the splintered piece of bone on the top of my thigh but it's less pronounced. The magic is happening in there.

I'm a little bummed cuz we're going to Bass Lake again soon for a week. Last summer when there I accidentally found some of the best deep forest single track I've ever ridden. I rode for hours and didn't see a soul. I heard some noises that freaked me out though. Obviously, my bike will be crying at home while I'll be wishing she was with me.

Other than returning to work in a couple weeks, not much else to report. Til next time...

Got in the pool last Saturday and did some walking in the shallow end. When I got to the most shallow part, consequently placing more weight on my legs, my injured one buckled and I felt immediate pain in that splintered piece on the top of my thigh. It's been painful since. Bummer. With that piece anyway, I think I set myself back some.

This definitely has been a humbling experience. My expectations for recovery keep getting pushed out. I hate to admit I thought I was Mr. super healthy athletic man, and I would bounce back quicker than the average. However, it's finally sinking in that when you break the biggest, strongest bone in your body, you don't bounce back quick, even if you are super healthy athletic man (like I thought I was). When I initially read that femur breaks take 3-6 months to heal, I assumed I would be walking by then and on my bike. Yesterday, the doc said I can't even walk w/a cane until 4 months from injury. I probably won't even be walking w/out cane or crutches until 6 months from injury. And that will be w/a limp! It's frustrating at times but overall, I'm positive about it. It's just part of my life for the time being. I will do whatever it takes, physical therapy, pain, etc... to be healthy again.

Doc cleared me to return to work on June 21st, light duty. I'll be sitting at a desk for the next several months. I'm cool with that though. I'm just grateful I have a job and can continue to support my family. I'll keep you posted.

Geoff

I hope that hip pain wasn't a broken femur!! I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Just returned from a week at Bass Lake. Frustrating at times cuz I couldn't ride or wake board, but overall a good trip. Back to work on Monday. Yep, still on crutches but I can now walk with one crutch for short distances. Still slow going.

Someone at work found an old Irish Blackthorn walking stick/cane and gave it to me to try. Success!! I've graduated to a cane folks. It's a little painful and unstable w/the muscle deterioration, but it feels great to be walking again. I decided to read up on Irish Blackthorn and discovered the trees must be at least 10 years old before being cut for canes. The branch must then be cured for 2 years before working the wood and doing the finishing. So... I looked them up on eBay and some of the bigger ones like mine go for as much as $200. Walking again and an interesting gift to boot!

Geoff,

We have been praying and will continue to pray for Grant. Grant has been a great teacher, friend and riding partner to my son Mike, the best story is that when Mike had first started riding they all went down one hill and right up the next, well Mike didn't make it he was walking up and he turned to see the power rider Grant coming toward him and Mike was just a speed bump for Grant ( I had to get Mike socks that said Test Dummy) Mike was not hurt at all nor was Grant that we know of. Grant tough Mike how to do wheelies along with other lessons. Mike is always asking about Grant but doesn't want to call and bug him, Mike was touched that Grants wife and daughter knew who he was. YOU GUYS are so great to Mike thanks for all the help with keeping him on the right path.....

We will continue to pray daily for Grant, thanks for posting everything..

Lisa