Saturday, April 23, 2016

Good news and more

Golden Chain tree in bloom
I took a picture of this tree while I was on my solo walk this morning! Yes, I walked more than two miles at a reasonable clip and felt little to no pain in my knee. It's getting better very quickly, at least to anybody else standing by watching. When I saw my fantastic doctor yesterday, Patrick, he listened carefully to my description of my knee woes and then twisted it this way and that. We discussed treatment options, but he was so positive and upbeat about the possibility of being back to normal in just a couple more weeks that I was ecstatic. He treated me like an athlete rather than a creaky old septuagenarian, and I thanked my lucky stars that he is my new doctor.

He told me he would send me to a specialist if I felt the need, but he suggested that I begin to try some walks and see how things go. Since it has not hurt that much lately, I went out this morning for that walk and enjoyed seeing how well I could do. By the end of the two miles, I could feel my knee but it still didn't hurt that much. I'm resting now, and for the rest of the day I'll spend time in the garden but otherwise take it easy. He suggested an MRI, but I told him I didn't think I could have one because of metal in my hip.

So, to find out the scoop on my old hip fracture situation, he ordered an x-ray of the pelvis. This morning I got the results from the radiologist and found that I could indeed have an MRI if necessary. She also noted that I have mild osteoarthritis in both hips, which surprised me since I don't seem to have any pain from them. Maybe it doesn't always hurt. I suspect that three decades of running contributed, not to mention more than 4,000 landings under my parachute, not always perfectly. But in general, I am pleased that I am doing so well!
Carol crossing a downed log with help
Several people sent me pictures of last Thursday's hike, and this one (from Bob) was my favorite. Apparently the windy winter caused lots of fallen trees on the Noisy Creek trail, some of them huge like this one, and there was nothing to do but crawl across, with lots of assistance from fellow hikers. Eleven Trailblazers enjoyed a ten-mile hike complete with adventures like these, and great views of Mt. Baker.
Would you eat one?
I finished my walk this morning with a visit to the Farmers' Market and saw this booth with "Jurassic Snacks." Yes, powdered crickets pressed into little cookies! I listened to the spiel and considered whether or not I'd have one, but I finally declined and took a picture instead, which I can share without having to ingest any insects. Maybe some day, but not today.
:-)

21 comments:

  1. i'd probably eat one! love the huge downed tree shot! wow! and SO glad to hear you have good prognosis and did 2 miles, too!

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  2. Great news. Lots of readons to be happy today.

    I'd try the cookies too. It was powdered crickets, so not crunchy like whole ones would be!

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  3. What wonderful news dear friend, you just can't keep a good woman down for very long :)
    I would opt for the photograph rather than the tasting too....lol
    ~Jo

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  4. Happy to hear your knee is getting better! And no I wouldn't eat those cricket cookies.

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  5. I think we have to get our minds off being seniors and think of ourselves as people or patients like everybody else. Ostie means a bone loss. Weight bearing exercise helps prevent osteo and you've certainly had lots of exercise..

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  6. In case you hadn't noticed DJan, you ARE an athlete! Three decades of running, years of parachuting, and hiking 10 miles at a time up and down mountains! Not many people more athletic than that! And now I expect it's paying dividends in your quick recovery. They say you should stay active as you age, but it's even better when you're ACTIVE!! And yes, of course I'd try one.

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  7. Yay for getting better.

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  8. I am relieved that the Dr had good news for you, now take it easy and don't overdo.. Ice it too after you walk...easy does it! Two miles is far enough for a few days...work yourway up slowly so you don't push too much and injure it again. Done with lecture now:)

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  9. Yay! I'm so glad you got such good news and your knees are getting better quickly. Phew! Hmmm... chocolate crickets? Chocolate can entice me to almost anything.... but crickets? I don't think so.

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  10. That is great news DJan. Take it easy - I'm sure you are desperate to join the group on the weekly hikes.

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  11. Oh, come on, you're not creaky to look at! You look and act like an athlete!

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  12. The 'weirdest' thing I have eaten is smoked octopus. Very salty. And chewy. Won't have 'em again. I do LOVE [don't gag on this] Rocky Mtn. Oysters. But the cholesterol content keeps me from eating them ever again too.

    Glad to read about the fast healing!!! You're doing great DJ.

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  13. Good news about your knee. I hope it continues to get better now. No I would not eat those cookies, unless I was desperate but I'm sure they are a delicacy in some parts of the world.

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  14. I am glad you are doing so much better. And, yes, I would have passed on those crickets, too.

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  15. I ate a chocolate covered cricket years ago--and it was whole. Anything is better with chocolate--but it did have an aftertaste. ;)
    So glad you got good news!! Hurray!!! :)

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  16. No crickets for me! (if it were a necessity, maybe, but since it's not...) Glad to hear the good news about your knee. And I think a little osteo-arthritis at our age is pretty normal. Your new knee doctor sounds wonderful and I hope you can get back to your hiking group soon. (But don't jump the gun... do let yourself heal).

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  17. Far Side nicely stated my soap box thoughts. I am so pleased you are doing so well but do worry that you will over do. Mostly because you are an athlete and it will be hard for you to be moderate. Wonderful news that you can have an MRI if need be. Wonder what kind of metal is in your hip? Wish my pacemaker was made of what ever you have.
    Sad that a tree that size was down. That was quite an obstacle.

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  18. So glad your knee pain is improving, DJan! You'll be back out there hitting the hills in no time, but heed previous warnings about being sure that you're healed up before you make it worse.

    Take care! Hugs!

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  19. Sounds like you have a great doctor. But then, you're a good patient, too!

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  20. Photo of cricket rreat definitely preferred to ingestion!

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  21. Glad to hear the good news about your knee and great that you walked that far without pain. Before too much longer you will join your comrades and slither across them olde trees. About the crickets....YEP, I woulda tried some. You betcha - probably as tasty as sliding back a fresh oyster right outta the water, eh.

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