I know why they call it Hot Springs! It's definitely hot.
We've arrived in Hot Springs for a hammock hangout meeting here. My hiking partner Brian wanted to spend a weekend here hanging out with his buddies before we leave for the AT. As a dedicated ground dwelling tent owner I wasn't sure how I'd be welcomed, and I did actually try a hammock for an afternoon nap, but I wasn't able to fall asleep, and I'm sure I couldn't spend a whole night like that.
Our plan is to spend the weekend here, then set out on the Appalachian Trail from here to do a shakedown hike. The main purpose is to test out my knee. I've been hiking on it, but not with the full weight of my pack yet, and even if I'd had a chance to hike with it, I couldn't match the hilly/mountainous terrain of the AT while I was still in Florida. The plan is to load ourselves up with a couple of days of food and all the gear we'll need for the AT and get out to test my knee. If I can't take the uphill/downhill hiking there are several places we can bail off the trail. If I can't do it, Brian will just go on alone to Maine without me. That's a sad thought, and hard for me to accept it might happen, but there is no point going up to Maine and getting myself stuck on Mt Katahdin or in the 100 mile wilderness.
The other purpose of the shakedown is to go one last time through our gear to make sure we're not carrying anything we don't need, and are carrying everything we do need. On that point, my backpack spontaneously delaminated on both the zips tonight. So now I have a pack with a top and front zips that are useless. I'm sure I can manage just for the shakedown, but somehow I'm going to have to get my pack replaced before we can head north.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
So is that good news, or bad?
My MRI came back. It's not the meniscus. Great on that. However, apparently, apart from my cartilage being old and creaky, which I knew, and there isn't much I can do about right now except keep taking the Glucosamine, I have some additional issues. A fracture, a "bone island" (doesn't that sound like somewhere you'd find skeletons and buried treasure?), a sprain, and a small tear on the ACL.
The small tear and the old cranky cartilage I've known about for a long time. The tear has always been described as "small" and doesn't appear any bigger than before, so I know it alone won't stop me hiking. The cartilage thing, as descibed above, is just wear and tear, and possibly a little bit of genetics. I have my Dad's knees, and his have been replaced when he was in his late 60s. I hope mine last that long. The bone island is apparently a patch of non growing bone or cartilage in the midst of normal bone. It is basically benign, and shows up as a light spot on xrays and MRI's and as long as it's small and stays that way and exhibits no other symptoms it can just be left alone.
So the additional issues are the fracture and the sprain. The recent injury happened while taking a gentle evening run, there was no impact or sudden onset of pain, just a "not quite right" feeling, so I can't imagine that the fracture occurred then. I suspect it occurred when I made a spectacular fall in Ft Lauderdale airport on my way to Jamaica in February. I didn't get the knee looked at then, but went back to hiking a week later with no ill effects, though I now believe that was most likely when the fracture occurred.
So, the only recent injury seems to be the sprain and associated bruising, fluid, etc. The pain from this appears to have eased off as a sprain should, with rest, icing, etc.. This is definitely a different knee than the one I flew home with a couple of weeks ago.
The result of all this is that I'm even more determined to hike in real life conditions to test if I can really hike. The backpack for a week plan still stands. We're heading for the hills of NC next week. If I can hike pain free with a fully loaded pack for 10 or so miles a day, then I'm going on up to Maine to start hiking SOBO. If I can't, well, I'll have to return to Florida and cash in my Rx for an orthopedic consult. Lets hope it doesn't come to that.
The small tear and the old cranky cartilage I've known about for a long time. The tear has always been described as "small" and doesn't appear any bigger than before, so I know it alone won't stop me hiking. The cartilage thing, as descibed above, is just wear and tear, and possibly a little bit of genetics. I have my Dad's knees, and his have been replaced when he was in his late 60s. I hope mine last that long. The bone island is apparently a patch of non growing bone or cartilage in the midst of normal bone. It is basically benign, and shows up as a light spot on xrays and MRI's and as long as it's small and stays that way and exhibits no other symptoms it can just be left alone.
So the additional issues are the fracture and the sprain. The recent injury happened while taking a gentle evening run, there was no impact or sudden onset of pain, just a "not quite right" feeling, so I can't imagine that the fracture occurred then. I suspect it occurred when I made a spectacular fall in Ft Lauderdale airport on my way to Jamaica in February. I didn't get the knee looked at then, but went back to hiking a week later with no ill effects, though I now believe that was most likely when the fracture occurred.
So, the only recent injury seems to be the sprain and associated bruising, fluid, etc. The pain from this appears to have eased off as a sprain should, with rest, icing, etc.. This is definitely a different knee than the one I flew home with a couple of weeks ago.
The result of all this is that I'm even more determined to hike in real life conditions to test if I can really hike. The backpack for a week plan still stands. We're heading for the hills of NC next week. If I can hike pain free with a fully loaded pack for 10 or so miles a day, then I'm going on up to Maine to start hiking SOBO. If I can't, well, I'll have to return to Florida and cash in my Rx for an orthopedic consult. Lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Noisy magnets can see through knees?
Early today I had the latest MRI picture of my knee taken. It sure did take an effort to keep the knee completely still for the 20 minutes or so of the procedure. I had to use my hands to manually bend the knee again afterwards, and the pain increased more from keeping it still and straight like that than it did from hiking 5 miles the other day. I hope that means it's getting better, not worse. The tech would say only that he could see a lot of fluid on the knee, and that I'd have to wait for it to be professionally read before I could find out what can actually be seen in there. Hope they read fast!
I'm very optimistic though. I gathered up all my gear yesterday, ostensibly so I can spend some time the next couple of days searching for missing items, but primarily for an excuse to go shopping for more/replacement/lighter gear tomorrow. You may think I'm foolish to spend the money now, as I might not even be able to hike this year, but I actually don't need anything big, just a few small replacements like stuff sacks, maybe a new pocket knife, and some consumables like 100% deet. But the way I figure it, I may as well do it now, because if the Dr. gives me the go ahead to hike then I plan to be out every day building up some mileage and weight and testing the knee. Anyway, shopping is good for the soul. No further excuse needed.
I'm very optimistic though. I gathered up all my gear yesterday, ostensibly so I can spend some time the next couple of days searching for missing items, but primarily for an excuse to go shopping for more/replacement/lighter gear tomorrow. You may think I'm foolish to spend the money now, as I might not even be able to hike this year, but I actually don't need anything big, just a few small replacements like stuff sacks, maybe a new pocket knife, and some consumables like 100% deet. But the way I figure it, I may as well do it now, because if the Dr. gives me the go ahead to hike then I plan to be out every day building up some mileage and weight and testing the knee. Anyway, shopping is good for the soul. No further excuse needed.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Back in Florida
The flight was excruciatingly painful keeping the knee confined and with little motion, it. The good side was that an early doctor appointment the next morning let the doctor see it all swollen up. Her initial opinion is either a torn meniscus or a bad sprain. I'm praying for the latter. Surgery is not an option I want to have to consider. I'm working the knee daily with laps in the pool, aqua aerobics and other non impact exercises while waiting on the end of the holiday weekend and an MRI.
Here in Florida the recovery has been dramatic. Maybe it's the heat, or the ability to totally relax. For the first few days the pain was still present, but now I'm pain free, appear to have gained the full motion of the knee, and can bear my own weight on it. Yesterday I hiked 5 miles, admittedly on a level paved surface, but the 5 only took me 1.5 hours, so I was hiking at my usual 3mph level ground pace. The paved surface was a 1.25 mile multiuse circular trail. I wanted to see how far I could get without pain, while giving myself an easy option back to my vehicle if I couldn't walk. The five mile stop was partially becasue I was starting to get some discomfort in the knee (I think I would have anyway, even without the injury, it has been 2 months since I hiked any distance), the heat of walking in 90 degrees on a paved surface, and the need for a break, food and water. I was hoping to do at least 5 miles, and felt a great sense of achievement when I did it. Then I just wanted a cold drink and a cold shower!
Today there is no noticeable change in the knee, so I don't think there is any reason for me not to continue practice hikes in addition to continuing the hydro therapy. Tomorrow, after the MRI is done I'll probably try to repeat the 5 again. Hopefully, if all continues well, I can increase up to 7.5 by the end of the week, and be in a better position to resist the idea of surgery if the MRI indicates it. Continuing on with the increase in distance and weight I hope to try a half loaded pack by the middle of next week, and get up to a fully loaded pack and 10 miles by next weekend.
So, how does this affect the planning for my proposed AT SOBO? Well, my original intended start date of June 10 seems rather unreasonable right now. The last thing I want is to put myself in the 100 mile wilderness with a fully loaded pack and little hope of making it to Monson. I want to test myself out on easier, but still hilly terrain, with better bail out options first. My current thinking is to get up into North Carolina or Tennessee to do a week long section, then travel on up to Maine from there if all goes well. In addition, the late snowpack melt in Maine makes bumping the start date back by at least a couple of weeks seem prudent. Ice water stream crossing may be good for icing the knee, but I'm sure I'll still find plenty of cold water a few weeks later, while (hopefully) reducing the number of dangerous melt water crossings.
Though I originally planned to start this hike solo, I have since agreed to start out, and possibly continue hiking, with a good friend whose schedule is similar to mine. So far we seem in agreement that a couple of weeks delay will be better for both of our hikes.
...so we wait, continue exercising and strengthening, and awaiting the medical input on the situation. Wish me luck.
Here in Florida the recovery has been dramatic. Maybe it's the heat, or the ability to totally relax. For the first few days the pain was still present, but now I'm pain free, appear to have gained the full motion of the knee, and can bear my own weight on it. Yesterday I hiked 5 miles, admittedly on a level paved surface, but the 5 only took me 1.5 hours, so I was hiking at my usual 3mph level ground pace. The paved surface was a 1.25 mile multiuse circular trail. I wanted to see how far I could get without pain, while giving myself an easy option back to my vehicle if I couldn't walk. The five mile stop was partially becasue I was starting to get some discomfort in the knee (I think I would have anyway, even without the injury, it has been 2 months since I hiked any distance), the heat of walking in 90 degrees on a paved surface, and the need for a break, food and water. I was hoping to do at least 5 miles, and felt a great sense of achievement when I did it. Then I just wanted a cold drink and a cold shower!
Today there is no noticeable change in the knee, so I don't think there is any reason for me not to continue practice hikes in addition to continuing the hydro therapy. Tomorrow, after the MRI is done I'll probably try to repeat the 5 again. Hopefully, if all continues well, I can increase up to 7.5 by the end of the week, and be in a better position to resist the idea of surgery if the MRI indicates it. Continuing on with the increase in distance and weight I hope to try a half loaded pack by the middle of next week, and get up to a fully loaded pack and 10 miles by next weekend.
So, how does this affect the planning for my proposed AT SOBO? Well, my original intended start date of June 10 seems rather unreasonable right now. The last thing I want is to put myself in the 100 mile wilderness with a fully loaded pack and little hope of making it to Monson. I want to test myself out on easier, but still hilly terrain, with better bail out options first. My current thinking is to get up into North Carolina or Tennessee to do a week long section, then travel on up to Maine from there if all goes well. In addition, the late snowpack melt in Maine makes bumping the start date back by at least a couple of weeks seem prudent. Ice water stream crossing may be good for icing the knee, but I'm sure I'll still find plenty of cold water a few weeks later, while (hopefully) reducing the number of dangerous melt water crossings.
Though I originally planned to start this hike solo, I have since agreed to start out, and possibly continue hiking, with a good friend whose schedule is similar to mine. So far we seem in agreement that a couple of weeks delay will be better for both of our hikes.
...so we wait, continue exercising and strengthening, and awaiting the medical input on the situation. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Val de la Villa - Pueblo Ingles
Since returning to Madrid, I was determined to still get out and enjoy my vacation. I decided on a day of museums and parks. It was a gorgeous sunny warm day, but unfortunately my knee wasn't cooperating too much. I walked around the Retiro Park enjoying the sun, the fountains, etc., but stopping at almost every bench to rest my painful leg. I was hoping to see the exhibition in the Crystal Palace, and the rose garden, but due to bad timing missed both, which are closed on Tuesdays! Instead I sat for a while watching the black swans on the lake, and a man dressed entirely in a business suit doing tai chi in the shade beneath the trees. That stuff must really work, it was very relaxing, just watching! My last stop in the park was the statue of the Devil, according to the guide book the only one in Europe.
Next stop on this vacation was another week at Pueblo Ingles, the English language program for Spainsh speakers wanting to converse for an entire week in English. This program was held at Valdelavilla, and abandoned village which has been rebuilt at a rural retreat. The location was very remote, extremely pretty, and for the first couple of days very cold and wet. I was also in constant pain from the moment I got off the bus. Adding to my grief was the simple logistics of negotiating around on a bad knee and slick wet cobblestone streets, steep uneven steps outside, and steep steps in all the period buildings. I tried hard, but after a couple of days had to accept that the standard painkillers were just not doing that. I accepted stronger drugs, but with the result that I was totally numb, and barely able to stay awake. After another couple of days being unable to join in the group activities, nor really hold a reasonable conversation I voluntarily evacuated myself from Valdelavilla.
I hope to return there someday. It was a beautiful area once the sun came out, but I never got to see anything more than the main administrative building and my room.
View photos
Next stop on this vacation was another week at Pueblo Ingles, the English language program for Spainsh speakers wanting to converse for an entire week in English. This program was held at Valdelavilla, and abandoned village which has been rebuilt at a rural retreat. The location was very remote, extremely pretty, and for the first couple of days very cold and wet. I was also in constant pain from the moment I got off the bus. Adding to my grief was the simple logistics of negotiating around on a bad knee and slick wet cobblestone streets, steep uneven steps outside, and steep steps in all the period buildings. I tried hard, but after a couple of days had to accept that the standard painkillers were just not doing that. I accepted stronger drugs, but with the result that I was totally numb, and barely able to stay awake. After another couple of days being unable to join in the group activities, nor really hold a reasonable conversation I voluntarily evacuated myself from Valdelavilla.
I hope to return there someday. It was a beautiful area once the sun came out, but I never got to see anything more than the main administrative building and my room.
View photos
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Vera Natura
After a month in England, where it rained most of the time, but did mange to vary the weather with occasional, snow, hail, thunder and even some actual sunshine, I headed back to Spain and was ready for a nice warm weekend at the beach. Our destination was the Vera Natura naturist resort on the south east coast of Spain. The plan was to increase the chance of seeing the sun, and we did indeed succeed. The temperatures were still cool enough for long pants and sweaters in the evenings, but while the sun was out it was wonderfully warm.
We had decided in advance that this would be a healthy weekend: try to cut down on rich food and alcohol, and exercise a couple of times a day. On the first day it was easy to determine that I wouldn't be doing much swimming: both the sea and the hotel pool were still a little too brisk for my spoiled Florida body. Instead, we decided to do some daily running. On the first run I pulled up short when I felt a strange sensation in my right knee. Not so much a pain as a feeling that something hadn't quite landed right when I stepped. I tried walking it out, but soon had to return gingerly to the hotel. While the injury didn't affect the beach weekend much, apart from necessitating my lounging on the beach for hour (hmmm, didn't I just have an identical beach vacation in Jamaica?), it is painful and affects my ability to walk.
I am heading to another Pueblo Ingles volunteer week tomorrow. They are usually loads of fun and involve quite a lot of walking. I have a feeling this knee is going to determined the nature of the remainder of this trip!
View photos
We had decided in advance that this would be a healthy weekend: try to cut down on rich food and alcohol, and exercise a couple of times a day. On the first day it was easy to determine that I wouldn't be doing much swimming: both the sea and the hotel pool were still a little too brisk for my spoiled Florida body. Instead, we decided to do some daily running. On the first run I pulled up short when I felt a strange sensation in my right knee. Not so much a pain as a feeling that something hadn't quite landed right when I stepped. I tried walking it out, but soon had to return gingerly to the hotel. While the injury didn't affect the beach weekend much, apart from necessitating my lounging on the beach for hour (hmmm, didn't I just have an identical beach vacation in Jamaica?), it is painful and affects my ability to walk.
I am heading to another Pueblo Ingles volunteer week tomorrow. They are usually loads of fun and involve quite a lot of walking. I have a feeling this knee is going to determined the nature of the remainder of this trip!
View photos
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gatwick Airport, London
I have nothing better to do while I'm sitting in the airport waiting for my flight back to Spain, so I may as well blog up on the past month in England.
It's been a good trip. I spent a couple of days with my sister and the kids in Marlow, then drove up with them to Hartlepool to see my parents. Spent a week or so each with my Mum and my Dad, and a weekend with a good friend, Nigel, at his "country home". Nigel is an equestrian vet. His vetinary practice is in the grounds of an old stately manor. Nigel lives in an apartment in the courtyard, and the stables are just a few steps away. It's a lovely place with lovely views of the open rolling hills of Yorkshire (and the powerplants in Pontefract).
I had a great time with both Mum and Dad. I rented a car so we could get out for some day trips, but the weather was not too cooperative for going out to do anything fun. Dad and I went out on a pie shopping excursion, and ended up on the North York Moors in a snowstorm.
While I've been here I've been somewhat disconnected from my normal life due to the lack of internet connectivity. It appears that many more people pay the ISP to set up their wireless routers here, and therefore most of the networks in range of my parents houses are password secured. I did manage an occasional connection in my room at my Dad's,but only if I stood on the bed and raised the laptop in the air! So I've been finding alternate things to amuse me in my spare time: read couple of good books and I've become pretty good at Sudoku and Yubotu (a sudoku version of the battleship game).
Now that I'm leaving England, the weather,of course, has changed. Today is gorgeous and sunny and here I am stuck in the airport! Guess I'll go amuse myself with some duty free shopping.
It's been a good trip. I spent a couple of days with my sister and the kids in Marlow, then drove up with them to Hartlepool to see my parents. Spent a week or so each with my Mum and my Dad, and a weekend with a good friend, Nigel, at his "country home". Nigel is an equestrian vet. His vetinary practice is in the grounds of an old stately manor. Nigel lives in an apartment in the courtyard, and the stables are just a few steps away. It's a lovely place with lovely views of the open rolling hills of Yorkshire (and the powerplants in Pontefract).
I had a great time with both Mum and Dad. I rented a car so we could get out for some day trips, but the weather was not too cooperative for going out to do anything fun. Dad and I went out on a pie shopping excursion, and ended up on the North York Moors in a snowstorm.
While I've been here I've been somewhat disconnected from my normal life due to the lack of internet connectivity. It appears that many more people pay the ISP to set up their wireless routers here, and therefore most of the networks in range of my parents houses are password secured. I did manage an occasional connection in my room at my Dad's,but only if I stood on the bed and raised the laptop in the air! So I've been finding alternate things to amuse me in my spare time: read couple of good books and I've become pretty good at Sudoku and Yubotu (a sudoku version of the battleship game).
Now that I'm leaving England, the weather,of course, has changed. Today is gorgeous and sunny and here I am stuck in the airport! Guess I'll go amuse myself with some duty free shopping.
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