Some great news today.......I have a provisional date for my "Total Hip Replacement" surgery - 4th February 2022.
The only factor influencing this is the availability of my bespoke prosthesis, but unless something goes wrong in the supply chain (or the hospital staff call in sick), it's pretty much a guaranteed date.
Today I found out a bit more about the background for my bespoke prosthesis - not only is the pelvis side of my left hip socket all out of shape (just like the femur side), but my left leg is 4cm (1 and 1/2 inches) shorter than my right leg and the current wait for treatment because of hospital overload (staff sickness absence/isolation levels) since the start of the pandemic, has caused my left leg muscles, particularly my thigh muscle, to reduce noticeably in both size and strength (due to the lack of use, with me both "favouring my right side" when walking and also using a crutch).
So there's extra risk of back problems when they correct my left leg length with the femoral section replacement (my back will have developed to cope with the unequal length legs, over time) but that's a chance I'm willing to take. The real surprise to me was that 20 years ago i was told that my left leg was apparently only 20mm shorter than my right - not sure how this extra difference has come about, but the consultant didn't seem surprised.
Fingers crossed this means I should be fit for the bulk of our riding season next year. Liz and I have already set up a home gym (static spin bike, cross trainer, loose weights, bench (flat + incline) kettle bells etc....and a nice big Smart TV) for our son's physio exercises, but it looks like I'll be in there a lot for my recovery too, to build up strength around the joint to help prevent dislocations (another risk for the type of replacement I'm having).To be honest, I can't wait to be able to get in there and get started properly.
I also can't wait to get off these bl**dy painkillers !!!!
Good news Dean....in the interim, can orthodontics provide you temporary help on the 4cm difference?
Quote from: Millietant on December 21, 2021, 07:15:08 PMSo there's extra risk of back problems when they correct my left leg length with the femoral section replacement (my back will have developed to cope with the unequal length legs, over time) but that's a chance I'm willing to take. The real surprise to me was that 20 years ago i was told that my left leg was apparently only 20mm shorter than my right - not sure how this extra difference has come about, but the consultant didn't seem surprised.
Dean,
One man at work had one short leg, from a war. He had one shoe with a thicker heel and sole than you need. I would not think it wise to fully compensate for the entire difference for you now, because of the upcoming repair, but some compensation (~2cm?) may be helpful. Check with the experts there, of course.
Best wishes.
When the difference was 2cm it wasn't felt necessary, but now it's so much more, I'm going to see what can be done footwear-wise to help in the short term :good2:
Quote from: red on December 22, 2021, 08:31:19 AM
Quote from: Millietant on December 21, 2021, 07:15:08 PMSo there's extra risk of back problems when they correct my left leg length with the femoral section replacement (my back will have developed to cope with the unequal length legs, over time) but that's a chance I'm willing to take. The real surprise to me was that 20 years ago i was told that my left leg was apparently only 20mm shorter than my right - not sure how this extra difference has come about, but the consultant didn't seem surprised.
Dean,
One man at work had one short leg, from a war. He had one shoe with a thicker heel and sole than you need. I would not think it wise to fully compensate for the entire difference for you now, because of the upcoming repair, but some compensation (~2cm?) may be helpful. Check with the experts there, of course.
Best wishes.
Yeah, there isn't a plan to add 4cm to bring my legs back to equal - the discussions have been around gaining 2cm maximum back through this surgery.
For almost 40 years of my life, the difference of up to 2cm didn't really cause me any issues at all.
It's interesting but since mentioning this to a couple of people I see regularly when I'm out walking the dog, they both said that the way I walk always made them think my left leg was a lot shorter than my right - they say they only really noticed it when spotting me from a distance, and that up-close, they couldn't tell.
Quote from: Millietant on December 22, 2021, 10:08:59 AM
Quote from: red on December 22, 2021, 08:31:19 AM
Quote from: Millietant on December 21, 2021, 07:15:08 PMSo there's extra risk of back problems when they correct my left leg length with the femoral section replacement (my back will have developed to cope with the unequal length legs, over time) but that's a chance I'm willing to take. The real surprise to me was that 20 years ago i was told that my left leg was apparently only 20mm shorter than my right - not sure how this extra difference has come about, but the consultant didn't seem surprised.
Dean,
One man at work had one short leg, from a war. He had one shoe with a thicker heel and sole than you need. I would not think it wise to fully compensate for the entire difference for you now, because of the upcoming repair, but some compensation (~2cm?) may be helpful. Check with the experts there, of course.
Best wishes.
Yeah, there isn't a plan to add 4cm to bring my legs back to equal - the discussions have been around gaining 2cm maximum back through this surgery.
For almost 40 years of my life, the difference of up to 2cm didn't really cause me any issues at all.
It's interesting but since mentioning this to a couple of people I see regularly when I'm out walking the dog, they both said that the way I walk always made them think my left leg was a lot shorter than my right - they say they only really noticed it when spotting me from a distance, and that up-close, they couldn't tell.
Hello Dean,
You certainly have the textbook signs and symptoms of a worn out hip joint. I've rehabed many a hip during my 26 years working in Physical therapy and have observed a few surgeries. You are right that 2 cm is the max the femur can be lengthened due to putting to much stretch on the soft tissue in particular the sciatic nerve and femoral artery,risking complications.
Also a lot of times leg length discrepancy is caused by pelvic misalignment causing back and hip pain and often correctable with proper physical therapy. But you being bone on bone obviously need a THR. You can do preop partial or non WB exercises to minimize loss of strength .
Hang in there until February .
Cheers,Hans
Different. But somewhat the same. I had gone into double knee replacement thinking i was going to be taller. He was going to straighten my extremely bowed legs. But couldn't completely straighten them due to ligaments being too loose on one side and too tight on the other. Plus I had worn over an inch off the bones on the left side. So he had to shorten the right..even though he straightened my legs I came out shorter.
Plus I don't know how you straight legged guys deal with no room for your package. First time I walked with straight legs. I thought he did something wrong and my stuff had swollen massively.
That's because it was your package that caused your legs to bow......
Quote from: giantkiller on December 22, 2021, 05:02:34 PM
Plus I don't know how you straight legged guys deal with no room for your package. First time I walked with straight legs. I thought he did something wrong and my stuff had swollen massively.
I think this is what the Hipsters call Big D!ck Energy...
Good luck, Dean.
Ted
Quote from: giantkiller on December 22, 2021, 05:02:34 PM
Different. But somewhat the same. I had gone into double knee replacement .....
Yeah, I feel your pain Dan, I had a knee replaced last year and now probably need the other one done, as you can see from the xray.
[Moderator EDIT - Image removed, does not comply with Terms of Service]
Noel
:sarcastic: :sarcastic: :lol: :lol:
Hope you heal well and quick Dean!
Best wishes for a good outcome Dean!
Quote from: ribbert on December 23, 2021, 04:45:36 AM
Quote from: giantkiller on December 22, 2021, 05:02:34 PM
Different. But somewhat the same. I had gone into double knee replacement .....
Yeah, I feel your pain Dan, I had a knee replaced last year and now probably need the other one done, as you can see from the xray.
[Moderator EDIT - Image removed, does not comply with Terms of Service]
Noel
Copyright infringement? Now I'm curious what TOS was violated.
Quote from: Dads_FJ on December 23, 2021, 06:15:02 PM
Copyright infringement? Now I'm curious what TOS was violated.
I sent a PM.
Quote from: Greenlander on December 22, 2021, 01:25:42 PM
Quote from: Millietant on December 22, 2021, 10:08:59 AM
Quote from: red on December 22, 2021, 08:31:19 AM
Quote from: Millietant on December 21, 2021, 07:15:08 PMSo there's extra risk of back problems when they correct my left leg length with the femoral section replacement (my back will have developed to cope with the unequal length legs, over time) but that's a chance I'm willing to take. The real surprise to me was that 20 years ago i was told that my left leg was apparently only 20mm shorter than my right - not sure how this extra difference has come about, but the consultant didn't seem surprised.
Dean,
One man at work had one short leg, from a war. He had one shoe with a thicker heel and sole than you need. I would not think it wise to fully compensate for the entire difference for you now, because of the upcoming repair, but some compensation (~2cm?) may be helpful. Check with the experts there, of course.
Best wishes.
Yeah, there isn't a plan to add 4cm to bring my legs back to equal - the discussions have been around gaining 2cm maximum back through this surgery.
For almost 40 years of my life, the difference of up to 2cm didn't really cause me any issues at all.
It's interesting but since mentioning this to a couple of people I see regularly when I'm out walking the dog, they both said that the way I walk always made them think my left leg was a lot shorter than my right - they say they only really noticed it when spotting me from a distance, and that up-close, they couldn't tell.
Hello Dean,
You certainly have the textbook signs and symptoms of a worn out hip joint. I've rehabed many a hip during my 26 years working in Physical therapy and have observed a few surgeries. You are right that 2 cm is the max the femur can be lengthened due to putting to much stretch on the soft tissue in particular the sciatic nerve and femoral artery,risking complications.
Also a lot of times leg length discrepancy is caused by pelvic misalignment causing back and hip pain and often correctable with proper physical therapy. But you being bone on bone obviously need a THR. You can do preop partial or non WB exercises to minimize loss of strength .
Hang in there until February .
Cheers,Hans
Thanks Hans,
I've been riding an e Mountain Bike, to keep myself as fit as I can, and doing as much as I can to maintain my left leg strength, but even so, the doctor noticed the muscle difference immediately when I took my trousers (pants) off for the X-Ray and examination.
I'm totally determined to get back to full health/strength as soon as possible, without overdoing it - I've been warned of the potential for dislocation if I do too much, too soon, or the wrong type of exercise activity.
Dan, Bryan - thanks guys :good2:
Good luck Dean ! i also has some hip problems in the past and found that it came from placing the bike on the centerstand
Quote from: Old Rider on December 26, 2021, 05:45:18 AM
......i also has some hip problems in the past and found that it came from placing the bike on the centerstand
Rolf, I made this prototype years ago and I got lucky with the height, length and angle, they were all spot on first try so needless to say, I never remade it neatly. It has a metre high handle so I don't have to bend down to pick it up or move it, I use it daily.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/2846/12668831245_7e772b793b_c.jpg)
Roll the front wheel up, hold it with the front brake, push the centre stand to the floor, let go the brake and the bike literally rolls back onto the stand under it's own weight, I can do it in bare feet, no lifting, no pulling. It's a bad back, crook shoulder, weak wrist, dodgy knee, arthritic or 90lb weakling's dream.
Noel
Quote from: Old Rider on December 26, 2021, 05:45:18 AM
Good luck Dean ! i also has some hip problems in the past and found that it came from placing the bike on the centerstand
Thanks Rolf,
Mine came from a childhood bone disease and being dragged around under a carousel when when I was 5, which smashed the top of my femur and part of my Pelvis. I had 2 years in hospital, and time in a wheelchair and on crutches when I came out, but from the age of about 9 up until almost 60, it had never really bothered me - until it reached the critical point !!!!
Now it just hurts like hell all the time and I struggle to walk more than about 3/4 of a mile, but at least I'm comfy on the FJ and as it's not my right hip, putting the bike on the centre stand isn't an issue for me :good2: :good:
Noel That was a brilliant invention for bad back, crook shoulder, weak wrist, dodgy knee, arthritic or 90lb weakling's dream device :good:
While on the subject of centre stands. My 1100 is easy but my 1200 is a pig to get on the centre stand. Has anyone found this? (BTW my GL1500 Gold Wing is easier than the 1100).
Quote from: krusty on December 26, 2021, 03:09:09 PM
While on the subject of centre stands. My 1100 is easy but my 1200 is a pig to get on the centre stand. Has anyone found this? (BTW my GL1500 Gold Wing is easier than the 1100).
The effort required to lift the bike onto the centre stand varies greatly depending on height of the bike, the lower it is the harder it is to get the stand over centre.
Owners who have raised the rear of the bikes notice easier use of the stand immediately.
Even if both your bikes are standard but one has mushy suspension that allows it to sit lower, it will be significantly harder to put on the stand. Conversely, .........
Noel
I was trying to figure out how to put my FJ on its center stand solo with my psoriatic arthritis. Another complication is I have the ride height as low as it will go to put my feet down as securely as possible, but still can't flat foot the FJ. I think this device for putting the FJ on its center stand is brilliant, and I'll probably make something similar. Thanks for that!
Yeah center stand technique is a thing to practice. I watched a YouTube vid years ago and it was pretty useful.
Left hand on left grip
Right hand under rear sub frame
Right leg lightly pushes centerstand down to touch ground
Position bike so both feet of the center stand touch the ground
Push down with right leg and up she goes.
This really saved my lower back, because you don't really use your back at all. All in the legs, just like proper lifting technique.
Anyway, initially I still struggled only to discover the little triangle bits on the centerstand feet had been ground off. A scavenged replacement from Randy's boneyard made all the difference, so check those triangle pieces are in good shape.
Dean, best of British when going under the knife. The NHS will see you right.
Quote from: andyoutandabout on December 26, 2021, 11:59:55 PM
Yeah center stand technique is a thing to practice......Anyway, initially I still struggled only to discover the little triangle bits on the centerstand feet had been ground off. A scavenged replacement from Randy's boneyard made all the difference, so check those triangle pieces are in good shape.
Yes, the sequence you describe makes it as easy as it gets. I can't think of another task where a minor shift in technique can make such a huge difference. I've watched big burly blokes struggling to put modest sized bikes on the stand and flat out unable to so with a big one. Once you "get it" it's a revelation. However, in my case, age and specific body part failures have forced me to modify many things around the workshop and in this instance, review how I manhandle bikes in the garage, hence the centre stand aid.
Doing this many times a day was part of my job for several decades and while most bikes would yield to the right technique, there was the occasional pig that was just plain poorly designed.
I haven't had the centre stand fitted for years, I just loose fit the bolts (no spring) for cleaning and servicing.
I'm at the stage where I
think I'm able bodied enough to pick my bike up if I had to but not in any condition to do it just to see. Yet another task where success relies entirely on proper technique, not strength, fitness, age or size.
To this end I bought one of these just yesterday after a lot of research.
https://eastbound.shop/product/motorcycle-jack-lift-a-fallen-motorcycle-eastbound-motowinch-lc2500dan/ (https://eastbound.shop/product/motorcycle-jack-lift-a-fallen-motorcycle-eastbound-motowinch-lc2500dan/)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Feastbound.shop%2Fdemo-videos%2Fmotowinch-demos%2F&psig=AOvVaw0QHAh-QU3T5rdcwzXNjdnZ&ust=1640695713005000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJDGppyChPUCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAP (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Feastbound.shop%2Fdemo-videos%2Fmotowinch-demos%2F&psig=AOvVaw0QHAh-QU3T5rdcwzXNjdnZ&ust=1640695713005000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJDGppyChPUCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAP)
Yes, it's expensive and yes I could make one but I know I won't. I nearly dropped my bike about 3000 times last week in the middle of nowhere on a road that appeared to go months without a single passing vehicle. The entire 37km road was solid clay only broken up by sections of boggy clay and it was pouring rain. I wasn't going to die if I dropped it but I might have spent a very miserable night and had a long walk the next day, assuming I wasn't injured.
Noel
Quote from: SpiderFJ1200 on December 26, 2021, 11:13:27 PMI was trying to figure out how to put my FJ on its center stand solo with my psoriatic arthritis. Another complication is I have the ride height as low as it will go to put my feet down as securely as possible, but still can't flat foot the FJ. I think this device for putting the FJ on its center stand is brilliant, and I'll probably make something similar. Thanks for that!
SpiderFJ1200,
As for flat-footing, maybe I can help.
1. Light boots with aggressive thick treads (waffle-stompers) will bring the Earth closer, when sitting on the bike. You will be walking taller also, which is okay by me; just be a little cautious when climbing steps (or a curb) until you get accustomed to the extra foot lift-needed there. Use the handrails, if available. I use "light tactical combat boots" (which I got on a clearance sale for cheap) as my riding boots. They have side zippers, so I knot and stow the laces inside the boot, for safety; I never untie them. They weigh less (and may cost less) than most good hiking shoes.
2. Most good auto upholstery shops can un-staple your seat covering, shave off some foam to suit, and re-staple the covering as if it was never touched. If you go a little too far with the angle-grinder on the foam, you can cover that easily with a layer of softer foam, before re-covering the seat-foam. In some cases,
narrowing the seat foam at the front will help as much or more than simply reducing the height of the foam.
The center-stand "lift" technique here is good also.
HTH.
Quote from: red on December 27, 2021, 07:47:03 AM
Quote from: SpiderFJ1200 on December 26, 2021, 11:13:27 PMI was trying to figure out how to put my FJ on its center stand solo with my psoriatic arthritis. Another complication is I have the ride height as low as it will go to put my feet down as securely as possible, but still can't flat foot the FJ. I think this device for putting the FJ on its center stand is brilliant, and I'll probably make something similar. Thanks for that!
SpiderFJ1200,
As for flat-footing, maybe I can help.
1. Light boots with aggressive thick treads (waffle-stompers) will bring the Earth closer, when sitting on the bike. You will be walking taller also, which is okay by me; just be a little cautious when climbing steps (or a curb) until you get accustomed to the extra foot lift-needed there. Use the handrails, if available. I use "light tactical combat boots" (which I got on a clearance sale for cheap) as my riding boots. They have side zippers, so I knot and stow the laces inside the boot, for safety; I never untie them. They weigh less (and may cost less) than most good hiking shoes.
2. Most good auto upholstery shops can un-staple your seat covering, shave off some foam to suit, and re-staple the covering as if it was never touched. If you go a little too far with the angle-grinder on the foam, you can cover that easily with a layer of softer foam, before re-covering the seat-foam. In some cases, narrowing the seat foam at the front will help as much or more than simply reducing the height of the foam.
The center-stand "lift" technique here is good also.
HTH.
1. I wear a pair of Bates boots like yours. I'm about due for a new pair, so maybe I'll find some that have taller soles.
2. I have a Corbin seat from a previous owner. It's extremely comfortable, so I'm wary of modifying it.
Quote from: andyoutandabout on December 26, 2021, 11:59:55 PM
Yeah center stand technique is a thing to practice. I watched a YouTube vid years ago and it was pretty useful.
Left hand on left grip
Right hand under rear sub frame
Right leg lightly pushes centerstand down to touch ground
Position bike so both feet of the center stand touch the ground
Push down with right leg and up she goes.
This really saved my lower back, because you don't really use your back at all. All in the legs, just like proper lifting technique.
Anyway, initially I still struggled only to discover the little triangle bits on the centerstand feet had been ground off. A scavenged replacement from Randy's boneyard made all the difference, so check those triangle pieces are in good shape.
That's pretty much the technique I use. Recently a I had a CB500 brought round to me for a rego check and the owner was struggling to get it on the stand. He had one foot (right) on the stand but instead of using his weight to push down while lifting with his right hand (as described above), he was trying to haul the bike bike back by heaving on the handlebars, a mistake I see often.
I don't really understand why, but at just under 5'8", with a standard seat and the rear lifted by about 25mm, I have no issues at all either putting the bike on its centre stand, or being comfortable sitting on the bike at a standstill.
At the moment, with my weak and painful left side, I tend to just hold the bike on my right side at a standstill to avoid taking my left foot off the foot peg. Once it's off the peg, I have to use my left hand under my knee to lift my left leg up and put my left foot back on the peg. Next Spring though, having 2 good hips and being slightly taller, everything should be a breeze :sarcastic:
Quote from: Dads_FJ on December 23, 2021, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: ribbert on December 23, 2021, 04:45:36 AM
Quote from: giantkiller on December 22, 2021, 05:02:34 PM
Different. But somewhat the same. I had gone into double knee replacement .....
Yeah, I feel your pain Dan, I had a knee replaced last year and now probably need the other one done, as you can see from the xray.
[Moderator EDIT - Image removed, does not comply with Terms of Service]
Noel
Copyright infringement? Now I'm curious what TOS was violated.
Mark, you PM'd one member who asked, any chance you could explain to the rest of us? No need to go into any detail, just tell us specifically what part of the TOS it breached. Everyone assumes I know, and I don't.
Noel
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=16129.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=16129.0)
You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, political posts, political discussions or political content or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.
Noel,
The very first paragraph in the ToS, the first sentence moreover. I would venture to say is why Mark removed it. See bold above.
Quote from: ribbert on January 11, 2022, 07:43:58 AM
Mark, you PM'd one member who asked, any chance you could explain to the rest of us? No need to go into any detail, just tell us specifically what part of the TOS it breached. Everyone assumes I know, and I don't.
Noel
Noel, looks like the question has already been answered. Did you not see the ghosted image in the X-ray?
Quote from: RPM - Robert on January 11, 2022, 10:17:08 AM
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=16129.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=16129.0)
You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, political posts, political discussions or political content or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.
Noel,
The very first paragraph in the ToS, the first sentence moreover. I would venture to say is why Mark removed it. See bold above.
Thanks Robert, you appear to be the only one that read the question before answering and did so without being a smartarse, I appreciate the response. It's drawing a very long bow however to consider that image a breach on the grounds you highlighted. The image conjured up by Pat's suggestion that is was the size of Dans "package" that caused his legs to bow in the first place is far, far more obscene, in fact, it's the stuff of nightmares.
Thanks
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on January 12, 2022, 07:36:24 AM
[quote author] The image conjured up by Pat's suggestion that is was the size of Dans "package" that caused his legs to bow in the first place is far, far more obscene, in fact, it's the stuff of nightmares.
Thanks
Noel
:sarcastic: :sarcastic:
By way of an update, I've agreed to a delay in my Op until 21st Feb, so that I can have it at my local town hospital (which is known as a hip & knee specialist centre), which has not been used as a hospital for Covid patients. I'll be keeping the same surgeon and this hospital is only 2 miles from home (although I'll still not be allowed any visitors for the duration of my stay - expected to be 5 nights/6 days).
All in all, I think it's worth the delay.
Quote from: ribbert on January 12, 2022, 07:36:24 AM
Quote from: RPM - Robert on January 11, 2022, 10:17:08 AM
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=16129.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=16129.0)
You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, political posts, political discussions or political content or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.
Noel,
The very first paragraph in the ToS, the first sentence moreover. I would venture to say is why Mark removed it. See bold above.
Thanks Robert, you appear to be the only one that read the question before answering and did so without being a smartarse, I appreciate the response. It's drawing a very long bow however to consider that image a breach on the grounds you highlighted. The image conjured up by Pat's suggestion that is was the size of Dans "package" that caused his legs to bow in the first place is far, far more obscene, in fact, it's the stuff of nightmares.
Thanks
Noel
I would consider a photo of an x-ray of male genitalia (photoshopped or not), of a sexual origin. Just like a photo of female genitalia.
The mods are doing a good job keeping the site clean for the most part. While we are all adults and personally, I have no problem with what you posted. It was in violation of the ToS for this website and as such Mark saw fit to remove it. They are trying to keep this as family friendly as possible.
Pat's remarks have been removed as well.
Well guys and girls, today is the big day !
I've been isolating on my driveway (in the motorhome) since my final hospital tests during the week , and have to be at the hospital for 7am.
There's a little bit of trepidation, as they described it to me as "major surgery" and then the consultant told me what I'm having is relatively new and infrequently used procedure. But the upside to it all is that I'll likely be taller once I've adjusted to the longer (corrected) left femur :good2:
Reading all the info, I'm definitely going to be off the bike for a period months, minimum 3, more likely 6, but we'll see...........wish me luck and I'll be back to say hi as soon as the anaesthetic and drugs have worn off.
Ciao.
Good luck Dean .
I hope your back on the road by summer.
Good luck and speedy recovery!
Heal up fast Dean....check in, let us know how you're doing...
Well that was a bust - spent all day in hospital, only to find out at 4pm that my surgery was cancelled - due to complications in the surgery on the lady before me.
So, hoping to find out new surgery date tomorrow. Hopefully, as a result of the latest announcement, I won't have to isolate again for the same period before the next attempt :good2:
Crap luck! Good luck for getting a close date
Yeah, I was all marked up in big black arrows and was sat in the paper underpants and a backless gown in the ante room for almost 2 hours before they finally decided to call my surgery off. The previous operation was still going on, three hours after the expected completion time, so I guess I was the lucky one.
I hope it all ended well for her !!
What I did learn in my 9 hrs in the hospital is that the facilities are first class, the staff are extremely friendly and efficient and the food is great :good2:
Sold my bike because my knees were so bad I had to plan my stops. If I rode for more than an hour they would seize up an I couldn't get my feet off the pegs quick enough, almost went over more than once. Both knees replaced and now kicking myself for selling. Walking 6 miles a day now where I could hardly do a block before. Gonna get another bike in the near future just not sure what. They tell me hips are a lot quicker healing than knees. Take care after the surgery and make sure you do all the exercises they give you. Good vibes be with you.
Thanks big r - I've got a home gym set up with a cross trainer, spin bike, benches, mats, dumbbells & kettle-bells, so I think I'm set for anything they're gonna throw at me.
I'll be giving it everything to get back right and riding as soon as practical :good2: :good2: :good2:
So, surgery is now re-confirmed for 14th March......so I'm back in isolation from 10th March and then 3 months on crutches after the op and 6 months to riding a bike again (without high risk of hip dislocation)........
I see that as a challenge to beat :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on March 02, 2022, 05:29:39 PMSo, surgery is now re-confirmed for 14th March......so I'm back in isolation from 10th March and then 3 months on crutches after the op and 6 months to riding a bike again (without high risk of hip dislocation)........I see that as a challenge to beat
Millietant,
Indeed it will be a challenge. If you might think you may need to ride too soon, I would suggest briefly owning a Burgman (or similar) strong scooter until you are bike-ready again. Also, I want to put in a plug for the Physical Therapy work they will give you, along the way. Don't try to rush these things too soon, and don't cut it short too soon, either. The work is a beast, but it pays off well, when you are healed. D.A.M.H.I.K. Check the reputations of your "help"
before you get involved with them.
Best Wishes.
Cheers Red,
Apparently I'm quite young for the type of surgery they're performing and a lot fitter than the people they usually deal with, so I'm hoping that will work in my favour.
I'm not planning on disobeying instructions, but I will be making sure I do as much as I'm allowed to do. As my surgery and physio treatment are being done in our National Health Service, so I can't pick and choose who helps me (but at least it's costing me nothing), but I did work it so that the private consultant surgeon I had being seeing before I had my surgery date, is the one who is doing my surgery with the NHS. He's acknowledged as a leader in the field in the UK for this type of surgery and he has already recommended (when I saw him privately) that I go with the NHS physio team. I'm also VERY fortunate that my local NHS hospital is a specialist Hip and Knee centre - so I've got my fingers crossed everything goes well.
If not, we are already using a highly recommended Physiotherapy Team to deal with my son's FND. They were researched and checked out by a friend who is a sports physio with a local ex Premier League soccer team and if things don't go well with the NHS team, I have them as a back-up.
That's good advice about a Burgman - i have a friend with 2 (a 650 and a 400) and I'm sure I could borrow one if need be - I hadn't really thought about that until you mentioned it. :good2:
NEW HIP IS IN !!!!!! :good2:
Still stuck in bed, but treatment is great and I should be out at home by the weekend, all being well, to start my recovery.
According to the surgeon, it was the most deformed hip they've seen since they started this procedure. They even kept what they'd cut out, to show me how bad it was.
It looked like what the butcher gives us for the dog and I asked if I could take it home for him - I got some strange looks from the nurses, but the surgeon said no, they were keeping it :sarcastic: :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Let the rehab begin :good2:
Awesome news! Heal well and heal fast!
Wishing you a swift and speedy recovery.
Fred
Thanks guys :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on March 16, 2022, 08:47:08 AM
NEW HIP IS IN !!!!!! :good2:
Excellent news Dean, you won't know yourself with a new swingarm and bearings.
Noel
Quote from: Millietant on March 16, 2022, 08:47:08 AM
NEW HIP IS IN !!!!!! :good2:
Still stuck in bed, but treatment is great and I should be out at home by the weekend, all being well, to start my recovery.
According to the surgeon, it was the most deformed hip they've seen since they started this procedure. They even kept what they'd cut out, to show me how bad it was.
It looked like what the butcher gives us for the dog and I asked if I could take it home for him - I got some strange looks from the nurses, but the surgeon said no, they were keeping it :sarcastic: :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Let the rehab begin :good2:
Wow. Reduced to dog food. One step short of Soilent Green, eh?
Ha ha, that's what Liz said :sarcastic:
As an update, still in hospital bed. I can get out of bed and make it the 3m-4m to the bathroom and can get back to the bed, but can't get my operated leg back onto the bed, or shuffle it across the covers to the jiggle.
Apparently, I look like bambi only stilts :sarcastic: when I actually use the crutches, but I'm happy I've progressed from the zimmer frame.
The extra leg length they've added is playing havoc with my lower back when I do try to walk, but that won't go away for quite a while - it just needs pain killers and physio.
Haven't tried steps/stairs yet with the crutches, but if I can manage them today, I should be going home. Luckily we've had time to prepare the house, so it should be OK, and I've using crutches on the stairs for a while now so as long as I haven't been using the wrong technique, all should be good.
I'll post up later today if I manage to get home :good2:
We'll, I've been home for a couple of days now, still in bed-rest, apart from trips to the bathroom which I'm making on my crutches.
I've had a couple of minor mishaps (got my meds wrong once and tried moving in my sleep - now ha cases me to wake up instantly !!!!!) but therwise everything is going well. I'm still having trouble getting used to the longer left leg, which just feels really weird when I try to have both legs straight whilst standing with my crutches.
I now share the house with "Nurse Elizabeth" rather than "my wife Liz", but I guess the extra discipline is required due to the extra medication. As well as my continuing max allowable dose of Gabapentin, I'm also having regular Morphine and extra Paacetamol, with a few other pills, an oral suspension and a daily injection.
Nurse Elizabeth seems to get a strange sadistic grin just as she plunges the needle into me each time !! :sarcastic:
So in summary - all is going to plan....I'm on bed rest for another two weeks before my surgery dressing removal and wound check up. If all is well, I'll then start hospital out-patient physiotherapy. Still can't see me being allowed to get back into the garage for quite a while yet though.
I hope you guys keep feeding in the trip stories and photo's - I've likely got 4-6 months on my backside, so will be relying on you for my motivation and entertainment :good2:
Good to hear the progress! Let's keep the mishaps to a minimum :good2:
Easy there 'tripod', give your brain time to get used to your new dimensions.
Best of British in your rehab phase.
The World's a mess right now, so stay in bed for 4 months.
We should have it fixed by then.
Quote from: Millietant on March 21, 2022, 04:34:34 PMWe'll, I've been home for a couple of days now, still in bed-rest, apart from trips to the bathroom which I'm making on my crutches.
I hope you guys keep feeding in the trip stories and photo's - I've likely got 4-6 months on my backside, so will be relying on you for my motivation and entertainment :good2:
Millietant,
Please do not dismiss the risks of prolonged sitting or bed-rest. Bed-sores are a constant threat; they can develop, become infected, and then may be life-threatening. Check this with your medics. Find ways to be comfortable in many different positions, and obtain a recliner-chair to let you lay back easily at times when you are sitting (this is
not a luxury; it is a necessity). This mess is
not a tough-it-out test for you. Please take every option to help you survive a bad deal.
Here is a highly-sculptured foam cushion, with holes for your sit-bones. You would want several like this, staged at different areas of the house.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71EDPL9bZ-L._AC_SX679_.jpg (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71EDPL9bZ-L._AC_SX679_.jpg)
.
Thanks Red, all very good advice.
The hospital and physio's were great before and after my surgery. At home our chairs, bathrooms, bed etc were all measured and checked for suitability to my leg measurements before I went in and a few bolster cushions, chair leg raisers and frames were provided for me. After the first couple of days at home, bed/rest was directed as plenty of time with the weight off my hips and legs in bed, but also plenty of time in motion, doing light Physio exercises, "walking" around the bedroom on my crutches and a bit of sitting in the LayZeeBoy recliner in my room.
Fortunately We have a large master bedroom with a large en-suite bathroom and dressing area, so I can get quite a few steps in without leaving the room. Liz is also fastidious about mattresses, to the extent that she's never allowed me to even see how much she's paid for them :sarcastic: and having cared for both of our mums while they were bed bound "at the end" due to dementia and Alzheimer's, sores etc are at the forefront of our thoughts.
If I'm brutally honest, Liz is constantly pulling me back, stopping me from overdoing things, but right now, a few days after my earlier post, I'm feeling REALLY good. The constant pain from my knee all the way up to my lower back has disappeared (could still be a big factor of the extra painkillers) and I can both sit and lie comfortably. On the physio's direction, I'm now going to spend time each day downstairs and/or sitting in the garden, weather permitting (it's near 20C here today). The kitchen is set out so I can make myself a cup of tea easily, with plenty of support to hold onto, and my favourite chair has been set to the right height for me to be comfortable.
I'm still being instructed to not overdo it and to stick to only the lightweight exercises they've prescribed. The biggest fear is dislocation, so keeping most of the weight off the hip, avoiding any twisting and or specific bending, is the key to my progress. They gave me a Perspex board and a cloth covered "donut" to put under my heel while lying in bed, so that I can practice side extensions and knee raises and I have a selection of hard foam cylinders to put under my knees for heel raises. I've also started today using one the frames around a chair, to practice dips, to help build my upper body strength back, so that I can push my torso vertically out of chairs more easily.
The lack of pain has made this first week far easier than I expected, but I finish the Morphine next week and hope it doesn't all get worse from there.
I have a call every other day from the hospital Physio and have an appointment next Thursday for a dressing/wound check. Then on Monday the 4th I have my first outpatient Physio check at the hospital with a view to moving on to the next phase of Physio. They gave me a 90 page, A4 book all about the surgery and the recovery and a separate detailed Physio booklet, so I can always see where I am on the road to recovery. At the moment, I'm on Page 3, with page 2 being the main index page, so I'm not getting too excited :sarcastic:
"Nurse Elizabeth" has just taken ill with a with blood, urine and stool infection and she's been put on antibiotics and painkillers for a few days, so our eldest is stepping up to help with the chores. He recently gave up his full time job to concentrate on his freelance photography work (he's been doing that for a while, weddings, parties, events, portraits etc), so that's a big plus for us too - This morning he walked the dog, took his brother to his Physio appointment, did some shopping and has washed the lunchtime dishes. I think that's the most he's ever done in one day !! :sarcastic: :good2:
So, a bit of an on the disasters that have befallen us as a family since my last post.
Firstly, our eldest son visited some friends who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, exactly as well after I came home from hospital. As soon as he told Liz, he was banished to his bedroom and as Liz had been the only one of the family to interact with him between his visit and his positive test, she banished herself to a bedroom just in case she tested positive (he had been feeling ill for 24hrs before testing positive.
After feeling ill for a couple of days, Liz then tested positive for COVID-19 and since last Thursday has been really quite ill and confined to her room. Fortunately, I was still able to go for my check up as I tested negative. That has meant that the two cripples in the family (myself and our youngest) have had to look after ourselves whilst Liz and Kevin have been isolating and doing the same.
Fortunately we have four separate bathrooms and plenty of bedrooms, so we have not had to share the same room over the intervening period. Kitchen times have been organised on a rota to avoid meeting anyone else and we've been cleaning down everything touched/used before anyone else took their turn in the kitchen. Friends have been walking the dog for us and delivering anything we have forgotten to order for direct delivery from the local supermarket. A couple of neighbours have cooked fresh meals for us too (especially great because they're Indian families and I love their food) :good2:
My recovery personally has gone extremely well, I've been able to keep on top of all of my physio exercises and have been quite mobile getting out into the garden and also using my crutches to walk in the street for a couple of minutes, and even using our youngest's electric wheelchair to get some fresh air air with friends who were walking the dog. My first review with the physiotherapists yesterday went incredibly well, they are very happy with my progress and have issued me with a new set of exercises to carry out until my next appointment and review on the 28th of April. The view is that if my progress continues I could be riding again by early autumn.
Kevin has now tested negative and is recovering well. Liz is still testing positive and is suffering from fevers, nausea, coughs, chest pains and general aches. Our family doctor mentioned that without her vaccinations she would probably have been one of those who would have had a very serious reaction to the virus had she caught it in the early days, especially with her Angina (which has only recently been diagnosed) !
Despite the situation being one of those we feared before I came out of hospital, we have managed and not come to any harm, although I'd guess I have pushed the boundaries of what I should have (or shouldn't have) been doing from time to time, but the real positive for me is the accelerated recovery plan they've given me and the potential to be riding again whilst we still have some decent weather later in the year - as Homer would say (not the Philosopher) WOOHOO :good2:
Glad you can enjoy The Simpsons in your down time. I hope every one has a speedy recovery and before you know it you will be back on two wheels. :drinks:
Best wishes for all of you! Tough times for sure. At least nothing disastrous has happened like losing the fjowners website! :lol:
Seriously - good job keeping the positive attitude and stiff upper lip!
6 weeks into rehab/recovery and all is going extremely well. Had another Physio assessment last Thursday and they were really pleased with everything, flexibility is good and strength way better than expected.
I got told off for not using my crutches properly - I'm using them to move around quickly, swinging my legs, rather than using them to support my "walking technique" - so basically, I have to "slow down" and learn to walk properly again. Still can't manage more than a couple of steps without the crutches, but that's what they expected.
I'm off Morphine and on much reduced Gabapentin and Codeine dosages - I stopped the Paracetamol myself a couple of weeks ago. Plan is to come off the codeine altogether in 10 days and to be off the Gabapentin in another 4-6 weeks (all being well). Just gradually reducing the Gabapentin now a bit at a time each week.
Other than a bit of a dull ache behind the incision wound, there's no pain at all unless I try to carry weight directly on my left leg. Got the go ahead to try using the Spin Bike that I have in my home gym as well as doing a bit on the cross trainer. First attempt I couldn't get past 3 mins on the cross trainer, but had no problem on the spin bike (with virtually no resistance) - the only problem was getting off of it :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
So, all looking good for getting back on the FJ before the end of the riding season, I just have to keep up with all the Physio exercises for flexibility and strength - I have a schedule and a goal, what more do I need :good2:
Best wishes for a fast recovery from me here in Norway :good:
Quote from: Millietant on May 01, 2022, 02:50:17 PM
6 weeks into rehab/recovery and all is going extremely well. Had another Physio assessment last Thursday and they were really pleased with everything, flexibility is good and strength way better than expected.
I got told off for not using my crutches properly - I'm using them to move around quickly, swinging my legs, rather than using them to support my "walking technique" - so basically, I have to "slow down" and learn to walk properly again. Still can't manage more than a couple of steps without the crutches, but that's what they expected.
I'm off Morphine and on much reduced Gabapentin and Codeine dosages - I stopped the Paracetamol myself a couple of weeks ago. Plan is to come off the codeine altogether in 10 days and to be off the Gabapentin in another 4-6 weeks (all being well). Just gradually reducing the Gabapentin now a bit at a time each week.
Other than a bit of a dull ache behind the incision wound, there's no pain at all unless I try to carry weight directly on my left leg. Got the go ahead to try using the Spin Bike that I have in my home gym as well as doing a bit on the cross trainer. First attempt I couldn't get past 3 mins on the cross trainer, but had no problem on the spin bike (with virtually no resistance) - the only problem was getting off of it :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
So, all looking good for getting back on the FJ before the end of the riding season, I just have to keep up with all the Physio exercises for flexibility and strength - I have a schedule and a goal, what more do I need :good2:
Dean, I just found this post, and the topic strikes close to home.
It's good to read that all is well and continues to improve, that is what you want. If something botched, by now you would know it.
Fantastic news!
And the Burger 400 is fantastic, as is the big brother, but it is HEAVY.
Just had my 12 week check-up and strength/physio assessment.
The great news is that my recovery has been at going at twice the expected speed. I passed all the physio tests, completed all the exercise tests and I've been completely painkiller free for 2 weeks now.
I know I came off the painkillers too fast and too soon for the docs, but I'm glad I got it out of the way as fast as I could - the withdrawal wasn't pleasant though, I now sort of know what a junkie feels like when they try to stop (stomach cramps, uncontrollable shakes, cold sweats, sleep issues, loss of appetite combined with unusual cravings etc etc), it the worst is over with :good2:
The crutches are now in the bin and I'm working on a gradual distance-increasing walking plan; I also got the go ahead to start cycling again yesterday, so I had a little ride out today and covered 18 miles. I used Liz's e-assist bike as there are a couple of steep hills close to home (and I'm supposed to avoid hills for a week or two). I only used the assist briefly a couple of times and arrived home with still 100% battery power showing :sarcastic:
I'm still a little way off riding the FJ, purely because my left leg/hip strength isn't where I need it to be before I can be confident of holding the bike up at a standstill (I really don't want to drop it !!). The good news is that I have exercises to do each day that are designed to give me that strength and stability and have targets for repetitions and weight as a guide to when I should be OK. Doc reckons that at my current progress rate, that should be in about 4 weeks.
The only other thing I'm banned from doing at the moment is heavy lifting and carrying, but again, that should sort itself out over the coming weeks as my strength increases.
They normally expect people to reach my recovery level after about 6 months, so I've got an open appointment at the hospital for the next 3 months, just in case I have any set-backs, or want any further advice/assessments.
Fingers crossed, yesterday was my final trip to hospital and everything will continue to go as I want.......and I'll be back riding the FJ soon.
Thanks for all your well-wishes guys, it looks like they worked :good2: :good2:
Dean,
Sounds good! I know you want to rush back into full health now, but make haste slowly. These things do take time. Setbacks can be costly.
Best wishes,
Awesome work and progress!
Another Moditis overachiever - finishes with the bike and starts on himself :good2:
Great progress Dean...take care, you'll be riding before too long. Kookaloo!
Good to hear about your progress ! :good2: I have one recomendiation and that is to not place the bike on centerstand the first months .I had some hip pain many years ago and found it was from placing bike on
centerstand.It places big stress on the lower back nerves and out in the hip.
Thanks guys, all is still going well and I can see the day I get back on the FJ looming closer and closer.
I'm fortunate that its my left femur/hip and left side pelvis that were done, so putting the FJ on it's centre stand isn't really an issue - I have "the knack" and can hoist mine onto the centre stand with virtually no effort.
I had trouble holding the bike up if it leaned slightly to the left at a standstill - yes, it fell on top of my leg a couple of times - in the last year before surgery, but damage to the bike was minimal. Damage to my pride was much more extensive :sarcastic:. At the moment, I'm still lacking left side strength significantly against my right side, but it's improving weekly and I can see/feel the results in my physio exercises and checks. As soon as I can do the weight-bearing exercises at the appropriate weight loading, I'll be right back in the FJ saddle.
Being able to cycle is really helping me, both in terms of leg strength.........and sanity. It's great being out on 2 wheels, even if I have to pedal it :good2: :good2:
So guys, it's good news, bad news, time.
The good news - I was cleared to ride a couple of weeks ago. Recovery has gone better than anyone anticipated and I've been able to exceed all of the strength and flexibility targets set by the docs and physio's well ahead of schedule. No pain, no restrictions other than to not be stupid and do heavy lifting, nor start running again. I've basically been told never to run again if I want to remain healthy and happy. Non-impact exercises can be done to my hearts content :good2:
Now the bad news - while I wasn't riding, my FJ's annual MOT certificate ran out and before I took the bike in for its 2022 test, I gave it quick whiz around the estate where I live (the roads are not adopted and so are classed as private roads, not public highways, so it's legal to ride on them without an MOT). Well I didn't fall off or anything daft like that, but my fork seals both started leaking on my test-ride. So I've got new seals, circlips, dust seals/covers and fork oil and I've taken my forks off to change the seals. Here's the bad news - my pal who did them for me 5 years ago had retired and I've found out the my forks are different to the "standard" ones and the official Yamaha compression tool won't work with my forks (no locating holes), so I'm going to have to make up a compression tool of my own. Fingers crossed I get it all sorted ready for a test in the next day or two and hopefully there isn't too long a wait to get my bike fitted in to the test schedule (all the test centres are really busy right now with all the riders wanting to get out in the great weather) !!!
Wish me luck fella's.
Good luck!
Best of luck 8-)
Ill be in about my forks soon too...some rpm valves nd new springs & seals etc.....ill ping you about the blue dots once ive fitted the gold ones
Lined up some R1 forks for further down the line ...ill need to accumulate spindle discs wheel and sort out suitable yokes but it will be fun. That will be fter the thundercat rear is in place
Well, the bad news wasn't so bad at all. My little spring compressor tool worked a treat. It even allowed me to do the whole job on my own. Once I'd compressed the fork springs to expose the lock nut, it was undone and the forks were apart within a couple of minutes. Another 10 minutes each side to change the seals and bushes and then another 10 minutes each side to put them back together.
I did modify the top spacers while they were off (drilled locating holes for my modified spring compressor tool next time) so that they are the same as everyone else's FZR 1000 forks, but I was really pleased that once the cap was separated from the damper rod, there was nothing else to do but use the stanchion to pull the seals and bushes out. All of the on-line horror stories of the "special" Yamaha tools and hours of fiddling, just didn't exist. RESULT !!
MOT test is booked in for Tuesday and then it's ride ride ride.......... :good2:
There needs to be a fantastic !!! Total win!!! Emoticon :-)
Excellent Deano!
Quote from: Urx on August 12, 2022, 03:12:41 PM
There needs to be a fantastic !!! Total win!!! Emoticon :-)
Definitely :good2: :good2:
As I expected.....the FJ flew through it's MOT safety test today with a full pass and no "Advisories" (things checked that are not great, but not bad enough to fail the test).
On the way home, the rain and thunder started, and it hasn't stopped since. I've got a +200 mile round trip ride to a bike meet tomorrow evening, so I hope the rain goes away before then - otherwise I'm going to get wet and the bike is going to get dirty :sarcastic:
.....and it will be fun whatever...
Quote from: Urx on August 16, 2022, 05:11:38 PM
.....and it will be fun whatever...
Oh Yeah !!!!!!!!!!!
:good2: :good2:
Dean,
Good to hear that you and the FJ are both healthy again. Here's hoping that weather is good for the ride.
As a friend, I'd want you to find local lodging for the night after the event, especially if the weather is foul.
Best wishes.
Hi Red, thankfully the weather was just about perfect !!! (not too hot, not too sunny, no rain, gentle breeze).
We set out at 3pm, got there around 5.30pm, stayed at the meet until 8pm and got back home at 10pm, just as it was getting dark.
To be honest, I felt great the whole time - I haven't felt as good on a bike for quite a few years. No pain, no discomfort ! We didn't go mad speed-wise, but interestingly there were over 2000 bikes at the meet and on the way home, for about the first 20 miles we overtook many bikes that had left the meet just before us, but were only overtaken by two bikes.
I thought we were taking it easy (and my FJ did too - 204 miles ridden today and still just under a 1/4 of a tank showing on the fuel gauge), but apparently we were not :sarcastic:
The bike was awesome and reminded me yet again why I love it so much.
Here's a few photo's from the meet. "Just Jane" was fired up and did 30 mins of taxi'ing. 4 Merlin's running sweetly, what a treat to hear (and see).
Quote from: Millietant on August 17, 2022, 06:11:33 PMHi Red, thankfully the weather was just about perfect !!! (not too hot, not too sunny, no rain, gentle breeze).We set out at 3pm, got there around 5.30pm, stayed at the meet until 8pm and got back home at 10pm, just as it was getting dark. To be honest, I felt great the whole time - I haven't felt as good on a bike for quite a few years. No pain, no discomfort ! We didn't go mad speed-wise, but interestingly there were over 2000 bikes at the meet and on the way home, for about the first 20 miles we overtook many bikes that had left the meet just before us, but were only overtaken by two bikes.
Here's a few photo's from the meet. "Just Jane" was fired up and did 30 mins of taxi'ing. 4 Merlin's running sweetly, what a treat to hear (and see).
Dean,
Good to hear that all went well there. No mad speed, :rofl2: but you managed to show a lot of them the short way home. I get that. :biggrin:
Nice ride, colorful event, great aircraft. Can't do much better! :yes:
Must have been a great feeling getting back in the saddle and out on a ride again .Nice report i like the old aircrafts :good2:
It certainly was :good2:
I'll be attending the Sywell Classic (Pistons and Props) and my FJ will be on display at the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club stand, on Sunday 25th September - hope to have put plenty of miles on it before then :sarcastic:
Thought about flying in for a little while, but it could get very busy and would be expensive for a 20 mile hop (and anyway, I wanted to display the FJ). Hopefully there will be some decent old aircraft there too
http://www.sywellclassic.co.uk/ (http://www.sywellclassic.co.uk/)
Oops, just realised I typed the wrong month in my last comment. It's 25th September :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on August 19, 2022, 01:53:36 AM
Oops, just realised I typed the wrong month in my last comment. It's 25th September :sarcastic:
Fixed
Thanks Fred :good2: