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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: racerrad8 on April 19, 2013, 12:14:05 AM

Title: Bump in the road...
Post by: racerrad8 on April 19, 2013, 12:14:05 AM
Well, it seems as if everything is going along just fine. The day job is going well and I am having fun, the RPM website I let Marsh talk me into continues to exceed my expectations. There are several things just on the horizon that are block buster including the RPM rear shock and RPM exhaust system.

Then the bump in the road...

Three weeks ago today I was injured at work, sustaining an injury to my left knee. At the time of the incident I heard the pop and noticed my left knee at angles it should not be in. This is the same knee I had ACL reconstruction on back in 2007, with complications resulting in a second surgery in 2008.

So, several doctors, x-rays, MRI and finally in to see the orthopaedic surgeon today. I have done a lot more research this time regarding the surgery and the surgeon. The MRI revealed a completely severed ACL graft, a fracture of the tibia plateau area of the bone and some tearing of the MCL.

So, after my consult today I am heading under the knife for the third left knee surgery. We know the ACL is going to be done again and the MCL will be inspected and repaired if required. This doctor reminds me of me. When people bring me an issue, I am very confident and can see & resolve the issue rather quickly. This something leads to people think I am cocky. Well several of the doctors online reviews read the same way; cocky. But based on the credentials he has listed in the famous athletes he has worked on, I went to him.

He took a great deal of time and showed my the poorly completed ACL reconstruction procedure from the first surgery and what he is going to have to do to resolve the issue. The best part was since we are talking about drilling and angles of things I was able to ask him comprehensive questions. That lead to him taking a liking to me as I understood what he was saying and asking questions that allowed him to speak with a true knowledge of his trade. He told me a couple of times, "I like you, these are not questions I usually have to answer because people do not understand".

So, long story getting shorter, I go under the knife on Monday 4/29. This really screws up my summer. My attendance for the WCR is now unknown, I already knew I was not riding since I got hurt.

I am thankful for my wife and sons who will be handling all of the RPM website duties while I am recovering. I will probably be down for at least two weeks following the surgery as he is going to have the leg locked out and requires 100% bed rest.

So, be assured that your orders will be shipped out. The turn around time might be a little slower as my sons will have to be filling orders after their work hours and shipping the following day.

I will not be able to be reach by telephone, but feel free to send me emails. I will be glad to respond when I am able and I will be glad to help.

I am not sure of the time frame of the release of the new RPM items as I do not want to release them and not be able to be there when something comes up. This will give me just a little more time to get this all buttoned up and ready for unveil.

Thanks for our support and my goal is to be there for the WCR so I can see everyone.

Take care, keep the rubber side down, and enjoy life.

You never know when there might be a bump in the road...

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: movenon on April 19, 2013, 12:29:42 AM
Just focus on getting well Randy. The rest is unimportant at this point. Not much I can do from here but wish you well and a speedy recovery but if you do think of something I can help with then please let me know. Thoughts are with you and your family.
George
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: yamaha fj rider on April 19, 2013, 12:34:51 AM
Randy sorry to hear the bad news but it is good that you are getting good care. Take time to make sure everything has healed. Things being a little slower than usual, you will still be faster than most. Your health is more important than the release of some new part, a few weeks will not change anything. Take care of your self, looking forward to meeting in person at WCR. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Kurt
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: fj11.5 on April 19, 2013, 12:38:04 AM
Get well soon mate,  I hope you knee will be better than new once sorted out  :good2:
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: keand3 on April 19, 2013, 12:47:14 AM
Get well soon Randy. Having done knee surgery my self a couple of times I know how annoying the recovery period can bee.
Looks like you will get top treatment!

Wish you all the best.

Cheers
Ken
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Pat Conlon on April 19, 2013, 01:28:53 AM
Ok, sounds like your knee is in good hands. Workers Comp. is finally green lighting the procedure.

Robert and Ryan can get the orders out. You can focus on recovery.

Hopefully we will see you in Petaluma and sign your cast, if you can't make it, when you are up and about later this summer, how about we bring a mini rally to your shop?

We can have a 'unveiling' BBQ.


Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Alf on April 19, 2013, 01:53:15 AM
Sorry to hear these news from you. Get well soon amigo!
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: The General on April 19, 2013, 03:26:39 AM
Get well Randy...but be careful of how soon. While your experience tells me you know better, you`ll have a compulsion to push that knee above doctors orders, cause exceeding expectations is part of your DNA. Start challenging that compulsion now and stretch your time not your knee - Best wishes to you and many thanks to your majic family.  Doug Mc
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Tiger on April 19, 2013, 04:29:22 AM
 :hi: Best wishes for a speedy recovery from the 'Frozen North' my friend... :good2:

John.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: flips on April 19, 2013, 05:16:44 AM
Ditto What everyone said!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.Sounds like you will have your knee fixed properly this time!

Cheers  :drinks:

Jeff P
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: FJmonkey on April 19, 2013, 06:59:12 AM
Heal fast and properly, hope to see you at the WCR. It does sound like you have a good surgeon that understands how to put the pieces back the right way.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: big r on April 19, 2013, 08:05:07 AM
Hope you heal fast, but don't push it. I have had three knee surgeries, two on the right and on on the left. Had a cast on the right for three months and then a couple of months of physio. That was a long time ago, so things have improved a lot since then. Best wishes and a speedy recovery. BigR
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: crzyjarmans on April 19, 2013, 08:47:48 AM
my wishes for a speedy recovery Randy...
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Dan Filetti on April 19, 2013, 09:10:58 AM
Heal well, and quickly Randy.

Dan
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: 1tinindian on April 19, 2013, 09:32:10 AM
Wishing you a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing you at the WCR.

Leon
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Derek Young on April 19, 2013, 09:37:04 AM
Shitty news Randy!  Have a quick recovery.  Hope to see you at the rally.

Derek
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: jamesearthdrum on April 19, 2013, 11:05:36 AM
Here's to a 100% recovery. Take the time you need. Sounds like you are in good hands.

james
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: racerman_27410 on April 19, 2013, 11:15:54 AM
Prayers for a steady surgeons hand and a quick recovery brother!


KOokaloo!


Frank
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Yamifj1200 on April 19, 2013, 11:21:02 AM
sorry to hear the bad news Randy,  it sounds like you have the right doctor for the job. I hope you recover quickly...

Eric M
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: coreyoreo on April 19, 2013, 12:21:01 PM
Sorry to hear, Randy, Here's hoping for a fast recovery. Sounds like you'll be in good hands. 

Corey
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: fj johnnie on April 19, 2013, 01:08:51 PM
. Nothing is more important than your health. Not even FJ parts. Get well soon.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: winddancer on April 19, 2013, 05:32:21 PM
Glad to hear you found a great doctor to fix it right get well quick and remember if you need any help I am a phone call away.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Steve_in_Florida on April 19, 2013, 05:43:46 PM

Randy,
Sorry to hear, but it sounds like it's for the better.

At least you know you're "knee-ded" around here!   :biggrin:

Heal quick!

Steve

Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: spsmith_fj1200 on April 19, 2013, 05:50:21 PM
Randy,

took me about two sentences before I starting saying "oh no" and whole lot of other words.  Relax and heal properly.  I think you have an opportunity to see if your sons have inherited more than just your racing skills.  Sounds like you and your doctor have a good relationship and that he will make sure that the repairs are correct this time.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: racerrad8 on April 19, 2013, 07:37:18 PM
Thank you for all of the support, PM's and emails. Please don't get me wrong...

I am know I am not going to doing too much at two weeks either. I was told I will be able to start getting around so that means I will be able to come to the shop I hope...

Since this is the 3rd surgery the recovery/heeling time is estimated at 9-12 month for complete recovery and being allowed to go back to work.

I hope to make it sooner, but for now all I can do is hope...

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Sandgroper on April 20, 2013, 12:03:49 PM
OUCH !! 9-12 months.. That's gotta be the bit that hurts the most for an active fella. :cray:

Concentrate on getting the knee right so you can get back to the kookaloo real soon (Been waiting for a chance to use that word thanx FJMonkey).

Looks like I ordered just in time hey mate?

Take care and good luck with the surgery.

Ben
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: X-Ray on April 21, 2013, 08:23:26 AM
Man, don't knees and backs just give us absolute misery some or all of the time in our lives? :mad:
Anyway, sounds like you are in great hands Randy, just don't overdo it when you are back up and (hobbling) around  :drinks:
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: squidley63 on April 21, 2013, 08:46:02 AM
Sorry to hear about your knee. Glad that you did the research on your doc. I'm living everyday with issues from a bad surgery from a bad doctor. Hope everything goes better than expected during and after your surgery
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: racerrad8 on April 29, 2013, 12:03:25 AM
Alright guys, I'm out...

Going to bed so I can get up and 0400 to go get the knee fixed.

My sons are all ready to assist and I will be available via email in a few days.

Be careful and enjoy the ride.

Randy - RPM

P.s. all of the motor mounts are the same...even on the XJR1300..

(More to follow if needed in a few days)
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Harvy on April 29, 2013, 12:08:40 AM
Heal quick mate......and thanks for the confirmation.

Harvy
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Flynt on April 29, 2013, 12:40:40 AM
Godspeed Randy...  You'll be kicking all of our asses again in no time.

Frank
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: HARTLESS on April 29, 2013, 12:53:24 AM
Randy, I hope that everything goes better than planned. did you get a disk of the MRI pictures? I always thought those were interesting to look at
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: fj11.5 on April 29, 2013, 12:54:38 AM
May the kookaloo be with you randy  :good2:
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: oldktmdude on April 29, 2013, 02:59:59 AM
   All the best for a successful operation and a speedy recovery Randy.  Regards, Pete.     :good2:
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: The General on April 29, 2013, 06:51:34 AM
 :empathy2: Wakey wakey!...hands off snakey...How ya feelin Mate? What did tha doc say?  (popcorn)
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: baldy3853 on April 29, 2013, 07:03:14 AM
 :good2: Good luck Randy see you in 4weeks  :biggrin:
Baldy
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Dan Filetti on April 29, 2013, 09:03:03 AM
Good Luck and heal well Randy.

Dan
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: yamaha fj rider on April 29, 2013, 09:11:03 AM
Randy best wishes for a speedy recovery. You will be back in top shape in no time.

Kurt
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Arnie on April 29, 2013, 09:12:39 AM
Yeah, what everyone else has said.
C'mon out dancing :-)

Arnie
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Derek Young on April 29, 2013, 10:03:00 AM
Hope all goes well with the surgery Randy.  Speedy recovery!

Derek
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: racerrad8 on April 29, 2013, 10:38:17 AM
Thanks for everyones support. The commute was grueling, pre-op all done, now just waiting for the procedure.

I'd take a picture, but I don't want to.

I'll post up when I am aware with update.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Thmsdoyle on April 29, 2013, 10:48:25 AM
Take care of yourself Randy, one day at a time. There are always smooth roads behind the ruff roads.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: movenon on April 29, 2013, 10:48:50 AM
You are on the assembly now  :rofl2:. Thinking of you... thanks for the update. All will go well I am sure. Post more when you feel up to it. :)
George
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: FJSpringy on April 29, 2013, 03:47:57 PM
Yes pictures please, I am very interested in how they attach you to the bike lift.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Firehawk068 on April 29, 2013, 08:37:11 PM
Randy,
You are truly one dedicated FJ dude!
I can't believe you'd be working late at the shop, and getting orders shipped out the night before your surgery.............
Get lots of rest, and heal up that knee!
I'll see you on the next go-round!
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: andyoutandabout on April 30, 2013, 12:00:09 AM
Dedicated - i'll say. Randy finished working on my bike with one leg. Ever seen a fella change your tires with a locked out knee. Now there's one for the bucket list.
Andy
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: aviationfred on April 30, 2013, 12:23:00 AM
I Hope the surgery went well, and you will be back on your feet soon. :drinks:

Fred
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: CatTomb on April 30, 2013, 10:19:36 AM
Randy,

Sending you good wishes and positive energy for a speedy and complete recovery.

Jeff

p.s. thanks again for getting my parts out so quickly. They saved me a week of waiting without transport.  :good2:
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: coreyoreo on April 30, 2013, 11:54:06 AM
Randy's always there for me when I need anything for my FJ--from parts to calls for help & him fixing MY errors in repairs...

Get back up soon!!  :good2:

Corey
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Mike 86 in San Dimas on April 30, 2013, 11:22:47 PM
wishing you a speedy recovery!!!
Mike
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: racerrad8 on May 01, 2013, 03:07:53 PM
Well, I am home and resting, I wish I could say comfortably. The surgery went well according to the doctor and my next visit is early next week. The surgery took a little longer than expected and he told me he had to do "more surgery than normal". I asked what that meant but he did not want to explain at this point. Probably because I was still pretty loopy from all of the medications.

My wife said the knee looks much better than it did after the last surgery and I really don't feel too bad.

I hope to be able to get to the shop for short periods to try and keep up, but I do have the laptop at my side when I am at home.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: rktmanfj on May 01, 2013, 03:38:00 PM

Good deal, Randy!

You'll be up and getting tortu... er, therapy in no time.   :good2:

Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Pat Conlon on May 01, 2013, 04:03:33 PM
Recover first.

Do not even take a chance on damaging the surgeons work. Yea, I know you will say you'll be careful but all it takes is a slip on your crutches....... Follow orders..

Do not go to the shop unless it's on fire....then just dial 911, then your insurance co.

Everyone can wait.
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: fj11.5 on May 01, 2013, 04:11:24 PM
Great news randy, no point me saying relax and recover properly  :biggrin: ,,I know you don't want too
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: FJmonkey on May 01, 2013, 07:23:02 PM
Randy, heal well or we are all gonna have kick your butt!!!
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: baldy3853 on May 01, 2013, 10:17:25 PM
Hey Buddy glad it went well, as Pat said take it easy DON'T push it too hard we can wait a day or 2....... on 2nd thoughts no we can't  lol let the boys do what needs to be done all will work out, 24 days to go woo hoo
Baldy
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: BSI on May 01, 2013, 11:23:52 PM
Best wishes Randy on a lasting recovery...and take it easy!
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: yamaha fj rider on May 02, 2013, 09:51:23 PM
Randy

Great news that the surgery was a success!!!! Good to here that you are home and resting. Take care don't push it, some little thing happens and can causes a big setback. Best wishes for a full and quick recovery.

Kurt
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: aviationfred on May 06, 2013, 09:03:21 PM
Hats off to Randy and his boys.  :hi: Even with the Bump in the Road. RPM's service still stands out. :yahoo:

Placed an order at 11:00PM Friday night and received the parts today.  :good2:

Fred
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: rktmanfj on May 06, 2013, 09:06:50 PM

Same here, ordered on Friday, in the mailbox today.      :good2:


Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: Dan Filetti on May 06, 2013, 09:29:32 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on May 06, 2013, 09:03:21 PM
Placed an order at 11:00PM Friday night and received the parts today.

and

Quote from: not a lib on May 06, 2013, 09:06:50 PM
Same here, ordered on Friday, in the mailbox today.   

What, are you boys intentionally trying to mess with Randy?  Wait until AFTER surgery to order your parts....

Damn, leave the poor gimp alone! :)

Nice job by the boys Randy.

Dan
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: fj1289 on May 06, 2013, 10:28:32 PM
Randy - hope you heal well, fast, and permanantly!  Keep up the work injuries and they'll have to rebuild you into the bionic FJ man...
Title: Re: Bump in the road...
Post by: rktmanfj on May 07, 2013, 07:52:47 AM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on May 06, 2013, 09:29:32 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on May 06, 2013, 09:03:21 PM
Placed an order at 11:00PM Friday night and received the parts today.

and

Quote from: not a lib on May 06, 2013, 09:06:50 PM
Same here, ordered on Friday, in the mailbox today.   

What, are you boys intentionally trying to mess with Randy?  Wait until AFTER surgery to order your parts....

Damn, leave the poor gimp alone! :)

Nice job by the boys Randy.

Dan

I only ordered exactly what I needed to make the ECSR... slave cylinder seals.

The other stuff can and is waiting patiently (including the carbs from the '90   :biggrin:).

The boys are doing a great job!