It’s now been eleven months since heart surgery and other than the scars there is little evidence. My left leg continues to be the biggest issue in this recovery, a factor that can only be assumed to be a by-product of the surgical procedures. Nonetheless, it was never once a concern prior to the operation while undoubtedly the biggest obstacle in my recovery. The sciatica pain keeps me awake at night and limits my ability to walk or exercise despite three injection attempts to heal the inherent damages.
I hobble to the fitness center nearly every day, hoping to one day regain the stamina that enabled me to run every day the past fifteen years. Where is the old me? I do about 45-minutes on the stationary bike, cautiously lift some lighter weights, and occasionally walk a mile or so on the treadmill. Discomfort in the form of a Charlie Horse in my left thigh and balance are my enemies. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to run again like the old me.
Pain medication helps me sleep but makes me groggy in the morning. I’ll discuss the options with my doctor during my upcoming appointment. The steroids seem to have aggravated rather than soothed my nerves as expected. Surgery is probably in my future as arthritis continues to eat at my spine. While I paid strict attention to my knees and hips all these years, it was apparently my spine that took the brunt of all those miles. Time to pay the piper!
My heart seems to be functioning well, and my breastbone has finally healed. It no longer hurts to cough. However, all my focus has been on the leg pain, so it’s easy to ignore all the other aches. I might even soon be able to get back into a pushup routine that would make my body feel normal again. It was apparently too soon when I tried to build up the reps a few months ago. I keep going back to a neighbor’s advice at the beginning of my recovery. He said, “the surgeon’s knife is a year long,” and I’m beginning to believe in that truth. The new year will provide a path to finding the old me.
After all those years of being spoiled, the IU basketball program, from a fan’s perspective, has been so hard to watch these past few decades. Most thought that it would be better this year until the trip to the Bahamas when reality struck. It was the chance to reestablish IU Basketball as a national contender, but instead the team dropped out of the Top 25 and Coach Woodson lost whatever following he had left. Another change in leadership would mean another step back and who is out there to take on that challenge? We needed some momentum leading into the BIG opener, with only Sam Houston of relatively little consequence coming into Assembly Hall.
Myles Rice came back from the dead to lead the Hoosiers with 19-points and Luke Goode came off the bench to hit five threes. In addition, Malik Reneau scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds with five assists in the 97-71 thrashing. A 27-3 run left Indiana ahead 34-12 with six minutes left in the first half, but that lead began to fade as the Bearkats (4-5) got within nine early in the second half. It was the same inconsistency that comes from a team without a killer instinct. A Goode free throw, another part of his 18-point, career-high performance put the Hoosiers ahead 60-47 with 11:46 remaining. Sam Houston was 6-17 from downtown, a defensive performance that would need an encore to tackle Miami (Ohio), a team of renowned long ball snipers, ranked 15th nationally at just over 40-percent.
IU was up for the task but would likely need more of the same against Minnesota and then Nebraska, as the conference openers are scheduled earlier and earlier every year. On the offensive side, the Candy-Stripers had five players in double figures, with Oumar Ballo slamming down 18. Bryson Tucker and Kanaan Carlye, returning from injury, put on a show of sixteen and fourteen respectively. Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako also followed suit with a combined 29 while Myles Rice pulled his disappearing act once again. Tucker hit the magic mark with a free throw at 11:31 to all but seal the 82-67 victory.
Coach Woodson was now in danger of being outcoached again unless he could find a way to silence the upcoming Huskers and coach Fred Hoiberg, after 3-losses just last year alone. Nebraska won 86-70 in Lincoln, 85-70 in Bloomington, and 93-66 in the Big Ten Tournament quarter finals. The hot-shooting Huskers made a whopping 40 three-pointers in the routs, 12 the first time and 14 in the other two, while Keisei Tominaga scored 23 points, and had 71 total in the three games. He won’t be a factor after graduation, but Brice Williams is still around, having scored 56 points and made 9-of-16 threes against IU. It will truly be a test to see if the Hoosiers can continue to improve their defense and whether Woodson will still have a job.
It’s probably a bit too soon to write about the New Year, but I’m lost for positive subject matter. This blog has not been filled with humor and poetry as intended. Instead, it’s been a tough year of surgery, doctors, and pain that have taken away from the joy of travel. Yes, we did get to South America, Africa, Spain, and even Maine, my 50th state. But in between, were 10-days of hospitalization and over 90 doctor appointments. One thing led to another, so I’m hoping for a better year of health.
On the positive side, we did get a new puppy, Fosse, that seems to have extended the life of her older sister Tally, at 100 dog years and counting. My wife had a good year of staying away from doctors and finding some passion in teaching youngsters. She continues to tap dance, take the dogs to the bark park, go to the beach, play bridge, and exercise in the pool, all of the benefits of resort living. She’s also been very supportive with my recovery, doing more than her share of keeping up the house – a bundle of energy. I’m still very much in love with her. Thank You, Sweetie pie!
My grandchildren are getting taller and older, although they have recently been living on the East Coast of Florida, far from us and the need for our companionship. Our last hurrah as a family was Thanksgiving, but they will be back for Christmas. We have two new drivers in the family that have yet to make a solo trip. My days of shuttling them around are growing few.
I’ve been well educated about my aging body by Cardiologists, Physician Assistants, nurses, surgeons, Ophthalmologists, Neurologists, Urologists, rehab specialists, x-ray technicians, doctors that don’t necessarily end in “ist,” dentists, chiropractors, etc. Some are family members that have been extremely helpful in my time of need. “I don’t need no doctor,” has been my motto throughout life, until this year’s barrage. Worst of all, I had to give up my running streak of 15-years, the foundation of my health.
My muscles are now disturbingly flabbier and I’m currently about 10-pounds heavier, despite daily trips to the fitness center. Running always kept the weight off, while the winter months and holiday libations have always been a problem. I do still have a Florida tan, so I look pretty good on the outside, although rusted out on the inside, as my poem reads: (See post #1811). Unbelievably, IU football has made the College Football Playoffs!
I’ve had my share of problems, but when I look around our retirement neighborhood or stop by the hospital, I really have very little to complain about. I’ve also lost a number of high school classmates this year. Thankfully, I haven’t been sick once, despite all the time I’ve spent in the unhealthy environment of medical offices or a wife that regularly hangs out with first graders. I’m just hoping for fewer doctors in 2025!
I’m probably more tired and sore than when I did my first marathon back in 1979. It was certainly a humbling experience, finishing a distant last of about 500 participants in today’s Atlanta Braves Tomahawk 5k. I earned my third medal in the 6th year of its existence, crossing the ballpark finish line in about 65 minutes. I was in last place from beginning to end, dragging my bum leg in the chilly conditions. Even the strollers and kids were faster! It was both uncomfortable and embarrassing with both a police vehicle and golf cart at my heels. Race officials were dissembling the course as I passed and, in some cases, just before I got there. It was annoying having these volunteers pushing me along, but they were anxious to get home. Although tempted to jog, I simply couldn’t go any faster.
It was as slow as I’ve run any race in my life, and I’ve done hundreds. It was also the longest I’ve walked since heart surgery at the beginning of the year. I strongly considered not doing it, but it’s been a Holiday tradition since we moved to Florida nearly four years ago. We were traveling the one year that I missed it, so determination earned my third medallion. I started the day keeping warm in the car of two friends, who won their 80 and 85+ age-groups. They left me in the dust, but I joined them for the awards ceremony after the included celebration breakfast. There was no award for finishing last, but I’ve never won my age division since a winter race in my early thirties when no one else showed up. Even at a healthy 72, I couldn’t compete with my peers on a good day.
This year it was just a stubborn matter of finishing despite nagging sciatica and back pain. I do get another steroid injection in a few days, but these procedures have done little to reduce my discomfort and stiffness. I can’t say that I was in constant pain throughout the 5k, but it was not easy being a gimp. I have a high tolerance at this point, but it was still difficult to move. The good news is that if I do it again next year, I may be faster, but it will be another year before I get into the 75+ division, if that even helps. I keep trying to increase my speed and mileage but there always seems to be a setback. I’ll start training for next year after my upcoming procedure. Chop! Chop!
It’s December already and snowbirds have returned to the neighborhood, only to disappear again for the Holidays. We aren’t scheduled to leave again until the end of February. It’s been a year of frustration following open heart, cataract, and prostrate surgeries along with steroid treatments for sciatica pain. It reminds me of the lyrics, “One thing leads to another” by The Fixx, although the song has nothing to do with my trials and tribulations. It’s just that the leg pain would not be there if it weren’t for the surgical procedures. I would certainly like to go back to when I was running every day, earlier this year.
The annual Tomahawk 5k is coming up next weekend and I’m not sure I’ll be able to even walk that short distance that was once an easy run. The last steroid treatment has left me with a permanent Charlie Horse in my left thigh. Hot and cold applications haven’t worked. I now limp along in discomfort from a procedure that was supposed to eliminate my pain. Instead, it seems to have aggravated the issue. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the doctor’s office has been closed, so I will have to wait to get guidance. I’m once again, back to being “The Gimp.”
I can still ride the stationary bicycle, but the rest of my fitness regimen is on hold. Putting weight on the leg is painful, so walking and lifting are not possible. It’s not helping me shed the pounds from all the Holiday temptations, compounding my problem. I’ve got to somehow lose ten pounds despite my limited mobility. I had recently started to regularly walk to the fitness center prior to this set back, but even the treadmill is now uncomfortable. Being active has been an essential part of my daily life, but I’m limited in what I can do. One thing leads to another.
It was a tough Thanksgiving week 2024 for Hoosier sports. The Battle 4 Atlantis was a disaster for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The women only scored 39-points against the Tarheels after beating Columbia and #18 Baylor. The men only managed to get to 61 in a bad loss to Louisville after a couple of last-minute steals and then gave up 57 in just the first half against Gonzaga. The magic was working against us in the Bahamas and there were few positives to write about. In addition, soccer fell short in the Sweet 16 to Denver 1-0. Were these to be ominous signs for the upcoming Bucket Game?
The doubt started in Columbus where I.U. jumped out to a 7-0 lead. Suddenly, the vulnerability began to show with dropped passes, uncharacteristic penalties, and a disastrous fumble in punt formation. To make matters worse, blown coverage allowed a game-clinching touchdown, adding to the many miscues of the day. Suddenly, the undefeated Hoosiers were no longer and hopes of a coveted playoff berth were in doubt. Would the 1-10 “Spoilermakers” somehow find a way to upset the heavily favored and 10th-ranked Hoosiers on a snowy day in Bloomington?
Purdue had won the last three of these rival games, with IU’s last victory in 2019. Covid won the 2020 battle! The largest margin of victory was 68-0 by the Boilermakers back in 1892, the second year of gridiron competition between the two schools. In fact, Purdue won the first six games, one by forfeit, following losses of 60-0, 68-0, and 64-0. It’s a wonder that the Hoosiers agreed to resume play after a two-year hiatus in 1895 and 1896. A 1903 Halloween contest was cancelled when 17 people were killed in a train crash while traveling to the game. Games were also missed in 1906, 1907, 1918, and 1919, but otherwise it’s been an annual affair encompassing 126 games with Purdue leading with links on the bucket 77-43-6.
The “Magic of 60” on the football field never happened again until 2004 in West Lafayette when Purdue dominated 63-24 and repeated the beating in 2008 with a 62-10 thrashing. The most I.U. had ever scored was 56 in 2013 until the 66-0 gem to end the 2024 regular season with an unprecedented 11-1 record under first year coach, Curt Cignetti. I.U. is now officially a football school!
I felt like I was in a Monopoly game yesterday and drew a Chance card that read, Go Back Three Spaces.” I woke up this morning after a restless night’s sleep to some dizziness and weight gainj. By fasting for the injection procedure, I obviously threw off my medication schedule. It was particularly noticeable in the shakiness of my hands. We also stopped at Arby’s after the surgery center so I could gorge myself on a celebratory Janocha Shake. Although, there wasn’t much to cheer about, and it only led to an unsettled stomach that added to the tossing and turning.
The cramp-like symptoms returned to my left leg and left me hobbled. Nurses helped me to the bathroom and car, but ice packs and rest did not resolve the pain. In fact, after leaning on my poor wife too many times for assistance, I had her bring “Sky Walker” out of retirement to get me around the house. She took over all the dog duties while I sat on my butt, ate more junk, and watched Yellowstone, Landman, Curse of Oak Island, and The Unbelievable. I’ll continue today with Gold Rush, Shrinking, and Before. We then have Thanksgiving dinner plans with my son and his family.
The good news is that I didn’t really need the walker this morning but there’s still a certain tightness/soreness in my leg and lower back. It can take up to three days for the steroids to work, although it has been known to provide immediate relief in some people. That is not the case for me, as I deal with the frustration of going back in time about eight months, following my open-heart surgery in January. The sciatica issues came on slowly after starting with these Charlie Horse-like cramps in my left calf and thigh. It has never affected my right side. At first, they thought it might be related to circulation, but MRI and Ultrasound tests have proven otherwise. Steroid tablets did not do the trick, but the first round of injections brought relief. The second round has hopefully only temporarily set me back.
On a humorous note, a friend sent a cartoon yesterday, with a family of generous pigs visiting a heart valve patient like me. It made me smile, with thoughts of the College World Series and the obnoxious Razorbacks with endless chants of soooooey! I woke up from being sedated to watching the I.U basketball team go down in flames. Unfortunately, it did not turn out to be a bad dream. They have a chance today to redeem themselves in the Bahamas, but the loss left an ugly scar on Coach Woodson’s team, who sadly took a step back in time, just like me. They too, may need an operation!
While hyped a bit on ‘roids, I also sent out a photo of the “No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In)” album done by the T-Bones back in 1964. It was available on E-Bay, while my copy is long lost. My dad brought it home from a recording session in NYC where he worked with the agency who produced this promotional piece for Alka-Seltzer. It featured the jingle, “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh What A Relief It Is.” It’s as appropriate for Thanksgiving as Alice’s Restaurant, two of my favorite Holiday songs. This will soon be followed by the movies “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” along with “Christmas Vacation,” to get me in the Holiday Spirit and well distracted from this disturbing “Step Back.”
The IU women came home to heal after a 56-46 loss at Butler’s famed Hinkle Fieldhouse. It was only the 4th time in coach Teri Moren’s tenure that they failed to score at least 50 points, plus the team committed 16-turnovers. It was a disappointing start to the season, after beating Brown in the opener but losing to Harvard in overtime, despite a 60-57 lead in regulation that should have been magical. They faced 4-0 Stanford at Assembly Hall, ranked 24th in the country with the #1 ranked offense. It was a tough assignment to dig out of a 1-2 hole, but the Hoosier women prevailed 79-66. There’s no place like home.
The I.U. men continued to win at home but sputtered in the process. The defense against UNC-Greensboro was stifling at the start, as the Hoosiers jumped out to a 21-5 bulge, but by halftime the Spartans had cut it to single digits with hot 3-point shooting and too many second chance shots. For some reason, IU could not get in position for offensive rebounds, allowing seventeen, despite a substantial size advantage. In shocking fashion, UNC-Greensboro went on to tie the game early in the second half at 40, while the home crowd went quiet.
We’ve seen these lulls in play over the past few years, as coach Woodson tinkers with the lineup. From the 11:07 mark to 5:04 left in the half, the Hoosiers were stuck on 21. Then, they only scored 5 points in the first five minutes of the second half and got stuck again on 45 before finally stretching the lead to over ten. At 7:56, they managed to get to sixty on a Myles Rice layup with an 11-point lead. The final score was 69-58.
Freshman Bryson Tucker was the star of this game with 14 second-half points, when he got his chance to play, although Myles Rice was the leading scorer with 20. Ronald Polite III led the Spartans with 17. IU was 5-19 from three-point range while UNC-Greensboro launched 32, but only 9 fell. Reneau, Mgbako, and Ballo each totaled nine points and Luke Goode finally hit a three. At least, the team was solid from the free throw line at 14-16 but there were fourteen turnovers.
Both the men and women head to the Bahamas, with the men’s first game against Louisville while the women start with 4-1 Columbia. The Bad Boy Mowers Battle for Atlantis is a mouth full and perhaps a bit sexist. The “Bad Girls” in the Bahamas may have an issue with the name. We’ll see who comes home with the hardware.
We are home for the holidays, with no plans for travel. Thanksgiving dinner will be at my son’s house and Christmas will likely be here. By that time, they will all be living in Plantation, Florida, with the exception of my grandson who will be with his mother in nearby Sarasota. We’re not expecting my wife’s daughters to visit until early January, so our next excursion won’t be until mid-month when we go to Orlando, and then we have house guests on-and-off through March, with a weekend in Key West. The world travelers are grounded for once – no long drives, flights, or cruises are planned. More importantly, no surgeries scheduled.
We’ll be stuck in our resort center for once, certainly as good as any Marriott Vacation Club. My Chair Yoga class will expand to two days a week, while my wife has already added an extra evening of tap. She will continue to teach school when they need help and maybe I’ll find a part-time gig. Her gardening, bridge, and aqua-fit activities will hopefully keep her mind off travel for a while. I’ve had enough of suitcases, delays, and tours, so I won’t miss being on the road. We need to take advantage of what we have here.
I’m beginning to heal after a long year of aches and pains. Being home is exactly what the doctor ordered. Maybe next year, I’ll feel differently, but this year I’m home for the holidays, extending to the next holidays.
I continue to enjoy the first pain-free week of this year, with just a touch of stiffness in my lower back. Chair Yoga was much more tolerable, although many of the poses are still not possible with my lack of flexibility. Hopefully, the additional injections next week in my lower back will be equally effective as those for my sciatica. I’m also encouraged that the Primidone prescription is reducing the shakiness and clumsiness in my hands. The keyboard isn’t as much of a challenge for my fingers this morning and I can use normal kitchen utensils, rather than the heavier ones, again when eating. The neurologist says that he will continue to slowly increase my dosage, providing that drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects don’t affect me. My life is gradually turning normal and I’m thankful.
It’s that time of year – Thanksgiving – and next week the Johnston family will be back together again. My grandson has been accepted to technical school and my son will soon be moving to the east coast of Florida to rejoin his wife and two daughters. This year’s meal will be the last time that all of us will be in place for a while. He’ll be changing jobs and renting out their home in the process. My daughter-in-law is in optometry school over there and has an apartment. They tried to make it work it two different cities, but it’s good that they are joining forces to raise the kids. Part of the difficulty has been my son’s son, who lives every other week with his mother in Sarasota, and commutes by bus to high school. With his graduation and a long overdue driver’s license, he may be moving to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to live with his grandmother, my ex-wife. It’s complicated!
By the time Turkey Day arrives this may all change. One thing that never changes is that IU will be playing Purdue that weekend in the annual Bucket Game. The Hoosiers are a heavy favorite and may even be a national title contender. The Ohio State game this weekend will determine if playing for the Old Oaken Bucket is just another game or a battle for the unimaginable undefeated season, with more to come. More importantly, will these additional steroid injections finally get me back to thinking about running again? It will be an eventful Thanksgiving weekend for both the Johnston family and the Hoosiers.
