Surgery It Is, What a Bummer *UPDATE*

Well I went to the orthopedist at the VA and he is now sending me to the orthopedic surgeon at Tripler to have surgery.  I asked him if I could run HURT 100 and he said that I could do permanent damage.  He also said that the injury is probably going to be chronic and that I might not have many years left running like I do.  He said to take up swimming (I think he was trying to lighten up the mood).  The surgeon is supposed to call me within a week to schedule an appointment.  I also have some floating cartilage.  I have had surgery on the same knee before and reinjured it a few times in  the army.  So I have a service connected disability percentage on it and that might bump me up to the front of the line for surgery.  On a lighter note I will still be out at HURT to use my volunteering capabilities and seeing all you run.  I am really bummed that I worked my butt off all year for HURT '09 and it was going to be my year then I stubbornly pushed through the pain that I felt in my knee and kept running.  Live and Learn.  I am already planning on my next 100 mile attempt next September, Angeles Crest 100;)  Guess I really didn't "learn".  Thanks everyone for their concern now I am going to call PJ to let her know and then it might really sink in.  Jah Bless.  See you at the Aid Stations.  Devon.

Comments

[Huffer]

Devon,

Sorry to hear of this. Take your time in your comeback. Go take a look at Mikem's "Speed Racer" post. Take it easy in recovery. The trail will still be there tomorrow.

Huffer

[CancerRunner]

Duct tape and Ibuprofen dude! Take care and be smart on the comeback.

[Rob]

I'm so sorry to hear that! We've all been very impressed with the amount of work you've been putting in this year. I really hope everything ends up well.

-Rob

[Mikem]

Devon,

Its bad news and I am deeply sorry to hear this.

Surgery and 100 milers don't really mix that well. I think you will have to opt into the walkers catagory for the long term. You can finish a 100 walking, but it takes a different kind of effort.

Right now you need to concentrate on dealing with the reality of multiple surgery's to your knee and what it means to you, and your family. It is serious stuff. 'Learning' is not the issue here, walking around for the next seventy years maybe.

I hope this all works out for you.

Aloha, mike

[Jeff Fong]

Great job Devon...wondering why haven't seen you in a while on the trail. Hope you recover soon (without surgery)and all is well!

[Paul Sibley]

Congrats Devon, and hope you are better soon. Maybe get some shoes with those cool wheels that all the kids are using! That would be sweet!