My season is over...recovering now!

[Mike Bolin]

With my bi-lateral knee replacement scheduled for  Nov. 28, I decided that I was going to take the next ethical shot that was presented to me. Last Tuesday I was covered up with small deer so I shot a little "eatin' deer" for the freezer and I still had almost 2 weeks to kill a big buck! I'd seen 2 mature 8 points and a really nice 10 point and I was fired up!

I mentioned in previous posts that I was having a tough time either sitting or standing for any length of time because of my knee stiffness/pain. The pain is worse now because I had to quit taking my arthritis medicine 10 days before surgery. Had a pre-surgery "class" this morning where they explained all the different things that could postpone my surgery....open wounds, injuries to ankles and injuries to hands, shoulders, elbows. Anything that might cause infection or hinder my upper body from supporting my body weight.

I decided that I would only hunt from the ground so that I had less chance of doing something stupid and hurting myself. Set up in a deadfall this afternoon, really proud of myself for being so careful! After 2 1/2 hours of sitting motionless and even seeing a young buck and a doe I found that my knees were so stiff that I had to crawl over logs on the way out that I had stepped over on the way in. So, I am done for the year. Too close to surgery to mess it up now. Good year overall! Saw three really nice mature bucks and had a close encounter with one of them. Knees got me on that one too, but it's a long story! I will keep on hunting through you folks here on Trad Gang, so keep the reports coming in! Hunt hard, hunt safe!
Mike

[Friend]

May you get healed up soon and be ready for action.

[carbonflyr]

here's hoping for a quick complete recovery  

[fnshtr]

I have a replacement in my near future. Hang in there, heal quickly and thoroughly and be ready next season.

[Dry Creek]

Smart move to take care of your body!
Prayers for a speedy recovery!

[Ray Lyon]

If I lived closer I'd offer to keep your spots warm for you.  Good luck with the surgery.

[ron w]

My second knee [partial replacement] is on Dec. 5th. I'll keep you in my thoughts if you keep me in yours.......    If you are having that much trouble and pain you are doing the right thing.....trust me. Work hard on the rehab and you will be amazed at the results.....but it takes time. At least you had some action.....I have to even see a deer yet this year.

Hope everything goes well and you heal up fast and complete!

Bisch

[Basinboy]

Follow the Dr's orders and work hard in rehab. Your doing the right thing as hard as it is...
Best of luck to you!

[ranger 3]

I've had a partial and a friend had both knee replaced at the same time and recovered great.

Good luck

[abbatoys]

Best of luck..

[frank bullitt]

Best to you, Mike!

Pray that you heal quick, and you will be enjoying your family, friends, and shooting arrows that puts happiness in your life!

God bless!

[CRM_95]

Hope you have a quick, complete recovery!!

[Captain*Kirk]

Best of luck, Mike!

[achigan]

Hey Mike, glad you got some meat in the freezer!. Thoughts and prayers your way as you go under the knife.

[chris K.]

Sorry to hear that

[Yohon]

Best of Luck Mike, possible infection is the worst part of surgery like that, you get thru that part you'll be a happy woods walker again in no time!!!!    

[Bowwild]

I hope your surgery goes terrific. Everyone I've heard of that had knew replacement reported great results.

Congrats on the deer!

[SteveB]

Get my 2nd done Dec 12 - 1st was last year Dec 21. Couldn't have written a better recovery and fully expect this to be the same. Good luck with yours. Besides the PT appointments, stretch several times a day and ice a lot! Check out the Breg Polar Care machines - make icing a lot easier.

[Mike Bolin]

I have been keeping up with everything here pretty regularly and really enjoy the hunting posts since I am sidelined for awhile. Really miss shooting the bow too, but that should happen again before too long! My bi-lateral knee replacement surgery was Monday the 28th and I was released to go home on the 30th. For the most part things are going really well. I have in home therapy 5 days a week and go back to the doctor on Dec. 14. The therapist seems to be very pleased with my progress. Getting the bend back into my knees was a concern for me since I haven't had 90 degrees in either knee for a long time. They checked me yesterday at 92 degrees on the left knee and 97 degrees on the right knee and the goal was to be at 90 for both knees by my Dec. 14th doctors visit. I haven't heard any reports of much happening in the way of deer movement around here and although I hate it for my fellow hunters, it definitely softens the blow of not being able to get into the woods!