August 2014: Turning Over A New Leaf

[Sweder]

The verdict is in. My unfeasibly wealthy consultant, an eminent man in the field of knees, resplendent in expensive shirt, sparkling cufflinks and smooth italian silk tie, has prodded, poked and pronounced.

I have David Beckham's legs.*

Right now I'm preparing for the onslaught once word gets out. I'm hunkered down in the swanky lobby of the Montefiore Hospital in Hove, waiting for the throng of Yummy Mummies to lay siege. It can only be a matter of time.

Meanwhile, my MRI is booked for Thursday lunchtime, the results of that expected next week. My relief is palpable. Most of the pain is coming from tightness caused by residual fluid loitering above the knee. My ACL is fine. I've lost 5 to 10% of muscle around the knee (based on how the other, unaffected Knobble sits). The problem, whatever it turns out to be, can be fixed by either a steroid injection or telescopic fiddling.

Now then, time to shape up. There's plenty of prep work to be done for an expected return to running, not least weight management. A return to prohibition (no bread, no beer, minimal spuds and pasta) coupled with daily fat-burning exercise. Last weekend's trip to the Dark Star brewery at Partridge Green, a triumph of ale indulgence and revelry amongst the Brighton Runneratti, turns out to have been a fond farewell to the amber nectar. Happy days. I shall reward myself for good behaviour with one weekly bottle of my new favourite beer, Hylder Blonde, a seasonal special from Dark Star. It is exceptional.

   

* literally not his legs. Mine are 'slightly bowed', but he used that name so I'm having that.

[Seafront Plodder]

Good news!

Just be thankful you don't have his gobby stick wife though....

[El Gordo]

I'm not sure why the financial status of your consultant should seem so infeasible if he is accustomed to treating Beckham-category luminaries such as your good self.

But sounds promising. It always feels good to push the boundary of carnal knowledge -- as it were -- a little further.

Good luck with the ballast burning. I've stolen a 65-day march on you in the quest for the body beautiful. Main weapon has been no alcohol, which automatically eliminates a lot of dietary crap like crisps, nuts, cheese etc, but I've not eliminated too many categories as a matter of policy. As I feel healthier I naturally eat less starchy stuff. It's slow and steady for me, with about 18 pounds to show for my efforts.

I was in Baden-Baden again at the weekend -- second visit in 2 weeks. This time I took M with me, as I am mad keen to buy an apartment there to retire into at the appropriate point -- and her cooperation in seeing this project through would be somewhat handy, to say the least.

It's a glorious town, and I marked it with a visit to the MBT shop to buy a pair of those rocky shoes. I've tried some Skechers over a long period, which use the same principle of enforced instability. Gimmicky? Not sure, but I prefer to think not. I actually started looking at these shoes ages ago, following a chat about my calf problems with Julie in Almeria. She recommended Fitflops, which I couldn't find, so I settled for a pair of Skechers, followed, finally with the heavy duty MBTs. Do they work? Who knows, but along with the Chi running adjustments, my calf problems seem to have vanished.

I envy you your ability to enjoy the odd bottle of beer (if indeed you can). I learnt long ago that I am too weak of mind to allow myself such apportioned treats. All or nothing, as my wife delights in reminding me. So at the moment it's nothing, and with not even a faint desire to stray back over the line. Mind you, when sampling a range of Black Forest gateau over the weekend (yes, I know...) I thought more than once that a decent Spätlese or something even more unctuous would have been just the thing.

Hurrah!

[The Beast of Bevendean]

Baden-Baden, eh? Dostoevsky didn't enjoy it so much, but then he didn't have the benefit of MBT shoes.
I'm speculating about the identity of your consultant, Sweder, as Trauma and Orthopaedics are one of my departments. Sounds as if he knows his onions.

[Charliecat5]

Now then, time to shape up. There's plenty of prep work to be done for an expected return to running, not least weight management. A return to prohibition (no bread, no beer, minimal spuds and pasta) coupled with daily fat-burning exercise.

I am about to head to France for a two week holiday, and whilst the running shoes will be going with me, it is not the time for cutting out the alcohol, easing back le pain or dumping the pasta. However, on my return, it is time to get the house in order... so I am with you. As we move from summer to autumn our respective games need to be raised, the weight shifted, the head mentally drawn into the right place and the miles run and/or the rubber rolled.

HEAR ME YOU RELENTLESS HILLS, HEAR ME YOU FLINTS O' UNDERFOOT... YOU ARE PUTTY TO OUR FEET, YOU MAY PUSH AND YOU MAY SHOV, BUT WE'RE HEMMED IF WE'LL BE DRUV.

[El Gordo]

Baden-Baden, eh? Dostoevsky didn't enjoy it so much, but then he didn't have the benefit of MBT shoes.

Dostoyevsky? Crikey, one of my heroes. Wikipedia tells me he wrote The Gambler there while spending much time at the magnificent Casino, below which we were parked yesterday. Not sure about the source of his dissatisfaction, but a large number of his countrymen are on the scene, hoping for better luck.

[Sweder]

Tom, the chap's name is Robin Turner. I'd say he knows a good deal about all manner of root vegetables, not to mention his Meniscii from his Metatarsals. I remarked on his apparent fiscal fortitude because he did look a million dollars. I suppose most well-healed private patients would balk at the sight of their man swathed in robes from Primark.

He shot me a withering look at the mention of impromtu football being thencause of my malaise. I assured him my Roy of the Rover days were behind me. He nodded sagely, as if to say 'damn right they are'.

[El Gordo]

Is the knee problem linked to the tight hamstring problem you've had for years? I lose track of who is suffering from what.

But good luck with the MRI. When I did my back in last September, a couple of well-aimed, if murderously painful, steroid injections did the trick very nicely.

[marathondan]

Dostoyevsky? Crikey, one of my heroes. Wikipedia tells me he wrote The Gambler there while spending much time at the magnificent Casino, below which we were parked yesterday.

I thought it was Kenny Rogers?

[Sweder]

Is the knee problem linked to the tight hamstring problem you've had for years? I lose track of who is suffering from what.

No, unquestionably the result of middle-aged dumbass behaviour on the football field. Hammies have been alright for the past year or so.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Dostoyevsky? Crikey, one of my heroes. Wikipedia tells me he wrote The Gambler there while spending much time at the magnificent Casino, below which we were parked yesterday.

I thought it was Kenny Rogers?

That's what I thought. We must listen to different jukeboxes than our learned colleague...

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Best of luck mate...

[Sweder]

Wonderful!

[Antonio247]

Hope the surgery has been a success and you can go back to training soon, S!

[Seafront Plodder]

Yesterday it fell to me to do my RC duty and study the Sweder knee in some detail, watching him as I did scuttle between the barbie, kitchen and keg of Hylder Blonde.

He and Mrs S were holding one of their legendary summer BBQ bashes, and from my viewpoint (next to the keg) I am pleased to say that he didn't seem to be too hindered. In fact, the more beer he consumed the more sprightly the old crock became.

I don't doubt that some injection or gouging is necessary, but from what I witnessed news of his demise is somewhat exaggerated.

Great afternoon mate.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Yesterday it fell to me to do my RC duty and study the Sweder knee in some detail, watching him as I did scuttle between the barbie, kitchen and keg of Hylder Blonde.

He and Mrs S were holding one of their legendary summer BBQ bashes, and from my viewpoint (next to the keg) I am pleased to say that he didn't seem to be too hindered. In fact, the more beer he consumed the more sprightly the old crock became.

I don't doubt that some injection or gouging is necessary, but from what I witnessed news of his demise is somewhat exaggerated.

Great afternoon mate.

Photos?

[Sweder]

Short update. Due to visit hospital on Friday for briefing and possible injection/ minor op. However work being as manic as it is I may have to defer to next week (though that looks no better from here). No running of any note for over a month is taking its toll. I may need a mobility scooter before long ...

[Charliecat5]

Short update. Due to visit hospital on Friday for briefing and possible injection/ minor op. However work being as manic as it is I may have to defer to next week (though that looks no better from here). No running of any note for over a month is taking its toll. I may need a mobility scooter before long ...

Once your bionic implants have been inserted, how long before you will be hitting the trails again? I need knocking back into shape...

   

[Sweder]

Letter from the Doc post-MRI
Meniscal tear and possible damage to the medial tibia plateau.
'Make an appointment to discuss your options'

Sounds a lot like surgery to me.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Sounds a lot like surgery to me.

...or lawn bowls.

[shudder]