LUCKY ME

As luck would have it...









Surgery WILL NOT be necessary.

My second visit to the neurosurgeon was full of trepidation. Would I need surgery due to this recent flare-up? What effect will it have on me for life? I hear the good and the bad. Homeopathic alternatives? Chiropractor? NOT! Orthopedist? Massage therapy? Decisions to ponder and weigh. I am looking into acupuncture.

Before the appointment, I wanted to grab a bite to eat at Taco Bell. I walked in and walked right back out. I was starting to get those agoraphobic feelings for some inexplicable reason. I just wasn't hungry.

I went in for my appointment at 3:00 p.m. I explained to the neurosurgeon the events that landed me back in his office. The dates, what I was doing at the time of the flare ups, the feelings, the pain, Tramadol, Vicodin, Flexeril, Ibuprofen 800, the emergency room visit.

I told him I was currently feeling no discomfort and told him I even went on a couple of short hikes with no problems. I also told him I haven't been on the bike for well over a year. One of these days this year that will change.

I did tell him I was trailrunning and jogging on surface streets. He advised me NOT to run on concrete or asphalt. Point noted and taken. Jogging bad. Trailrunning good? That leaves that door open just so ever slightly.

He performed a few flexion and extension tests on my legs and feet. Tested my reflexes. My left leg didn't even twitch when he tapped my left knee. The right knee was fine.

His advice was to continue with my hiking, but know my limitations and use sound judgment. He said surgery WOULD NOT be necessary unless the pain returns and does not go away or there is no strength in my legs. As far as the numbness in my left leg and right toes, I would have to deal with that for the rest of my life.

With this "switchback" out of the way, I can proceed with my plans to re-visit Whitney once more. Mt. Rainier is out of the picture again for now. It will always be there provided it doesn't explode like Mt. St. Helens.

WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLER

This Western Diamondback rattlesnake (crotelus atrox) was recently killed at a water treatment facility between Diamond Bar and Chino Hills.


This "freak of nature" measured 9 feet 1 inch long and weighed a hefty 97 pounds. "Normally" rattlesnakes of this species grow to 7 feet.

Something in the water? Doubt it. However, with a water source nearby I am sure this rattlesnake had plenty of vermin to feast on.

MRI UPDATE

The MRI went without a hitch except for one thing...I was denied music to listen to during my 20 minute magnetism. I was provided earplugs to silence the pinging, ponging, whirring...The agony of it all.

I told the technician that I will never ever rip Mozart again.

Me and my big mouth.

I probably won't know the results of the MRI before my scheduled visit to the neurosurgeon. Guess I will hear all about it when I get there and go over the findings with him.