December-2023 Update Garry McGivern’s regular monthly update. Happy New Year, everybody. I was hoping to have got away on my bike in December. But there was no chance. Four days into the month, I got called into hospital for my first Carpal Tunnel operation. And have been unable to cycle since. But I’m allowed back on my bike in a few days. Although I have been out on my bike a couple of times. But I’ve been good and not cycled any distance.
Off To Hospital (again)
I got called into the hospital at short notice and had a bit of a scramble to organise things for Christmas. Not that I had too much to do (Christmas was at my daughter’s this year), but I didn’t know how I’d be after my op. Whether I could drive or cycle, and if I couldn’t, could I walk?
It was my left hand that was being operated on, and if I walk any distance, I have to use a crutch in that hand. It turned out that I wasn’t allowed to drive for two weeks. Or cycle for four. Although I have been out on my bike a couple of times. But only on short distances. It’s easier and puts less pressure on my hand when I cycle. But I have been good for the majority of the time and have been walking everywhere. Although I’ve probably been walking more than I should have, bearing in mind I put a lot of weight on my hand when walking.
The operation itself was straightforward, and I was able to look into the big hole the surgeon had made in my hand. I was surprised at the lack of any blood. There wasn’t any blood at all. And when the surgeon told me to wiggle my fingers, I could see the tendons moving. It was very strange.
Good News, Bad News
I had the results of the MRI scan on my lower back, which shows I have a slipped disc. I’d already guessed that myself. But because I take so many painkillers and nerve blockers, I’m not in any pain from it. And the doctor wasn’t concerned either. He was more concerned about my leg giving way and has linked it to my myelopathy. I’m not too sure if that’s good news or bad. On one hand, there’s nothing wrong with my lower back, apart from a slipped disc. But on the other hand, because he’s linked it to my myelopathy, things are deteriorating there.
While waiting in the hospital to get my MRI results, I couldn’t help hearing other people’s date of birth as they checked in. I was surprised at how old people looked who were ten years younger than me. I dread to think how old I must look to them!
How Old
I had my birthday in December, and I’m an old man of sixty now! Because of my operation, I was unable to go out for a birthday ride as I usually do. But I still went out with the family for a curry in the evening. One good thing about being sixty is that I now get free prescriptions. Maybe I could afford to retire now!?!
Well, 2023 was another bad year on the cycling front, with only two tours completed. It seems to get less each year. Both of which weren’t very long. And even if I add all my shorter rides in, I’ve cycled less than 4000 miles this year. And to be honest, 2024 isn’t looking much better. I’ve already got several hospital appointments booked for February. And, of course, I still have to visit the hospital every month for my DCM. But I remain optimistic and would like to think I’ll be spending a lot of time touring.
Thank you each and every one of you for all the support over the past twelve months. I wish you all a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year.
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Hello Garry, belated new year greetings! Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. I guess at least you’re getting the treatment you need although it would obviously be better not to need any treatment at all.
Sixty isn’t old. Sixty is the new forty, and I got you beat by three years anyway.
Best of luck with everything and I hope you’re able to get back out on your bike at some point in the not too distant future. I ‘m sure there are a couple more fords out there you could fall in yet!
Best wishes, Mike.
Hi Mike, Happy New Year to you and yours, too. Haha, ongoing problems seem to be par for the course these days. But they are what they are, and I’m in good hands with the NHS.
Dam right, sixty isn’t old, although I do wonder where the past sixty years went!
I’m Officially allowed back on my bike today. But looking at today’s weather forecast, I don’t think I’ll be going too far. And thankfully, we don’t have any fords around here.