Thanks guys! Amputation went great, feeling better today.

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:37 pm

Things are going better this morning. This is going to be a long process and I knew it going in, I just didnt realize how much things can change from hour to hour! For those that dont know I had my right leg amputated below the knee on thursday about 5-6:00 pm. The recovery room was a nightmare as they sometimes can be, my nerve block was "not successful" which means it really hurt when I woke up!

By friday afternoon, they had me going up and down stairs, and walking back to my room on crutches. I'm an old pro on these but it was still a little scary with no margin for a slip up. Landing on a fresh stump would be a no-no.

My nurses were awesome and one even said I was her best patient ever! It must have been her first day! My "roommate" on the other hand, made me want to get out of the hospital as quickly as possible. I was afraid of catching whatever it was he had and wanted out pronto. As it was I was only supposed to stay one night but because my surgery was so late on thursday, I had to stay till at least saturday.

I recently set myself up with a downstairs bedroom and everything was going to plan until later on saturday. My pain meds were not working and I thought I would have to go back in. It hurt as much as it did in the recovery room. It was blinding. We got the doc on the phone and upped all the meds and the schedule so that wouldnt happen again. So this morning I have been feeling much better and I've already started cutting back, just more slowly this time. For whatever reason these meds do not make me feel good or happy, just dopier than usual. Not having good balance isnt helpful but I'll be just as careful not to cut back too quickly after saturdays episode.

Sorry for the long read but I wanted to let you guys know where I'm at. I feel really good about this operation and my future as well. Theres a damn good chance I'll be walking better than I have in 26 years. I was going downhill fast and the decision became much easier for me. I plan on keeping at least one F around always, but I also am looking for a little hobby car as well.

My wife Missy is something special and has been unreal throughout all this. I dont think I could have made this decision without knowing she was there to back me up. She's a good one and I am damn lucky to have her.

Thanks for the good wishes, this site is amazing in so many ways. My wife was shocked when I got a call from someone who I had never met or spoken to, and who lived in another country, wishing me well. You guys are pretty special yourselves. Thanks again and I'll be riding again before you know it. Very Happy

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:50 pm

You go Larry and if there's anything you need, let us know.

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:53 pm

Larry, Glad to here all is well sounds like you have a great positive atitude torward this whole thing .

That is the most important thing in a recovery situation best of luck and a speedy recovery.

PS sounds like your wife is one hell of a women you got great support right by your side and out here around the world

get well

Spike

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:54 pm

That's great news, Larry thanks for the update! Very Happy

5 of us were all at Peter's (PGSmick, SESmick, SlyG, DT900F & Pointdiver) yesterday and we were channeling good thoughts to you.
Your 11F engine is still safe and sound BTW, it looks nicely painted too, let us know when your up for vistors!

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:00 pm

Boy you sure work fast Larry.
Great to hear the meds are getting sorted out. Remember, if you have any left over there is big profit to made on them.
Support from family and friends-priceless.

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:06 pm

Great to hear the good news of recovery Larry. Damn glad your home, I hate hospitals.

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 7:35 pm

it-s great to hear these good news, hope you heal well and fast,

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:09 pm

Hey Larry - I don't know you but I sure hope you heal up fast and well.

All the best mate

Martin

ps: the wise words of Wavy Gravy sprung into my head for some reason

"Stay cool, calm, collected - and crazy"

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:13 pm

Get well soon Larry. Have a Speedy recovery

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:33 pm

all the best to you and your wife

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:18 pm

Larry, best wishes for a speedy recovery. Let us know when you are ready to ride.

Tom

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:39 pm

Get well quick Larry.

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:02 am

...are we looking at an F with a side car projeKt, or are you thinking of trying it on two wheels with a prosthetic limb?

I had an aquiantence that was an amputee below the knee that went into building prosthetics - he rode a Harley. His nickname was sidecar. Not because his bike had a sidecar - because he did.

Good luck

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:31 am

You're truly an inspiration Larry. Doubt if i could be as positive as you are under the circumstances. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a quick return to the road.

Rick

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:36 am

Best of luck Larry!! I think we all have to put or minds to work on how an F can be modified for Larry to ride. Who needs the rear brake anyhow?

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:40 am

GO GET EM LARRY!!!!!! Cool

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:41 am

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, I have worked in the Orthotic and Prosthetic field for over 20 years and i know you will be amazed with what a good Prosthetist and a good Prosthesis will do for you. You will be riding again soon!!!

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:08 am

Jeff and I are available to keep your scooters exercised. Very Happy

Get well brother.
Missy IS the thermonuclear bomb. So, are Sid and I figuring out a forward control for that side?

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:45 am

Best wishes for a quick recovery larry. Hang in there man

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:50 am

I had no idea.

Good luck Larry, get well soon. Nobody should ever doubt you courage again.

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:25 am

Get well soon Larry. Glad to hear you have a great support network.
Cheers
Jeff

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:41 am

Jeez, you miss a few days on this forum, you miss a lot. Best wishes Larry! You seem to be handling this challenge with a lot of positive energy. If you need anything or whatever, remember I am 15 minutes away. (or like Mark said, if any of the herd needs exercise)

These Docs are so paranoid about overprescribing pain meds that you really have to push them at times. Glad you did. There is nothing to be gained for suffering.

I am glad to hear you are making such good progress! Hang in there!
-Jeff

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 3:06 am

Larry, everybody else has stolen all the good lines, so just read them all again, and know that they come from me, too, here in New Mexico. Hope we get a chance to meet someday, sounds like I'd like to party with you, cowboy! Ride safely (when you get back out there), and keep us posted on your progress, please. All the best to Missy, as well!

Rick

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 4:42 am

Larry,

Sure good to hear you now are on the road to better days. Your post was very inspirational and courageous.

I sure hope you have a speedy recovery without any complications.

Dave

Hawk Joined: Oct 07, 2008 Posts: 463 Location: Chino, CA

Sorry to hear this Larry, but I'm happy that your recovery is going well!

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 4:50 am

Here's hoping for a smooth recovery Larry!

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:26 am

heal quickly my friend.

ian

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:13 am

Best wishes for the future for both you and your wife.Good to hear you're so positive with the situation.

Once again all the best.

Cheers

Col.

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:47 am

You can't keep a good man down. All the best of wishes Larry… I'm having good thoughts for you.

Wink

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:27 am

Larry, Good luck and speedy recovery! How about an F project something like those Bombadier things? Doc