Wearin' out!

[grandpa paddler]

Had a 2nd visit with an orthopedic surgeon today. I've had degenerative arthritis in the cervical area of my spine for several years and now one of the discs has deteriorated to the point it has to be replaced. Doc says it's a simple and safe procedure but he has to slit my throat to get to it. Doesn't sound so simple to me!

This getting old crap sure ain't for sissies!

 

[Kayak Jack]

Jon, one of us could do the throat slitting part for you. $5, maybe $6 bucks? (Plus travel expenses).

Seriously, best of luck on this, Jon.

 

[doc]

Hey Gramps,
Just sharpened all my cutting tools and for the going rate of $5 could do the slitting with minimal scarring. For $6 I could make it look like a bullet hole and, coupled with the right "story", the scar could make you a legend around the campfire for years to come! I do hope it all goes well for you.
Doc

 

[Kayak Jack]

Thanks, Doc. I just don't see how he could go wrong with help like this, from guys like us.

 

[Wannabe]

Like the old saying goes, With friends like these,------------------! :shock: :shock:
Bob

 

[oldsparkey]

Yep... Getting old is so much fun. :twisted:

 

[Kayak Jack]

I think that, with a seasoned disk - burn on some high temp oil, as done with stainless steel skillets - and about half a roll of duct tape, we could fix him right up. Less than ten bucks. Bouquets of posies extra, of course.

 

[doc]

Use that camo duct tape and the repaired disc becomes invisible!

 

[grandpa paddler]

Thanks guys. I'm truly touched by your generous offers to help me out. :roll:

 

[Kayak Jack]

Good idea!

Uhhh, wait. The camo tape would be on the OUTSIDE, right? Cause, the disk is already on the inside. I think. Though, hell, knowing Jon, he might wanna flaunt something new on the outside some. Parties n all, ya know.

Doc, can you tie camo duct tape into a bow tie?

 

[FrankAS]

AAHH! The golden years, aren't they GRAND?

 

[Wannabe]

Anybody know how Grandpa's procedure went?
Bob

 

[Kayak Jack]

Couldn't have been too brutal. He's going an a trip to the Adirondacks with his granddaughter.

 

[grandpa paddler]

Anybody know how Grandpa's procedure went?
Bob

Procedure itself went well. The severe pain was gone when I woke up. Still have an occasional nagging ache once in a while but it's something I can endure. Recovery is taking longer than I anticipated. Still have not regained full dexterity in my right hand and fingers or strength in my right arm. Surgeon tells me that because of the nerve damage in my neck, could be 2 years and maybe only 80-90% usage. The 80-90% I can accept, but I may be dead in 2 years :shock:

I still have a 30# lifting limit and all 4 of my canoes weigh more than that. Fortunately, the 3 trips I have scheduled before my next visit with the surgeon don't require portages/carries and my son and the guys I'll be with have graciously offered to do my heavy lifting (great friends ). I just have to drive, haul the canoe trailer, and feed them my DO lasagna with DO cobbler for dessert (fair exchange).

I appreciate you asking, Bob.

Jack, you ready for the AuSable trip?

 

[Kayak Jack]

Hey, Jon. I'm packed and ready. Been practicing falling in. Since you're going elsewhere this year, I have to do upset training all by myself. ;-)