Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Surgery over the winter

Hi friends -
Here's the latest:

I visited with my GP last week with good results.  My doctor is so pleased with my physical condition and lab results that he has taken me off all regular meds.  My numbers are all normal and my weight loss is stable at minus 25 pounds.  He says I have the physical shape of a 45 year old.  Not bad for 60, right?  Except for my feet that is.

I met with my podiatrist yesterday and he agrees that surgery is the final solution to the bone protrusions on the backs of my heels.  But, he won't do them both on the same day.  First the right foot, followed by 3 weeks immobile and 3 weeks in a boot, followed by physical therapy.  Once the 6 weeks have past, we will do the left foot, followed by the same 3/3/PT pattern.  This will get it all done by the end of the year and let me have 5 full months to get back into shape for the second 1,000 miles of the AT starting in May.

We haven't set the date yet but it will be in two or three weeks.  In the meantime I have a short window to do some more traveling and visiting family and friends before I am down for a while.  The good news with being laid up is the chance to do some photo editing and posting my pictures and videos of the trail on the blog. That will keep me busy for a while.  Then there's my book - a civil war ghost story - that I have started a dozen times before.  Maybe I can get it out of my head and onto the computer.

Have you seen the movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen?  It's about the Camino de Santiago that goes from France to near the coast of northern Spain.  It's on my list of things to do in 2014.  Anybody want to join me?  It's easier and shorter than the AT and an inexpensive way to see Europe.  Check it out - I would welcome the company if anyone is seriously interested.

That's it for now - time to hit the road for Knoxville.

Happy trails,

Bob Ziegler
(Six-Six on the AT)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would love to do the Camino de Santiago hike but I don't think that my job (or Jason) would give me that kind of time off. Maybe one day. :)
Christy

Anonymous said...

Hi Bob,
thanks for sharing your adventure - the good and the bad - with us.
Depending on my job, I'll hiking the AT in 2014 myself. But there is a real chance that I have to postpone it. So maybe I have time to join you at least for a section of the Camino. But one thing: It starts not only in France but has a couple of starting points in Germany and even in Poland, Austria and other countries. Just if you want to stretch the hike... :-)
So, I wish you good luck for your surgeries!
Best wishes from Germany
sunflower

Lee said...

Bob,

We'll be sending good thoughts your way during the surgeries! Hope you can get back on that trail in '13. You seem "right at home" there and I know you miss it. Lee J

Dana S. said...

Hello 66!! Can't believe all the hard stuff you have been dealt with!! Pep, Lucky Charm, Tantrum, Slingblade, Gerber, and Free have all summited now!! Soon Atombomb and Ultimatum (next couple of days!) will also summit!! I hope your time at home is good. We love and Miss you!!

Dana aka Lucky Charm

Dana said...

P.S. I would love to send you our summit pictures!! Send me your email please! :)