Alan Bows Out of Cycling (for now)

[aj1152]

Because of my lower back problems, I've decided that I'm not going to ride until Saturday, April 21. This really isn't a big deal for most people, but for me it will be a drastic change in lifestyle.

So. Not riding has made me realize that I really need to find a substitute that will be like riding, but not riding. Therefore, my new hobby needs to be:

• Highly addicting
  
• An expensive habit to maintain
  
• Potentially destructive to my marriage and my relationship with my loved ones
  
• Makes the body look skinny and/or anemic
  

I think getting hooked on heroin fits that bill pretty well.

Scary.

While not riding, I am still available for beer drinking, yelling at oncoming traffic, and lounging around bike shopping sticking my nose where it don't belong.

Peace out,

Alan

[Wrench Goode]

Well Sorry to hear it, However you sorta started to approach that fine line when we (guys you ride with) had no option but to say " Hey JackAss your back might get better if you take some days off!!!" But lucky for us, either your wife or your Doc told you first. d**n good thing too, we did not want to hurt your feelings But would have. I'd have to say not to touch that heroin stuff but look to Scuba, Flying and or Sailing all contain the things you'll be lacking for a few days! See ya for beers on Tuesday?

[exwrench67]

Hey Alan, sorry you are feeling so badly... I wanted to thank you for naming a ride after me on bikely the, "Holz Surprise" ride - I feel so special. Hope you back gets better, you are too young to be too broken yet.

Holz

[aj1152]

Thanks to all of the gracious "get wells" that I've recieved via email and at rides and races. I know that June (or July) will be here before I know it, but in the meantime it seems like an eternity. Keep on keepin' on. See you at the races!

Alan

[Pat S]

Hey Alan,

It was good to see you on Tuesday. I forgot to mention that you still look really anemic and if I do say so, it's a good look for you. I usually don't say that to people and hardly ever to another guy, but I'm going out on a limb here in hopes that it will cheer you up. Hang in there!

Pat

[Visitor]

Alan, so that was your slightly anemic frame at the start line yesterday. I was riding past you on my way home. ( guy with the back pack, hungry and late for dinner)
You may want to try my remedy. Hanging upside down, acupuncture, physical therapy, and a constant diet of nsaids.
Something seemed to work, but with my shotgun approach, I really can't determine which one worked. Try it all! good luck.

Peter

[aj1152]

Right now, this is my treatment plan:
Physical therapy twice a week, mostly to learn new stretches and traction
Some anti-inflamitory meds
Some anti-pain meds
Had my first cortizone shot on Tuesday (doing pretty well)
Lots of stretching
Lots of attention to posture
Swimming 4 days a week to stretch out
Possibly acupunture

Tentative date to return to the bike: June 10-20. Yikes, that's a long time...

Thanks for the support from everyone!

Alan

[aj1152]

Update on my back, in no particular order:

- I've been tossed from physical therapy. My PT instructor told me that we should have seen progress by now and we haven't.
- I've had another corizone shot. That makes 2 in 2 months. I've got another one sheduled for the end of the month
- I walk with a limp because my nerve is really pinched and it won't let my calf muscle loosen up.
- I have numb leg and foot and tingling in my foot all of the time. It feels like I'm walking on rocks with my shoes off. Ouch.
- I've started acupuncture. Did you know they stick needles in your ear to help cure back pain? I didn't either.
- I'm considering surgery if a month of acupuncture doesn't help.

Tentative date of return: ?...

Thanks again for all of the support. Even if I'm not out there ride, you can still call me for a beer, you know...

Alan

[sean]

Hope you're out an about sooner than later...those needles can do wonders.

BTW, I'm feeling your pain, sort of. I busted my hip at the Leavenworth race, and I am out for 6-8 weeks. Nothing worse than not being able to walk and watching the summer go by...

take care-

[Mike S]

sean said:

Hope you're out an about sooner than later...those needles can do wonders.

BTW, I'm feeling your pain, sort of. I busted my hip at the Leavenworth race, and I am out for 6-8 weeks. Nothing worse than not being able to walk and watching the summer go by...

take care-

Well that pretty much blows. It's no fun being a gimp. Hope both of you are back in action soon.