[What/How Did You Practice Today?]

Sat down w my Skillest coach over zoom and hashed out a "winter" plan.  For now it does not involve speed - thought that may be added later.  (there goes my entry in the speed contest...). We are working at improving the swing and posture to improve contact before adding speed.

Three night a week in my hotel room I have three tasks... 1) involves my head against a wall and "swinging" with an elastic band held down by my lead foot to ingrain keeping a proper spine angle and stretch in the backswing without coming out of the spine angle; 2) swinging a club with my TourAim on the ground a stick at an angle to prevent an inside takeaway; 3) finishing off with 100 three foot putts. 

[2023 Evnroll V Series Putter Lineup]

12 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

This is what makes me nervous about any of the various dark finishes on club heads and shafts.  Those kind of wear marks make @GolfSpy_APHget all weak in the knees.... and has my OCD going into hyper-tacacardia 

The correct alphabetical order is CDO…

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Six Weeks Post Op

”If you are headed some place warm for the holidays you can take your clubs” said the Doctor.  “Your body isn’t ready to make a full turn yet,” he said while mimicking a very upright swing in the exam room rising up on his front toes, “and your left heel is going to come off the ground, but you won’t hurt yourself.  It’s not like you are going to be swinging as hard as Tiger Woods.”  

Apparently he doesn’t know about the MGS Speed Challenge…

So, that’s the good news.  Lifting restrictions have been lifted, so I can start carrying the laundry basket upstairs again.  But still no snow shoveling.

I can get back on the elliptical - but at a low resistance level.

The bad - lots of limits on trying to return to my yoga practice - no extension of my involved leg for three months.  So a downward dog is ok, but not an upward dog.  A warrior one or two is ok if the involved leg is the one in front bent 90*; but not if it’s the back leg extending out.  So gotta be patient.  
 

It’s easier to be patient about the golf - I’m watching the now fall with a -45 windchill, and my ceiling is too low to swing inside until I get to my hotel (home away from home) in mid January.  Being patient about other exercises and yoga is more challenging.  But I’m trying.  

 

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

9 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

Glad to hear that you are progressing.  DON'T overdo it!!  You will have lots of time the rest of this winter to start exercising.

A big snowstorm is headed your way; maybe 3 feet!  You know that you can hire people to shovel.  Call someone; don't let SWMBO do it!!

Oh trust me, I hired someone w a plow well before I went under the knife.  I enjoy being married...

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Five Weeks Post Op

Im still fighting an infection - this weekend the Doc switched antibiotics and I think I’ve seen an improvement already. This is the one thing I’ve been most concerned about - infections can spread and that’d be bad.  I’ve just got a spot along the incision line that does not want to close up and heal.  I’ve always been a slow healer when it comes to skin issues but this is getting annoying.   But most folks aren’t going to get an infection, and the purpose of this thread is to memorialize for someone else about to go down this road what to expect.  So…

Exactly at the four week post op mark was the last day I used my ice packs. Had a three hour drive for work and I like using them during that time. A few days later I had the same three hour drive home and forgot to use them. So doing ok. 

Four weeks and three days I stopped taking the Tylenol.  Did not feel a need for it and I don’t notice a difference without it.  So other than the antibiotic I’m only taking celebrex as an anti inflammatory.

My biggest challenges are siting for long periods - just get uncomfortable as the incision goes right up to the bend point at the waist. And I like to cross my legs and I’m not supposed to, yet, cross my involved leg over the uninvolved leg. I’m trying very hard to be a good boy about all this.  Which brings me to the other big challenge - lack of exercise. Walking and the approved mobility exercises just isn’t enough for me, but again, I’m behaving. Also going stir crazy…. I really want to lay on the floor and do some rotational stretches or exercises, but am waiting for approval - hopefully next week.  So I definitely chose the right time of year for this as there is snow on the ground anyway - and I’m not allowed to scoop any of it. 

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Three Weeks & Four Days Post Op

Felt like I had a three putt this week - figuratively speaking. Two quarter sized pinkish/red spots developed along the incision and a little discharge.  Exchanging emails with pictures on a daily basis with my doc, and he put me on an antibiotic.  He doesn't seem too concerned, as I asked if there was any problem leaving town next week for a full week away for work. 

But other than that, feeling good.  Not using the cane at all - except when I went for a walk on the street as we were expecting snow.  Made the 8 hour drive to Chicago over Thanksgiving to see my kids - stopped every hour to get out and walk.  Was sore, but we made it.  Who knows, that may have something to do with the infection/inflamation above. 

Sleeping is getting better - but as a side sleeper it still isn't the best.  The incision is on my preferred sleeping side, and I'm trying not to.  Zero pain, its just more of a soreness or a deep ache in two places - my glute, and more around the groin area. 

The biggest challenge is "no lifting" - SheWhoMustBeObeyed wouldn't even let me take out the trash bins last night... thought I did lift a suitcase on Wednesday when she wasn't around...  Because I feel no real pain I want to do more. So its much more of a mental challenge.

Went to see my podiatrist this week - I've had custom orthotics for over twenty years, and use a heel lift.  I wanted to see if he thought we needed to make any changes.  He said I needed more time until we make that decision.  He knows I'm a golf nut and wants me to actually swing a club.  He is wondering how well I will be able to pivot around that left/lead leg.  He said I may be wanting to flare that foot out a bit more, and there may be some things to do with the orthotics.  So will be going back in the spring.  In the meantime the heel lifts are out. 

[Looking for a push cart?]

I’ve also got the BagBoy Quad XL and really like it. It folds up pretty compact. (The store actually let me take it out and put it in my truck to see…) I went w the four wheeler because I am often on side hills, and it’s not going to turn and go down on its own.  Just thought it was more stable.  What I have come to reallly like is the little pouch that hangs under the “handle bar” where I can shove stuff like balls, a pull over, etc; and the “dashboard” on top that flips open to hold extra scorecards, tees, etc. And of course the all important drink holder.  it folds up small enough that they sell a bag you can put it in - which I highly recommend. Keep those grass clippings from spreading all over the trunk of your car. 

[Paying Extra For Club Members To Walk]

Is yours the Reese Jones course?  Played their over Christmas break last winter…

Anyway, I feel for you - because they do have a monopoly. I was surprised there was only one course in Key West. 

I belong to two clubs - One is more remote and has a set “trail fee” or cart fee. That’s what I’m paying walking or riding per day - doesn’t matter if I play 9 or 72…, going to cost me  $25 per day. The other is in town and doesn’t charge me anything if I walk. I think I’m the only non-collegiate or high schooler that does walk so I’ve slipped thru the net. They charge a trail fee to people who have their own carts, and members have the option of paying an annual cart rental fee. But I don’t fall into either category, never check either box on the annual dues form and they’ve never asked me about it. I have often joked I’m the pro’s worst member because I don’t pay a cart fee and as I play at dawn im not buying food or drinks; however I’m the super’s best member because I walk… and fix ball marks.

But $500 for walking - that seems steep.  How many cart rentals would that be?

 

[Putters with no alignment aid or a dot]

This may not be under your price cap (sorry) but I think the most elegantly simple dot only putter was the Scotty Cameron Studio Design 1

[DO YOU JUDGE ANOTHER PLAYER BY WHAT CLUBS ARE IN HIS BAG?]

Judge? No.  Curious? Always. 
Don’t pay much attention unless it’s clear they are playing something inappropriate for them - like 20 year old players clubs and they are a once a month happy to make a bogey player… Or the grips are obviously long gone - I see that all the time. I just hand them my club and ask “how does that feel?” 
I am super interested, however, into bag tags and head covers - always interested in other courses people have played.

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Two Weeks Post Op Doctor Visit

Good news and bad news.  Good news is 1) incision area looks great, 2) the implants appear to be well attached and grafting well, and 3) I’m cleared to drive again.  Bad news is all the exercises, stretching, yoga and return to physical activity I am craving - they are telling me to wait until after my next appointment in a month (6week mark). While I may be pain free and things are progressing nicely there is still recovery work going on underneath the surface…. Pushing now could lead to a set back later.  Yadda yadda yadda… I swear that SheWhoMustBeObeyed and the Doctor had a pre-visit conference…

I was told absolutely no leaf raking or snow shoveling…

So actually, it’s all good news.  I’m just impatient.  After two weeks I’m only using the cane when I go outside the house.  I’m down to using the ice packs to once a day, and I’m only on Tylenol and celebrex - so could be worse.  
 

Got a new set of exercises - just doesn’t seem like enough.  Oh well. It’s not like I can swing a club outside or anything, and I knew that wouldn’t come until January anyway. But I was hoping to get on the elliptical machine. Without that, after Turkey Day I’ll really gain some weight.  I’m allowed to kneel down so long as the new hip is the one out front.  The Doc doesn’t want that hip flexor extending out behind me.

The bandages came off, the incision looks good. The scar is a little shorter than the length of my pointer finger. The purple you see is the magic marker from the surgery… the dark stuff is just scabs that will flake away.  So all told making good progress. 

The most positive note - I’m now allowed to bend at the waist so long as it doesn’t feel like I’m stretching in either my back, or legs.  So I’ll just have to satisfy myself with putting on my mat for the time being.
 

[How do I convince my golf buddies it's time to change tee boxes?]

Age old question - and every suggestion above is a good one.  You can also just lead by example and say "this is where I'm playing from, you play from where you want to..."  eventually they may join you.  Thats the whole point of the handicap system - you can compete playing from different tees.  And maybe they'll wise up.  

I think its hysterical that Landmand's tees are Red (slope of 74.7) White (72.8) Green (71.3) Yellow (69.4) and Black (66.9)

[Ryder Cup 2023 - Anyone going?]

7 hours ago, Logjar23 said:

My wife and I will be attending from USA. We got shutout for Thursday and Saturday tickets but I believe some Saturday tickets will be available once we get there. Looking forward to seeing Rome. We have an apartment close to the main train station so we have options for getting to the shuttles.

They haven’t given us volunteers/marshalls much info yet on where the park and rides are, or any Transportaion info other than there will be a shuttle from the Ponte Memmlo station and the La Rustica UIR station.  The Italian volunteers in a FB group I’m a part of are a pretty pessimistic bunch on expecting things to flow smoothly in terms of travel… so fingers crossed. 

[How many rounds do you manage using the same ball?]

Ditto - play until it is lost. That could be five rounds at the Prairie Club, or five balls at Whispering Creek….

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

One week, Five Days Post Op

Feeling better every day. The long distance driving/riding (3 hours) was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Stopped every hour for some walking. Kept using ice packs, and did lots of ankle pumps and leg lifts to just keep things from getting too stiff.  Interestingly the trip home was much easier. Actually dozed off. Funny how this goes.  One day is great and I feel like I could throw the cane away, the next day I’m back with an ice pack. I actually am using the cane less and less. Walking round the house, unless I’m taking the stairs, I’m trying to wean myself off of it.  I think I look like a weeble wobble going side to side with it, and I’m more straight up and down, moving forward w out. But I’m still using on the stairs and when out and about as I don’t always have something to grab onto, and it’s a good visual cue to those around me not to bump into me. 

The swelling, bruising, even the yellow ping is all gone - with the exception of the groin area where it’s still ugly purple.  You’d think that area would be the least susceptible to bruising… makes me wonder just exactly they were doing in that operating room without my knowledge. Then again, I probably don’t want to know. 

The hardest part is obeying the Doctors order on no bending forward, no rotating the leg open or crossing legs. At first I had no desire. Now my body wants to do those things. It’s like my body has a mind of its own, or instinct or habit is kicking in.   I want to do a lunge like position. I want to get down on the floor and stretch. My follow up appointment is in three days, so I’m hopeful I am given the go ahead - or at least a new set of exercises to do. 

["One Round in Kenya"]

That’s an unforgettable trip.  World travel like that with your daughter keeps the score in perspective…

[2022 Season Courses - How many did you play?]

21 courses across 100 rounds with 10* of them being new to me

Home courses:
Whispering Creek
Prairie Club - Dunes
Prairie Club - Pines

Oregon:
Bandon Dunes
Pacific Dunes
Sheep Ranch *
Bandon Trails
Old MacDonald

Nebraska:
Landmand *

Iowa:
Cedar Rapids CC
BosLanden
The Falls at Grand Falls Casino *
Floyd Park
Veenker

New York:
Maidstone *
Laurel Links *

Indiana:
Crooked Stick *
Heartland Crossing *

North Carolina:
Old Town Club *
Skybrook *

Louisians:
Bayou Oaks *
 

[What are you asking Santa for?​​​​​​​]

Just told Mrs. Claus those new PuttOut DevilBalls would fit nicely in my stocking

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

One Week Post Op

Did not take any Tramadol all weekend - only Tylenol, and Celebrex for an anti-inflammatory.  That was good.  Not taking any narcotics was a goal of mine.  But then I thought, do I really need the Tylenol?  What is it even doing?  So I took my last Tylenol Saturday night when I went to bed, and did not take any at all on Sunday until it was bed time.  I iced my leg all day when I wasn't walking or exercising.  It was sore and hurt, sure, to be expected, but tolerable.  But it was a dumb move.  When I went to bed and took my Tylenol I realized it is going to take some time to kick in.  Meanwhile I'm lying here and I don't want to ice it in bed... So that was not good.  Not going to try and hero it today.  Tylenol for breakfast!

But overall things are progressing nicely.  Three sets of twenty repetitions.  Could up that - but I'm telling myself there isn't a need - even though I'm not feeling any pain internally that bone needs to graft... and I'm not, btw, feeling any internal pain.  As I think of where I ache its all on the surface, the muscles around the incision site, and farther up toward my waist - where it is hard to ice.

Most of the redness and bruising has disappear except for the groin area.  Everything else has turned a nice shade of sickening yellow...

Kicking the tramadol has also helped with the constipation - that is gone. So I can stop with the MiraLAX cocktail at breakfast, and cut back on the raisins for snacks and rhubarb paste on toast.  I know, TMI, but that is something people have to deal with.  Those narcotics shut you down...

Next up - long distance driving/riding... I'm not supposed to drive this week, even off the narcotics.  Doctors orders.  So SheWhoMustBeObeyed is going to drive me 3 hours to DesMoines for a couple of work meetings (the world keeps on spinning even if I'm sitting still) we'll see if that three hours become four as we make repeated stops to get out and let me walk and stretch.   A change of scenery will be nice. 

[2022 Official Arccos Bundle Member Test]

Yeah I am surprised too. I have had nothing but success with the Link. I’ve had two - one fell off my rainsuit one day and despite a vigourus search between its last known location I just couldnt find it.  But I’d had such success with it I ordered a replacement before I was off the course.
 

I attached it to the bottom of my front left pocket so it’s never covered by a pullover or jacket, and it always in position to “hear” the strike signal.  Missed putts, sure. But never a missed strike that I can attribute to the link. Always missing an x club means it’s that sensors battery dying. 

[Tips for the Best Winter Golf Experience]

 
A rechargeable handwarmer that belts around your waist - you rotate it around when hitting your shot - is very nice. And UnderArmour compression tops and bottoms are a must.  No bulk, but it will help you stay warm. 

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Day Four Post Op

Feeling better and slept better. But the bruising has really set in, and in some very strange places. I was expecting to turn purpley/red around the incision area, and I guess I wasn’t really surprised that it also appeared on my buttocks and backside of my thigh.  But bruising around my groin? Particularly on soft tissue I thought would be immune from that…?  Scared me a bit.  But some quick research on Google and I know I’m not alone with that.  Prior to surgery I did not want the gory details of how it was to be performed - I mean I know they have to separate ball from socket, and cut bone, and inserting the prosthetic would not be a gentle process. Heck I have trouble getting the legs and wings off the Thanksgiving turkey…. I didn’t need to see the videos in advance. But I’ve done more reading on how your body, be it ankles, knees, etc are positioned, held in place and then stretched and pulled… so its probably amazing there isn’t more bruising. 

Feeling good enough today to up my repetitions from three sets of ten to three sets of twenty. At least that is the plan after the first set.  We’ll see what the afternoon brings. 

Personal grooming 

So far showering myself has been easy with the grab bars, and we are removing the shower chair as it’s really just in the way.  I’m glad we had it, just in case.  But since I’m only taking one dose of tramadol at 10pm, and it’s out of my system by 2am, and reloading with only Tylenol - I don’t have a fuzzy head when I get in the shower. That’s the concern the OT/PT folks have - the combination of the narcotic and the warm steam can make some folks a bit dizzy or lightheaded - the chair is there to just sit down into if you feel that way.  So it’s coming out. But have to have those grab bars to step up and in to my tub/shower combination. 

As far as getting dressed I can do everything with the grabber (see earlier post) except for tying my shoes. The OT folks suggest some elastic shoe strings… but I’m not going there.  Yes, I’ve lost all personal dignity through this process being strapped naked to a table, but by God I’m not wearing elastic shoe strings.  So SheWhoMustBeObeyed helps with that.  I am physically capable of doing it.  But they (the Doc and PT) we’re pretty firm about no bending over. At least not yet.  Since one of my proscribed exercises is me laying on my back and sliding my foot up to my glute as close as I can and holding for five seconds - I may see if I can do that, hold and if I can reach to tie my shoe….

[How long are golf gloves supposed to last?]

I like North Coast.  I know, a brand you probably never heard of, but something I stumbled upon during the pandemic days. I like the fit (they actually had me measure my hand and showed where/how to do it.  I’ve been pleased with the longevity. And I like the variety.  Yes, I’m talking about colors here. I’m not some animal that is going to wear black pants with a navy striped glove…

Like Tom TGN said earlier, it’s about rotation.  He’s spot on.  In peak season here I have to rotate every six holes.  But I found something better than just velcroing them to the strap of my bag.  I got their little glove “stash” or caddie.  Zip them up flat and they seam to stay fresher and last longer.  They don’t come out as crinkled dry paper… The stash fits nicely inside my bag.

I think SheWhoMustBeObeyed gets me three every Father’s Day… they are around $20-24, buying more lowers the price.

And yes, due to my other circumstances I clearly have my bag inside and waaay too much time in my hands that I’m snapping photos of golf gloves… 

    

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Day Three Post Op

Finally have the cobwebs cleared out of my head - when I woke up at 2am I resisted the urge for tramadol and just stuck w Tylenol. Makes my head feel much better. But I also saw 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the clock… I’m a side sleeper and I’m ok sleeping on the non-torn open and had the bones shattered side… but I want to roll onto that side too.

Actually feeling the best all around this morning. Exercises were easier, and felt good enough to go on a shopping trip w SheWhoMustBeObeyed to get a new handle/grab bar for the shower. So between stops at Walgreens, Target and Lowes - I finally got some steps in that didn’t involve circling the dinning room table. The more I walked the better I felt.  I do, however, look like my 86 year old mother getting in and out of the car.

[Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery]

Day Two Post Op

The leg no longer feels like the Doc used a 100 lbs prosthetic… So that’s good. 
But I’ve also checked twice this morning to make sure the incision had not split open - because if feels like it has…. Not so good.  And no, I didn’t really think it split open, but it sure feels that way. Like a hot straight line.  

I expected today to be when the pain ramped up.  The spinal is fully worn off.  The swelling and bruising is in full swing.  But every hour (except when I was still trying to sleep off the effects of last nights tramadol) I’m still getting up and walking the route I’ve established in my house going up and down some stairs, to the kitchen, to bathroom, to living room, to stare out the front door etc. The walking with the cane actually decreases the pain as I do it. It’s just those first couple steps that feel like fire. 
 

PT exercises - my post surgery PT exercises are the same as those prior to surgery (see pictures in first post). I know I said they were pretty mild. A lot more challenging now.  The knee lifts being the most difficult.

OT needs - since I didn’t need a walker (mother-in-law gets hers back) the items I’ve needed/used are a cane, a shower chair and the all important grabber… Oh, and a very long shoe horn. Not a shorty but one that’s like two feet long and helps slide you feet into the shoe without bending. No bending for a while, no folding at the waist. So… the grabber. Helps pull your socks on, slide the pant legs on over your toes, strong enough to lift that iPad that was just out of reach, or the soduko puzzle book that fell on the floor while you were napping.  You will want a grabber, guaranteed.