Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Muppets Threads! (And Anything Else) => Topic started by: Matt2matt2002 on July 19, 2024, 08:16:08 PM
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Very strange but painful...
Fortunately I can still cycle and walk but I don't think cycling caused it.
Had the pain for 6+ weeks. Before my Orkney tour/trip. Comes and goes. Sometimes comes on when sitting doing nothing!
Not testicle related. Perhaps a slight swelling in the groin but Mrs. Matt couldn't notice anything!
Not always tender to push/touch.
Planning a doctor visit early next week.
Pain is a burning / stabbing kind of thing. Ibuprofen takes the pain away but that's not the answer.
I went out for a short 11 mile ride this afternoon - no pain on the bike but short walks caused the pain to return. Today has been the worse. Almost makes me stop whatever I'm doing; not lifting and as I said - it can come on out of ther blue while sitting.
Any thoughts folks?
The location is lower groin area to left of willie. Nothing untoward anywhere else.
I've gone through Mr. Googles opinions.
I thought I'd ask here since I guess these things could be cycling related.
Cheers
Matt
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Given I'm a doctor of letters rather than medicine, I'll give this my best shot as a layperson...
Unless you have contracted epididymitis, a lot of testicular pain (generally referred to as orchialgia) is of unknown origin or may be referred pain from a groin injury or hernia. Some folks I know found their groin pain was refractory sciatic nerve pain.
You're past the prime age for testicular cancer.
Glad you have scheduled an appointment with your primary care physician or a urologist at your earliest convenience so they can lend their professional opinion to the evidence. 'Most any problem is resolved more quickly and easily if caught in the early stages, i.e. when first noticed, so wise to not let a lot of time go by before addressing it.
Wishing you well soonest and with empathy and sympathy!
Best, Dan.
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Perhaps that saddle of yours has not helped, Matt? Maybe one with a cut-out is a consideration?
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Perhaps that saddle of yours has not helped, Matt? Maybe one with a cut-out is a consideration?
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Gosh - that's a good point. I had forgotten the 3 days I had riding on the rails when my saddle nose broke. Maybe It was that....
Humm... food for thought. Anyway - damage is done.
And thanks Dan. Pretty sure balls are all good. Certainly no pain there. Water-works fine as well.
It's just to the side of inner groin area.
Back from a short 10 mile ride now. No pain at all while on the Raven.
But off..... ouch, it's back. comes and goes now. Even sitting down - I have the sharp pain.
Thanks again folks.
Matt
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No change folks.
Just posted this on another site::
Any advice/experience/solution please.
Male, 71, regular cyclist, 40 miles no problems ( until recently!), Thorn Raven, Rohloff hub. Up-right tourer; enjoy the views rather than speed.
Inner thigh pain. Not nuts or willy. All in good order. Coughing doesn't bring on the pain.
Pain comes and goes. Like a red hot needle when it's there. No swelling although when the pain is there, if I press slightly it helps.
I can swing my leg forward and backwards, no probs. But side to side - that's often when the pain starts
Started mid June when I was on Orkney for a week. The tension pin/bolt snapped on my Brooks. Local shop bodged it together but I was riding on the rails for a few days. I think that caused it. Self inflicted.
3 weeks ago doctor gave me ibuprofen and omeprazole. Said it should clear up - but it hasn't; and some days it's as worse as its ever been.
Drugs take the pain away - to a degree - but it's no solution.
Due to see doctor tomorrow since it's stopping me cycling and walking any distance.
I've put on 4lbs....
Thoughts much appreciated.
Matt
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Keeping in mind I'm not a doctor or medical professional, I'd guess it might be a stubborn pull or strain or tear of the adductor muscles that pull your thighs together. If so it might have been precipitated by your saddle's declining shape over time before the tension bolt parted ways -- but that is only a guess.
I have heard of similar due to extended riding of detensioned leather saddles, particularly those that have gotten wet or otherwise assumed a more exaggerated hammock shape and/or flare.
Get thee to a doc as planned!
Sympathies are surely with you!
Best, Dan.
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Sorry you’re not at peak performance atm Matt. Just a thought: Have you tried swimming? Might help as it’s non-load bearing exercise. No Léon Marchand stuff though.
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Many thanks folks.
Back from doctor just now.
A repeat prescription of ibuprofen and a referral to the physiotherapist.
Told it could be another month or so before improving.
Recent 2 days have been really bad so decided on much more rest and feet up time.
I'll certainly never ride on a broken Brooks again.
Dan; perhaps the saddle had started to sag but the snapped bolt sure changed the set up.
Looks like my trip to Thailand is now on hold. I guess it will still be there next year.......
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Due to see doctor tomorrow since it's stopping me cycling and walking any distance.
I've put on 4lbs....
You need to train brain and stomach to change eating mode if you aren't burning off the calories. for example, more carrots and fewer carbohydrates.
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Looks like my trip to Thailand is now on hold. I guess it will still be there next year.......
It will! So sorry to hear this, Matt. I think we have all been disappointed by having to defer or reschedule trips from time to time and it can surely be a bitter disappointment. The downtime can be used for planning and honing your return to fitness and health to make the later tour even better! I'm a big believer in timing and I've lost count of the occasions when a delay meant I avoided some unforeseen but very real inconvenience or danger, mostly of the weather/natural disaster kind that would have likely ended a tour under less favorable circumstances. Just imagine if this injury had hit midway in your Thai tour....
Strength, courage, and speedy recovery, Dan.
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I have spasticity and use cannabis to manage the pain. Even though it's not exactly the same issue, I have heard that cannabis can help with pains like yours. I think it might be worth considering this treatment, as it offers some control over the discomfort. I have used the spasticity treatment (https://releaf.co.uk/conditions/neurological/spasticity-natural-plant-based-treatment) from Releaf, where I did online consultations, and they delivered directly to my home. Of course, I didn't feel immediate relief, but over time I started to feel much more comfortable. But before deciding to use this treatment, you should consult with a doctor because it’s not for everyone.
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Looks like my trip to Thailand is now on hold. I guess it will still be there next year.......
It will! So sorry to hear this, Matt. I think we have all been disappointed by having to defer or reschedule trips from time to time and it can surely be a bitter disappointment. The downtime can be used for planning and honing your return to fitness and health to make the later tour even better! I'm a big believer in timing and I've lost count of the occasions when a delay meant I avoided some unforeseen but very real inconvenience or danger, mostly of the weather/natural disaster kind that would have likely ended a tour under less favorable circumstances. Just imagine if this injury had hit midway in your Thai tour....
Strength, courage, and speedy recovery, Dan.
Many thanks Dan, and others.
Pain has just about gone. 98%.
So the Thailand trip is now on and flights booked for early Feb.
Same area as before. I thought it safer to take things easy given groin pain issue.
Plan is to take the train South from Bangkok and return the same way after 4 weeks cycling around the Andaman sea area.
Last trip I had cycled South and then took the train back.
Many thanks for all comments and support on this health issue. It's the first time something has impacted so bad, for so long.
Made me value my fitness/health.
Best
Matt
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That's great news Matt. I was only vicariously there via your CGOB posts a few days ago. I bet your're raring to go, particularly with this current weather. :)
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That's great news Matt. I was only vicariously there via your CGOB posts a few days ago. I bet your're raring to go, particularly with this current weather. :)
Well, yes and no.
I know I am incredibly lucky to be able to go, especially with the groin pain clearing up.
But I've had increasing memory issues.
At 71 I guess we all decline a little. But what's a little or a lot?
I need a bench mark and that should happen in the New Year.
I have attended a local dementia clinic and found great support there.
Day to day I am fine and family haven't commented on a decline.
But I increasingly rely on lists of 'to do' things, to get me through the day.
So; tour still on but fingers and toes crossed I don't get lost or into trouble.
I'll be covering a lot of the ground I did on my last visit so that should help
Best
Matt
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But I've had increasing memory issues.
At 71 I guess we all decline a little. But what's a little or a lot?
Day to day I am fine and family haven't commented on a decline.
But I increasingly rely on lists of 'to do' things, to get me through the day.
I'm a couple of years older than you and I now need to write down reminders much more than a few years ago. At the moment I'm treating it as normal age-related deterioration rather than anything more worrying.
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Matt,
I think you're incredibly brave, foresighted and proactive to consider these symptoms of memory decline and then take action on them. In my late father's last years (he lived in good health till a month short of his 98th birthday) he developed dementia characterized by memory loss (he remained his sweet-natured self throughout). His compensatory and coping mechanisms were so good, we realize only in hindsight how well and for how long he had covered for his deficits. Some shortcomings simply came across as quirky and he had a quirky and delightful sense of humor anyway, so they weren't noticeable till near the end, even to those of us close to him. I feel sure he would have been the first to ask me to share this with you.
Coping strategies certainly are helpful and do work. Lists aren't a bad thing if they help you keep track. Labels too and of course, being open and recruiting friends and family and riding partners to lend a hand when you need it. Deficits and shortcomings develop over the years for all of us.
You may wish to talk with your doctor to see if medications are having an effect. Here, a number of people have reported memory and sequencing issues after infection with some Covid variants. Our neighbor developed Long Covid and in her words, "It turned my brain to mush, memory all gone" -- until she participated in a special program setup at the state medical university and if she still have deficits, they are unnoticeable after a year in the program. She feels better and has regained balance and no longer uses her walker or cane. You might also wish to have your hearing checked as that is often mistaken for early signs of dementia in ways that are not obvious, as in trying so hard to hear that other things get lost from memory or never get logged. What I'm saying is there can be contributors other than age that can be addressed if they are identified. I think attending the local dementia clinic will open up a world of resources to you.
Knock on wood, I have not yet developed memory problems but I became near-obsessive about putting things away on my European double-crossing tour. I didn't carry that much so everything I had was essential and would have been terribly missed if lost. I got in the habit of not just laying an object or tool down but actually putting it away each time it left my hand. I think my diligence paid off as I never lost a single item.
As someone with a history of repeated traumatic brain injury due to accidental and assaultive trauma, I am always aware the next blow to my head could scramble my ability to ask for help, so I keep my name and contact info on me (and on a watchband tag, left hand as that's where pulse and BP are checked most often here) and a sketch of my overall and planned day's itinerary, the idea being such info might be able to speak for me if I can't speak for myself. I do check in with family at home periodically so they know my progress and intent and it brings us all peace of mind.
So..."be prepared" and keep things in mind and perspective as you travel and you should be fine. Wishing you a wonderful re-tour of Thailand and only good times.
All the best, Dan.
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But I've had increasing memory issues.
At 71 I guess we all decline a little. But what's a little or a lot?
Day to day I am fine and family haven't commented on a decline.
But I increasingly rely on lists of 'to do' things, to get me through the day.
I'm a couple of years older than you and I now need to write down reminders much more than a few years ago. At the moment I'm treating it as normal age-related deterioration rather than anything more worrying.
Thanks for sharing.
A positive attitude is essential unless you want to drive family and friends nuts!
My mother-in-law unfortunately did not cope with her own decline very well. A lovely lady but hard to love in her later years.
Having a glass half full outlook should smooth out things.
One of my pals had a phrase she used that helps me and makes me smile;
Ride the wave.
Best
Matt
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Ride the wave.
I practice "Wave the Ride" myself, greeting everyone I see and pass with a pleasant wave and greeting. Has worked well so far and is generally appreciated. ;D
Best, Dan.
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Matt - I am glad to hear that you are continuing with your trip to Thailand.
There are some wise words written in the messages above and all I can add is that IMHO you are not being foolish in doing the trip, and you are making a good decision to keep to familiar areas.
We all age and physical issues appear that start to limit us so the boundaries of what we can do will contract a little - a 40 mile ride today might feel as hard as a 60 mile ride a few years ago - but we need to push up to those boundaries to stop them closing in quicker.
Enjoy your trip.
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As an additional thought and if appropriate: Try not to create a self-fulfilling prophesy. It’s quite easy to kind of ‘catastrophise’ things that are usually quite solvable with a cool, calm head in gear. I wouldn’t dare share the ‘muppets moments’ I’ve had through stressing the bones out of something!
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Ride the wave.
I practice "Wave the Ride" myself, greeting everyone I see and pass with a pleasant wave and greeting. Has worked well so far and is generally appreciated. ;D
Best, Dan.
Many thanks Dan
She was not a cyclist and I think the term to her was just to ride out any adverse situation.
( but perhaps you were aware of that ?)
But I also share your habit of greeting folks with a smile and a wave as we cross paths.
It brightens my day and perhaps theirs as well.
Best
Matt
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Hi Matt,
Happy New Year to you and yours, and best wishes for your tour in Thailand. Glad to hear that your groin pain is largely gone -- hope it stays that way.
And, thanks for being so open about Ageing and All That -- we all have to contend with stuff that happens after three-score-and ten. Seeking comfort from friends and family, as well as professional advice, will help, for sure.
On the matter of memory: First, a self-mocking anecdote from twenty years ago, when I was about 58. We were living in South Africa, and I had been out on some errands. I took along a banana as a snack, and returning to the house, tossed the banana peel onto the kitchen counter & my car keys into the composting bin. :)
In a more serious vein, a year or so ago I heard part of an interview with a woman named Lisa Genova, then based in New York. The subject was her recent book, Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. One brief comment she made on indicators has stayed with me: If you have trouble remembering proper nouns -- place names, somebody's name, and so on -- don't worry about it, they'll pop up sooner of later. But, if you have trouble remembering the names of day-to-day items, that's an important signal, and you should seek professional help.
And again from my own long experience, happily confirmed a few weeks back by my physiotherapist: He said that making lists, and especially, writing down items by hand, can be a big help in managing your days/weeks/etc. Here, I readily admit to confirmation bias: I still have my Daytimer agenda wallet issued by my employer in May 1982, and I renew the daily/weekly schedule every year. I don't bother with the calendars in my phone or laptop, and wave away suggestions about being an OWF (Old White Fart).
Cheers, mate.
John
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Hi folks,
Not sure if I shared with this forum but I have been receiving Chemo for stomach cancer since June/July.
Now awaiting a consultation with the surgeon next week for a future plan of action. Probably surgery.
For a few weeks during chemo treatment I coughed quite a lot. An awful lot partly due to the nasal tube feeding.
That was required due to my weight loss; 14 lbs+.
Anyway - my hernia/ groin pain referred to last year is now definitely a hernia, as diagnosed by the Doc last week. And weight now defiantly in the increase.
No pain from the hernia day to day and sometimes when laying down for a long period, it disappears!
But it's certainly there. Larger than before the coughing started. ( coughing now longer an issue but the damage has been done I think ).
Well, my question is, has anyone cycled with a hernia?
After surgery - possibly mid Nov. - I hope to get back on the bike as part of my recooperation.
Waiting times here in UK for a hernia op is 6+ months.
Thoughts welcome folks
Matt
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Matt, heartfelt thoughts are surely with you for the quickest, most complete recovery possible from your diagnosed stomach cancer and the rough, ever so demanding treatment for it. All support and encouragement; you've come so far already!
As for the hernia, have your doctors indicated it is related, i.e. due to a weakening of the abdominal wall due to the tumor? If so, perhaps a hernia repair could be incorporated into the same op? I've had experience in the past with task-focused surgeons who viewed problems only through the lens of their specialty, so perhaps an interdisciplinary team approach might be helpful.
There's different kinds and locations of hernia -- three major classifications, seven subtypes, as I recall from my nursing management days -- so it might help to get something more definitive in terms of specifics before proceeding.
All that said, yes, I've encountered cyclists riding with hernias to a lesser or greater degree of success. One gentleman rode with a sort of truss that applied localized pressure on his hernia and said it did wonders to contain the outpouching but the truss straps were problematic and caused chafing. The second one said he had good and bad days and adjusted his daily mileage accordingly. Both admitted surgery was the recommended remedy but was unavailable for various reasons, mostly scheduling and cost, though one said he'd prefer to avoid an op if he could. Two data points isn't much to offer you; sorry!
Bottom line, I'd seek more info and advice from doctors before embarking on much riding, even for rehab. I'm still on cycling restriction and a 3kg weight-lifting limit after my recent abdominal surgery. Hard to wait but better than risk compromising the outcome, so it is walk-therapy for now, with rest. I did two miles yesterday, then slept three hours. Hoping to improve the walk:sleep ratio this next week.
Thoughts are with you,
Dan.
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Well, my question is, has anyone cycled with a hernia?
Yes.
I'm pretty sure my hernia was caused by lifting heavy furniture when helping house removal for a friend in summer 2017. I didn't do anything about it until February 2018, when it was officially diagnosed by my doctor. He didn't say anything about cycling, so I kept going as normal until surgery on 30/05/2018.
Immediately after surgery I was allowed to walk inside the hospital while waiting to be discharged. My surgeon said I should wait for one week before cycling short distances. Two weeks after surgery, no limits on cycling and I could restart "strenuous" activities such as digging the garden.
But I suppose it depends on the severity of the hernia, so best to take the advice of your doctor or surgeon. If they don't advise cycling, walking is probably OK. I made sure I walked as much as possile after my prostate operation in 2019, when cycling was forbidden for one month and painful for several weeks more.
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I started having some mild discomfort in May, five months ago. Always was triggered by walking. Intermittent, some days had it, some days not. On days when I do not go to the gym or bike, I do a 3 mile (~~4.5km) walk.
A neighbor had a party in June, after doing my walk and had some discomfort, went to her party in afternoon, and after four hours of standing, the discomfort clearly was pain while standing. Sitting helped reduce it.
Next day (still in Jun) called my Dr office (I think in UK you call that a GP). Saw him four days later, he suspected hernia. Sent me to the surgery part of the system - that took a month to get in.
July saw a surgeon, he had me get an MRI. Two week wait for the MRI. MRI indicated two minor hernias and torn abdominal muscle. He said the hernias were minor, too minor to cause the discomfort/pain, so it had to be the torn muscle. He sent me to physical therapy, but in this case specifically to Sports Medicine. The sports medicine group works on athletes, and my activity level apparently qualified.
Waited for a month, saw a Dr at Sports Medicine in late August. He looked at my MRI, did an exam and said that the previous surgeon was wrong, it is the hernia. During his exam, he said how does this feel and he pressed in a specific spot, and I said, that HURTS. He said he was sending me back to surgery and telling them they screwed up the diagnosis. I said this is now August, has been a problem since May, I have already canceled two vacaiton trips and now looking at a third. I really did not want to go back to the guy that screwed up a diagnosis. He then said he knew a very good specialist, he would call him.
And wait another month to see that specialist, saw him a few weeks ago. And the result of that meeting and exam, scheduled for surgery to fix two hernias, this coming Tuesday.
In my case it has only been a problem from walking or standing. At the gym I want to make sure I maintain muscle mass and bone density, so I push as hard as I can on several exercise machines, that has not triggered it. This year have not ridden any Brevets (UK translation - Audax), so have not ridden any 200k rides this year. But I have done a 90 mile, 75 mile and 70 mile ride this year, plus many shorter ones. Those rides and no other activities have triggered the problem, for me the only trigger is walking or standing a long time. Two days ago rode 17 miles, no problem.
That said, I suspect every hernia is different, so maybe cycling for you would be best done if you brought your phone with you so you could call someone and ask them to come and get you?
I was told to not do any core type exercises for two weeks after my surgery. Since my exercise routine at the gym is quite robust, I plan to NOT do any exercises or bike rides for three weeks, not just the two weeks that was prescribed. I was told walking is ok, but since that is what triggered the problem, I will limit my walks for the first couple weeks. I am retired, so I do not have anything like employment that messes up my schedule.
I am 71 years young. I did not do my backpacking trip this year, the first attached photo is me on my backpacking trip last year. Second photo, me again, Toronto Ontario in the background, last year. Sorry, photo is of my Lynskey, not a Thorn. Third photo, sunset on one of the evenings of my backpacking trip, was on the shore of lake Superior. Fourth photo, a Moose on my backpacking trip.
I will know more in three days.
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Thanks Mick and others. Very helpful. Yes, many types of hernia and best to take docs opinions / advice.
It was really a general question; anyone cycled with a hernia. Not the best situation and I certainly don't want to make matters worse.
I would probably have booked another trip to Thailand for next Spring but it looks like I'll be in recovery from the cancer stomach op. It was mentioned that there could be chemo after the surgery. Yikes. But at least I'll be ready for the awful side effects.
Cheers folks
Matt
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To expand a bit more on my previous comments, in my case bicycling is just fine. But walking can be bad. I often find myself walking a bike up a hill. And on my feet several hours after I make a campsite. And usually take a couple hours from waking up to finally rolling out of a campsite and some of that time is standing or walking.
So, I chose not to risk a bike trip, not because of they cycling but because of the off-bike time when I am walking or standing. There were other unrelated reasons I did not do a bike trip too.
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A quick update, my hernia surgery was four days ago. So far, all is well. Under orders to not do any intense exercise, not lift more than 20 pounds (~9kg). Not getting on a bike for at least a few weeks. But I am glad I had the surgery. Doing short walks to get some exercise.
I am retired, so I do not have any hassles like employment to make my life complicated.
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Very glad your surgery is over, you came out well, and are on the mend, George. Hopefully, after healing and the enforced rest, all will be well and you can get back to full enjoyment of life..
I'm having a hard time scaling back, but fatigue is my guide. I briskly walked 6.5km/4mi yesterday and had to nap for 3 hours after I got home. Oh, well, that's part of the healing process as well and if it helps move things forward, all good.
Appreciate the update and wish you well...soonest!
ATB, Dan.
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Best wishes for your recovery, George. Your discipline and residual fitness will help greatly, I'm sure.
In the meantime, a wee bit of humour, borrowed from our sister-in-law in Little Rock, AR: "Every conversation these days begins with an organ recital." ;)
Cheers, John
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Best wishes for your recovery, George. Your discipline and residual fitness will help greatly, I'm sure.
In the meantime, a wee bit of humour, borrowed from our sister-in-law in Little Rock, AR: "Every conversation these days begins with an organ recital." ;)
Cheers, John
Ha ha. Very good. I'm very aware now of repeating my latest up-date to folks. I always try to finish off with a, 'and how are you keeping?'.
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Hi folks; a wee up-date and it's good news.
I met my gastric surgeon last Wednesday.
I had finished my chemo treatments, ( something I'd only wish on my worse enemies! ) and he had the latest results showing that the cancer had shrunk to an acceptable level. My weight has increased on a regular basis.
Before this nightmare began I was 11 stones. At my lowest I was just above 9 stones! Quite a drop over a month+.
It was a relaxed and un-hurried meeting and my cancer support nurse attended, but there were so many facts, options and what could go wrongs, that even with my wife next to me we came away with a slightly confused memory. But the core facts are; the chemo did it's job, surgery is scheduled for Nov. 17th. Recovery in hospital will be 2+ weeks. Maybe less. Full recovery into next Spring/Summer. Possible second dose of chemo, depending on the results from whatever they cut out of me. It will be the lower part of the oesophagus and part of the stomach. It's an all day operation so classified as major.
I mentioned my hernia to the surgeon since my GP had said it could be fixed as the same time as the main operation. He wasn't certain but said he'd flag it for the gastro surgeon.
The surgeon took a look at it and said he'd take advice from a 'hernia' surgeon and put it on the 'maybe' list. Since it's a long op they may not have time and I may not be up to it myself, body-wise.
So that's the latest folks.
All advice and comments very much appreciated.
Matt, from a very wet, windy and cold Aberdeeen Scotland.
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Hi folks; a wee up-date and it's good news.
.... But the core facts are; the chemo did it's job, surgery is scheduled for Nov. 17th. Recovery in hospital will be 2+ weeks. Maybe less. Full recovery into next Spring/Summer. Possible second dose of chemo, depending on the results from whatever they cut out of me. It will be the lower part of the oesophagus and part of the stomach. It's an all day operation so classified as major....
Follow their instructions closely so you don't mess anything up, and it should work out. You will probably lose a lot of muscle mass from inactivity, so you should factor in some physical therapy to recover too. And for bike touring, which is an endurance sport with multi-hour continuous exertion, you may need to re-train your body organs for endurance purposes.
I know a gal that had leukemia about a year ago, chemo treatments, long stay in hospital, etc. She was telling me that her type of cancer and treatment meant that she lost most of her immunity, so she had to be careful to avoid potential exposure to just about every potential infection. If you are in that situation, be extra careful that you do not succumb to some simple illness that we no longer think is worth mentioning.
I like to have a paper notepad and pen in hand when I talk to the medical staff. Four days ago my Dr and I briefly discussed how paper notes are becoming a thing of the past. I of course was writing with a fountain pen.
Studies have shown that when you write something on paper, you have much better memory retention of that than if you typed it on a keyboard.
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Hi folks; a wee up-date and it's good news.
.... But the core facts are; the chemo did it's job, surgery is scheduled for Nov. 17th. Recovery in hospital will be 2+ weeks. Maybe less. Full recovery into next Spring/Summer. Possible second dose of chemo, depending on the results from whatever they cut out of me. It will be the lower part of the oesophagus and part of the stomach. It's an all day operation so classified as major....
Follow their instructions closely so you don't mess anything up, and it should work out. You will probably lose a lot of muscle mass from inactivity, so you should factor in some physical therapy to recover too. And for bike touring, which is an endurance sport with multi-hour continuous exertion, you may need to re-train your body organs for endurance purposes.
I know a gal that had leukemia about a year ago, chemo treatments, long stay in hospital, etc. She was telling me that her type of cancer and treatment meant that she lost most of her immunity, so she had to be careful to avoid potential exposure to just about every potential infection. If you are in that situation, be extra careful that you do not succumb to some simple illness that we no longer think is worth mentioning.
I like to have a paper notepad and pen in hand when I talk to the medical staff. Four days ago my Dr and I briefly discussed how paper notes are becoming a thing of the past. I of course was writing with a fountain pen.
Studies have shown that when you write something on paper, you have much better memory retention of that than if you typed it on a keyboard.
good advice
thanks
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Earlier in this thread, Matt wrote...
https://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=15158.msg116001#msg116001
Not sure if I shared with this forum but I have been receiving Chemo for stomach cancer since June/July....Now awaiting a consultation with the surgeon next week for a future plan of action. Probably surgery.
Matt indeed had his surgery on 17 November and today wrote with wonderful news, asking me to update the Forum...
The operation went well and surgeon said he was pleased with my progress
Perhaps home in another 8 days
Best regards Mart
Pass on my good news to the group Matt
Yay! :) All best wishes for the speediest recovery, Matt!
ATB, Dan.
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Great news! Wish you a speedy recovery, Matt.
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Best wishes with your recovery Matt.
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Thanks for the update, Dan.
Great news! Best wishes, Matt!
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👍
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Great news, Matt! And many thanks for the update, Dan.
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Sincerest best wishes for a speedy recovery and the best of outcomes. I’m sure your fitness will be a real benefit to you in both regards.
Ian
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That is good news, sending thoughts of healing your way Mat. ✌️🫰👍