a pathetic reefing invalid!!

stenaldermand · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:13 AM

Folks,

Well, I did it.

Got my right hip replaced Friday (at the young age of 45) and even made it home for the Superbowl. You'll be seeing LOTS of posts from me over the next few weeks as I am, in essence, a pathetic reefing invalid only capable of shuffling about with my walker. Thank God for a wife willing to feed my fish and kids capable of following dosing instructions. Thanks also for Schminksbro (Andy) who offered to stop by and maintain the mechanics of the remote sump area downstairs (can't take on the stairs for a couple weeks). Check out Andy's new business at Theblueglow.com to see what he's up to. Very nice site. I have a couple of his killer acrylic frag racks.

The good news is that I can sit in a chair all day and stare at my tank or, better yet, lounge on the board here. I suppose it's every reefer's fantasy to have nothing to do but stare and his/her tank for a couple solid weeks and surf the web in search of new reefing ideas/buddies. I am about to find out......!

best, Mike

Clownfish · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stenaldermand

... a pathetic reefing invalid only capable of shuffling about with my walker.

Nah, just a dude on the mend, with a great family and friends.

Do you have Netflix?

I do, and love it. You can even stream movies off of the internet. Hope you are running around soon.

SeaStarStiletto · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:33 AM

Let us know if you need help. Reefing or otherwise related.

TomToro · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 11:11 AM

Hey Mike,
Here's to a quick recovery.

Was it a complete replacement or a resurfacing (Birmingham Hip)? My wife had the BH at Huron Valley Hospital and it worked out perfectly.

Good luck,
Tom

stenaldermand · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 11:19 AM

Hey Tom, I had a Birmingham Hip, also at Huron Valley with Phil Schmitt. I'd love to visit with you wife to hear a bit about her recovery time, etc. My number is 248.481.6101.
Best, Mike

lionhead · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 11:58 AM

Best advise I can give is do the physical therapy. Do everything they tell you to no matter how much it hurts. Thanks for sharing your pain with us.

JB63 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 08:46 PM

All the best Mike .... you'll be up n running in no time ...
Try to put the time to good use, and I'm sure you'll be making lots of interesting observations on your tank. Maybe a red light would be handy ... to explore those night critters.

Happy Recovery

fishtal · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 09:30 PM

Hey Mike,

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Let me know if I can do anything to help, I'm not that far away. You have my # just give me a shout if you need anything.

Tal

TomToro · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stenaldermand

Hey Tom, I had a Birmingham Hip, also at Huron Valley with Phil Schmitt. I'd love to visit with you wife to hear a bit about her recovery time, etc. My number is 248.481.6101.
Best, Mike

You had the best on both counts, Mike. Perfect surgeon, Perfect Hospital.

She was back at work in 3 weeks. Doing PT almost immediately. I'll ask her if she can put together a timeline of her recovery and get back to you.

cmpenney · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:11 PM

Get Well soon Mike...Don't forget to stop over and hang out with us at MASM too

BlackGrandPrix · #11 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:16 PM

Hey Mike this is a perfect opportunity for Oden to pull you around in a cart and work on his pulling skills. Get well buddy

igot2gats · #12 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 11:08 PM

get well soon. thanks for the update

AJ :) · #13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 05:48 AM

Ditto on the therapy. You may be surprised how quick you are back in action.

But we still hope you get back to yourself soon!

AJ

DoubleD · #14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 08:06 AM

I work with seniors and a lot of them have had this surgery. They all tell me it was the best thing they ever did and wish they had done it sooner. Follow your pt and soon you will be getting around better than you ever did.

I second the netflix idea but watch out. I now have a movie a day habit in addition to my other (reefing) addictions.

stenaldermand · #15 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 08:55 AM

Hey, thanks for the positive vibes everyone. Actually I sat and just watched my tank for two full hours yesterday afternoon (before princess vicodin came to visit for her afternoon date...) and just really enjoyed watching my fish interact with my corals. Heck, I'm so big on the idea I'm now advocating hip surgery for everyone, even if you don't need it. Just schedule it and you won't believe the "tank time" that will magically become available, thus giving you a world-class opportunity to enjoy your tank.

The nurse who came by the house yesterday had never seen a reef tank before. She actually seemed more interested in my acros than my hip. True story!

Anyhow, thanks again everyone. I appreciate the good vibes.

Best, Mike