This week had so many twists and turns, ups and downs, and constant plot changes that it would appear like a great Clint Eastwood script. I'll try to explain and you can decide what is good, what is bad and what is ugly.
It started early Thursday morning when I hauled my equipment, tent and supplies to Liberty for Saturday's game with VMI. Back to the farm, I hooked up Big Red and hauled it to the new State Fairgrounds, Meadow Events Park, for the Equine Extravaganza. This is a show that I'd done 2 and 4 years ago when it was held at Richmond Raceway. After dropping off Big Red, I drove to Woodbridge to pick up Justin, a trip up I95 that surprisingly took less than an hour. Driving back to Doswell was a different story as I95 was it's usual disaster and the trip took over 2 hours.
Early Friday, Justin and I set up in the rain and cold and got open shortly after 9. Peggy joined us about noon after her drive over from Harrisonburg.
My hip was giving me fits, a combination of the extra hauling and moving equipment for both events, the cold weather, and the result of sitting on my desk chair a couple of days before which collapsed and dumped my fat butt on the floor. I was even uncomfortable sitting and was taking my pain pills like they were M&Ms.
Over the 3 days, we didn't have a very good show. We sold a lot of corn dogs and fries, but not so many funnel cakes and lemonade. The bottom line, I didn't cover my expenses but the show wasn't a complete loss.
On Saturday, Peggy returned from walking around the show to display an ankle bracelot with magnets that she claimed would help relieve her knee pain. I looked at her and replied, "hmmmm."
She went on to explain that the magnets will cause the blood flow to go in circles or some such bunk and that it will help remove inflamation. I thought it a bunch of hooey.
"Why don't you go talk to them. Maybe they have somethng that will help your hip," she offered.
"Yea. Like put a magnet in my pocket and the pain will go away," was my response.
As my hip continued to hurt, I decided why not go check it out.
I explained my situation and was told by the folks from Palmers Global Magnetic Therapy that yes, in the short run the magnets will increase blood flow resulting in increased oxygen delivery which will help remove inflamation and therefore reduce pain. In the long run, the magnets will actually remove calcium ions away from painful arthritic joints.
Still not convinced, and very sceptical, I asked, "How much?"
"Nothing for now", I was told. "You sit in this chair for 15 minutes and see if there is any change in your condition. It's free."
I sat and was packed in a bundle of magnets.
15 minutes later, I stood up and had no pain. I almost passed out!
Since it was lunch time, I had to go back to Big Red and help. Over the next couple of hours, I was completely comfortable. Yes, if I stood a few minutes or walked some, it would still hurt. But, definetly, an improvement.
So, I went back to Palmers and purchased a belt for $89.95 and wrapped it around my waist covering my hip. Back at the motel, I slept with it on. And probably slept better than I had in several months. I've been using it ever since and my pain is much more tolerable than it has been. I even went from Saturday afternoon until Sunday midnight after 6 hours of driving without hitting the pain pills.
Don't get me wrong. This isn't a cure for a deterriorating hip, nor will it get any better. However, if my pain level drops by even 10%, it is well worth it. And it has been better than that.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Tank, Chuck, Ryan and Kimberly had another good outing at the Liberty-VMI football game. While it was nowhere near a record breaker, it was a decent game and helped restore the financial stability from the weekend.
Wednesday was my appointment with the surgeon. After more xrays and considerable pulling and twisting, it was determined that my flexibility and strength has improved (the therapy is working) but that the deterrioration is worse. Not really much choice. Hip replacement surgery scheduled for January 12 with a couple of months of tough rehab to follow. If all goes well, I should be back to work in time for the spring race at Martinsville in late March. Until then, my business will be mostly in the hands of Tank and crew.
This week is the final game at JMU on Saturday plus basketball is starting at Liberty. Due to some minor scheduling conflicts, I might miss the first game Friday night but hope to be up and going at the Vines Center by next week. Reports to follow.
