Progress Update: September 21, 2008

Sep

2008

Progress Update: September 21, 2008

Posted by Double Eagle in My Progress

Stack and Tilt Golf Swing Videos by Medicus Golf

Sad to say, but not much has changed since my knee started acting up.

I had an MRI and X-rays taken. My doctor confirmed that there is some cartilage damage in there, as well as some arthritis. I was surprised when he didn’t immediately suggest surgery. The first thing he wanted to try was a cortizone shot in the joint. However, since my normal level of pain isn’t too bad, I declined.

The second step is a two-pronged approach. I’ll begin by doing a few weeks of physical therapy to strengthen the area in question. Second, he wants to give me a series of injections of a substance that’s supposed to aid in lubing up the joint. The name escapes me right now, but it’s a series of 3 injections in the joint, one a week for three weeks.

He told me that if that approach isn’t getting me where I need to be, then the final approach will the arthroscopic surgery.

It’s amazing the questions that I forget to ask while I’m sitting in the office but that nag me later. The biggest of which is the feeling that I might just be delaying the inevitiable. If these injections are a good long term solution, then great. I need to get out on the course again. Like yesterday. But if I’m ending up with surgery at some point, then let’s just do it. Why put it off?

The second thing that worries me is the arthritis. It likely stems from the ACL injury I had 15 years ago. It doesn’t really bother me at this point. But I can’t help feeling like I’m going to be sized up for a knee replacement at too young an age (if there even is a “proper” age to have a joint radically altered).

Let’s put all that aside for a moment and assume that my right knee will be an ongoing issue in my long term future. If you were me, wouldn’t you be reconsidering adoption of the Stack and Tilt? I can’t think of another golf swing that’s easier on the right knee. Hmmm…..

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There are currently 13 responses to “Progress Update: September 21, 2008”

1
TP Golf Online said:

Bummer DE. Look on the bright side in a few years you will be able feel rain/snow storms before they occur ;).

Posted on September 22nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
2
Double Eagle said:

That’s a good point, TP, but I’m afraid that the internet is making those skills less important than in days gone by.

Posted on September 22nd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
3
Greg B. said:

To be honest Mike, I can’t recognize a stack and tilt swing so I can’t offer much there. You are the type of player who has a pretty good grasp of the golf swing and you know what it takes to change it. I think you just have to decide the best way to keep chasing your goals.

If you’re still feeling pain when you hit full shots, you need a plan. If you feel the stack and tilt will allow you to hit full shots pain free on a long term basis, I would sure look into it. If surgery is the best option, I’d start planning the that long process ASAP!

In the mean time, I hope your putting and chipping are getting some serious attention!

All the best to you,
-G

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
4
Dave said:

I quit football… I had a meniscus problem, I didn’t really understood doctor what was about it but he told me that I can say goodbye to football… 3 years later I’m still in some pain and doctors tell mi that everything is ok I just need to go to exercise a little

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am
5
Double Eagle said:

I’m not sure what it feels like to hit full shots yet, Greg. I haven’t hit a ball since I hobbled off the range weeks ago. I can probably give it a go, but the doctor wants me to wait until I get rolling in physical therapy and get started on the injections, so I’m just going to follow his advice.

When he clears me to play again, I’ll get a feel for the long term outlook. Most days, I feel like I could play if I wanted, but I get some swelling and discomfort when I’m on my feet a lot.

I haven’t been hammering the chipping and putting much (though I spent an hour out there a week ago), because of the general discomfort and instability I feel. However, that’s going to change this week. I anticipate being able to play again in a few weeks, so I’m going to sharpen that part of my game now.

As mentally painful as it is to take it so slowly, I think it’s for the best in the long run.

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 am
6
Greg B. said:

Is your doctor a golfer?

The doctor who did my hernia surgery was a golfer and he fully understood how I wanted to get back to golf as soon as possible. He also understood what the body goes through while golfing and with that he was able to give me a best/worse case estimate on when I could get back out on the course.

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
7
Double Eagle said:

That’s a good question, Greg. I’m not sure if he’s a golfer or not. However, the place where I go (there are several doctors there) specializes in sports medicine, so I believe they have a good perspective on that sort of thing. Next time I go in, I’ll have a more detailed discussion with him. It was one of those things that I didn’t think to go into much detail about during my last appointment.

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
8
Double Eagle said:

I know that sounds odd, that I didn’t think to ask exactly when I can play again. But, it was something that I knew wouldn’t be right away, so there was no rush. I can’t decide if it will be more or less depressing to know what the target date actually is. I’m pretty sure it’s in the next few weeks, though, so I’m going to follow the PT and injection regimen and ask him next time I’m there for a follow-up.

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
9
PGA POP said:

I had an orthepedic surgeon take a look at my left knee and after an MRI he immediately recommended knee replacement. However, I obtained a second opinion from my VA Orthopedic surgeon and we went through 5 shots of the lubricant into my knee. Helped somewhat. Then he recommended a daily strength exercise program with weights and cardio without the heavy impact on my knees. Then he ordered a special knee brace that fits from the middle of my left thigh down to the midde of my calf with plenty of movement. It has been a miracle for me as I do not feel any more pain. It has a dial on the side that allows me to increase the pressure and eliminate any pain. On the course, I leave most of my weight on the left side during my back swing and have increased my swing speed and distance almost immediately. The stack and tilt works great for me since I don’t put any weight on my right knee that also has some bone spurs. It’s a real Bxxch getting older!

Posted on September 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
10
George said:

Hi Mike,

I know your problems. I had kneesurgery 5 years ago, and it didn’t really help me. Over the last 5 years there was not one day without pain……until two or three moths ago.
In march I decided to try to loose some weight (I was about 106 kg)and I slimmed for a couple of months. In july I reached the 90kg mark, and I noticed that my knee was not hurting any more. By now I weigh 88 kg and my knee is doing very good.
Maybe it is an idea for you too (because you’re a big guy as well) to loose a few pounds an so put a little less load on your knee.

take care!!

greetz,

George
The Netherlands

Posted on September 24th, 2008 at 6:22 am
11
Double Eagle said:

PGA POP, that’s interesting. I’ve worn a similar brace in the past when I was getting over an ACL tear, but it didn’t have any pressure adjustments. Medical science is a cool thing. Glad to hear you’re having success with it and with the Stack and Tilt too.

George, that’s definitely part of the plan. It’s been part of the plan for a while now and yet I’m basically in the same place, but given these developments it’s got to *really* be part of the plan. Time to renew my efforts.

Posted on September 24th, 2008 at 8:23 am
12
MonaVie said:

Man that is a total bummer about the knee. I’m the same way at the doctors. I just go along with what they say and then I leave and forget the questions! I have to write them down and then take the notes with me so I ask everything I wanted. You had ACL surgery? OUNCH! I hope that doesn’t make it so you have to get knee replacements. I bet it’s frustrating to have to wait to get on the green though. Good luck with everything and let us know how it goes.

Posted on September 24th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
13
the yeti said:

I can relate- had both knees done (meniscus) - left 3 years ago, right just last fall after the season. Funny you mention it, but I noted that when I couldn’t put much weight on my right last summer, I was hitting the ball pretty well - I hadn’t heard of stack and tilt at that time. after surgery, I got back to my old swing, sometimes good, often bad, lessons that help temporarily, etc. then recently became more aware of the stack and tilt and started to take it seriously. after just a few range sessions, I’m hitting the ball farther and more crisply, especially driver and long irons. I really think there’s something to it - perhaps not for everyone, but it’s working for me and with a bum right knee, I’d really consider trying it.it has to be the easiest on your right knee. Good luck with that and your knee surgery if you plan to have it done.

Posted on September 27th, 2008 at 12:10 am