BikeTheCoast13: Cycling Canada to Mexico
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Day 5 On Hold: Back in The Hospital

8/19/2013

14 Comments

 
Seriously? Am I a drama queen or what? Yes  I'm back in the hospital and fortunately this time, there was a hospital in the town where I'm staying, South Bend, WA.  Why am I here? My "non-injured" right knee continued to get worse last night, and this morning I could barely bend it. I went for a half-hour walk, in hopes that it would loosen up. Then, I tried to see if I could ride, hopeful that it would feel better on the bike. But I was unable to complete a single revolution.
Picture
That's as far a I can bend my knee
I'm not sure why this happened, but I have a couple of theories. The knee is meant to pivot in a rotational direction only. These types of injuries are from repetitive motion (I complete about 5,000 rotations per hour while cycling), and when that motion is askew even slightly, you compound the problem with every stroke.                                    

I trained for long rides so it's not as simple as over-extending my mileage. However, I have been stopping and starting dozens of times per day, and I think the injury is associated with that, combined with the fact that every time I re-start, I'm needing to get an additional 15 pounds of baggage rolling. Maybe I'm not gearing down enough, and putting undue pressure on the knee I favor from a standstill.
Picture
Earned my second hospital wristband in four days here
Another possibility, I suppose, is associated with my other trip to the hospital. Maybe I overcompensated for my injured left knee?  Only problem with that theory is that my left knee never did hurt. Another thought is that I tweaked something in my right knee when I fell, and it didn't manifest itself until I complicated matters with three more days of riding.  Finally, maybe my bike position is off (highly unlikely) or maybe I over-trained and this injury is happening because that "training" has elevated yet another notch (decent possibility).
Picture
This Ride is Happening
Let me finish (for now) with this. BikeTheCoast13 is happening. I may not be able to get to Astoria today but I'll hang here a day or two if I need to, and then I have two-and-a-half weeks before I hook up with the People's Coast Classic in Oregon. That is where I plan to be. If for some reason that's not possible, I will still get back on track and get to Mexico. You can book it.
11:20 AM POST MRI UPDATE:  First off, thank you for the comments, texts, and emails.  Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated!  My only request is to stay upbeat and don't refrain from letting me have it with humor just like Kelley did - she knows me well!  In the grand scheme of things, this is no big deal.  I don't want to feel sorry for myself, so don't feel sorry for me. Keep me laughing. This isn't a heart attack, for Christ sakes!  As I was thinking while I was getting that MRI, it's my first MRI ever. Lindsey has already had four.                                     
I was fortunate that they have a mobile MRI unit here and it's only at this hospital Monday and Thursday.  At least they should be able to tell me what's going on today.  Results could take an hour or two.  Stay tuned.  Oh ya, blog comments are still best.  I want to stay off of email entirely until evening.  If you want to send me a private message, text me at 408.605.1521.
14 Comments
Beth Miller
8/19/2013 03:12:24 am

Oh no Jeff! I'm so sorry you're stuck in the hospital. I hope that tests are quick and the results are reassuring. You've surmounted so many challenges already and we are all so proud of you! Take care and keep us updated!

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scott
8/19/2013 03:17:16 am

Thoughts are with you!

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Clarke Miller
8/19/2013 03:18:43 am

Hang in there, you're tougher than you even know! Just like Lindsey.

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PJ
8/19/2013 03:19:50 am

Dear Jeff: I'm so sorry to hear the news. Your courage and optimism is inspiring. Take the best of care and we will continue to follow your progress. My best, PJ Handeland

My

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Kevin
8/19/2013 03:25:28 am

We are all pulling for you! What an inspiration!

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Judy
8/19/2013 03:41:04 am

Dear Trooper, I was tempted to write, "what more could go wrong", but quickly re-thought that!!! Just know our loving thoughts & prayers are with you!!!! XOXOXO

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Kelley
8/19/2013 04:03:17 am

Waaaa....should I call you a waaaa-bulance? I know, not funny. But I couldn't help it. We love you lots and are sending our love!!!

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Roxanne
8/19/2013 04:20:05 am

Really why does the body have to be so complicated! Rest up and make sure you are good to go before you go again.

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Lindsey
8/19/2013 04:35:05 am

Hope you are feeling better really soon so you can get back on the road!!! We love you so much!!!

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Jeff Fredericks
8/19/2013 04:47:48 am

Lindsey, I was thinking about how you've already had MRIs as I was having my first ever. It helped a lot! This stinks, but I'm doing fine! Lover you all!!

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Kathy Tovar
8/19/2013 05:55:57 am

Sorry to hear about the delay. Hoping it will be a short one for you. It will give you time to compose more thoughts and posture pics. There is book in this ride! Take care.

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Jim Beck link
8/19/2013 07:54:47 am

Bummer - We hope to see you back in action soon, but don't push it.

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Takeuchi's
8/19/2013 02:06:08 pm

Sorry to hear about your knee, Freddie. Nothing you can do about that one, except to rest up and you will be back on the bike in no time at all!

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The Burke's
8/20/2013 02:10:08 am

You are doing an amazing thing for Lindsey and Arthritis with our without a bum knee. Of course there are ways to get around other than the bike. Maybe it's time to get on a segway again?

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    Jeff Fredericks

    On August 14, 2013, I'm flying to Vancouver, British Columbia and beginning a 29-day, 1,880-mile bike ride from Canada to Mexico.

    On this page you'll find random ramblings before, during, and after my trek down the Pacific Coast. Prior to BikeTheCoast13, I'll blog about my prep, training, and thoughts from the road.  
    While visiting my blog, I hope you'll offer comments, suggests, and words of encouragement.  I'm going to need all the help I can get!

    For those who don't know me or my inspiration, please take a moment to check out the Why Now? tab to meet my daughter Lindsey and find out how I got here.  

    If this site helps or inspires you in any way, I hope you'll consider making a small donation to the cause.


    If you'd like to contact me personally, you can email me at Jeff.fredericks@outlook.com

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