A few years ago, I had my left ankle replaced. Yes, ankle. With the marvels of modern medicine, this too, is possible. After decades of mounting pain and limited mobility as the result of a winter accident, I was going to be a new man! I would be walking better and longer. I would have more energy. I decided I would finish the Appalachian Trail… maybe even the Pacific Crest. I’d take more trips. Maybe I now would even be better looking…

“Whoa cowboy!” my inner rational voice finally spoke up and yanked on my reins. Those things could happen (except that last one) but there were a few steps before all that. Like, preventing clots and infection while I was immobile, getting the cast off, rebuilding mobility and strength with rehab…lots of rehab… 

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