I realize I made this nice retirement message back in November and I received many nice comments from various posts and in face to face meetings with many of you. I went to an Orthopedic doctor who diagnosed severe arthritis in both knees, especially my left one. However, about a few weeks Mike Aiello called me to tell me of a relatively new therapy with a gel like substance calle Synvisc which is injected into the knees 5 times over 5 weeks. This is to replace the lost lubricants we natually have in our knees but lose over wear and tear. I checked with my doctor and he agreed that it could stop or reduce considerably the friction of bone on bone. It only lasts maybe 6-8 months depending on the individaual. I agreed to the treatment with hopes that maybe I could squeeze another season, but more importantly walk normally without the pain.
Results: The pain has subsided almost completely and the amount of advil reduced to 400 mg every two days compared to 1000-1200 per day. I don't know how far this will take me but at this point after several practices it's holding up. By the way this has none of the side effects of cortisone and lasts as long if not longer.
If anyone with similar problems wants any info on this please call me at 458-1684. Their are other products similar to Synvisc ... it just depends on what your doctor prefers.
I'm extremely grateful to Mike for informing me of this treatment and I look forward to maybe playing the full season.
Again my deepest appreciation to all of you who had given me your best wishes and I will treasure them always.
Artie.....No need to be embarassed. We are all very glad to have you back. Just keep doing all the things you need to do to be able to continue to play. You have put an enormous amount of passion and effort into helping this league over the years.....including starting many teams , bringing new players into the league, giving numerous guys the opportunity to play baseball on your clubs and bringing teams to tournaments. Your enthusiasm for this game is beautiful and it is contagious. Thank you for all of this. I will never forget all the good things you have done - for our league and for me personally. I hope you do not put a time line on the number of years which you will continue to play. We need you to remain on the field and part of this very special group.
Artie, remember what I told you when you said you were retiring? I said you would be back next year - there was no doubt about it... good to have you back, but the next time you "retire" don't expect the good comments!!!
Arite, You should be embarrased, and add to that, you are making it hard on me to fit you into our line-up you 60 year old dude !!!! I do appreciate your passion for the game though, and I know how hard you continually work at it. I'm sure you'll get your share of innings on the mound plus I'm sure you'll BEAT OUT a few infield dribblers !!! You and Paul Celentano still have to have that MATCH RACE !!!!! The odds are EVEN money!! Anyone wishing to wager, please let me know.
