I wanted to take a second and let you know what a great article "Operating instructions" [GeezerJock, May/June 2007] was. I think your readers -- many of them just like Bill Unsworth or Fred Rosen -- found an article they can truly relate to.
Lauren Pearson Rosemont, Ill.
The writer is a media relations specialist for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
A forgotten joint
Although your article on replacement joints ["Operating instructions," GeezerJock, May/June 2007] was excellent, you should have included replacement shoulders like the one I have. My 33 years of racquetball have been tough on my shoulder, and an accident in 1991 also caused trauma in the joint. The cartilage completely wore out by July 2005. A replacement joint was the only option left. Dr. Frederick Matsen of the University of Washington installed a chromium cobalt shoulder, saying I could play racquetball for years to come. He was right. I just played 18 games over four days at the Portland Masters event with just a little soreness. I'm 64 and playing better than I have for many, many years. This procedure is truly an example of modern medicine that changes lives and allows us geezerjocks back into our passions. I love this shoulder.
Jim Rockstad Issaquah, Wash.
"Sobering" article
Your article on hip and knee replacement was sobering but not quite enough to keep me out of the sports drunk tank. At the age of 70 I had a knee replacement and am back playing pickup and league hockey three times a week and playing tournaments. Perhaps skating sports are easier on the knee than running sports, as the skating stride tends to spread the impact energy over the ice during a glide.
Gordon France La Grange, Ill.
No doctor's orders for her
Thanks for the article on joint replacement in your May/June issue. Last year, at age 60, I had total hip replacements of both hips. I'm one of the people who didn't follow the doctor's orders of no court sports, including basketball. I was back on the basketball court four months after my last surgery. I have adjusted my game. I worry more about falling than I do about wearing out the joints. My doctor said I need to walk a couple of miles every day. If I'm going to wear out my new joints, let it be from playing basketball, not walking up and down the street.
Sharon Thornton Hot Springs, Ark.
Joint longevity
Thank you for the informative article about artificial replacements. My wife, Ahuva, had a hip replacement in November 2006. In February 2007 she started to hit the racquetball. Now she is up to seven games a day, three times a week. She will be participating in the Senior Olympics in Louisville in June and July. She is playing in the 70 to 74 age bracket. She has a Zimmer titanium implant and when asked about the longevity of the implant, the doctor replied that she could will it to our children. No takers yet, but they are young. Thanks again for the article, maybe it will give others incentive to have the surgery done. You do a great job with your magazine, keep up the good work.
Pat Lynch Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Editor's note: Ahuva Lynch won the gold medal in women's 70-74 racquetball at the National Senior Games.
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