Medical Issues/Recovery – The Laughing Wolf

Winter Bleg 26 5 March

First and foremost: THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my Winter 26 Bleg! Particular thanks go out to Vodka Pundit for his post at Instapundit that brought most or all of you here. In addition to the automated thank you, I’ve hopefully sent a quick thank you to everyone I could. To all of you who donated anonymously, please accept my thanks! I also very much appreciate all the comments of support, prayers, and more that have been given. I also want to thank JC and LB for sending me something off my Amazon Wish List. I’ve made all the items needed for the pilgrimage highest priority, so they should show up first.

All the gifts, all the prayers and thoughts, and all of YOU are very much appreciated. Please help spread the word, as there is still a ways to go. THANK YOU!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Winter 26 Bleg

I hate to do this, as your kind gifts over the last 4.5 years have kept me going. Right after I was hit by lightning that June, and things started going South rather rapidly, quite a few of you stood up and helped me out as I dealt with health issues, health bureaucracy, and general bureaucracy. At that time, I wanted nothing more than to get better and move to the desert SW. As I look out at the roughly inch of snow that fell here this morning, there is a part of me that still very much wants to move there.

That said, about 3.5 years ago, I found a new Church home and my desire for a new life took on a new meaning. It was something long building, as I had for years thought there was something I was supposed to be doing, though I wasn’t sure what it was that I was to do. It literally took getting hit by lightning to have a moment of clarity, and to slowly (I am a bit thick and slow) realize that the end doesn’t matter, only the path. Bit more on this later in the post.

It took more than three years to get a small monthly stipend going, and during that time your gifts literally allowed me to live as I had no real income during that time. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate those gifts, and all the prayers that came with them. Both mean more than I can ever truly express. Which is why I hate to ask for more, but my stipend is not huge and while things are improving, there is more to do than I can cover.

So, I’m going to do a formal Bleg. Haven’t done this in a while, but here’s what I’m looking at over the next year or so.

First up, keeping the blog up and the lights on costs about $500 right now. I’ve got some fairly stable hosting that at least sorta-handles Instalanches and the like. There are support services that help keep the spam at bay, and things running smoothly (or at least relatively so). I would not mind doing a bit more, and expenses could go up if I start doing more video and the like as planned.

Second, I am doing an experiment right now by taking a seminary course as a remote-learning non-degree student. I will note that if I do change to pursue a degree or certificate, everything should count towards that. The last round of neurological testing done last year said I should be able to take a course and pass it. I will also note the doctor who did the testing and I had an interesting side talk on the fact that I can still form new memories, but that the conditions to form new memories are not always there. So, trying some things, including something told to me by a fellow lightning strike survivor to aid in creating those conditions.

I will admit right now the class is wonderful, I’m truly enjoying it (its on the theology behind the Liturgy, the main worship service for Christians). It is also sometimes overwhelming and almost always like trying to drink from a firehose. It is testing my compensation systems for life, and I’m having to devise new stratagems for handling the loads. Which is good, very good, don’t get me wrong; but, it is not easy and I look back at being able to breeze through some courses with a degree of envy.

It is also expensive given my budget. Right now, looks like the total cost is going to be around $2k for the course. A couple of you have stepped up and covered registration and such, and it is much appreciated. Now, if I do okay with this course, I would like to try again this fall with another course, which will be another $2k (bit more). If that goes well, I would then try two courses, and if that goes well, and I have the blessing of my Priest, I would consider seeking a scholarship and try full-time. That’s in the future, but for this year alone having $4k would be a huge help.

Now, as my regular readers know, I have the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage this spring. I am Eastern Orthodox Christian, and belong to the Bulgarian Patriarchate which means my home Church is in Sophia, Bulgaria. So, I will be going to Sophia and basing out of there. The trip is for spiritual development and discernment, and as such I will be visiting Churches and monasteries (and possibly a seminary) in Bulgaria; will be going up to Bucharest, Romania for a visit (and cooking lessons, more in a bit); and, will be going to Mount Athos is Greece to spend some time there.

For those who don’t know, Mount Athos is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Short version: fairly soon after the start of Church, Christian hermits took up residence there; and, when monastic life became a thing, monasteries were established there; and, during various times of persecution and such, those monasteries became a refuge and many items were stored there.

Getting to visit requires getting a “visa” via an office of the Greek government on the mainland, as Mount Athos is accorded as it’s own territory, almost it’s own country in some ways. You then have to contact the monasteries to arrange to visit. I’ve been approved for my “visa” though I am attempting to change the dates of my visit. My Bishop (our Church has one Bishop for the USA, Canada, and Australia btw) has invited me to join him at one of the monasteries for a special service, and I’m now waiting to hear from the ‘visa office’ on my request to change the dates of my visit.

For all I am working to do this on the cheap, there are still expenses. I got a fairly good deal on the airfare; but, with all the fees and taxes added on it ended up about $1,800. I’ve found some short-term studio apartment rental in Sophia that look good, have stoves and oven, wifi (my seminar class will be finished while on the pilgrimage), and such, for about $33 a day, or a total of around $1,800 with taxes and fees. Several of them offer a service to pick me up and take me back to the airport even. While I’m in Bulgaria and Romania, I want to take some cooking lessons, one of which is Romanian country cooking in the Carpathian mountains. Right now, looking at about $750 for doing those. When one visits and stays at monasteries, they do appreciate donations and so I am budgeting $900 for that. I also want to budget for some hotel expenses as I can’t always stay at monasteries and such, so am adding $700 for that. I’m also budgeting $500 for trains, busses, and other transport. Sadly, given age and the joys of having been hit by lightning, I am having to get trip insurance that includes hospital and medical evacuation. That looks to be $800 (possibly a bit more). So, looking at about $7,250 for the trip itself.

Oh, for the record, if I die or am killed while on the pilgrimage, I’ve given instructions that I am to be buried there. No need to bring me back here, let me rest where I fall. This constitutes full legal notice to any and all parties who may (or may not) have a claim on my estate.

Now, there are some expenses that are not a direct cost, but also need to be considered. First up, a new cell phone. I have a non-numbered model senior-citizen special right now. I would like to upgrade that so I can handle a particular translation app and take better pictures and videos. Several have already asked if I will post pictures and videos, and I actually hope to do so daily. I really want to video some or all of the cooking classes, and various explorations of Churches and more. From the Carpathian mountains to Mount Athos, we are talking some beautiful country and I want to share it with you. Given that my phone won’t even trade in on a new mobile, am budgeting $1,500 for that. I also need a new pair of prescription sunglasses. Insurance will cover part of that, but I’m still going to be out roughly $500 simply because of my prescription (rarely can be ground in store). Not looking for super high end, just a solid pair of glasses and yes I’ve already priced some out. Now that physical therapy and massage therapy have me walking more normally, I need a new pair of Redwings, and those will be about $135. For all that I feel their quality has slipped, these shoes are incredibly comfortable, can handle rough terrain at need, and are safety shoes — which can come in handy. Now, I also am looking at some specialty clothes, including a vest that a priest I know speaks highly of that can even be worn with a cassock (not an issue for me at present) that is pickpocket and RF resistant. Also looking at a couple pairs of pickpocket proof pants and such, and some decent travel pants that can be line dried at need (several of the apartments have washers, no dryers). There are some other miscellaneous things, including the backpack I bought that does not put weight on my artificial shoulders (app $450). So, budgeting about $300 for the miscellaneous (excluding pack). Which makes this part about $2,435.00.

So, I’m looking at a goal of $14,185. That’s a lot, though I admit it should probably be rounded up to $14,500. Heck, the marketing types would probably suggest that or more, but I would be grateful for any of that. Everything helps and is very much appreciated.

Now, I know some people may not want to donate money as that can be misspent, misused, etc. So, I’ve put as much of the clothing and other items for the trip on my Amazon Wish List and made them highest priority, so they should show up first. And, yes, I hope to ship over some things in advance (supplements and other supplies) so I don’t have to carry them in my luggage.

Now, to go back to something mentioned earlier. I am on a path of which I do not know the end, when it comes to this new life. I’m helping at my Church, taking this class to see how well I can handle it, and to, if possible, to push on down that path. It has several possible destinations, from monastic life to the priesthood. I have faith I will be guided to the destination that is right for me. This trip is a part of that process and I am thankful to my Priest and my Bishop for their help, encouragement, and guidance on this journey. And I appreciate your help, your prayers, your gifts in allowing me to make this journey.

Before I forget, I did promise to say more on the cooking lessons. I’ve already contacted and made tentative arrangements for one cooking lesson in Sophia, which will provide an introduction to Bulgarian cooking. There are some other possibilities there as well, but nothing scheduled yet. In Bucharest, I actually may have the chance to take three different classes: one introductory course to Romanian cooking, a cheese-making class, and one where I will be taken into the Carpathian mountains and learn Romanian country cooking. I’m hoping for more really, particularly in Sophia but we will see.

If this goes well, and there is any money left over, I am already thinking about a possible trip to the Holy Lands. Just an idle thought for now, as we need to see how well I do on this trip first, but it is there. And if I can go, I will be reaching out to some people for help in doing a bit more than the normal, as there would be at least three graves I would like to visit that are tied to October 7.

So, with reluctance and hope I make a winter bleg to you. I will be pinning this to the top, or reposting every day, to keep it available this week. I hope to do other, regular, posting as well, but want to push this while I can.

Thank you all for all you have done. I could not have made it this far without your help, your prayers, and your gifts. Your love, if you will. My hope for all of us is that there is much more to come.

Thank you.

UPDATE I: My thanks to G for using Zelle in the Bard’s Jar. You were the first too do so; I hope it went well for you; and, I did get it and it is applied to the trip. Thank you so much!

UPDATE II: First and foremost: THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my Winter 26 Bleg! Particular thanks go out to Vodka Pundit for his post at Instapundit that brought most or all of you here. In addition to the automated thank you, I’ve hopefully sent a quick thank you to everyone I could. To all of you who donated anonymously, please accept my thanks! I also very much appreciate all the comments of support, prayers, and more that have been given. I also want to thank JC and LB for sending me something off my Amazon Wish List. I’ve made all the items needed for the pilgrimage highest priority, so they should show up first. All the gifts, all the prayers and thoughts, and all of YOU are very much appreciated. Please help spread the word, as there is still a ways to go. THANK YOU!

Cardiology Update/Celebration

Had my six month check-up with my cardiologist, and other than some well-earned comments in regards my having over-indulged in sweets and carbs over the holidays, things are going very well. So well, in fact, that 4.5 years after being hit by lightning, I now only have to see him once a year unless there are problems.

This is a huge milestone in my recovery, and the admonishments were far outweighed by the good comments on my blood work, the workouts I’m doing, and how I plan to proceed with the workouts. His only recommendation was not to do farmer’s carries as they could be very problematic for my shoulders and back. Otherwise, he was quite pleased with things.

It is interesting that about two years ago, when I first switched to him (and am so thankful I did so), the concern was that I would have to have more heart surgery. After my baptism, however, the scans showed that all the damage from the lightning had healed. Doesn’t mean other things can’t happen or I can’t mess up; but, to me it says a lot that things went from bad to fantastic after that significant event.

More to come.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Gym

A couple of weeks ago, I was presented the chance to have a free membership at a very nice gym. We are talking one with an indoor track, indoor olympic pool, indoor full-size therapy pool, various basketball/pickleball/etc. courts, and a variety of outdoor areas when the weather is nice. They have a very nice collection of machines and free weights, along with a huge number of classes. While I do like my original free gym, there just is no comparison between the two, and I also now get a discount on my massage therapy.

So, this week I started the process of truly working out again. Boy howdy I’m glad I bought the jumbo bottle of ibuprofen. 🙂 Going to take a while to settle into a good routine, but what I am doing so far is focused on three major areas/goals: core, shoulders (with arms and chest), and legs with focus on strength, endurance, and mobility. Here’s the basics, and does not include some classes I’m looking at to aid in mobility/flexibility/coordination.

My warm-up is several laps around the indoor track, nice walk pushing towards brisk walk. The order then varies but here’s the basics:

Leg press, focusing on endurance and strength, not bulking up. Right now, I’m doing 6 sets of 20 reps at 100 lbs. First set is with feet close center of plate. Second is feet close at top of plate. Third is feet close at bottom of plate. Fourth bottom wide. Fifth center wide. Sixth top wide. Each one works some different muscle groups while getting core. Current plan (plans subject to modification based on expert input) is to work up to about five sets of all, then work up on weight a bit.

I’m doing both leg curls and leg extensions. Again, working on endurance and strength rather than trying to bulk up. With all the leg work, part of what I am doing is trying to get the muscles used to large-scale contraction/release given that they were locked up for so long after the lightning strike. It is making a difference, will be interested to see what the massage therapist says as she encouraged doing something like this rather than just walking/biking. I would also note that all of the lower body is aimed at helping balance, coordination, and mobility as sub-goals within the workout.

I’m also doing hip abductions and related, via working hips and inner/outer thighs. Main focused core for now is ab crunches and back extensions. Want to get my core in shape, build from there while also hopefully taking off some fat I want gone. For the upper body I’m doing seated dips, different lat pulldowns, chest presses, low row, pec/delt, and some light-weight free-weight curls. I finish with 15 minutes on an elliptical to get in some cardio. Given my meds, I have no shot of hitting official target zones, but know where I should try to hit and for how long.

Short-term goals include adding in one more ab exercise and to start carrying weights as I do my warm up. I eventually would like to add in full Farmer’s Carries to the mix (50 lbs or more each hand, do at least one lap before resting) as well as some crawls and springs.

But, going to take the time needed to build up so I get max results and don’t do anything (too) stupid. Per ortho who put in new shoulders, avoiding chin-ups and military press for now, and being careful with bench press and anything related. Need to build up then bulk up shoulders and upper arms, and that will take time. Hoping to come up with the funds to have a trainer work with me once or twice a month to help me get the most out of each exercise and session.

Really looking forward to a couple of the classes. There is a “flow” class that sounds like the body flow class I used to do up in Lafayette years back that was based in part on tai chi. That class kicked my rear and was great! Should really help with balance, coordination, strength and stability. There is a special class in the therapy pool that works on stretches and balance that sounds good. Also, couple of others that as I get going might make some good “off day” workouts. Then again, might just go swimming on off days.

Meantime, I’ve had to order some new gym shorts. Turns out some of mine were 40 (or more) years old and any elastic in them has given up the ghost. Even my Army PT shorts are almost 20 years old I realized. So, trying some new options to have some good shorts that will work in gym or pool.

Have to admit, I really appreciated the steam room at the new gym yesterday. The sauna just wasn’t warm enough for me, but the steam room really helped after the workout. Did some mild stretches while in there and could tell they helped.

While I may be a bit sore and tight in spots today, it was a good first week and good start to getting back into serious workouts. Hoping to do three days a week, and then see about classes on “off” days to help with the balance/mobility/coordination issues.

More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Doing Fine

This morning has been spent at the doctor’s office, with a side trip to Costco. Courtesy of being hit by lightning, every six months I get a pretty good check up. Today’s went very well with the bloodwork very good overall. My blood glucose was one point higher than the average, and the doc said he wasn’t going to ding me over that. (smile). The important things were all in range and/or excellent in some cases. Hoping that getting to the gym will make things even better.

Also, yesterday I was gifted a car that had belonged to my Godfather. Not pretty, but mechanically sound and runs well. This despite being stolen at one point by people who did not know how to drive stick-shift and abandoned it. (grin, equipped with millennial anti-theft protection system)

My Godfather had a bunch of work done on it earlier this year, so should be good for getting to Church and back, and occasional trips to the grocery store. I go tomorrow to sign paperwork on insurance, and once I have proof of insurance will transfer the title. Doing a yearly bill as it drops my insurance cost to $55 a month at full coverage. The bill is an ouch, being unbudgeted, but long-term worth it.

My doctor being across the street from a Costco, walked across to take care of some things. When I joined, I had a high-pressure guy who got me to try the Executive membership. Didn’t do much for me, so knowing renewal was coming up, went in and asked to downgrade the renewal. They had me shop first, then came back. Long-story short, they did the downgrade now, refunded the difference, and used some other goodies to renew me for the year at the regular membership price for no additional charge, so I’m good until the end of December 2026 without any payment. That was excellent customer service.

More to come!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

A Bleg Of Sorts, Update 1

Back in July, I did a bleg post sharing a bit of what I was facing , and how your kind gifts to me through the Bard’s Jar in the upper right were being used. I think it’s time to update that as some of what was being talked about has changed.

I’ve had the physical therapy, and am still waiting to see what happens with the insurance appeal. An appeal was necessary as the insurance company approved the physical therapy, then decided for reasons they really did not make clear (but may have been paperwork issues) refused to pay for it. I technically could still be on the hook for about $5k, but am hoping that things are now resolved. We will see.

Other things I mentioned have taken place, and the net result has been a very large positive. My mobility and flexibility (and balance/vertigo issues) are much improved as a result of physical therapy, physical activity, and massage therapy. This is particularly true of my lower body, and while there is still a ways to go it is almost like night and day. It has also helped with the edema, and I am hoping to be able to take the water pill “at need” within six or so months. We are already down to every other day on it.

The cognitive is improving as well. The music therapy is really helping with that, and I thank both my voice coach and our music director at Church for their work and patience. My voice still keeps dropping (as opposed to extending my range upwards), but it makes for a great reading voice and the ability to sing low bass/profundo on some things. Why it is still dropping is a mystery, but there are worse things that could be happening.

There have been some other changes in life, and I am looking at some serious changes to my path. Most of those revolve around Faith. I am doing more at Church, and next year I will making a pilgrimage to Bulgaria and Mount Athos as part of a process of spiritual growth and discernment. Most of my time will be in Bulgaria where I have a chance not only to spend some time at a couple of monasteries; but, I will have the chance to learn, worship, and grow at the “home” of my Church. In addition, we are working on my spending several days at Mount Athos in Greece, and I may be spending a week in Romania as well. Not only has my Priest given his blessing and help to this, my Bishop is providing spiritual guidance as well.

So, here is what I need/where your gifts are going:

First, right now every non-designated donation that comes in is going towards the pilgrimage. I’ve bought my airfare and am working on paying it off. Where I can buy train or other tickets in advance for trips to Mount Athos and other locations, I am doing so. I will be arranging housing in Bulgaria soon, and am trying to get as much done and paid for in advance as I can. For long-term readers, you will not be surprised to learn I’ve been able to arrange some cooking lessons, mostly one day events, and I’m looking at trying to pay for them as far in advance as possible. I will also need a new cell phone (and plan) for the trip, as well as some other odds-and-ends. The total budget for the trip isn’t huge for most (excluding the new cell phone, I think it can be done for around $3k), but my small monthly stipend doesn’t allow me much room. Any and all help is appreciated.

Second, I am going to be coming up on the annual payments to keep this blog up soon. Any help towards that (and you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that) is very much appreciated.

Third, help with music and massage therapy is very much appreciated. Both are having a large positive impact on me, and again you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that. Massage therapy is roughly $100 per session and I get four lessons for $190 from the voice coach. The latter is a small discount, but will take any discount I can get.

Fourth, efforts are underway to gift me a car. It’s far from new or pretty, but it runs and is reliable. Insurance and other costs were not in my yearly budgeting process, so again any help is appreciated.

Fifth, I would love to do some regular personal training at the gym if possible. Not sure what that will be, but it is a “nice to do” as it were.

I want to thank everyone who has sent me gifts, especially those towards the pilgrimage. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. I also want to thank those who have kept me in their prayers, as those are very much needed and appreciated.

Life has not gone anywhere close to what I had planned when I first stated the fundraiser on Give Send Go. Rather than moving out West and becoming a bit of a secular hermit, I may be headed towards a more clerical or monastic life. Where that takes me, spiritually or physically, I don’t know other than I am content wherever it takes me. Been feeling that there was something I was supposed to do/be doing ever since I stood up alive after being hit by lightning. This very much feels like the right path, though I know not where it leads. I’m content to simply be walking the path, knowing that God knows where it leads.

Again, my profound and sincere thanks to all who have provided the gifts and prayers that have kept me going since those early days. Words can’t express my thanks, and how much I appreciate you. Thank you. I look forward to sharing this new journey with you.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders, Pt. 3

Following up on the original post and this post, I just did a quick mile ruck with an Osprey backpack (Aether 70) someone at Church has given me to try. It’s the same model I had tried out at the outfitters, though a different size frame and a few years old though unused.

To see how it did with some weight in it, I put a 20-pound barbell in the lower compartment, unsecured. About the worst place to put any weight; but, it was a quick way to test how much weight could get transferred to my shoulders. Especially since neither the hip belt or shoulder straps are fitted to me (yet).

I really like how the suspension system works, and know that if it were fitted to me it would be even better. The dealer can fit it to a person, even heat molding part of the hip belt system to give a custom fit. As it is, without any real adjustment to my frame, most of the weight (even when bouncing) stayed off my shoulders.

So, my next step is to see if the local outfitter will be willing to help me with this. If they are, first up will be making sure it is the right size frame for my body (person who bought it has a more slender frame) and that it can be adjusted to me. If it can, I’m likely to go with it for the trip. If not, I know what is needed and will work on getting it.

Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Apologies

Got several things I want to post, but didn’t post much yesterday and probably not today either. Long-term readers may remember I went to the ER a bit over a year ago with severe inflammation of parts of my digestive system. There really were only two major possible culprits, and for better or for worse we now know which one did it.

On Sunday, at our “Coffee Hour” after service (which is often a meal), someone insisted I try a bite of a dish that had been brought in. I did so. By the time I woke up Monday, the system was unhappy with me and I was trying everything I could to avoid going to the ER again. It made my last massage therapy appointment for a while interesting.

Turns out, I have issues with garbanzo beans and I am not alone. It is not a typical allergy (may be a Non-IgE issue), but a sensitivity to certain proteins, of which garbanzo beans are graced with an abundance. No real treatment, but the best thing to do is to avoid all legumes to prevent problems and to prevent the possibility of having this slide into a full allergy.

So, I’m trying to ensure any inflammation gets tamped down without needing to go the doctor. Too much going on this week. Besides, had a doc last year who suggested cutting out portions of my intestines and I’m not real keen on that idea yet. It may come to it, but I will hand that off to the Lord.

Take care, and more soon.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders Pt 2

I wanted to follow up on this post and thank everyone who offered suggestions and advice. I can’t thank you enough!

Yesterday afternoon, I spent a good bit of time at a locally-owned outfitter with a gentleman who went over current load-bearing technology and pack systems. It was a bit eye-opening, and the days of simple hip belts and such is long gone. I actually got to try on a system or two, and then work out the system and pack for my frame.

I’ve got more reading to do and I plan to go to a chain outfitter this week or next to try on another brand of pack (and verify the size I need). Bit more research, but well worth it and some of these newer pack systems truly rock. Also looking into new passport/ID holders, billfolds, and the like. I’ve been using an ID holder I picked up at Camp Victory, Iraq, as my wallet since 2007, and it is time for something new. So, looking at waterproof and RFID-blocking options, of which the outfitter yesterday had several.

Oh, I should mention that the Osprey packs several recommended have an option for an attachable day pack that could serve as my carry-on luggage as well.

Thank you all for the inputs, and for the introduction to the newer packs and systems. Much appreciated.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders

If anyone out there has artificial shoulders like me (I have reverse replacements) and has used backpacks since, let me know what you’ve found. The pilgrimage is coming together, and it appears a suitcase is not going to work for portions of it.

One option is to use a backpack in place of a suitcase. The other option I’m looking at is using a suitcase for part of the trip, but have a smaller backpack as my carry-on and for times when suitcase isn’t going to cut it. The latter would work only if I do rent a apartment/room for the trip.

The only thing the doctor who did my surgery suggested is that I should get lots of padding for the shoulders. My thoughts are that a hip belt would be a good idea to keep pressure off the shoulders.

Thoughts?