May be my last season

[oldessox]

I was up at the marina this afternoon cleaning the boat and running the engine ready for a day out next time the wind is blowing in the right direction, the boat was a bit grubby with algae but the sun was out and I spent a pleasant hour or two cleaning and messing about. It was tinged with a little sadness however as this season might be my last one owning a boat.
I'm struggling with pretty bad arthritis , my knees are knackered, my shoulders, neck and back , and my elbows, I'm in a bit of a state
Anyhow, I struggled a bit getting on and off the boat with my knees today, and July 2nd I'm having a total knee replacement to my right knee followed 4 months later with my left knee
I don't know how I'll manage this season , I'm hoping I'll have 4 months between July and November where I can get out on the boat but I don't think I'll be able to fish single handed very easily if at all.
Bottom line , Eleda will most likely be up for sale this year sometime , I'm desperately hoping the weather is good between now and July so I can make the most of it before they chop me up.

[Pighunter]

Sorry to hear mate but health comes first I am sure people would be willing to come out with you and help you out. Also when you have your new knees you could be fit and ready for next year

[Davey1970]

ray m8,
having spent 2 year out with ill health and surgery, a know exactly how you feel,

as pighunter say's, there'll be plenty lad's willing to help, under your instruction's.

don't give up just yet m8.

good luck.

davey

[Bob C]

Sorry to hear of your problems fella but keep your Chin up, you might be like a Spring Lamb when you get the jobs done. Good luck.

[The Jester]

Sorry to hear that Ray, nothing worse than arthritis, my joints are getting that way too.... I've heard lads who have had their knees done say its like having a new lease of life...

Dont give up yet mate....

[Norman]

I think it sound like a case of "Bring on the New Knees" Ray ....
all the best and speedy recovery from your op.

norm

[KeithB]

Hope the replacements sort you out Ray.

As the lads say, No.1 crewman required.

[northeast1]

Sorry to hear that but if fishing is causing you pain then its best to let your body rest.and do a charter trip from time to time when you are feeling upto it.

[lingking]

sad to hear,hopefully the new bits will give you more mobility and a renewed enthusiasm

[canman]

Sad to hear of your ailments Ray, and Eleda may be going. This season may be a loss to you, but likes been said, next season you could well be chomping at the bit to get back out, and your reports from Amble are very informative, and always a good read.
Which ever way it goes, best of luck mate.

[LiamNE]

Sorry to hear about your medical issues, but as the lads have already said it could well be the start of something better - got to look on the bright side of this stuff.
I am due an operation myself soon (I hope!) and although its going to be a difficult recovery, might not even work and I may miss this winter season from shore, I cant wait to give it a shot and hopefully get it sorted.

All the best

[oldessox]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone is telling me I'll be much better after my knees are done, but it can take a year to get back to full use and I'm not sure a pitching rolling boat will be the best place to run them in.
My neck hurts like hell by the end of a fishing trip as well , I don't know if it's the seating position whilst motoring or just the bumps , but it's bad at the end of the day.

Richy, I've needed my right knee replaced for 20 years, been fishing with it like that all that time, I've gave up coarse fishing because of the hiking involved and all the gear I had to carry and gave up trout fishing because of the casting and my dodgy shoulders, the boat cut out all the gear carrying and casting and it's been great for five years, but it's gradually got worse and this last 12 months with my left knee getting as bad as my right it's becoming impossible to do a lot of things. I can't imagine not fishing at all , I've been at it in one form or another as long as I can remember , I don't know what I'll do, but I don't think I'll be able to justify having my own boat for the number of times I'll be able to use it.

I'm not doing anything hastily , I'll get as much as I can in between now and July and see how I feel after that, but I have a feeling the time is coming to find a new , less strenuous hobby

[drifter]

I dont mean to be flippant or trivialise your current medical situation but I'd delay any "last season" decisions until you've had your new bionic bits fitted. Living with constant pain will pull you down so fingers crossed the new bits will sort you out. I reckon being able to enjoy the use of a boat can add twenty years to anyone's life so dont be too hasty to give it up.
Bollocks to old age, it's all about how old you feel in your head and not what's on the birth certificate. - ( Do not go gentle into that goodnight )

[canman]

Something less strenuose, like making shads n things and us lads and lasses on here could test them out, all in a good cause you understand before you market them............just an idea.

[Juliogeordio]

Write the season off mate.. I tore my cruciate playing rugby and spent the next 9mths office bound at work with very little fishing. Now it's healed in back flying... Once you recover from your ops you will e skin well enough to get a good few seasons under your belt. In the mean time take a few of the younger lads out and to 'pay their way' get them to do some odd jobs etc about he boat untill your fit again. Best wishes for the op