Slowing Down, Temporarily

By Joe Berk

Folks, I’ve got to drop the ExNotes blog a gear or two for a while.  We’ve been busy for a good 8 years, and I need to roll off the throttle for a bit to get through a rough spot.

During the preceding 8 years, we published 1,786 blogs.  These gathered 10,058 comments.  Our blogs include 12,913 images (every one of which was Photoshop optimized prior to inclusion in the blog).

During that entire time, sciatica, neuropathy, and a bum leg have been kicking my butt.  Things have gotten a lot worse in the last two or three years, the feel-good folks in white coats tell me I need back surgery, and that’s scheduled for late June.  I’m getting a laminectomy and a foraminectomy on my L4 and L5 vertebrae (which basically means I’m getting bored and stroked), and incredibly, it’s going to be done on an outpatient basis (which is fine by me).

We’ll keep on publishing during my downtime, but it will be at a reduced frequency until I’m back to 100%.  It won’t be too long.

In the meantime, please peruse our past blogs. You can get to them by using our search bar, by using our menu to bring you to the index pages, or by simply scrolling back.  Please do so, and please click away maniacally on those popup ads.

Thanks for your forbearance.

24 thoughts on “Slowing Down, Temporarily”

  1. Whilst they have you on the hoist, make sure they change the oil and filter and adjust your points. Wishing you a speedy recovery Joe, you’re in my prayers 🙏

    1. Great minds (and gearhead minds) work alike, George. I used that same expression last week when I explained to my neighbor I was going in to get my oil changed.

      Thanks, George.

    1. That is as good a bit of medical advice as I’ve heard on this rather long journey.

      Thanks, Mike.

  5. Best wishes for this upgrade, my brother. As someone who broke my own back years ago and lives with the sad and painful results daily, I’m excited to hear your future posts about this procedure / process and your experience and outcome.

    1. Will do, Ren. This procedure can’t come soon enough. Thanks for your support.

  6. Opportunity to take some time to read one of your books that has been on the shelf too long.
    Just finished – Mi Moto Fidel – great read and learned a lot about Cuba.
    Another Opportunity is to read a book or two that has been too long on your shelf.

    1. I believe I already read the one about Cuba and I agree with your thoughts about it. I’ll check some of the other books I have sitting on the shelf I have not read yet.

      Thanks for commenting, David.

  7. Not sure where you stand on such things, but I will pray for wisdom for the doctors, skill for the surgeon, success with the surgery and quick healing.

    1. I’ll take all the help I can get, Larry.

      FYI, I do believe in God, and I believe He rides a ’65 Bonneville.

      Thanks much, and thanks for commenting.

  8. Joe, I’m nearly 68 and at the age that I can relate to what you’re experiencing. I woke up one morning last January with sciatica and two locked shoulders (cause and associations unknown) and I’m still struggling to find a cure. I’m new to your blog so I have all your previous works to enjoy while you recover. Thanks for you work! Best of health to you and God bless. -Calin

    1. Thanks, Calin, and nice to hear from you. Appreciate your inputs. I’ve found that a stationary recumbent bike helps a lot with the leg pain.

  9. Hey Joe, I’m really glad you’re prioritizing your health. Chronic pain is exhausting, both physically and mentally. Praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery. 🙏

    I also have some experience with website creation and maintenance, so if there’s any way I can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to lend a hand.

    Best to you and your family!

    1. Thanks, Bobbie. The best way to help is to keep those stories and photos coming!

  10. Hang in there and the surgery is around the corner, and your recovery will be surprisingly fast and painless. I had the surgery 19 years ago and should have done it earlier. The best thing I ever did.

    Good luck and best wishes to you and Susan (as your nurse she will be getting a medal for putting up with you).

    1. Sue deserves a medal for a lot of things, not the least of which is putting up with me.

      Thanks, Mike, and thanks for being a good friend.

      After the surgery, will I be able to one of those New Brunswick Police Official Business signs like you have?

  11. Get better fast Joe. You know that these problems are related to an insufficient intake of Yoo-Hoo, right? Drink up bud.

    1. None of my doctors mentioned that, Fred. Good to know.

      Thanks for commenting.

  12. No problem Joe, in 2001 I had L4-L5 L5-S1 fused. It changed my life for the better. Back then they first went through the front to remove the old disc material and put in cadaver bone in it’s place. Then they turn you over and put in two rods about 5-6” long held in place with self taping shcs. I made a 100% recovery. Had several 700 mile days on my Triumph 1050 Tiger.
    You’ve got this. Good luck.

    1. Hey, good to hear, Tom, and thanks for that info. It makes me a little less apprehensive, as I’ve seen you in action on your Tiger and on your 650 Honda. Appreciate the good input and thanks for commenting.

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