You may have been re-directed to my photography page if you were looking for Shane’s Flying Disc Show. Dream Weaver just blew me away. I could only get so much help from Go Daddy before they refused to help me get through the hard parts of web pages, like connecting FTP sites with Dreamweaver and Go Daddy.
I am utilizing Facebook, FlickR, Youtube and WordPress to bring you Shane’s Flying Disc Show and Shane K. Smith Photography. I have been a photographer and Flying Disc Thrower since elementary School. I made my first money with a camera in High School and my first money with a Frisbee in 1978. I also made money by teaching Tennis since I was 13. I am writing this in 2020.
I am going to set my menus up on my web pages so that Shane’s Flying Disc Show comes up first. Then all my other stories will fill in alphabetically.
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Do some research. Try some other options first. This operation is not for lightweights and may not be for you! Try some Radiofrequency Ablations. Try some Duralane injections.
Let’s get some real things out of the way. Like watch these videos of a real leg used for an example. I’ve asked you take another step because some of the scenes are real as it gets!
I want you to see the tough stuff first because you may skirt along the entire operation without seeing anything like this and wonder what hit you! A Ball Peen Hammer Hit You!
The Party is just getting started.
I’m going let you see two different viewing fields. One is squeaky clean with my wife and dog helping. The other is the bruised side. I’m going to make you work harder to see those photos. If you did your pre surgery exercises you are ahead of the game. Do your rehab visits! Most people don’t get that you are working both legs and both legs need to be strong. Because you may get both knees done or just need to strengthen the other leg for support. I hope you don’t operate on both legs at the same time! I thought I was going to get a lot of filing done from my Frisbee days on the road. Just healing doing the PT and writing rambling notes has been all I’ve wanted to do over the period of a month. You will lose some muscle mass. That being said an old neighborhood friend did both knees at once. I haven’t talked to him about it yet.
From Shane,
Most frightening. Losing the feeling in my toes before operation. That was part of the anesthesia. Getting flipped inside my blanket to another side via a half dozen operators. That lasted about a second then I was out!
Being constipated a week into the operation was no fun at all. It is humorous but it can kill you. It had been a week since I made a movement and I thought my Dr was going to call out the colonoscopy kind of super cleaner. I had to strain so hard I saw lights and got an audio sound in my head that felt electric and I had to grab the sink and trash can thinking I was going to pass out. I thought I was going to die like Elvis. I had to call Dr Dr Alexander for advise. She added some Dulcolax to the mix. That did the trick.
Over my lifetime I’ve had to strain that hard before, However, a day after stopping the oxycodone, just as I was about to easily pass a movement I got that same sensation. My head bounced four times but I came out of it. It is called Orthastatic Hypotension. I call it damn near passing out then getting knocked out from hitting the sink with my head. I’m going to end up dead on a toilet just like Elvis!
“Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when standing up from a sitting or lying position, defined clinically as a decrease of at least 20 mmHg in systolic pressure or 10 mmHg in diastolic pressure within three minutes of standing. Also known as postural hypotension, this condition results from the body’s failure to constrict blood vessels or increase heart rate quickly enough to counteract gravity’s effect on blood flow.
Common symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, weakness, and fainting (syncope), which typically resolve when the person lies back down. While occasional episodes can be caused by mild dehydration, heat, or bed rest, chronic orthostatic hypotension is often a sign of an underlying disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart conditions, or adverse effects from medications like diuretics or antihypertensives. The condition is increasingly common with age, affecting up to 30% of individuals over 70, and can significantly increase the risk of falls and cardiovascular complications.”
At 2.5 weeks I was able to cut my own toenails without as much difficulty as I have had before surgery. I don’t have to use the cane or Walker!
I asked my PT guy, Josh to help me practice getting off the ground in case I drop my motorcycle or get in a fight. Help, I’ve fallen but can’t get up! We came up with a good move. Because if I ever snickered at the lady that fell and used her neck radio to call for help, this is when I am going to get my Karma Smacks!
Teaser!
I knew when we found Aroo the Miniature Schnauzer that she was a healer. From the time she was old enough to visit she puts out a warmth on whatever seems to hurt! Don’t wait to the day of to test your bed. It would be great if the bed raised at both ends for you. We bought ours five years ago. Have your tools ready and practice with them before the operation. For example the Walker, A Cane a moving bed and a portable toilet. I get to burn the compression socks in one week. I am healing well. In just three weeks most of the discolration bruising and swelling has calmed down.
You may not want to see what the bruising looks like. But mine is going away quickly. So I am going to provide an adobe link that will give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
It is like magic when that stitch begins to disappear and heal. I’ll post updates to this post between visits for the right knee and will post how the second knee goes!
Just about a month after the surgery I had some gout kick in on the ankle and foot of the leg I had my first replacement. I was back on the walker in no time flat. The thing about gout is it can look swollen and not hurt or both. Or not be swollen and hurt like hell. Sometimes gout lasts an hour. Sometimes it hangs around for a day or more. So I have more than one excuse to bring a cane or a walker with me.
I have until April 22 to finish up PT and one visit for Dr. Shields to plan the right knee..
Above is four weeks out with the end trail of some gout. At the moment the gout hurts worse than the knee replacement. Gout is just bonus pain. As soon as the gout is gone I’m testing the motorcycle! Today is 20260411.
April 15, 2022, five weeks out most of the gout is out of the foot of the left leg. I almost jumped on the motorcycle. What stopped me was I am too light headed still and being on the leg for an hour made me want to sit down.
“Dr. John S. Shields is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstructive surgery and orthopedic trauma, though his primary office is located in Advance, NC (approximately 4 miles from Clemmons) rather than directly in Clemmons. He is highly rated with a 5.0/5 patient rating and is affiliated with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-Davie Medical Center.
Key Details
Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery (Hip & Knee Reconstructive Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma)
Location: 329 N HWY 801, Advance, NC 27006 (3.9 miles from Clemmons)
Experience: In practice for 21+ years (graduated 2006)
Patient Rating:5.0/5 based on 88 reviews (US News) and 4.5/5 on Healthgrades
Hospital Affiliations: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-Davie Medical Center, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Status: Currently accepting new patients April 15, 2026
While Dr. Shields does not have a clinic listed within Clemmons city limits, he serves the broader Clemmons area through his Advance location and nearby facilities like OrthoCarolina and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center where other top-rated orthopedic surgeons in the immediate Clemmons vicinity (such as Dr. Stuart M. Saunders and Dr. Michael Lauffenburger) practice. “
He is right around the corner from Tanglewood Park.
Dr. John Shepherd Shields, MD, practices at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine – Davie, located at 329 NC Hwy 801 N., Bermuda Run, NC 27006. While listed as practicing in Bermuda Run, he is associated with the Advance, NC area (zip code 27006) and serves as a physician at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
This hospital is state of the art and practically brand new. I’ll be posting updates and recommendations for when I get the right knee done. So come back to this article every once in a while.
Shane’s Left Knee was bone on bone!
Dr Alexander and her team made sure timing was right for this operation. I’d been bone on bone for years. One office visit out of the blue she said it’s time to get your knees done. I got an opinion from everyone in her medical group,
Do some research. Try some other options first. This operation is not for lightweights and may not be for you! Try some Radiofrequency Ablations. Try some Duralane injections.
Wow Shane! What an experience you’ve had. Thanks for the detailed chronicle of your surgery. I have a friend here in VA who has gone through both knees being replaced and she’s doing very well. She’s a good bit younger than me and I imagine her recovery time was reduced a bit due to that. She’s not sorry she’s had both done at all. Good luck with your recovery!
I really appreciate you posting this, Shane. It’s very timely for me. I get a Mako robotic knee replacement next Tuesday. The progress you’ve made is encouraging, especially being able to lose the walker/cane @ 2.5 weeks! I’ve been prepping really hard with swimming 800 meters 2x/week and lots of walking in between. Wishing you continued success with your recovery, I know you’re looking forward to getting back on the bike. BTW, a couple of years ago, one of your old neighborhood buddies had both knees replaced at the same time. Chuck is back on the golf course where he likes to be.
You will be so happy with the results! However it is pretty painful at the beginning. I can’t imagine having both at the same time. Thankfully only one of mine was bad. I had good support while healing. My husband was great!
Hope recovery goes good. My wife’s pt told her no pain on gain. He said knee replacement I the only thing he would say that for. She would push till it hurt, now she has great motion
Both at the same time. I was just trying to set up surgery for my left shoulder again and came across this picture of you. Any other class of 75 recovering and we could start our own old folks home.
Glen Rupp, That was Chuck Stockford that did two at one time.
You will do great Shane…work hard on your PT…it pays off…had my right knee replaced about 12 years ago ..best decision I could have made…only wish I had done it sooner
Kelly just had hers done in December. It is a long recovery process. Most folks take a year so don’t push it, do your exercises when you get them from PT, and do not get frustrated. It will get better over time. Also, it will click! LOL. That is normal and will go away with time. Good luck my friend! You got this. BTW, I’ve had 3 hip replacements from sports over time. Getting old does suck! But it is still better than the alternative!
I can see Jim’s hair going one way and his knees going the other when he gets his move on!
Wishing you a Speedy and make sure you are doing the exercises. I had both knees done 2 years ago in the same year.
Seven weeks and two days out I rode my motorcycle around one of my usual one hour laps. I had to stop twice but only for the right leg and my lower back were cramping. The new knee did fine. My stops included not getting off the bike but standing on the tip of my toes to stretch. I was winded also. But the best thing is my bike started as it sat there for seven weeks! However, I had to ask ai if it was normal to be winded and heady this far out. Because I haven’t felt like getting on the bike yet after my first ride two days ago.
“Yes, it is normal to still feel winded, fatigued, and a little “heady” or lightheaded at seven weeks post-total knee replacement (TKR).
Recovery from major joint surgery is a significant physiological stressor, and while many patients experience a noticeable decrease in fatigue by six weeks, full energy restoration can take several months. The body dedicates substantial resources to healing tissue and bones, which often leaves patients feeling exhausted even with minimal activity.
Common reasons for these persistent symptoms at the seven-week mark include:
Physical Exertion: Engaging in physical therapy and increasing mobility requires energy; overdoing it can lead to a “crash” of fatigue and lightheadedness the following day.
Medication Side Effects: Opioids, muscle relaxers, or other pain management drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive fog (“headiness”) that lingers even as pain subsides.
Anemia or Iron Deficiency: Blood loss during surgery can lead to a drop in red blood cells, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness until levels normalize.
Dehydration or Low Blood Pressure: Inactivity and changes in fluid intake can contribute to lightheadedness, especially when standing or walking.
However, you should contact your surgeon if the lightheadedness is severe, if you experience fainting, chest pain, or if the fatigue is worsening rather than gradually improving. They may want to check your blood counts (for anemia) or review your medications to rule out underlying issues. “
Two months out on May 6, 2026 I felt like somebody kicked by butt. My right knee, the next knee to get done let me know I wasn’t going to move around much. Maybe it was because it was cloudy and rainy all day. I struggled to get out of the chair and do steps. By the end of the day I got better. My new knee is doing well. However, I haven’t felt good enough to get on the motorcycle since I went around the block a week ago.
In Davidson County, NC we got lucky. We haven’t even lost power yet. I haven’t seen any fallen trees around my house and I haven’t caught anybody in my front yard. We live on a bank and a slope and usually catch two or three cars a year. This is the first time I remember being able to see geometric patterns in the snow as it is falling. I used a Nikon 910 speed light with a D850. I can’t believe I used to make three Frisbee shows a day in all kinds of weather like this. It doesn’t matter where you live or are from, if your town doesn’t have the equipment to knock off the ice or snow you are going to slide. You might search for some multi car pile ups in the snow and notice that they aren’t all from the south. The hard part is the widespread panic and hoarding of food before the storm. We will be waiting a week for the roads to thaw out. As I write this it is 5pm. It should stop icing and snowing around 8pm 20260125. I’m no stranger to driving in the snow or ice and I have learned to shelter in place when I can. We fit in that little nook where the lucky people live!
Somewhere in Oregan or Washington 1984ish on my way to a Frisbee show.
You may not think this little bit of snice, shmush, snow, ice, sleet or freezing rain is anything. But even people from the heart of NASCAR country have difficulty on my icy , sloped, banked stretch of road!
For example in 2018 I caught two at once. One of the things I do when I catch one is to slide down the driveway and warn them I usually catch the next car behind them that they need to get out and come wait in the garage.
I bet these guys were firemen or cops the way they went at this rescue. One of them even had red flashing lights! Heavy D and Matt’s Towing from Utah would have been proud of them!
20260126
My neighbor had his second heart attack. I’ll know more later.
My neighbors caught two today 20260126Notice where you can see the road but all of a sudden you can’t. That’s where the trees shad the banked icy road.The birds were making their laps.Guess who? Aroo Hu!
By February 10 North Carolina DOT stood second to none on clearing the Two Thousand Mile Storm. My KIA Soul’s battery died but the roads were so n ice I was able to make my Dr’s appointment on my bike.
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