Richard Garfunkel

After cataract surgery and hip replacement surgery on December 5, 2024, I had a very easy time with my recovery. I threw away the walker in three days, finished nursing care and physical therapy, started to walk very quickly, and I got back in the LA Fitness pool on January 3rd - 28 days post-surgery - for my 4 day a week swim regimen. As of October 31st, I had swum 51,188 laps in 40 months. Since then I have reached 59,211 in a bit over 49 months. In between we made a three week trip to London, Nottingham, Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Paris, on and off 6 train rides, lugging 70 pounds of luggage on and off the platforms, had walked 75 miles. The hip was perfect. The right knee, which has been a problem since meniscus surgery 14 years ago, was never perfect. But, all in all, I have had zero problems and I credit Dr. Spencer Summers with excellent work. I have no complaints in the least. No, I never will get back to tennis after I quit 11 years ago and over 5500 sets. Do I miss it? Not in the least. My next goal, which is attainable, is my 60,000th lap on September 18th, or 50 months after I started this effort.

Richard J. Garfunkel, age 80.