6 Year Anniversary!

I can't believe it's been SIX years! I also can't believe that I didn't post for my 5 year anniversary! Whoops! I guess that's what happens when you have a 2 month old!

So it's 6 years post-op, and I'm doing great! I actually didn't plan on updating this blog anymore, but with all the positive feedback I've gotten from the Facebook group (Calcaneal Osteotomy), I figured I should say hi and post a quick update.

I'm still training, doing nutritional counseling, etc. I am exercising a bit less at the moment but not because of my ankle :) I still have pain in one spot in particular if I touch it (which I don't), or whack it accidentally. I have some issues with bursa sacs and neuromas, not sure if they are related to the surgery and the different way I bear weight now or not. I still see the same Chiropractor/MAT I have since the beginning of this journey, he has helped me immensely! I see him every 2 weeks, which definitely helps everything. I also have a couple herniated discs, etc.

In the last year or so, I've really been doing a lot of research and experimentation with essential oils, specifically the Young Living brand. I have found that certain oils in particular really help me with some of the continued pain I have. If you're interested, please shoot me a message and I'm happy to discuss further! You can ask to join the FB group as well.

I still don't play soccer, which I miss terribly, but I know I can't go back to. I am cautious not to wear running shoes or run on unstable ground, for risk of rolling my ankle and un-doing all the work that's been done to repair those soft tissues. Although there are downsides to the surgery, I still believe there are more pros than cons. Although I will say, I will never do the other ankle. :)

Peace, love and recovery!

Melissa

4 Year Anniversary

It's that time again! The 4 year anniversary of my calcaneal osteotomy (ankle reconstruction). What an amazing journey it's been!

I feel really good! I am fully healed, of course, but I did visit my ankle surgeon about 3 months ago to touch base and ask some questions.

There is one spot beneath my ankle bone that is still excruciating if it is bumped or touched at all. I figured that would heal over time but it doesn't look like that will happen. I also have hypertrophy of the bone in that same area. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is quite noticeable to the eye. I am putting my body under quite a bit of stress at the moment with my training, so I do feel that area on a daily basis. But, it's just something I've learned to live with. I had x-rays taken to ensure there wasn't any damage and it revealed no issues at all. 

Although I do not regret my decision to have the surgery, there is one thing I didn't fully understand prior to having the reconstruction. When you are moving your heel bone into a different place in your body, it effects EVERYTHING else. So now the left and right sides of my body and very different. I get frequent knee pain and my hips are constantly out of alignment. I treat this with regular visits to a Muscle Activation Therapist and Chiropractor who has done wonders for me. With this treatment, I am able to do the incredible amount of physical activity that I wasn't sure would ever be possible again!

I proud to say that this year I became a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM and NESTA. I am teaching 11 group fitness classes a week including my very own Boot Camp class at the new Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, TX. I am pursing my Fitness Nutrition Specialization and am about to compete in my third Half Marathon!

Since my last post, I competed in my second Half Marathon, where I took 9+ minutes off of my first race's time! My goal at this third race is to feel stronger during the race, which I've been preparing for with 4 months of intense training!

It's hard to believe that another year post-op is in the books. Here's to four more years!

Peace, love and healthy bodies,

Melissa Villamizar, CPT

Facebook: LiveWholeBeFree
Twitter: @LiveWholeBeFree

3 Year Anniversary

Today marks the three year anniversary of my ankle surgery. Hard to believe that for a while, this blog was one of the only things getting me through the recovery. It's hard to believe that I updated it every single day (or close to it), and that now, I update once a year. I'm so happy to be at that "one a year update" point.

So at this three year mark... I now teach 7 classes a week (on top of my full time job, of course). I teach for 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox and now Nike. I've completed a half marathon in a very competitive time and am currently training for my second. More importantly, I rest when I need to rest and I find myself giving the same advice to others that used to go in one of my ears and out the other. I guess this is what "growing up" is all about. I train hard, but I also train in multiple disciplines, including Bikram Yoga. Me? Yoga? Yep. And it's hot too, 105 degrees, 60% humidity "hot."

Lots of changes have occurred in me mentally and physically. As I look back at the last post I wrote, on my second anniversary, I'm proud to say I've grown so much from that point, and look forward to how much I will grow in the next 365 days. I never realized what an important tool this blog could be, for me as a person. I'm also so happy that I've been able to help others out there, going through the same things. Please continue to post comments and ask questions, as I will always respond. There's also a little facebook group out there, you can check it out, just search "Calcaneal Osteotomy".

I've also grown a lot in my knowledge of nutrition, and I share my knowledge and thoughts about health, fitness, nutrition and motivation on a new web site, http://www.LiveWholeBeFree.com. Please feel free to check it out.

Until next year, take care of yourselves, and feel free to comment and I shall respond!

Peace, love and healthy ankles,

Melissa

2+ YEARS Post-Op!

Well, it's hard to believe, but it's been 2 YEARS since ankle reconstruction! This whole journey has changed me much more mentally than physically, which I wasn't planning on, but desperately needed. (Which I now realize).

I take much better care of my body now. I guess I figured pre-surgery that my body was such a mess anyways, what did it matter if I played through injuries? Now, with a new ankle, and a "second chance" (as overdramatic as it sounds), I'm much smarter. I stay off my injuries, I am getting all the vitamins my body needs, I do my best not to eat processed foods and I see a muscle activation therapist weekly who helps my body keep pace with my crazy active lifestyle. :)

Even as I write this, I still can't believe that I haven't gotten back on that field. One of my main goals was to play again. But again, things have changed. I fell into a position as a Group X Instructor, and it's taken over. Definitely one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I realize it's much more important for me to help others change their lives than it is to score a goal. Do I miss soccer? Absolutely. But as more time goes by, I think about it less and less. It does help to just stay away from all elements of it. I guess it's like relapsing from a drug. It's best to just keep it out of your environment, so you're not tempted to do it again.

I've been a Group X Instructor at 24 Hour Fitness now for over a year. The class of 5 that I started with has grown to 60+, I teach two classes for 24 Hour and will be starting at Equniox here in the next couple weeks. :)

Oh, and one more little thing... I've now beat my pre-surgery race times. All except for one. :) But I like that there's always something to work for. :) Here's to another year!

Cheers!

For more support/stories, check out our group on facebook: Calcaneal Osteotomy

17+ Months Post-Op

I didn't think I would post any more updates to this blog. It served its purpose for me, it got me through my tough journey, and gave me something to look back on, to see how far I had come. What I didn't realize, while creating this, was that it would serve as such a helpful tool for others, also going through a surgery like this. So not only am I leaving it up for the world to see, but I think I'll come back and post every once in a while. :)

I've gotten several emails over the last 17 months from people who've stumbled across my blog, and have had questions about surgery, or who have thanked me for the information I was able to provide. Online, you can find copious amounts of information on the procedures, but they are all extremely difficult to understand to those of us without an MD. So although you will be able to read how the procedure works, now you can find information and testimonials from REAL people, who have real feelings and emotions, and have gone through these procedures themselves. There's no information like the truth, to help you weigh the pros and cons of a surgery like this.

That said, this leads me to Dave's blog. Dave is going to have a similar procedure, and is posting about his journey as well. You go, Dave. :) I encourage you all to check his blog for information, as well as to wish him luck in his journey.

And me? I'm doing just great! After about 7 months of teaching Athletic Training at 24 Hour Fitness' Valley Ranch Location, I have over 50+ members attending, several of which have lost over 10 lbs in my class. They are extremely inspiring and motivating to me. Teaching has given me a new purpose in life, one that I wasn't able to see with soccer in the way. I have yet to really play soccer, and to be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever play again. I still can't say that without tears, but I've found there are more important things in life. If I were to play soccer and blow out my ankle (high probability of this, if I play), I would never forgive myself. Everything I've worked so hard for, to throw it away would be moronic. I have a responsibility to my members now, and that motivates me more than playing soccer for myself ever could. I'm helping people. Inspiring them. It's amazing. I've also been offered a second class which starts tomorrow, at the Preston Center location. I never thought this would be me, but now, I could never go back. I am so grateful!

Another thing I couldn't have done without this surgery? 22 hours of boot camp in 2 days. That's right. I was one of the models/trainers/boot-campers featured in a DVD that was shot over two 11-hour days (see picture above). It was grueling! But my ankle was fine, it was amazing! The DVD as well as the web site should launch soon, right now you can visit the facebook page and become a fan, Doug Rice's Bridalicious Boot Camp.

I see the doc next month for what should be my very last appointment, ever! A year and a half. Wow. I never thought I'd see the day! I can't wait to see him. I've never been so excited to go see a Doctor. This is what you have to look forward to, Dave. A wonderful life ahead of you.

Cheers!

"Whether you think you can, or can't,— you're right" - Unknown

Day 365+! One Year Later!

DSC02094_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

November 5, 2009

Well, it's finally here! My one-year anniversary! I am SOOO happy! I feel like a completely different person. This surgery may have helped me more mentally than it did physically! And what they did physically I consider a miracle.

Today here I stand, solidly, on two feet, exactly one year later. November 5th. 12 months ago I wondered if I'd ever run again. And as I go through some of my past posts, all these feelings are coming back, and I'm remembering what I went through. To be honest, I've blocked most of it out. Your mind can do amazing things.

This was a long, hard journey, but I'm not sure I've EVER been more motivated to do anything in my life. I ran my last 5k before surgery in October of 08, with a PR and a time of 22:30. This October I ran the same race, with a time of 23:04. I've worked my butt off to get this far and plan to keep doing so! I met with a running specialist/physical therapist this week because I have poor running form. I am running with a limp, although it doesn't necessarily hurt. It turns out I have some very weak hip/glute muscles from atrophy after surgery, so I've been given a stack of exercises and now that we've pinpointed where the weaknesses lie, my running form should correct itself in no time.

One of my major concerns about surgery was whether or not I would be able to play soccer after surgery. However, I was unable to play prior to surgery as well, because my ankles were in such bad shape. So I didn't have anything to lose there. I have tried several times to play soccer. I can kick around just fine, without taping, however, when I tape up, it seems to "mush" everything together and I get a lot of popping that is quite unbearable, so I haven't been able to play very competitively for longer than 8 minutes. It's extremely frustrating and very upsetting. I've gone to a couple games, and leave in hysterics each time. So I've come to terms with it, and I will not try to play again until after my wedding. Because I haven't gone through all of this to NOT be able to walk down that aisle!

I am extremely grateful for everything. I am able to run, and more importantly, my quality of life has improved so dramatically. I can now stand at the kitchen sink and not fall over while doing dishes. That is the thing I notice the most. I have pain still, yes, of course. But it's normal and I'm so used to it that I would probably notice if it DIDN'T hurt, rather than when it does. And it's okay. I have a lot of scar tissue that needs to be worked out, but I've also come a long way.

I have new focuses in my life. I am now a Group X Instructor at 24 Hour Fitness, and I'm loving it. It feels right. Being bed ridden for 3 months taught me patience. It made me lose my mind...but also taught me patience. I feel a void without soccer, but I'm hoping that will fade with time. I went in for my 9 month check-up with a printed page of results, a picture of me running in the race, and my name and time highlighted at #1, and handed it to my surgeon. The look on his face was priceless. "Melissa, that is amazing..." he has it on his desk still. :) It makes me happy. I wanted to print out a new one when I beat that time, but figured one was enough.

To all of you who have been reading this, and emailing asking how I am doing, I'm so sorry for the delay in responding, and sincere thanks for your concern! I am alive, and well and know a great surgeon in Dallas if you are interested, which you probably are if you're reading this! I mean, who else's surgeon walks into the room on your 1-year check-up, gives you a hug and says "Happy Birthday!" I look forward to my appointments because I have so much good news to share! I'm also part of a case study at Baylor, they are evaluating my gait before and after surgery, and charting my progress. A surgeon from the UK is flying in and they are presenting my case to him! Awesome! It's an unusual case, I'm still not "cured" by any means...they would have to do an osteotomy of my tibia and that's SO not going to happen. I consider myself lucky right now, I'm not going to try my luck again!

I think to celebrate I will go to boxing twice today. All I know is that I'll be doing something athletic. I thought about waiting until the pm class, and going for a run beforehand, but I'm not sure I can make it through the day without releasing some endorphins, I'm so freaking excited!

11/5/08 + 11/5/09

Nov08-09_72_compare
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Comparison pre and post-op. 11/5/08 and 11/5/09.

October 3, 2009

DSC02002_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Finished 1st in my age group, females 25-29, for the 5k. 10/3/09

Day 175+

DSC01523_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Getting closer and closer to the actual 6th month mark! Eeeek! Exciting. Gosh I wish I could run. Have I mentioned that?

My foot is feeling a bit better today. Not enough of an improvement from day to day to keep me happy, but I'm wondering what exactly that would take at this point? Not sure. Anyways, I'm hanging in there! I'm anxious to get back to boxing as well, since I'm out of that too, until the stitches are removed. Or at least until this gash heals up some more!

Day 174+

DSC01527_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Lovely photo, isn't it?! Yes, I know. My pride and joy right there.

I'm walking a bit better. It's still very sore, it feels a little bit better than when the screw was in there, but I can't really tell for sure yet. The whole area is still so sore from surgery, ugh. I still can't touch the outside of my foot, nor can I touch my heel of course...it still has stitches in it, for another week. So it's sandals for me for a while!

My soon-to-be sister-in-law, Ana, so kindly donated her bike to me, so after my Dad and Juan spent some time fixin' it all up for me, they're so wonderful, I finally took it out yesterday afternoon. I don't think I've ridden a bicycle that wasn't permanently adhered to the gym floor in oh...say...10 or 15 years. Okay, that's a lie, I rode once a couple years ago. Anyways, it was tricky at first, but after a lap around the block, I felt confident enough to take it for a real ride. So I "biked" my errands yesterday. So much fun! And today, my legs hurt in a strange way. Not like the muscles inside hurt like when you normally get sore, but my legs hurt to touch... like even my skin hurts! It's very odd, but that's okay. I'm excited to have this new bike to play with. Hopefully I'll be running in the next 2 weeks, but, *sigh* I will bike for now!

Day 167+, Surgery #2, Hardware Removal

DSC01510_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

So here I am, right after the second surgery to remove the huge painful screw from my heel. And after looking at it I realized I shouldn't feel like a wuss for being in so much pain. That thing is enormous, and really shouldn't be inside your body, or sticking out of your heel. :)

Surgery went well, it was tougher and more involving than the surgeon let on, but oh well, it's over now. It only took a few minutes for him to unscrew, by hand, and remove the heel from my bone. There is a nice incision on the back of my heel and two huge stitches closing it back up. I was under for quite a while, and pretty much slept all day. Something about surgery, it's the best sleep ever! No interruptions! It was pretty painful that day, not nearly as painful as the reconstruction itself, ugh...that gives me the shivers! But I couldn't "walk" out of the OR like the Doc said I would be able to. I couldn't bear any weight the day of surgery.

By the end of the first day post op, I could bear a little bit of weight, so that's good. I was on pain meds the first day, and that was it. Didn't need them after that! Yippie! But was really sick the next couple days, just slept straight through them.

Overall, hardware removal was a definite success, and I even got to take the screw home with me. It's definitely my favorite piece of hardware, even above all the trophies and medals I've collected over the years, because this shows what I've gone through more than any award ever could!

Day 162+

DSC01496_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Day 162 post op, 4/16/09. My foot swells so much, that with a shoe on, all the swelling gets pushed up to where there is no shoe constraining it. Nice. Real nice. This picture was taken in the middle of the day, after I had been sitting all day. Oh, wait, actually—— I did go to boxing that morning. But still, it gets sooo swollen all day.

I had my 5 1/2 month post-op check up with the Doc on Friday. He said it looks great! It feels amazing (minus the screw). The doc said last time I was in that I could run if I was up to it. Unfortunately, I only made it once because the screw causes so much pain I can't push off of the ball of my foot. He felt the back of my heel, where the screw head sticks out and mentioned how big the screw head was, as if I can't feel how big it is. :) So he asked me if I wanted it out, I said yes, he asked when, I tried to get him to do it the next day, hehe, but he actually said I could do it Tuesday (tomorrow) to my surprise. He had initially told me after 6 mos I could get it removed, but I am long since healed so we are good to go!

So tomorrow morning I go in for "hardware removal." He said it wasn't a big deal, but the nurse already called me and I have to prepare for "surgery." I wish they wouldn't call it surgery. I can't handle another one. It's exhausting. But then again, I'd rather prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised than the opposite.

I woke up today and my heel felt great. All day it felt great, really. I thought it was a sign, that maybe I should just give it a couple more months, that maybe the pain will subside. So I went for a "run" when I got home, and that definitely convinced me that I am making the right decision. I didn't make it far at all. Granted, I did much better than last time, but it's just not worth it right now. I am for sure going to pull another muscle or throw something out of whack because of how bad I am limping when I run. It's just not right!

So wish me luck tomorrow, I'm pretty nervous and very anxious to be myself again. I can do two a days at boxing class, but still cant run. I REALLY want to run. Soccer...well, we'll talk about soccer later. The doc said I could play, but I dont think he understands that I, nor the people I play with, play for "fun." :)

Day 162+, Right Ankle

DSC01492_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Day 162+ post op. 4/16/09.

Day 162+, Left Ankle

DSC01493_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

For comparison. 4/16/09.

Day 139+

DSC01412_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

Day 139+ post op, I can stand on one leg all by myself! This was taken two months ago now, haha, I've been a bit busy, but it was very exciting! I've been back at boxing for about 2 months, I even tried running once! It was a beautiful day, I went out for a "walk" and was uber frustrated right off the bat because I'm so tired of walking. I want to run!! So I tried very slowly to run, and to my surprise, I could do it! I must have run a mile! Very slowly, and embarrassingly, but I ran a mile! I cried a little too. From happiness. Very overwhelming. I've been through a lot these past five months! More later!

Day 126+, Past 4 months post-op

DSC01280_72
Originally uploaded by megalitz

So, I haven't blogged in quite a while, it's probably been good for me. Today is actually day 126, but you'll be happy to know I have actually stopped counting UP the days. Now I'm back to counting down. Now I'm counting down the days until I go to boxing class (1), until I can try to run (16), until I can REALLY run, play soccer, walk in the middle of the night, things like that.

I had my 4 month post op appt last Friday. I went in with a long list of questions, anticipating the worst, ready to discuss all the pain and swelling and the many days I have ahead with more of the same. I was half right. I have more days of the pain and swelling. However, he said this is normal, which I figured at this point was not. Apparently I am crazy. He again reiterated "we CUT OFF your heel..." yeah yeah yeah, I got it. But at what point do we get to stop saying that, and I'm supposed to just be "OK?" Apparently this sort of thing doesn't happen with reconstructive surgery. It's apparently a pretty big deal. :)

ANYWAYS...the doc said I am WAY ahead of schedule. Shocked me! He said for being only 4 mos post op, I have much more functionality in my foot/ankle than he thought I would. Awesome! He was impressed at how well I was walking. Laughed at my sunburn. (Was taking good care to cover up my scars in the sun, forgot about the rest of my foot, ouch)! And said if walking goes well I can try running in 3-4 weeks. I asked him if he was sure. He looked me, puzzled, and I told him I just wanted to check, because as soon as he says I can run, I'm not going to stop. :) He understood. I love this guy. He is the best surgeon ever. I wish he would have done my previous surgeries as well!

So I feel good. I think. :) When people ask how my ankle is doing I honestly, never know what to say. "Based on what?!" I think. Compared to right before surgery? Well, it's a hell of a lot stronger, but I'm in much more pain and can barely walk. But it's better. And compared to 6 weeks ago, it feels amazing! And compared to what it hopefully will feel like in 6 months? It feels horrible! :) It's a very complicated question. I still don't know what to say.

I put dress shoes on for the first time last Saturday. You can see the line of where the shoe came up to in this picture. It forced all the swelling up. It was disgusting. I'm going to try boxing tomorrow. I'm excited. I think. And nervous. I can bike. I can walk. I can swim. I can do the elliptical..well, sort of. I can only bear it for 10 minutes or so. Everything from my ankle to my knee seems to snap in and out, its extremely uncomfortable. But I don't have to crawl to go to the restroom in the middle of the night. I can kind of walk. It hurts like hell, but I can do it.

Doc wants to remove the screws at 6 mos post op, b/c it is giving me too much pain he said. And, he is right. I'm hoping that in these next 2 mos, the pain subsides and I can live with the screw in my heel. But seriously, you can feel the screw head through my skin. I can't wear shoes really. It hurts! I figured this would happen. He said it's an "easy" procedure. Compared to what?! Mentally, I CANNOT handle this again so soon. But he said they barely put me under, make an incision, grab their drill, unscrew the screw, and I walk out of the OR with the screw in a doggy bag. No down time. Yeah, right. Whatever. This sucks. It really, really, really sucks. But...it's going to be worth it. I know it.

There are already things I can do now that I never could have done before surgery. Like, stand on one foot, for instance. It is painful, but i can do it! I don't fall over like an idiot! That makes me so happy. Gosh, I can't wait until I'm back in the game!

Cheers!

Day 108+

Ow. That's all I've got. Ow. I can walk, it's difficult and painful, but I can walk. 

Day 105+, Week 15

Today marks my 15th week anniversary. That makes me 105 days post op. I completed my 4 weeks in the boot, and began really walking on Monday. So for the past three days I've started out and finished the day without ever getting in the boot, which is EXTREMELY exciting. Monday morning I brought it with me to work, and left it in the car, mostly as insurance. It's still sitting in the car. :) I'm trying not to use the crutches either. I put them in the back of my closet. To be rid of those walking aids is so freeing, it's an incredible feeling. I'm so happy. 

I'm so happy that I'm getting super antsy. It's 76 degrees outside. In February. There are people mowing their lawns. It smells like summer. I NEED TO RUN. But not yet. I can't. I actually have a very hard time walking without a limp. However since Monday I've made incredible progress, so I'm thinking by this weekend the limp will be gone. It's hard though, because the pain is back. It's always great when I'm at the end of a phase (like I am at the end of the 4 weeks in the boot), because I feel great, almost no pain, little soreness. But now, introducing walking into the mix, which I obviously haven't done in 100 days, is very difficult. I have a lot of pain when I walk, and a TON of pain at night. I was almost in tears last night. I want to be done with this, but know it will be a while, and so that is really frustrating.

Monday I was so happy I was tearing up, now today I'm so frustrated I am tearing up. It's quite silly, really. :) But having this frustrated feeling inside of me, well, that is what's going to get me back on that horse, so I guess I should stop complaining. I AM grateful to be walking. And I just need to remember that I've come so far, and I have to take the baby steps in between to get to where I want to go, I can't skip those crucial steps, or I will set myself back. And like I've said before, there was more than one motive behind this surgery, one of those was to take better care of myself, and this is ALL part of that. 

So, I'm going to try to put the pain out of my mind. I can get both of my worn out New Balances on without too much trouble. I tried to wear my "real" running shoes to work today, the ones that are in great shape (not stretched out) and have the orthotics in them. I got out of my house and barely sat down at my desk before I had to take them off, it was just too painful to even have them on. They are much too tight. Ugh. Baby steps, Melissa, baby steps.

Today I go to the Physical Therapist for my 4th appointment (I only go every 2 weeks), and I'm anxious to hear how much range of motion and strength I've gained in the past couple weeks. And in a couple more weeks, I will go get my body fat tested again. Dun dun dun... :) But I am starting to feel really good, when I work out I am starting to see more and more of the "athlete" Melissa, physically and mentally, and that is a wonderful feeling. In some ways I can't believe I did this...but more so, I knew I could. :) I'm ready, let's do this!

Pain: 2

Quote(s): 

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Gandi

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

(I couldn't choose between the two quotes today, they were both too pefect!)

Day 98+, Week 14

Hooray! 14 week anniversary today! Day 98 post op. Almost at 100! I have had a very exciting last couple of days. Monday I had my best swim ever. It was great, I felt amazing, everything made sense. I "got it," everything was in sync. My breathing, my kicking, my arms. I was so happy! I went for a swim again on Tuesday, and had another really great swim. Just 3 weeks ago I could swim one length of the pool, I could do that 3 times in 20 minutes with several minutes of doggy paddling in between. Now I must have done the length of the pool at least 10 times, and twice I did two lengths in a row! I'm sure this is a bunch of nonsense to anyone reading this, but that's okay.

So today I rode the stationary bike. I did 40 minutes on the lower bike, and 10 on the upper bike. (Upper bike is much harder!) I felt so wonderful. And now I am beginning to see my hard work pay off. I am beginning to look more in shape. It's terrific! I tried the rowing machine today, first time I was able to do it. My second attempt, however. The first time I tried with my boot on, that doesn't work so well. And at that point I couldn't take my boot off, so I had to wait on the rowing machine. I did the rowing machine today and was able to bend my ankle quite a bit. Did my sit-ups, the usual. Starting to get my "real" life back. Went tanning, went to the grocery store, made some dinner, did some baking for Juan, and then... I took a SHOWER. My first shower! Oh, wait. Maybe second. Regardless...it was teh first time I could do it semi-comfortably. The bath mat was killing me though. It has these raised circles for "traction" and it felt like I was stepping on huge rocks. Oh well, couldn't ruin my exercise high!

I spoke with the PA (physician's assistant) last week. He said I needed to be in the boot for 4 weeks. Which is rather confusing to me, since the surgeon told me 3 weeks ago that I was "good to go" and it was "rock solid." The PA wasn't in the room for my last appt with the surgeon, so I don't think he knows what's going on, but I heeded his advice anyways, because healing correctly is important to me, and I'd rather be safe than sorry. So 4 weeks in the boot is Friday, so as of then I will start walking more. I'm kind of taking advantage of it not being 4 weeks yet. I'm walking in the boot just fine, and my knees are bothering me less. Probably b/c I am doing less walking. Oh well.

So I feel super duper. I still can't walk in the mornings. It's super painful in the morning. It's like it does not function for the first 15 minutes I am awake, it's weird. Well, that's all I've got for now, my concentration is shot. Hooray for 98 days. I'm so happy and proud of myself. I feel so motivated and I have so much hope. I needed this surgery for numerous reasons, and now I'm starting to see the benefits of surgery in more than one way. I feel I have matured quite a bit, and my eyes have been opened to several other athletic activities, like...swimming that I'm giving an honest chance. I may even join some sort of swim program. After my "money diet" is over. :)

Cheers!

Day 91+, 13 weeks

DSC01085_BW 72 2
Originally uploaded by megalitz

13 week anniversary, can you believe it?! After a week of walking in the boot, I have successfully hyperextended/thrown out both knees. Now I remember exactly why I always try to get out of this thing early. It really messes up the rest of your body!

Took a week off of swimming, just did stationary bike. That went well. Got in the pool for the first time yesterday and actually it felt a lot better. If I concentrate on NOT concentrating on the ankle and the pain, I can swim well. I know, sounds crazy. But when I am conscious of my injured right ankle, my right leg doesn't kick at all while swimming. It just floats there.

Yesterday was the first day I was able to fit both feet into shoes! I pulled out the most worn-in and stretched out pair of sneakers I have, gritted my teeth, held my breath, and inserted my foot. Yee-ouch. But it's okay. It fit! So I walked around most of yesterday in my sneaker, sans boot, sans crutches. It was nice. Painful, but nice. There feels like there is layers of "stuff" in between the bottom of my foot and the shoe itself. Really pretty gross. I'll be excited when the swelling in my heel goes down and am able to touch the outside of my heel, it is still insanely painful and disgusting. But it looks wonderful!

So here is a pic of my feet, in my shoes. Although you can't tell from the photo. That's okay, I had fun blowing out the contrast and playing with the image. I had PT this am, he was impressed with my progress. Thank goodness. Considering the last time I saw him he told me to quit it at the gym until I could walk. And today I was walking in shoes! He wants me to call the Doc and ensure that's okay, but I think it will be fine. I'll call anyways though.

The PT said I have gained quite a bit of strength and a LOT of range of motion in the past two weeks. That's exciting. He gave me more new exercises, some including some hip muscle ones, apparently I have proximal hip muscle weakness, from being on crutches so long, it's hard for my body to hold my hips up. Odd, but I believe it. I can feel it!

Pain: 1-2. 3 by the end of the night. Still no pain meds. Advil actually does seem to be helping a bit, finally...hooray!!
Quote: Grr. Book is not here. I need a better system. :)