Day 948

SURGERY UPDATE.

July 17th was my 4-month check up with both my surgeon and my physical therapist. The physical therapist told me I go do quite a bit more...step ups, quad strengthening exercises, treadmill, etc. My surgeon gave the A-ok for some mild, light jogging. I was sick for almost a week after that appointment so my energy level at the gym was basically nill...not to mention, when I get new exercises, sometimes I wonder if they are worth doing since I get so sore and swollen that it limits the amount of times I can actually go to the gym (remember, the physical therapist told me that my knee is the 'boss' and I am NOT to ignore it when it is telling me it needs rest.) I only made it three days that week...and with our family hitting Pismo the second week, only went twice that week. Time to step it up.

The knee is doing great...if you ask the physical therapist or surgeon. Ask me and you will get a different answer. Everytime I think I am past the sore/swelling feelings, they give me exercises that just bring it back for 2-4 weeks. I get it...that is going to happen and I should expect it, but COME ON!!! Today is approximately 4 3/4 months since surgery. In the grand scheme of things (original release date given was 9-12 months), I am doing extremely well and am far ahead of schedule. However, look at it from my point...almost FIVE long months I have been dealing with this leg. I have missed two soccer tournaments, probably a third...4-5 runs that I desperately wanted to do this year...countless fun times at the beach...the list goes on. Would there have been a better time, no...so I guess I should just shut up!

On the positive side...I am starting to jog. I have been holding it to 30 seconds. Not long, but still jogging! I do the bike, treadmill, and elliptical at the gym now. I use the 18-inch step for my step-ups. And, my personal favorite, the agility ladder...no real forceful movements laterally, but to be getting my feet moving, quickly again, its been WONDERFUL!!

Luckily for me, I am on the downhill portion of my journey...fully on my way to full release at six months...and I have yet to fully lose my motivation! I have my days, occasionally, that I lack motivation BIG TIME, but all-in-all, I am doing just fine!!