1 year 7 months - Check up with Dr. Lundy!

Friday, May 30, 2014

I'm back for a check up! I called in because I was concerned about my ankle being more tired lately, spasms, clicking, and aching. I also mentioned I couldn't carry more than about 35 lbs of dog food when I do shop. I think it was all because of that last time I ran on cement at Lake Merced. It was a few months back and noticed my ankle hasn't been great like it was before then. I tried waiting in out to see if it improved. Then noticed all this weirdness happening.

It was great to see Dr. Lundy and everyone in the office again. Everyone's so nice and attentive as always. I feel very welcomed and made sure I was taken care of. He seemed a bit sad and it made me said to hear that I was his star healer and was doing so great when I graduated PT. 

Dr. Lundy checked my ankle, watched me walk, tip toe, twist it from left to right, and felt the clicking/popping. The clicking sounded like it could be the tendons. I asked about the random heat I feel and it was inflamation. So he sent me to get xrays to double check to see if everything is still in tact. I got to keep the xray CD! I got so excited haha.

It was so funny, I freaked when I saw the 3rd xray and asked why it was floating. Then Dr. Lundy showed me the next middle xray. Said that it was what was holding the fracture site together. The other nails on top and below were for extra support. Everything looks great and the very bottom of the hardware maybe what's irritating me. Moving my tendons and so it can cause clicking. 

I said that I had quit running all together. I'm now only doing stationary biking and yoga. Next I have an MRI this coming Thursday and being sent back to Physical Therapy. I'll be back for a follow up in a few weeks! 

1 year 7 months - First time back at Bikram Yoga!

Saturday, May 24, 2014

My first time back at Bikram Yoga! It's been about 7 years? It was a 10 a.m. 90 minute heated class and I felt like I just got beaten up haha. I came in with a mini migraine and the heat and heavy breathing during warm up helped make it go away. I was already sweating up a waterfall but it felt so good and relaxing. 

I have stopped doing regular yoga for a few weeks and already it feels like I've lost it all. I was doing so good going about 4 times a week now down to 2 times a week and on only weekends. Today, I absolutely lost all balance on my right ankle. These were all the poses I could not do. 

                           Balancing Stick                                     Standing Bow

                              

           Standing head to knee                                     Tree

I will strive to do more yoga and gain back balance to my right ankle. I only lasted about 60 minutes of the class and was in a rested laying down position for the final 3rd of the class. I may have been a bit dehydrated too as my headache slowly came back, also felt a bit dizzy. My ankle is fine. I'll be back for more and hopefully can last a bit longer in my next class. Or maybe just go back to regular yoga. 

1 year 7 months - 1 year Physical Therapy Anniversary!

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Happy 1 year Physical Therapy Anniversary to me!!! 

I can't believe I forgot to write my 1 year Physical Therapy Anniversary on May 7th! 1 year flew by fast. I'm still within the month so it still counts! Yup, that plate and 9 screws is still inside this right ankle. The scar healed nicely, it lays over my hardware so close you can see the ridges of the nails from when you look at it a certain way. 

How I am feeling? For sure not 100% but still a healing process. As of the late few months, I've notice some random spasm pinches that stop me from walking for just a second. I am also noticing some clicking around the bottom of my ankle when I stretch, move a certain way, or when walking. I wonder if it's just the tissue inside that's healing. I also still get tired after walking for too long. It's really random, some times I'll get tired after just 30 minutes, and sometimes I'll last up to an hour before I start to slow down. And anything over hours, you can clearly see my slower pace and a baby limp. Then it feels hot and sore in the ankle. I have contemplated months ago for requesting for another handicap sign because it's a pain to carry my 35 lb. dog food and heavier bags of grocery days. Sometimes I wonder if the running aggravated, and stressed out my ankle. I stuck it out for a few more months, did more walking and still not much of a change. Maybe because I gained a few pounds too? Nooo..... I don't really know. I did schedule an appointment for a checkup with my Surgeon for next Friday to get an xray of my ankle to make sure nothing is loose and hoping it looks well. I have some questions of concern and wanted to see if it was even possible to get a handicap placard to make it easier for me.

I am sad to say that I have stopped running since the last time. I don't want to feel that uncomfortable feeling, being sore for days, and sometimes limping afterwards. I know I was gung ho and so excited at the beginning. But really I do feel like I have extended myself a bit then when I was just started out. I have since picked up yoga and it's really helping me build back my balance on this ankle. Very slowly but surely getting there. I have to be diligent about going to yoga classes often enough in a week to continue the strengthening of my ankle. The teachers are so kind and helpful in making sure I am safe and not in pain. I will be sure not to push myself too far or get too excited with poses like I did with running and over extending my capabilities. I I am starting to love yoga!

Most importantly, I am happy to be walking! A coworker of mine just fractured his ankle and came to work with crutches and a walking boot. It brought back so many memories. Over time, it does get better. Last year I called it my hermit year because I was tired by 9 and became sort of anti social and focused on healing. This year I call it my YES year! It's time to get back on my feet, get out there and do more activities. I continue to do some of the physical therapy exercises. Aiming to eat healthier, and getting in shape so I can one day again try running! I am getting older and need to take care of my body. I am very excited for the next year! I just have to stay focused, keep going, and staying positive along the way! I wonder what I'll accomplish by next year. I'll be back in a year!

1 year 7 months - First time taking Power Yoga class!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

It's my second day back in the gym! I decided to try out this Power Yoga class. It was extremely fast and I was working hard and dripping sweat. I am feeling the soreness in my entire body right now. My ankle is also a bit sore and tired. No pain! I'm feeling really good.

To my surprise, I was able to hold my half moon pose on my right ankle! However, I was not able to look up like the example image below. I had my gaze on my mat. I was shaky but was able to hold it up for most of that time. I'm so excited! I'm making progress in building my balance back. The teacher made sure I was doing okay. I felt stronger and comfortable since starting yoga about a month ago. I'm excited to do more yoga! 

1 year 7 months - First time back at the gym and took my first TRX Class!

Monday, May 5, 2014

It's my first time back at the gym! I am so happy! I did about 20 minutes on the elliptical machine before taking my first TRX class! It was an hour long of burning! I feel sore and so tired already. There were definitely some moves that got a bit uncomfortable for me. 

The first one was the Jump Squat, example below. I was able to do about 5 before I started feeling tired and some pressure in the ankle. 

Sadly, another move was the single leg squat I was not able to do. I got extremely nervous just trying to place my right foot into the strap and knew that I had no balance what so ever and stopped immediately to tell the teacher I was not able to do this exercise. 

The teacher gave me an alternative to do squats while the rest of the class continues the two exercises above. We did 3 sets of each exercise and more of other the other positions to do with arms and core work.

One exercise I was able to do with my feet in the straps was the plank! It didn't bother my ankle or foot at all. Just that this position made me sweat a ton! Well actually, I was sweating throughout the entire class. Great workout! It was fun and I feel like I got a great workout! I may be back for more!

1 year 7 months - 6 laps on the Lyons Street Steps

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Today, my friend and I went to hike the Lyons Street Steps. Great views and a perfect day! It wasn't too hot and just the right amount of breeze. I wore my really light running shoes for the walk. 

It was easy to go down with the beautiful view looking over the Marina. My ankle felt alright! Walking my normal pace down those stairs. 

Going up was a bit harder, these were some steep steps. Did 6 laps up and 6 laps down. I got my sweat on and my legs burned so good. My ankle is tired and sore now. No limping! I'll be back for more next week. I hope to increase my laps in the future. It feels so good!