Day 218 - I miss snowboarding!

Monday, December 30, 2013 - Week 67

I miss snowboarding! It's been such a dry season this year, no snow! I decided not to board this season anyways. Too nervous and scared. It's summer weather this winter in San Francisco~ 

I was having my snowboarding cravings and had to put on my boots and board to get my fix haha. I was also curious how my ankle would feel inside the tightly wrapped up boots. It's been about 1 year and 2 months since I broke my ankle. 

So I stepped into the boot and felt fine. Then I laced it up and it felt so tight. I walked around the house and felt the metal pressing against the boot. It was a weird new feeling for me. It didn't hurt but just a weird maybe sort of uncomfortable feeling. My foot was so snug and wrapped up in there, my ankle felt very safe. Still nervous to board though. I don't know how it would feel in the cold? 

Then I had to step into my board. So fun! Then I was thinking what if I get stuck in the snow like I once did with the tip of my board and my legs and ankles all twisted with pressure on the calf. I felt like hm, maybe I can snowboard? I do know someone who broke the same bone and had the same surgery with almost the same amount of nails in his ankle and snowboards. He said he had no problems with it! Do I dare to board? Still contemplating. Definitely not this season anyway. It gives me more time to heal. I'll see next season. Sigh. 

When I took off my boot, there was a bit of uncomfortable pressure from bending my foot and pulling it out with force. Felt a bit of that sore feeling. Not in any pain at all! Just happy and excited I was able to wear my boot and snowboard haha. 

Maybe one day I'll be back...

Day 194 - It's Winter and I can feel the cold in my ankle!

Friday, December 6, 2013 - Week 63

Winter is here! There's finally rain in San Francisco during these few days. It hailed tonight!

I can feel the weather change in my ankle! Whenever it starts to get cold or rain is coming. It's kind of feels like a toothache, except it's in my ankle. It's this slight pinch discomfort on the metal parts of my ankle. It's my first winter with this hardware. It's been a year and almost 3 months since my surgery. I'll see how I'll hold up for the rest of the winter. It will get me thinking about removing this hardware if it gets really bad. I'll have to see. 

Day 174 - Bowling!

Saturday, November 16, 2013 - Week 60

I went bowling at Classic Bowl tonight! 

It was so much fun! I played a total of 5 games! The most exciting part of it is beating 2 of my friends haha.

My special pose got me a few of those wins.

It's been over a year and a half since I last played. By game 4, I felt really tired. I also accidentally ran past the line, slipped and fell too! No pain but just felt sore. Definitely felt very tired and sore by game 5. Bowling is a workout, I was sweating. I was so happy and excited! Can't wait to bowl again!

Day 164 - My scar is itchy!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - Week 59

It's been a few weeks! I am feeling better as each day passes! I definitely feel stronger and more balanced. I still do some of the ankle exercises everyday. After a long day of walking, I do get tired faster and sometimes need to sit and stretch for some rest. It feels like I can still improve. Most importantly, I'm in no pain and not limping! By now, I'm use to the stretched skin from the metal inside. It's like I forget it's even in there. I can't feel it! However, I walk with caution anywhere I go. I notice I am more aware of what is in front of every step. 

Today, my scar is itchy! At the very bottom of my scar end, there's a tiny lump of the skin from the scar you can't see protruding out. That lump is so itchy! It's a bit red from me scratching just below it. I thought it was a mosquito bite at first but when I looked at what I was scratching, it was actually my scar haha.

Day 140 - Fourth time back at the track for a run.

Sunday, October 13, 2013 - Week 55

I'm back at CCSF Track for run.

I stayed in lane #1 for my entire run. I ran for a total of 2 miles. Each lap I ran a 3/4 and walked the last quarter. A total of 9 laps around the track and the final lapped I walked to cool down.

After my first mile, I did feel tired already. My ankle felt fine, no pain or strain. I did feel a weird ache in my heel of all places. It was a first time for this feeling. It was kind of weird. As if someone was pushing hard onto my heel whenever I took a step on that foot. It only lasted for a few seconds and then it went away completely.

My thighs are getting bigger! That means my muscles are coming back! The last time I ran, I wasn't limping the next day like I did a few months ago when I ran! I was so happy! Definitely a lot more comfortable running and feeling stronger. My goal is to run without stopping one day. 

I tried #6 about 4 months ago and clearly I wasn't ready. I'm back to #5 on the track and feeling great! I'm so happy every time I go back =)

Day 133 - Third time back at the track for a run.

Sunday, October 6, 2013 - Week 54

It's been about 4 months since I last ran on a track. It seemed so long ago. This time I went to CCSF Track. I forget how close this track was to my house. It's so nice and new! 

Being here brings back a lot of memories. That white building straight ahead was where I took an art class about 9 years ago. 

I stayed in lane #1 for my entire run. I ran for a total of 2 miles. Each lap I ran a 3/4 and walked the last quarter. The start of my second mile I definitely felt tired. It's been so long since I last ran I took my time and made sure I didn't run for too long. 

I did it! I was so happy to be back at running and felt great after. My ankle was tired and the sore feeling came quick. After a few hours, I had a bit of a limp. I am in no pain! Mostly sore and tired. 

My thighs are close to equal! I can say that I feel more comfortable running now then I did about 4 months ago when I last ran on June 15! I'm glad to have made the decision to take a break from running. I feel so much stronger then I did then. I am also more balanced and comfortable in my ankle today. I still feel like I have some ways to go with my healing progress and continue my running progression. Oh yea, I bought new shoes just for running! These shoes felt very light and comfortable. Perfect for the track. My old ones were from about 10 years ago and it was time to start fresh. I'll be back to this track for sure. Very few people, clean, quiet, and convenient. I'm excited for my future runs! 

Day 332 - Hiking!

Saturday, October 5, 2013 - Week 54

I went hiking at Laurel Park today! It was such a nice day! I got some good tanning action too. I can't believe I walked up this steep rocky trail. I felt fine, no pain at all. But I still felt a bit nervous and was very cautious where I stepped. 

From the top, I got great views of the city. It was so relaxing. The trails were very rugged!

It was a perfect day for hiking. Got me sweating good. While going downhill, it was a bit more challenging. I had to be very careful because some areas had very loose gravel. My 2 friends slipped a few times. Luckily I didn't. It's been about 5 hours since I finished hiking and I can definitely feel my ankle soreness. I'm very tired now. It was too much fun! Great workout! I was so excited to be out hiking! Mostly, happy because I can hike once again! I can't wait for more!

Day 325 - 1 Year Surgery Anniversary!

Saturday, September 28, 2013 - Week 53

Happy 1 Year Surgery Anniversary to me!!!

It's been exactly 1 year since I've had ankle surgery! I still have my plate and 9 screws in my ankle! My ankle feels great today! No limping, no pinching, no discomfort, no tiredness, no soreness, no swelling, and most importantly no pain! No matter what, this feeling of something squeezing my ankle lightly will never go away. It is because of the hardware inside that is stretching out my skin.  Today I celebrate what I have gone through to get back to close to 100%, and feel like I am still progressing with healing.  

I will never forget the day I broke it and the wait to get surgery 4 days later. And the unknown feeling of getting back to my normal self. It was the most nerve wrecking feeling in my life! I am here now and feel as normal as I can ever feel. I am just glad I do not walk with a limp! The only unknown now is how I will feel 10 years, 20 years, 30 years from now. at my 8 months mark, my surgeon did ask me if the hardware bothers me enough to hinder my everyday activities, I do have the option to remove it. I decided at that moment, the hardware did not bother me enough to remove it. Today, I can say I don't even feel it on my ankle which is amazing to say =)

I remember how hard it was to even go grocery shopping, I felt bad for taking up isle space from people and it was a huge hassle to get in and out of anything like cars, shower, and handicap shopping carts with the use of crutches. I don't miss that at all!

Today, my right calf is still a bit atrophied and not quite equal size to my left calf. 

I continue to do my stationary biking exercises at home for my cardio workout. One day I will go back to running on the track and hope to not be so sore. So far so good! I still do my ABC ankle exercises and often massaging my ankle at the end of the day.  

Dit Da Jow is still my friend, I continue to use it almost everyday. The entire year, I have swelled up only twice! Once hiking in hawaii for 2 hours, and an entire day of walking vacationing in NYC from 9:30am - 3am! I am actually shocked I haven't swelled up from running or other activities. It's mostly from very long walks or being on my feet for too long over a period of days from traveling. 

I am excited to be able to wear heels once again! The only downfall is that I can only wear wedged heels, no more stilettos. I would be too nervous to wear those and it doesn't feel comfortable or stable enough to support my ankle. I am still very cautious even in wedge heels. Must be careful! I can't break my ankle a 3rd time now. It would sadden my grandparents and mom. They were afraid I would never walk normal again after this second major break. (First one was on the same ankle with a heel hairline fracture, and torn ligaments on the same area on top of my foot, and was in a walking boot.) Seeing me in a cast really freaked them out. 

Whew, what a year! Moving forward and looking forward to how I will feel months from now. Cheers to myself! 

Day 321 - 1 Year Ankleversary!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - Week 53

Happy 1 Year Ankleversary to me!!!

It's been exactly 1 year since I've broken my ankle! Time really flew by. I still can't believe, just thinking back how I was in a cast for close to 3 months and another 5 months of physical therapy.

I went from crutches, splint, cast, surgery, a plate with 9 screws, and now back on my feet! 

1 Year ago, a little too happy after the emergency room and some morphine haha. Shortly after I was inside Walgreens waiting for my pain meds and gagging into a to go throw up bag given to me from leaving the emergency room. 

1 Year later, my right ankle is of course bigger then the left because of the hardware inside. My scar is still somewhat the same. I consider myself still recovering. I am not completely 100% as expected. I would say I'm about a 97% today. I just got back from a mini weekend vacation to NYC and was able to walk from 9:30am - about 3am. However, I was sort of limping by the end of the night and was extremely tired. I do notice, if I do go hiking or running for close to an hour, I will go home a bit limpy and very sore. The sore will then last about 3 days. I should possibly shorten my runs to half an hour or even to 15 minutes. Gradually build back up and continue running at the track. I have been cycling on a stationary bike at home for the moment. I'm so excited! Can't believe still how fast time flew by and to remember what I went through at the beginning was tough. I've made it through and now I'm here happy and able to do my everyday normal things again. =) I'll see how I feel in another few months. I definitely feel improvement as the days move forward. I still continue my stretches and some of the physical therapy exercises most days. To a better year of recovering!

Day 305 - First time back to playing Softball "was how I broke my ankle..."

Sunday, September 8, 2013 - Week 50

I got a text this morning at 9:45 am to go play Softball at Gellert Park! It was my first time at this park and it was so nice! The weather was perfect too! I love this Indian Summer weather. We didn't play a game but just took turns hitting and catching. Softball was how I broke my ankle!!! I was excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because I missed hitting and catching, nervous about running on the uneven grass...

When I was hitting, I can feel a bit of pressure on the ankle when I turn to swing. I wasn't in pain but it was just a new feeling for me. Twisting the ankle to swing does feel a bit funny. I was so excited to use my gear again! It has been sitting in the closet since my injury. 

I definitely feel the sore coming on the ankle and in my arms. I will use my Dit Da Jow to get rid of the sore. September 24, 2013 will mark my one year since injury! I can't believe it's been almost a year. Time really flew. Being on the field reminded me I just graduated from Physical Therapy just in May! I'm getting back into sports slowly. Had a lot of fun today! Thanks for the invite friend. I'll be back to play again!

Day 284 - Scar is itchy when in the sun

Sunday, August 18, 2013 - Week 47

I went to a baby shower at Beresford Park, San Mateo. It was such a nice day, clean park with a lot of playgrounds for the kids and even a skateboard park! I got some tanning action and wanted to get a little bit more color.

My scar is itchy when I'm in the sun for too long! Mostly at the very bottom edge was the only itchy part. I guess my skin is thin and sensitive still. I did put sunblock on. I wonder if my scar will fade even more overtime?

Day 271 - Jumping Rope for the first time!

Sunday, August 18, 2013 - Week 45

I bought a jump rope! I figured, if I can run I should be able to jump rope? I've since stopped running because every time after I run I feel very sore and limp for about 2 days after. So I stuck with stationary cycling at home. So I thought, let's give jump roping a try. 

I lasted about 25 jumps before I start to feel tired. Jumping and landing on my feet is a bit uncomfortable. I feel about 85-90% comfortable jumping. The shock against my ankle sometimes feels like a tiny pinch. Maybe it's too much impact on my ankle when I land. I am not in pain but more of a discomfort feeling. Hopefully it gets better over time? I should try jump roping at the track next time because the floor is cushioned. It's not impossible but I can jump rope!

Day 249 - Ankle swelled up for the first time...while vacationing in Hawaii!

Saturday, July 27, 2013 - Week 42

I'm back! This is the longest I've gone without writing! It's been a good 3 weeks since my last post. I went to Oahu + Maui for 12 days for a vacation, my birthday, and for a good friends' wedding! I was a bridesmaid! It was a great trip and I didn't want to come back! I can't believe my 10 month mark just hit 3 days ago! 

I was really nervous to wear heels for the wedding. Especially walking down the aisle on grass! But these grass heel stoppers saved me from tripping or digging into the grass! I also took an 800 mg of ibuprofen prior to my long day of wearing heels and it truly saved me from any sort of soreness or pain. 

I did my very first hike since my injury up Koko Head and I felt completely fine. It looked like a long ways up and I didn't know what to expect and was a bit nervous how my ankle would take it. I've done this hike once before and I knew it would take a lot of strength to get up those ginormous steps. It is nothing like the Stairmaster at all. It's much harder and it burns!

But on my way down, I definitely felt a bit of pressure and soreness. Because the steps were so high and far apart, it was safer to just go down on my stronger left leg. If I take the first step with my right, I can definitely feel the pressure tingling up to my calf. Because of the huge step I take, it feels like I am stomping into my step. With my entire body weight, I actually felt a tiny pinch which wasn't good. Felt like a quick sharp pain. About half way down, my legs were starting to feel week and it started to tremble. I was using too much of my left leg as my weight support for each step down. Glad I took an Advil before the hike. I was noticeably slower and sort of limping by the time I got to the bottom. Great views of the city! I made it down safely is all that matters. I wasn't too slow either so I felt great! I was pretty sore after that hike and I'd be happy to do it again someday whenever I go back. So happy I was ok! I'm ready for more hikes in the future! 

Over the week long of a lot of walking, my ankles swelled up for the first time! I had cankles! 

I definitely felt tired and sore but not in pain! I was also getting very tan and it looked like my scar area was getting red. I guess the skin on the scar is still sensitive. Then it eventually tanned and blended into my skin color. Ahhh I miss Hawaii! I had too much fun! 

Day 226 - Sore from cleaning...

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Week 39

Happy 4th of July!

The weather was perfect today! It was very sunny and it felt great to have a day off! I spent about 5 hours cleaning my kitchen, and standing for that long wasn't good for my ankle =( . After a day of cleaning, I went over to celebrate 4th of July at a friends house and noticed my ankle was verrrry sore and tired. Next time, no more standing for that long period of time! 

At least I got to see some fireworks!

Day 221 - Second day back to running at Lake Merced!

Saturday, June 29, 2013 - Week 38

This time, I chose to run later in the evening. It was a very hot day. I did the usual run then walk for every few minutes. Definitely less people running at around dinner time. I felt a bit tired today and again by mile 3 I feel spent. For some reason, this time my ankle felt like there was more pressure and a tiny bit of pinching towards the end of my run. I think it could have been because I walked from home to the lake. My ankle definitely felt a little strained and very tired. I walked the last mile and then to add to that, walked back home which was about another 15 minutes. I had a tiny baby limp going on. 

I waited a week to write this because I was actually really sore for a few days and was limping. The soreness lasted until Tuesday, July 2. and I had a noticeable baby limp to add to that. Maybe I should cool off on running and walking so much all at once. I should just stick to stationary cycling and run for shorter distances in the future. Surprisingly, I have never really gotten any swollen ankles from all the time's I have been sore or feeling a little strained and tired from walking/running so much. Ankle's are still the same. I really do wonder now if it has anything to do with using my chinese medicine practically everyday. If so, Dit Da Jow really works!

Oh, ignore the pace haha. I ran out of batteries and I guess it continued to record my pace after recharging. 

Day 214 - First day back to running at my other usual spot, Lake Merced!

Saturday, June 22, 2013 - Week 37

I'm excited to be back at my other usual spot, Lake Merced! How I have missed this beautiful place to run. The lake, the dragon boats practicing, the animals sounds by the zoo, and the calm lake. For most of my run I stayed on the soil part of the trail. Still alternating with running and walking. still at a jogging pace. First time back to running uphills and downhills, and it tired me out. 

  

  

I realized, by 3 miles mark during my runs, I am very tired. This time, I did have a little baby limp towards the end of my run. So I walked the last mile back to my car. I also noticed my strides are getting longer and my speed is just a tiny bit faster too. I do feel like I am progressing, slowly. Thankfully no swelling and no pain! Just tired. Definitely a great workout today. Came home feeling sore, and I'm ready for more! I will give myself a few days to recover, then run again.