8 years 6 months - Pinching pain, and buckling

Happy New Year!

Indoor dining just opened up last week in the city and I’m still playing it safe and staying home, social distancing, and virtual workouts at home.

Today I took a 45 minutes Turbo Kick class. Did a lot of jumping, jumping jacks, squats, and HIIT movements.

The dark spot is the keloid, itchy bumpy collagen scar, not so itchy this time. 

I might have stressed out my ankle with all the jumping... about an hour later I felt a random pinching pain. When I went to walk my dog, my ankle buckled a few times with a pinching pain. And if I stand at a wrong angle, like leaning my ankle outwards, I also randomly buckle and get the quick pinch pain. Then I a bit of aching and I think a little heat on the lower part if the ankle. Maybe in future classes, not jump so much in Turbo and do squats as an alternative. 

Roll on Biofreeze is making it feel better. Time to take it easy.

7 years - Ankleversary!

Tuesday - September 24, 2019

 It's my 7 years Ankleversary!!!

I am about 2 weeks late on this post! I can't believe it's been so many years since I've had my surgery.

I am feeling great! Still the occasional weather changes and random arthritis, sometimes cramping, and the continued tiredness after too long of a walk. My range in motion is great! No more braces needed.

Must get good supporting shoes and I can wear heels! I've also been buying better athletic shoes with cushioned support and cute sandals that also have more cushioned support. Still sticking to the 2-inch heels to feel safe but at least I can wear heels. Also to be able to walk without discomfort.

As for exercise, I've been doing a lot of steps at Lyon Street Steps and Tiled Steps, more walking, and hiking. Lately just more steps. I still haven't run, just too much impact from what I last remembered.

Winter is coming and I always look forward to going up north to play in the snow! However, my sports have changed since I can't snowboard anymore since wearing boots irritate my ankle. I now go snowmobiling. Buying snow and water boots was also a challenge. I had to find shoes that didn't lay on the ankle. It had to fit under the metal and ankle parts to feel comfortable. Got myself a few pairs already and waiting to wear them.

I'll update again in a few months when I get up there to play in snow!

6 years 2 months - Winter is coming! Trying to find the right boots!

Wednesday - November 28, 2018

Winter is coming! The arthritis randomly kicks in when it's cold and when it rains. I finally found the right type of shoes, booties, that fit my comfortably. Now that ankle boots are popular, the open ankle boots happen to be my favorite kind of boots! Extra thick heels, low inches, comfortable support! The thing I love most is the open ankle slit which does not rub against or lay on my incision scar area. I use to have ankle boots and hiking boots that is full ankle coverage but was uncomfortable because it rubbed against my ankle. I still have metal in there so the added pressure against it is very uncomfortable. Just the reason why I have quit snowboarding. Anything that is tightly snug against my ankle is not good. I feel pain, discomfort, and am unable to walk comfortably. Open ankle boots all the way! Now I have to shop for more styles! I'm noticing also, with large wedged heels, I can wear higher than 2 inches! But I'll stick to my 2 inch heels. That's the magic height. Time to go shopping! Definitely taking advantage of Black Friday sales! I've already bought 2 pairs of shoes! 

4 years 5 months - Surgery Scar

Sunday - February 19, 2017

Noticing my scar is smoothing out. The part upper part had this weird dark patchy area. It usually itches there. Also at the very bottom point of the scar, the collagen builds up and it gets itchy when I walk to much. Today, the scar looks much better and more blended in. I haven't used any scar cream to get rid of it either. It gets better every year!

                                      Last Year                                                 Today

4 years 2 months - I can feel the rain coming!

Sunday - November 20, 2016

Rain all weekend! My ankle antennae tells me there's more rain! I can feel the throbbing. Not really a painful feeling but a quick pinch. These happen randomly for a quick few seconds and it startles me every time. 

4 years - 4 Years Ankleversary!

Saturday - September 24, 2016

Today's my 4 years Ankleversary! I just got back from vacation, an 18 hour flight from Cambodia. It was my first vacation where I walked a lot in tours. First day there, I was probably on my feet walking from about 5am since landing till 11pm. After about a few more days of nonstop walking, I'm noticing my ankles swelling. I've got cankles haha! It was spilling over my shoes at one point, it got so bad! 

The 3rd day, I decided to wear a brace and it backfired. I got heat rash! It didn't help that it was hot, in the 90s and humid. I was also noticably limping with some pinching sudden pain that scared me a bit. I almost buckled a few times and had to stop. Then again I was carrying pretty heavy luggage and walking a good distance with that weight. Ankle was also hot. Ice packing and elevating it helped! 

Good thing I brought some Salonpas patches to wear overnight. I also elevated it on a pillow to bring down the swelling.

By the last few days with some rest, my swelling and heat rash went away! However, my scar is itchy. I guess the heat activated my collagen around the scar that caused inflamation. Now I know I can't do long walking tours and carrying heavy things for a long distance. I also probably need better shoes. I had the lightweight Nike running shoes which I thought was enough but wasn't. I probably need better cushioning. Time to shop for new shoes! I am back to normal and ready for the next vacation!

3 years 5 months - Only kind of stiletto heels I can wear for now...

Monday, February 29, 2016

Happy Leap Year! Happy New Year! Gong Hay Fat Choy!

Another year has come. I continue to take Kick Boxing class and jumping jacks are getting easier. When I go out at night, I get dressed up and do miss wearing stiletto type heels. So many shoes I own I can't or not confident enough to wear still. I do continue to wear the wedged kind of heels. Then I found these cute stiletto 2 inch booties in my closet I forgot about. These I can defintely wear! Just because of the extra surrounding support around my feet. I wore them out all night this past Saturday and felt completely fine! It's not to high and it felt fine. The sides didnt irritate my ankle. I'll have to start shopping for more of these types of shoes! So happy! The progression continues.

3 years 3 months - First time taking Kickboxing class!

Saturday, December 3, 2015

It was my first time taking Kickboxing class since my broken ankle! So much fun! Lots of air kicks, jump kicks, and ugh burpees. The jumps made me nervous and I didn't make full jumps. It was a lot of pressure coming down when I landed. I felt the intensity against my ankle. I made it through the entire 1 hour class! Non stop cardio. I made sure to stay in the back row as I was so uncoordinated. So much fun though! Towards the end of class, I felt my ankle getting tired. Probably from all the steps and jumping. After class, my ankle was sore. No ankle brace needed! I had so much fun! And happy I was able to take it!

It's December already, and excited to see what the new year brings! Maybe trying more new sports or exercise programs. 

3 years - 3 Years Ankleversary!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Happy 3 Year Ankleversary to me!!!

It's been exactly 3 years since I've broken my ankle! This year came even faster then last! Maybe because I've been more active this year.

I went from crutches, splint, cast, and surgery to a plate with 9 screws. Now back on my feet wearing wedge heels, hiking, yoga, and now biking! However, I am still unable to carry heavier items, standing still for 30 minutes straight, feeling the cold weather and rain come, and noticing random cramping in my leg closer to the ankle area. When I sleep now, I am still sensitive to laying on this ankle and so I don't. I am getting more use to laying on it but it is still an irritating feeling. 

                              Last Year                                                     Today

 

3 Years later, my right ankle scar looks not much different. Once in a while, the top of my scar area gets itchy. That's the collagen from my scar tissue doing some funny things on the ankle. I still haven't used Mederma (Scar removal cream suggested by my doctors) to remove my scar because I want to keep it as a memory and to tell my story. Like my last ankleversary, I consider myself still recovering. I am not completely 100% as expected. I would say I'm about a 98% today after a 48 minute workout at Lyon Street Steps. It was a nice day out, 75 degrees F to work out after work. 

I went to Big Sur for the first time to camp with some friends and did some hiking at Salmon Creek Falls Trail the first weekend of this month! It was so beautiful and relaxing. We hiked for a good 4 hours, about 6 miles worth of gravel, rocks, and uneven soil trails. I had no hiking poles or an ankle brace. By the end of the day my ankle was sore, and felt a bit achy and swollen. I definitely worked out my ankle. I tripped and fell twice, this time twisting my other ankle. Luckily my other ankle was fine, I wouldn't know what it would feel like to twist my right ankle with the metal inside. It makes me nervous to think about it. I may just retire from these types of hikes for a while or I'll need to make sure I wear an ankle brace next time for just in case. I did end the day walking with a very baby limp. But it was so much fun! 

Look how far I've come from just a year ago with the below picture of me hiking.

I'm so excited! Again, I still can't believe how fast time flew by and to remember what I went through. Since my healing has progressed this year, I've been in a life is short type of mood lately and want to be out and about doing everything I can when I can. On to continued healing and more adventures to come! To another better year of recovering!

2 years 11 months - These shoes hurt my ankle!

Saturday August 1, 2015

I found my Pumas in the closet and wore them with my workout clothes. Come to find out the right corner of the shoe tongue irritates my ankle. It is right against the metal parts on my ankle. So sad. They were comfortable too. Good thing I had an extra pair of atheletic shoes in my trunk. Which shoe next? 

2 years 6 months - Biked 12 miles over Golden Gate Bridge and it rained a bit today!

Sunday, March 15, 2015


My friends and I decided to bike over Golden Gate Bridge today to have lunch and hang out in Sausalito! On our way to meet up for biking, it began to shower. I definitely felt the rain coming in my ankle with the pulsing aches. Good thing it only sprinkled for about 20 minutes!

I was so excited to bike over Golden Gate Bridge again! It has been about 3 years since the last time I've biked. I was curious to find out how my ankle will take it. I rode nonstop up this large hill and my legs just burned! However, my ankle was fine.

It is about 5 hours later and my ankle feels hot. A bit sore, and no pain. No limping either! It was a great workout. I rode a total of 13.07 miles! Our next biking adventures will be at Angel Island!

2 years 2 months - Went on vacation to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan! So much walking!

Thursday, November 20, 2014 

I'm back from vacation! Went to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan! I went from November 4 - November 17. I walked so much! So much to see, shop, and eat! Food was delicious! 

I went to my relative's wedding in Hong Kong and wore the only same wedged comfortable heels I can and continue to wear. I now wish I purchased a black pair.

For some days, I did wear my ankle brace for support since I walked from morning to night on some days. It swelled just a but I wasn't in any pain. Mostly felt tired. Getting there!

2 years - 2 Years Ankleversary!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 

Happy 2 Year Ankleversary to me!!!

It's been exactly 2 years since I've broken my ankle! I still can't believe another year flew by just like that. I'll never forget the time I was in a cast for close to 3 months and another 5 months of physical therapy.

I went from crutches, splint, cast, surgery, and a plate with 9 screws. Now back on my feet wearing heels, hiking, yoga, and playing grass volleyball! The top of my scar is just a bit itchy today.

2 Years later, my right ankle scar looks not much different. I haven't used Mederma (Scar removal cream suggested by my doctors) to remove my scar because I want to keep it as a memory and to tell my story. Like my last ankleversary, I consider myself still recovering. I am not completely 100% as expected. I would say I'm about a 98% today. Some day's I do feel 100% and forget I even have the hardware in my ankle. 

I played grass volleyball for the first time bare feet a few weeks ago with some friends and felt no pain at all! Just a bit sore and tired of course. No limping either! I was of course nervous because of some uneven grass but had so much fun! I was so happy! 

Went to the beach last week for a walk and felt 100% for the first time! 

I have taken a break from running since the last time I ran on cement and stressed it out. I still continue cycling on my stationary bike at home at least 3 times a week. Yoga has really helped with my balance! I'm hiking more, now with trekking poles so it gives more support. I do wear an ankle brace for hiking so I don't get so sore after or aggravate it.

I'm so excited! Can't believe still how fast time flew by and to remember what I went through. I'll never forget how the beginning was so tough. I've made it through and now I'm here extremely 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 another better year of recovering!

1 year 11 months - Played Grass Volleyball for the first time!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Happy Labor Day!!!

I went to have a BBQ at the park with friends and played grass volleyball for the first time! It was a beautiful day! No wind and perfect to play! At first I was nervous because of a few uneven grass and soiled areas. Played 2 games and felt fine! Jumped to spike a ball and landed fine. No pressure on the ankle or swelling at all. Afterwards, I definitely felt tired and now bit sore at home. No limping! It's feeling a bit hot now. Deciding if I should now ice it. Great workout! I'm so excited! I want more!

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 6 months - Vegas and Heels!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Just got back from Las Vegas this past weekend. Wore my wedged heels 2 nights in a roll to celebrate 3 of my friends' birthdays! I made it through. I wasn't in pain but was tired after a few hours in heels. Had a great time and so happy! I think this was the fourth time I've worn these with this new ankle. I guess it's the safest for me to wear wedges only. 

Then I soaked in hot water and stretched. No swelling, or limping! Success! It was a great trip for my ankle! 

 

1 year 5 months - First time back at Yoga!

Friday, March 21, 2014 

My first Yoga class since I broke my ankle! I took a picture of my scar, the very bottom was itchy last night. A little bit of the scar part was raised where it was itchy. I was told this would happen once in a while and that it was normal. I had dry legs, got a bit of a tan too. Looks uneven and dirty haha. I swear my legs were clean.

I went to my 5:30 pm class and met my teacher with the best name ever! Bija Pretzel! Love it! She was very kind and welcoming. I also got a new yoga mat my mom gave me. It looks really pretty and so different from the usual yoga mats I've owned before. 

This was a Level I-II class, where I can return to the fundamentals of yoga.  I was most nervous about the balancing poses. I can't completely cross my legs comfortably anymore, my ankle feels like it's still a bit stiff to bend all the way down where the ankle meets the floor. I definitely feel the metal against the ground and it wasn't comfortable. Probably still not use to it. I sat like this example picture but my right leg was slightly higher and off the ground. 

I was surprised I was able to hold a bit of balance when I did the tree pose like the example image below. I was feeling ok with the weight baring. Except that my foot was more on the knee area and not as high up the leg to hold this position. I did get a bit wobbly. It took a lot of concentration. 

The one legged stand was the most difficult for me to balance. I couldn't hold it for too long and my body started to feel heavy on the ankle. Example of this pose below. For the most part, I felt great! I can't wait to go back for my next class. I hope to gain more balance by the end of my 20 classes from this Groupon deal I purchased. I'll be sure to have more updates soon after my next classes. So relaxing!

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 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 161 - Was able to run for a total of 13 minutes!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 - Week 31

My ankle feels great a day after coming home from Vegas. I expected my ankle to be sore from all the walking around I did but I feel stronger and completely fine! No aches, always the same waking morning stiffness. But a bit of stretching will warm me up and I'm good to go. My balance is getting better by the day too. Today is my second Running Progression Exercise Homework. I met up my friend at her gym to get some running in. I started off with walking for 4 minutes and did the usual alternate walking/running every minute. At that point, I felt a tiny knuckle crack type crunching pop on the top and inside of my ankle. My ankle was also to feel hot and tired. I started to feel heavier too. 

I lasted 10 minutes of running then increased it to 2 minutes of walking and 1 minute of running. I lasted about 3 more minutes of running from this alternation and that gave me a total of 13 minutes of running! It's 3 minutes more then the last time. The rest of my workout was continued walking at a 3.0 speed level. While my running is still at 4.2 speed level. By the end of that last run, I felt tired and that quick crunch again above and inside of my foot. A bit of pressure on the bottom outside ankle. No PAIN though! I just felt tired. Possibly also because I am still dehydrated from just getting back from Vegas this past weekend. Other then that, my ankle feels stronger, and it's progressing. I also felt that I was a bit more balanced and less duck waddle running like the very first time. I hope to keep increasing my minutes in running!