11 years - Ankleversary!

Sunday - Sep 24, 2023

11 years!

Another year goes by so quickly! 

My go to workout is Turbo Kick, online courses. Safe, no contact, no jumping and weights for my arms and legs.

Picked up kayaking, light hikes, and after work walks.

Another thing I like doing is getting massages and the only thing I am afraid of is when the masseuse forgets that I told them where my ankle surgery scar is to avoid massaging the area because I still have my rod and 9 nails in it.

With hikes and walks, my limit is about 21,000 steps before I start to feel tired and achy and will need to take a break. 

I'm still a weather detector, the arthritis hits when cold and rain comes. 

The painful accidental ankle bumping into things feels just like hitting the elbow. Painful tingle.

Scar looks the same, more easy on the ankle workouts continued.

Doing great! 

Hoping for fast recoveries for you all, you'll get there! Keep at the physical therapy and exercises!

8 years - Ankleversary!

Today marks 8 years since the day I broke my ankle (fibula) and had surgery two days later and came out with a plate and 9 screws, still in there! Looking at it from an angle, you can see the nails protruding, and can definitely feel it when I run my fingers down the scar. Since covid lock down, I recently started taking weekend city urban hikes. I can now last as long as 4 hours max with some sitting breaks in between. I did find myself with a little limp and some aching. I think 3 hours is my limit really, because I do feel tired and sore. No pain. No pinch, or well I do get a random pinch here and there still. And when it rains or gets cold, I feel the arthritis kick in. The hard ache pinch. It’s like a gnawing Pressure feeling. I’m much stronger now with the walks. 

I’ve also started minimum 3x a week Turbo kick live Zoom classes, which has been fun and a great workout. I’m able to do the Jumps, and burpees fine. However, I still am careful and don’t do full air jumps, just slight smaller jumps for my safety. Still nervous to roll or land wrong. I am able to lay on the ankle in bed, still haven’t or needed to wear heals but I do find myself buying more wedge shoes. 

Midyear sale and I bought myself 5 pairs of shoes! It’s been a few months and ai haven’t worn any! 3 wedges, and 2 sneakers haha. Ob yea, I do now buy sneakers with great cushioned insoles and support. 

My scar looks the same, sometimes it still gets a bit itchy, and this time I got a mosquito bite.

Don’t mind my sock tan. I still have my forever bruise on the inside of my ankle from when it was also dislocated with torn ligaments. That darker area on the inside ankle point. I’ll never forget how long it took to heal ligaments. That’s now twice with torn ligaments. First time I tore ligaments was from rock climbing and an ankle fracture. The surgeon said he’d have to look inside when it was open for ORIF to know if he needed to reconnect my ligaments, which he didn’t need to do. That’s just my normal now. 

I’ll continue my favorite weekend beach walks and hikes! No brace needed! As long as I have good sneakers with foam, I can walk comfortably. Running is still something I prefer not to do because of the hard stomping on concrete is really uncomfortable pressure I can feel. Unless I’m at a track, but I haven’t gone to ine in a while. Beach walk hikes it is. And turbo kick classes. Stay safe all!

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! 

5 Years Ankleversary!

Sunday - September 24, 2017

Happy 5 years Ankleversary to me! 

I can't believe another year just flew by. I've progressed and met a few more milestones this year! I'm still bionic with a plate and 9 nails, retired from wearing 3 inch stilettos (but I can wear 3 inch wedged shoes!), and my scar is still 3.5 inches long. 

For the first time in years, this was the year I was finally comfortable enough to sleep on this ankle. Full ankle against the bed! This was something I've waited for a very long time! I've always felt sensitive before and it took this long for me to finally get use to laying my ankle onto a surface with weight! However, some boots that cover up to my ankle still bother me if it is too tight. Even shows with ankle straps bother me if it's too tight so I avoid them completely unless the straps are under my ankle. Just nothing on it feels good. So yes, I am still sad about retiring from snowboarding. I just can't do it. 

While I also miss running, I've completely retired from that as well. It was too much to run. Before my accident, I use to run about 4 times a week. I miss it so much! Now I'm adjusting to getting older and the weight gain because my activity level isn't as active as I was before with all that running. However, I have increased my gym visits. I do take a lot of classes. Twice a week Cycling, Zumba, Body Combat, and the Elliptical machine on days I don't have a class. The best class for my ankle is Cycling. Sometimes ankle does get tired from all the jumps and steps from Zumba and Body Combat. 

I finally bought a Fitbit this year to encourage myself to walk more. I did over 12K steps today! It's always a battle with my friends so it's definitely a motivator. I'm just cautious about getting older and wanting to build a stronger ankle. So I've been walking more. Walking to work, hiking, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

                  

Once in a while when I walk a bit too long or carry things that are too heavy, I do feel pressure in my ankle. I'll walk and randomly feel a tiny pinch or my ankle just buckles in a quick spasm like pain. It's weird. But the most important part is trying to stay healthy and working out when I can to make my ankle stronger. I can wear 2 inch heels but nothing higher. However, I can wear wedges if I want more height. That extra support really does help me feel confident in walking safely. I'm excited for this new year to see what new things I'll try. Updates to come! The cold and rainy days are near. I'm curious to find out how my arthritis will feel. Winter is coming! I also can't wait to watch Game of Thrones haha!

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 - 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!

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 1 month - Ankle's sore from standing for 40 minutes!

Friday, October 24, 2014 

I went to a preseason Golden State Warriors game with coworkers to line up at the Oakland Oracle Arena for a Stephen Curry bobble head! I know if I stand still for a bit too long my ankle starts to feel a bit stiff. So I did a few stretches here and there every 5 minutes or so.

It was my very first bobble head! Waited in line and stood still for 40 minutes and the line finally started to move. It was an exciting game! The final score is Golden State Warriors 119 to Denver Nuggets 112! I woke up the next day sore! No pain, and felt tired. 

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 8 months - Got an MRI today

Thursday, June 5, 2014

I had an appointment for an MRI this morning at 8:40am. I went back to the same hospital where I got my ankle surgery on Friday September 28, 2012. I'll never forget that day. This time it brought back eerie memories. I was able to walk up the stairs this time to get to the entrance and not in crutches through the ramp and up the elevator. From my last posts, my visit to my surgeon Dr. Lundy wanted me to get an MRI to check out what kind of party my ankle's been having that's causing me to ache, limp, pinch, spasm, click, and get this hot/burning sensation inside my right ankle where the hardware is. 

After filling out my paper work, I was called in to remove all metal and clothes, and wear a gown. When I saw the machine, it brought me back memories of when I got I concussion from snowboarding back in 2008 and had to get an MRI then. Because I had some hardware in my ankle, the test would take a bit longer to process. The entire session took about 45 minutes of non movement. Luckily I had a choice to listen to music. They only had 2 options, Classical or Pop/Rock which I chose. A few times I almost fell asleep but the noise was so loud. I also was glad to have asked for a blanket that was heated prior. It wasn't bad at all, I did well and did not move one bit!

I came home and my ankle felt achy today. It did click, feel hot, and looks a bit swollen. I actually felt the inflammation on the and around the inside of my ankle. You can actually see the little bulge on the right in the picture below. It just made me tired. Next I'll have to make an appointment to get myself back into Physical Therapy! I'll be back with more updates. Sigh, felt like I'm going backwards... So sad. =(

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 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!

1 year 4 months - Feeling great! Friend gave me an elliptical for exercise! Calves are back to equal size!

Saturday, February 1, 2014 

Gung Hay Fat Choy! It's day 2 of Lunar New Year! 

Big dinner for two! Usual Chinese new year dishes to feast on haha.

I am excited for this new year and to see how I will progress in my ankle. Last year definitely was an emotional year being done with physical therapy and mentally being strong. I feel great so far! I feel like I am still healing though. I have no pain at all! I don't feel as tired walking longer distances. My ankle doesn't swell up. I do feel the cold or when the rain comes. The best way to explain it is that it feels like a toothache. Just an odd pressing feeling I am still trying to get use to. I did quit running on the track for now because it makes me feel really tired and sore after. Sometimes I'd limp the next day, so maybe I need more time to strengthen it before I try running again. This new year, I'd like to do more hiking.

A friend was so kind to give me his elliptical machine! It's great for my ankle! No pressure on my ankle. I've only used it a few times.

Most of my workouts are on my stationary bike. I love it! I've also started to do more jumping jacks. Jumping feels more comfortable now then it did 6 months ago. I wasn't able to jump as comfortably as I do now.

My calves are back to equal in size! Wow, looking back it's bringing back so many memories! How time has flown by and remembering how patient I was throughout this entire healing process. I'm just so happy to be back on my feet! You can read about my progress on the most memorable days in my timeline below. 

Broke ankle - Monday, September 24, 2012

Ankle surgery - Friday, September 28, 2012

Cast Removal Day - Wednesday, November 21, 2012

First Physical Therapy Session - Wednesday, November 28, 2012 

First time back on my feet - Monday, December 10, 2012

No more ankle brace! - Thursday, January 10, 2013

No more crutches! - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Physical Therapy Graduation Day! - Tuesday, May 7, 2013

These were the only shoes I could wear with my ankle brace they gave me to wear for months after being out of the cast. 

                      December 17, 2012                                     February 1, 2014                          

 

I still have inside bruising that looks like will be there forever from the dislocation. You can see bruising clearly and the difference between the two inner ankles above. It's a good story to tell every time haha. Laying my ankle against anything like sleeping still feels sensitive and a bit uncomfortable. I can lay it against the bed for too long. Maybe about 5 seconds of it and that's enough, then I move to a new position where my ankle isn't against anything. I am still getting use to having things against my surgery side. Feeling the hardware against anything is a weird feeling, I can definitely feel every bit of the plate against my bone. Even wearing tight boots, getting into boots, and ankle socks against the surgery site is sensitive. I don't like it... 

Here's how my scar looks. You can see the plate protruding out a bit. The 9 nails you can see the little divots protruding between each nail if you look much closer. It's funny to see people get really grossed out when they feel it haha.

I'm excited for this new year! On to a better, fun, and more active year!

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 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 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!