Day 201 - Ran on a track for the first time!

Sunday, June 9, 2013 - Week 36

It has been about 3 weeks since I ran! And this time I tried running on a track! I was ready and so excited to. I am following my Running Progression homework the best I can. 

I went to Kezar Stadium to run. The last time I was here was back in High School 1999 for track meets! I was excited to be here! It would be the first time I ran outdoors.

 

I stayed for about an hour from 12-1pm. I lasted running continuously for about 2.5 laps before I started to feel tired. I stayed in lane 3 the entire run. Then every lap after, I ran 3/4 of the lap and walked a corner for the rest of my 10 laps. Ended with a walking lap cool down. That was about 3 miles of running without any issues! No pain or pinching at all! I was just tired because it was the first time back at running since 3 weeks ago. And oops, I sort of missed the run straight, walk corners as mentioned in the Running Progression sheet Colleen gave me. I felt strong and ok to run it all. It was very exciting to run through the corners.

I think I did pretty good. My running position seemed fine, not wobbly, no duck waddling either. I felt pretty good at a comfortable jogging pace. No strenuous, or fast running pace. The entire time I stayed on lane 3. Brought back a ton of memories running pass the areas where I high jumped, long jumped, running the 200, hurdles, and relay. I was so happy to be able to even run without any pain. I get to breathe that fresh air again and to back to running outside! Towards the end of the night, I started to feel sore on the legs and a bit achy. But not in pain! My ankle felt like it is swollen but it doesn't look swollen at all. I started to develop a tiny little limp towards the end of the day but it's not really noticeable. However, I do feel really tired right now. I am still using the Chinese medicine, Dit Da Jow, every night. It should get rid of any achy feeling by morning. It's time for bed. Good night! 

Day 163 - Was able to run for a total of 16 minutes!

Thursday, May 2, 2013 - Week 31

I woke up really tired today. Since I got back from Vegas this past weekend, I've only had about 6 hours of sleep every night since. My ankle felt a bit sore from the ankle socks today. I still have this tiny bit limp whenever I am tired or sore from working out the night before. Thursday is my usual gym day with my friend. I am now on my third running progression homework on the treadmill with the same alternating 1 minute of walking/1 minute of running. Once I feel tired, I increase to alternating 2 minutes of walking/1 minute of running. I am still walking at 3.0 speed and running at 4.2 speed. Even though I'm tired, I felt a bit stronger in the ankle for running today. I was able to run a total of 10 minutes every other minute alternations, then 6 more runs after every 2 minutes of walking. A total of 16 minutes of running! I felt like that was enough and didn't want to strain myself. I worked up a sweat! I am also able to walk longer distances, for a longer period of time, and at a faster pace as well! I'm happy I can feel myself getting stronger too.

I've also noticed, being in a cast took a lot of my mental energy to stay positive. I now am more outspoken and don't take any type of negativity. It basically drains me whenever there is drama around. I definitely went home with a limp tonight. Took a hot shower and put on some chinese medicine to get rid of any aching I may have from running. I am now excited to get back to running on the road some day! I do miss running by the beach or any type of body of water. Soon enough!

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! 

Day 157 - Discovered ankle socks bothers me

Friday, April 26, 2013 - Week 30

I woke up feeling sore today! But sore on the thighs and not in the ankle surprisingly form running last night. I'm so happy! I discovered that ankle socks bothers my ankle. It cuts off my circulation and a bit of swelling builds up. I feel this pinching pain whenever I wear ankle socks but realized it more then usual last night. It's like I can feel the metal protruding out of my ankle against my ankle bone more with the sock over it. Pretty uncomfortable. Once I moved the sock down I felt free and my limping went away. Here's what my ankle looks like, you can see the sock crease and the bit of swelling from the top view. You can see a bit of swelling from the top view too. It aggravates my hardware area. 

My grandma gave me a new bottle of Chinese medicine, the stinky Dit Da Jow does wonders! I feel fine the next day after a workout. It keeps the aches away! This big bottle costs only $6.50 bought from Chinatown. I love it!

Day 70 - No more Crutches and Ankle Brace!

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 - Week 18

Today I woke up to the same tender bruised feeling around my ankle. More of course on the right ankle side because that's where the metal is. I do the usual quick ankle turns and stretches before stepping out of bed. I'm noticing the tender bruised feeling is narrowing down and less spread out. It's now more on the area closest to the scar and ankle joints on both side of my right ankle. I didn't use my 1 crutch or ankle brace since a few days before my last week's Physical Therapy session. 

I got to Physical Therapy 15 minutes early this time. This time, for the first time I warmed up on the Elliptical! I did feel pressure on the ankle whenever I took the step down to maneuver each step. No resistance added to the machine. No pain, just pressure on every push off. It felt like a pretty good warm up because it sort of took my limp away. Yep, I still have a visible limp that is slowly going away.

Colleen did the usual measurements and said that my range of motion is looking very well and improving. She asked me about walking, how far I can walk and if I am in pain. No Pain and I told her I am confidently walking around without the need of my 1 Crutch and ankle brace! I do by the end the day with a bigger limp and feeling a bit achy. As expected by her and my surgeon, I will be off of it by the end of this month! Well, I still keep a crutch on my passenger seat just in case I do get too tired. So far in the past week I was ok and didn't need to use it at all! Good bye to my crutches and my ankle braces!

Next she asked me to do some squats. This time, I was less stiff on the top of my foot where it bends. I still can't fully bend it evenly with the other foot. Then she had me walk in a line from toe to heel forward and backwards. Next she had me try out a new heel raise exercise by placing my toes on the edge of the stair step and doing leg lifts. I am still wobbly and unbalanced as I always tend to lean to the right. Even with the standing with just my single right foot baring my entire bodies weight. I can only hold it for about 6 seconds at max and then I start to lean to the right. Again I feel the pressure tender bruised feeling. Clearly I need to work on my right leg muscles to get it strong again. Getting there. She also had me do some heel lifts on the Leg lift machine (behind the Elliptical machine in the picture above) using my own body weight. This time, she added one extra bar of weight and I didn't even know it! She wanted to test me out and clearly in just a week my ankle and leg is getting stronger. My right calf still is a chicken leg compared to the ginormous left calf. I wonder if the Chinese medicine really does work? I have to keep up with my exercises and stretches. I'm healing well so far, and hope for the tender bruise feeling to go away soon! I end my sessions with the usual bag of ice which I take to go with me after 10 minutes of icing it. I went outside to schedule my last 4 weeks, once a week sessions with Colleen! This makes my full 20 sessions! So far, Colleen didn't ask for more. Does that mean I'll be done after these last 4 coming weeks? I hope so!

Day 67 - Chinese Herbal Soup

Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 - Week 17

I woke up to a sunny day. As usual, I feel the stiff tender bruised feeling on my ankle. I do a few ankle turns to warm in up before stepping out of bed. Since my Physical Therapy session on Wednesday, I haven't used my 1 crutch and ankle brace! I'm feeling better by the day and improving. I still continue my ankle exercises and using the Chinese medicine. 

My mom calls me to pick up some Chinese Herbal Soup. She said it was good for my ankle. I never question her and just drink it. I never know what's in it. Sometimes I don't want to know. The last time I went to my grandparents to have dinner, they gave me soup and said it was good for my ankle. I asked what was in it and they said they'll tell me after. They told me it was frog! It's just so gross to me haha. I am very Americanized but still will respect their ways. It didn't taste too bad.

As I was walking back to my car after eating dinner at grandparents, I saw a handicap sign that made me sad and laugh at the same time. What does this mean haha?!

Day 58 - Last Pool Class!

Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 - Week 16

I woke up feeling good on my ankle today. The only thing that bugged me was my ganglion cyst on my left wrist haha! It came back from using the one crutch. This time, it is bigger then ever! It irritated me and I sort of felt the pain of it squeezing against my nerves. I'll try not to use the crutch so much and will need to massage the wrist so it goes away. Dr. Lundy said that he could drain it for me with a needle but only if it really bothers me. I'm ok for now.

I still wore my ankle brace and used my 1 crutch to get to Physical Therapy. There's this hill that leads to my Physical Therapy and using a crutch will help me get up that hill just a bit faster.

I came in early and ready for the Pool Class. I can't believe it was going to be my last pool class! I was so happy! I got in the pool and no pain! I was able to take the warm up lap walking around the entire pool circle and not needing to stay in the deep end anymore for the weight support. I was able to do all of my exercises without any bar support as well! I've really improved and Serena can tell. She's so proud of me! I've kept up with my homework and listened to Serena and Colleen with the continued homework therapy I needed once out of there.

My scar is also starting to look better by the day. Maybe Cocoa butter is working? I still see a bit of the rash scarring, the dark spots around the scar. 

Day 56 - New Standing and Balancing Exercises!

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 - Week 16

I think I had a little too much fun being out and on my feet for too long on saturday for a few friend's 30th birthday. I have been sore ever since! It's a lot better today though. I've been using my one crutch and ankle brace for the extra support. Was feeling achy, bruised, tender, and the weird cold metal feeling. The best way to describe this feeling is like getting a shot of novacaine in your mouth. That instant pinch.

For the first time, a police officer came up to my parking spot and checked my handicap parking placard and my ID! I was able to get around without using my one crutch today in my session. Serena gave me a really good ankle massage this time. My measurements with the ankle bending up and down continue to improve. She's very impressed with my progress. Then she had me do more standing and balancing type exercises. She also looked at how I'm walking and correcting my steps by reminding me to use my thigh muscles to step fully and rolling off my foot from heel to toe when stepping. After the massage, I was able to walk with pretty much no limp! So exciting! Serena was very happy to see my progress. Next she had me walk up and down stairs. I was doing completely fine. Surprised how well I did, I even rolled my feet evenly stepping through each step. Then she had me try out the elliptical machine and I was so excited to find out I am ok with it. No pain!

Then she had me try this new exercise stretches using the TRX. This felt really good, got some good upper body workout too. After today, I was more sore then usual. Ended up limping a bit after my last exercise with the toe raises. Got some ice and off to work I went! I'll go home and continue my homework as well as using my Cocoa Butter on the scar and the chinese medicine my grandma gave me. I'm getting really close to walking without a limp!

Day 50 - First time without an ankle brace!

Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 - Week 15

Today was the first day I went without an ankle brace! I woke up and felt even more better as each day passes. I was less stiff and did a few warm up movements before stepping out of bed. I was able to walk to my car without crutches, which I have been doing the past few days, and still brought a crutch to get to work in case I got tired at the end of the day. So far so good! Once the end of my work day came, I started to feel more tired and limpy. Yes, I still have this undeniable limp. My steps still look a bit wobbly. I just need to keep reminding myself to flex my right thigh when taking a step and the limp sort of goes away.

I started to massage my top of the leg next to my scar more. Since yesterday's physical therapy session with Serena, you can see, feel, and notice that it's a bit swollen and stiff. It feels a bit like a bruise on that area too. It is also a bit stiff and hard. After massaging it out, I do feel sore. You can see a bit of the swelling to the right of my scar just above my top arch. Notice also the tiny little bulge under my ankle, that is the part where I feel the tender bruise most whenever I walk. There's still pressure there. On the top of my ankle, you can sort of see a little bulge/indent, that's where the metal end begins. I've already put on some Cocoa Butter and continue the Chinese medicine. I will continue to massage my foot and scar, as well as keeping up with my ankle exercises everyday. I look forward to my pool class tomorrow!

Day 49 - Tenth Physical Therapy Session

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 - Week 15

I felt good waking up this morning. Not as stiff as usual. I got around without using crutches! One of the crutch is in the car and the other one is downstairs in the living room. I'm getting around slowly. I made it to my 9:15am appointment with Serena for some land physical therapy. I only wore my neoprene brace to physical therapy and kept it off the rest of the day. She sees that I am doing well and can walk without my one crutch I brought! I got the usual measurements before and after the warm up stretches and massage. This time, the massage on the top of my leg really made me sore. I was pretty stiff on the top of my leg this time. It felt sooo good after. I was really warmed up and walked with less of  a limp. We now started more balancing exercises. I stood on the half yoga ball to balance. Did the side steps, foot in front and back, walking in a straight line toe to heal and backwards, and finally the leg weight machine to push my body while bending knees. Serena watched me walk and reminded me to flex my upper legs when taking so I am more balanced. It's weird to have to relearn to walk. I just had to remind myself to flex and the limping sort of went away. I'm still a bit wobbly but getting there. She took a look at my scar and notice it fading away.

I've started using Cocoa Butter on my scar since last week. I'm still waiting for the darkest part of the scar to fade away. This was the part where it bled when the surgeon removed the dressing the day I got my cast taken off. I still use crutches or one crutch for longer walks to wherever I need to get to because it's just faster to get around with. I'll continue to use the chinese medicine grandma gave me. My next session will be in the Pool. I love it!

Day 33 - Exactly 3 months since injury and I tried driving today!!!

Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 - Week 13

Ohhhh my gosh! It's been exactly 3 months since my injury! I'll never forget the day, Sept. 24, 2012 around 7pm when it happened playing softball. =(   Today, I had a good feeling about my foot strength and really felt ready to drive. Lucky the rain stopped today. It was also sunny and warm out. It was pouring for the last few days. So I went ahead and tried to go around the block. I still used my crutches to get to the car. Got myself in and played around with stepping on the pedals. Got the car ready and then I went! I felt completely fine! I was soooo excited, I drove myself to Trader Joe's to buy some groceries hahaha! I went around the store with 1 crutch on one side and carrying the bin to shop in the other hand. I can now drive myself to Physical Therapy and to work! What a great Christmas gift to myself. I was hoping I'd be off crutches by New Years, we'll see when next week comes. =) I can't believe it! I continue to use the chinese medicine "Dit Da Jow" and do my ankle exercises. I'm getting better by the day and sure feel it. Soooo happy!!!

Day 10 - Chinese medicine for my ankle!

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 - Week 9

My calf is still so tiny haha. Chicken leg! At least the swelling has gone down and no more burning sensation. I still have a tiny bruise on the inside ankle where the dislocation happened. The torn ligaments around that area and the top of my arch is still a bit stiff.

My mom dropped by yesterday with some food and some Chinese Medicine. I grew up using this Dit Da Jow and never read what was in the ingredients. Haha, today I learned something new. Reading this made me laugh out loud! It has a really potent smell and is suppose to heal me faster.