5 years 4 months - Happy New Year! I hiked Koko Head!

Tuesday - January 9, 2018

Happy New Year! 

I just got back from spending new years with my friends in Hawaii! I had such a great time, minus catching the nasty cold that's been going around. 

I went on one hike called the Koko Head, my first time hiking this with the hardware in my ankle. I was nervous but ambitious. I was curious how I felt afterwards. The steep upwards uneven steps was never ending. I had no problem going up. 

I finally made it to the top without issues! No pain! No soreness! No problem! I felt so accomplished and happy I made it! Even better, my ankle was happy! From 100 to 1000 steps! It took about an hour with my slow pace and many breaks for the view and water. 

After a break at the top, coming down was a different story. The steps were big, steep, and uneven. My legs were tired. Jello legs. At the beginning I started out with my right foot stepping down. The pressing stepping down was a bit much. It started to pinch at the wrong angles when I stepped down. Then my body weight was adding to the stress on my ankle while stepping/hopping down. Some parts of it I even had to crawl down because the steps were too far. It then got a bit too much. I changed sides and had to step down with my left foot first. By the time I reached the end, I started to limp a tiny bit because of the soreness. I wasn't in pain though. Just tired and the few times I felt the pinch pain while stepping down with my right ankle. My foot wasn't meant to bend that way stepping down with the hardware on. It felt awkward. However, I did it! I'd do it again! Probably once I'm in better shape. I'm more aware now how I step with the hardware in my ankle. I love hiking and it's always been a challenge to get back to it. But it is the greatest workout to stretch out my ankle! I love it! I look forward to my next hike! 

Happy 2018! 

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!

2 years 10 months - South Beach Miami, came back to hotel with a bruised and swollen ankle!

Friday June 10, 2015

A friend invited me to be her +1 guest for a trip she won to South Beach, Miami! I had a great time lounging on the beach, and to Key West!

So on Friday, we decided to ride our bikes to Yardbird Souther Table & Bar for some delicious food. Fried chicken, drinks, and appetizers was so good!

It was a great workout, we were sweating waterfalls because it was so hot that day! I think it was about 90 degrees? 

After a fun filled day, I got back to the hotel with a sore, swollen, and bruised ankle from biking and walking all day! I wonder too if I bumped into anything. But you can see the bruse that extends to the right. The left darker spot is the forever bruise from the original dislocation of the ankle. The surgeon debated to operate on the torn ligaments on that side of the ankle but decided it was not needed. 

I had to ice it to slow the swelling. It felt so good. I had so much fun! This time travelling, I didn't bring my ankle brace. I think I may have lost it even. I may need to purchase another one. I'll continue to bring my gel ice pack whenever I travel!