12 years - Ankleversary!

Tuesday - September 24, 2024

12 years!

Another year goes by so quickly! 

My go to workout is still Turbo

Kick, online courses, walking, indoor cycling, and hiking. Safe, no contact, no jumping and weights for my arms and legs.

Picked up Pickle Ball as a new sport this year and having fun!

Another new thing is wearing wedged heels! No issues there and sticking to the 2 inch max heel height. I got these in tan, black, and even in a 1 inch heel! So comfortable and love the style!

I am still 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. And many times they forget, and it can get painful when they massage the ankle too rough by accident and I alert them hearing me in pain.

With hikes and walks, my limit is still 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. 

Still having 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.

Keeping it up! 

You'll get better! Hoping for fast recoveries for you all, you'll get there! Keep up with the physical therapy and exercises!

9 years 10 months - Started playing Tennis

Monday - July 4, 2022

Happy July 4! I finally have time to write an update post!

I bought a tennis racket and recently started to play tennis for the first time since I broke my ankle! 

The first time I played I wore the wrong shoes, running shoes were too soft to grip the floor when playing. It almost felt like I was running around in socks and got really tired. No pain, no soreness. My ankle held up!

The next time I played, I wore the right workout shoes that were more stiff and sturdy to support the entire foot for when I sidestep. This time, with stiffer shoes, I did notice my side stepping while playing, I feel a stiffness in my ankle where the metal is on my outer right ankle. I did notice leaning over to the right, it feels as if I can't bend my ankle/body to the right as I use to. It was a bit uncomfortable but not painful in the ankle. Felt like the rod was in the way but it was just against my bone and I can feel the pressure. But it's not bothersome to the point I need to stop playing. More tennis to come! So much fun and I'm so happy I can play!

                                       

I continue cycling at home virtually for workouts.

I've also started cycling outdoors around the city!

I am buying shoes with thicker heels! Also needs to be comfortable and avoid all hard ankle coverings against my ankle with the metal. So this is all fabric, sock-like material.

Even sandals I buy all now have ta o have cushion! And platform for extra security and support! My style for shoes has definitely changed over time, I've retired from stilettos and any heels past 2 inches high. What shoe will I buy next? Updates to come.

8 years 3 months - Thankful for Virtual Workout Classes

Happy New Years Eve! 

What a year, living in a pandemic, and thankful for virtual workout classes. 

I’ve been taking virtual live and recorded YouTube and Zoom cardio classes. Mostly Turbo Kick, Zumba, HIIT type workouts. I still avoid full tuck jumps in Turbo Kick classes to avoid falling, twisting my ankle. Still feel cautious to this day with jumps. Too much pressure on the ankle when I land on the ankle, I feel. Better be safe then pay for it if I do fall wrong. With lockdown in place, this is the next best thing. Also out on walks, socially distanced safe walks to get my steps in. I miss going to the gym... my Fitbit stopped charging yesterday. Time to get a new one for the new year! 

All year, I’ve been online shopping for wedge shoes. The last pair I bought was from Cole Haan. I’m all about the cushioned or cloud foamed shoes. 

I also buy anything that sits below the ankle. Still avoiding boots. Also in love with comfortable slip on casual Van shoes! 

My scar tells my story. I’m not afraid to hide it. I think it’s pretty cool actually haha. I’ve seen some people have tattooed their scars, so many creative ideas such as fish bones with the head and tail at the ends of the scar. It appears I may have developed a Keloid. Keloids are scars that grow past the wound, which created what looks like a growth on the skin. It’s been itchy lately.

I learned my max amount of steps is about 23,000 while on my walks. I need in between breaks or I’ll start feeling achy. I am definitely tired in the ankle and almost to a limp. I now know my walking limits.

Happy New Year! On to a better and safer new year! Virtual workout classes continue! 

6 years - Ankleversary!

Monday - September 24, 2018

It's my 6th year Ankleversary! 

I'm doing great! I just came back from a weekend spent in Napa. I went hiking on trails, wore my hiking trail shoes and did just fine. I get the occasional arthritis from the cold weather and rain still. Sometimes when I walk for too long, I do get tired and achy. 

My scar is the same. I haven't used any scar medication to cover it up. I wear it proudly. I don't swell up anymore. I do get tired after very very long walks. Long hikes meaning 3+ hours worth of walking. Sometimes I'll get a tiny itch at the very bottom of my scar, I guess the collagen there still gets inflamed every so often. I do feel the arthritis kick in during cold weather, rain and when rain is about to begin. Fun random spasms also still happen, not often. To this day, I still think about removing the hardware but won't dare to get surgery again if I don't need it or feel any pain. I can live without 3 inch stilettos. 2 inch heals are as high as I go unless I am wearing thick or wedged heels for that additional support. 

I continue to go to the gym to attend Cycle class, Body Combat class, Zumba Strong class, and use the elliptical machine. 

I debated this year on joining a 5k run but backed out. I know I can't run, it's uncomfortable for me. I still choose not to run to avoid any type of stress or injury. I also haven't joined any competitive sports since. I go to Costco to help my family buy rice and carrying a 25 lb. bag of rice up a flight of stairs is getting better. I'm still working on strengthening my ankle doing more walking and hiking. My Fitbit motivates me. I haven't had to wear a brace for a while now.

Maybe I'll be more brave this year and will try something new. Updates to come! 

5 years 7 months - Hiked 12 miles and now my ankle has a pinch pain

Saturday - April 14, 2018

It was a perfect sunny day for a hike at Sweeney Ridge Trail! We had planned a 7.7 mile hike and it became a 12 mile total hike instead because we also headed to Mori Point! There were steep hills coming back up. I felt fine and tired. My ankle did feel a bit tired and no limp! Once I got home, I started feeling a random pinch pain whenever I took a step. I guess a 12 mile hike was a bit too long. It would've been better if we stuck with the original 7.7 mile hike. Time to rest up my ankle. I'm proud that I was able to walk about 22,000 steps without a brace or poles. Just trail hiking shoes! But more hikes to come! 

 

 

 

2 years 11 months - Took a Yoga class and ran for a few minutes on a treadmill!

Tuesday August 11, 2015

I went to 24 Hr Fitness and took a 1 hour Yoga class and ran a few minutes on the treadmill! No ankle brace! My ankle held up! I only ran for a few minutes and walked the rest on the treadmill. I did feel a little tingle up my leg to butt. Then went to the Sauna to relax after. I'll find out tomorrow if my ankle is sore. Feeling great!

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 4 months - Ice Skating Work Holiday Party, and I can't Ice Skate! Sad =(

Tuesday, January 15, 2015

Happy New Year!

My work had our Holiday Party at S.F. Union Square Ice Skating Rink, private party with food, alcohol, and Photo Booth! It was so much fun!

I was so excited about Ice Skating and immediately thought, it's a bad idea. I knew that wearing the shoe would feel weird and not comfortable at all. But I had to sign my life away to get some ice skating shoes to try on anyways to see how it felt. I reallllly wanted to ice skate! I was so hopeful! So I put on the right shoe and got in fine. Once I tied up the shoe laces, it was no good. I was so sad haha. The shoe against the metal did not feel good at all. It was a bit painful and so uncomfortable. I couldn't even move. So I took them off and returned the shoes.

At least I got to try on the shoes. So I just watched my coworkers skate... Another coworker who had the same surgery on the right ankle with the same amount of metal and close to 9 nails like mine was able to skate fine! But his surgery was done over 10 yrs ago. I'm at 2 years and I guess I'll have to wait and see years from now how I'll feel. Still hopeful and still nervous with every sport right now. Until then...

1 year 11 months - I felt 100% this time walking around Ft. Funston!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

It's been a while since I've been back to Ft. Funston! It was a perfect nice day to take Pebbles out for a walk on the beach. After about 2 hours there, my ankle felt like it was back to normal! Like 100%!!! I walked on uneven sand, down the hill to the beach, over rocks, and in flip flops!

I felt no pain, no pinching, no limping, nothing for the first time! I wasn't even tired either. It was a beautiful day! =)

1 year 10 months - Hiked Matt Davis Trail at Mt. Tamalpais!

Monday, August 21, 2014

LoL I just fell off my stationary bike. I thought something wasn't right. All of a sudden it unscrewed itself. It's just as dangerous riding indoors. I'll find out tomorrow where my bruises will show up...so should I be wearing a helmet indoors?

My ankle has a bit of a pinch but I'm fine. So clumsy!

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 - Check up with Dr. Lundy!

Friday, May 30, 2014

I'm back for a check up! I called in because I was concerned about my ankle being more tired lately, spasms, clicking, and aching. I also mentioned I couldn't carry more than about 35 lbs of dog food when I do shop. I think it was all because of that last time I ran on cement at Lake Merced. It was a few months back and noticed my ankle hasn't been great like it was before then. I tried waiting in out to see if it improved. Then noticed all this weirdness happening.

It was great to see Dr. Lundy and everyone in the office again. Everyone's so nice and attentive as always. I feel very welcomed and made sure I was taken care of. He seemed a bit sad and it made me said to hear that I was his star healer and was doing so great when I graduated PT. 

Dr. Lundy checked my ankle, watched me walk, tip toe, twist it from left to right, and felt the clicking/popping. The clicking sounded like it could be the tendons. I asked about the random heat I feel and it was inflamation. So he sent me to get xrays to double check to see if everything is still in tact. I got to keep the xray CD! I got so excited haha.

It was so funny, I freaked when I saw the 3rd xray and asked why it was floating. Then Dr. Lundy showed me the next middle xray. Said that it was what was holding the fracture site together. The other nails on top and below were for extra support. Everything looks great and the very bottom of the hardware maybe what's irritating me. Moving my tendons and so it can cause clicking. 

I said that I had quit running all together. I'm now only doing stationary biking and yoga. Next I have an MRI this coming Thursday and being sent back to Physical Therapy. I'll be back for a follow up in a few weeks! 

1 year 7 months - First time back at the gym and took my first TRX Class!

Monday, May 5, 2014

It's my first time back at the gym! I am so happy! I did about 20 minutes on the elliptical machine before taking my first TRX class! It was an hour long of burning! I feel sore and so tired already. There were definitely some moves that got a bit uncomfortable for me. 

The first one was the Jump Squat, example below. I was able to do about 5 before I started feeling tired and some pressure in the ankle. 

Sadly, another move was the single leg squat I was not able to do. I got extremely nervous just trying to place my right foot into the strap and knew that I had no balance what so ever and stopped immediately to tell the teacher I was not able to do this exercise. 

The teacher gave me an alternative to do squats while the rest of the class continues the two exercises above. We did 3 sets of each exercise and more of other the other positions to do with arms and core work.

One exercise I was able to do with my feet in the straps was the plank! It didn't bother my ankle or foot at all. Just that this position made me sweat a ton! Well actually, I was sweating throughout the entire class. Great workout! It was fun and I feel like I got a great workout! I may be back for more!

1 year 5 months - Ft. Funston Doggy Play Date

Saturday, March 15, 2014 

Back to Ft. Funston for the 4th time for a doggy play date! Met up a coworker with his dog Mochi for a fun day at the park with Pebbles!

It was a perfect sunny day, 72 degrees out. I can't believe the last time I was at Ft. Funston was on May 24, 2013! You can read about the last time I visited here. 

I feel so bad for Pebbles, it's been so long since I last brought her to her dog heaven to play. The last time I went I got really sore so I stopped going and wanted to wait til I felt stronger. This time, I walked from home and even did some jogging on Lake Merced on my way to Ft. Funston. You can read more about the last time I was there for a run June 29, 2013. It was too early to run on cement then so I've stopped running there. You can see the running path across the streets where the cars are in the picture behind Pebbles.

I definitely felt stronger and more balanced while walking on sand. No weird pinching and ankle twisting! Sooo happy! Walked for 2 hours with Pebbles friend Mochi. 

Here's a video of my day with Pebbles at Ft. Funston. I continue to Progress and feel stronger. Extremely happy and looking forward to what's next!

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 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!