1 year 7 months - Mom noticed me limping today...

Saturday, May 31, 2014

I had family dinner today to pick up some Zongzi, a yearly traditional food made during this time. My grandma makes the best! It's so yummy!

After dinner on my walk to my car with my mom, she said to me she notices me limping. She asked if I was ok and it made me sad. Usually I wouldn't even limp until after about 30 minutes to 1 hour of walking. I told her it could be the cold, or maybe the shoes I wear sometimes. This is just something that happens. She just seemed very sad and it made me sad. It was the first cold day of the nice sunny week we've had in San Francisco. 

This entire month has been very emotionally tiring. This weird ankle started acting up with the clicking and limping more often then usual. I'll get an MRI this coming Thursday.  I continue to do Yoga, and Stationary Biking. I'll see what happens after scheduling and getting in some Physical Therapy. I feel like I just took 100 steps back in my healing. Thing's just happens.  

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!

Day 168 - I GRADUATED from Physical Therapy today!!!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - Week 32

I woke up feeling great today. Almost felt like 100%. Just a bit stiff every morning, a few stretches and I was good to go. I dressed into my workout clothes and was ready for PT. 

11:30am came and I was on the elliptical for about 5 minutes waiting for Colleen to get me. She said depending on how I do in my exercise reviews it is possible I will graduate by the end of class! I got really excited and was concentrating to do the best I can to show her I am strong enough! 

First she had me do some single leg squats. Clearly I was much better and wasn't leaning to one side anymore. I was very balanced on both legs. Next she had me to some skips, one legged hops, lunge jumps off a 4 inch block, and some other hopping exercises. After about half an hour, she said that it looks like I'm free from PT! I've graduated!!! I was soooo happy and sweating from all the jumping exercises. I saw Serena and the pool assistant guy and shared the exciting news! Then I thanked everyone for their kindness, support, and for making this process so comfortable for me. I felt like everyone were like friends to me. I had such a great time and will miss them all. Colleen said that I was too good for PT now, but suggests I follow the running progression to eventually get back to my running outdoors. Slowly get back into it eventually. Just keep up with my homework and using the rubber band.

She also said to continue my other wall ankle joint movement exercises.

She also said that I am a perfect candidate to join in on their Total Body Fitness courses they offer there every Tuesday and Saturdays. It is best for me because it is taught by a Physical Therapist who can still let me do my thing but help me whenever they see I am in trouble or can help adjust me for certain exercises. I can also go back to gym courses as long as I know my limit and quality vs. quantity for each repetition. Basically don't hurt myself. I finally ended my session with a survey I remember taking on the first day I got here about 6 months ago to the exact date on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 - Week 9! I can't believe how fast time flew by. This survey basically asked questions such as : Are you able to house hold chores without issues? Can you run? Can you get into and out of your bath tub? Can you walk on stairs? Basically everything I could not do about 6 months ago. 

It's crazy to me how Physical Therapy has drastically helped me get back to where I am today. I am very grateful for all the people that have helped me along the way. This has been the day I've been waiting for! I will miss this gym! I'm so happy right now! And then I went back to my car to find a $62 Street Cleaning parking ticket hahaha. I was in such a rush to get to my appointment I thought the 2 hour parking sign was ok but completely missed all the text on the other sign above it. It was too small and far to read. Oh well, I'm still happy it's finally over! Well not quite, I'll have to keep up with my homework and continue to run! Now I just can't wait to get back to running at my favorite spot by the beach!