ACL Update – Week 10
Sent, 08-May-2017
The story is thus:
What I do know: I have a sunburn, and my knee seems to be doing well.
What I do not know: Whether I need surgery or not.
Last week, I kept pushing the leg and doing more with it – walking, taking hills and stairs, and generally trying to live life a little more normally. I’ve started getting more steps in (walking >2 miles per day), and I’ve been doing all the physical therapy I can stand. And speaking of standing, I’ve been using my standing desk at work pretty regularly, stretching and practicing balancing while working.
On Monday, we had an appt. with Dr. O’Shea, which didn’t go quite as well as I’d hoped. I already wrote that whole email about it, but the short version is: He can’t say one way or the other. The bone seemed healed, but the ACL was still stretched – 12mm, same as before. But if it hasn’t given out yet…
I also had my PT appt, where I saw a new physical therapist because Ed is out hiking in Utah. She’s a yogi, so a lot of my PT this week has been yoga-based… which was really positive. Especially something she told me; she’s had injuries to both of her knees, and both show a displacement of 13mm… slightly more than mine. And she plays soccer with them.
But the big news: This last weekend!
Sarah planned out and took us on adventures – We went camping, did some hiking, and then walked around on the beach today. My leg’s been tired and kind of… loose? Loose feeling? I’m not sure how to describe it… but it hasn’t slipped or given out on me at all. Instead, it’s held strong; strong against a ton of walking, elevation gain, ascending and descending the embankment between the car and the campsite, and wading through a fast-flowing stream.
I even took some hard data, using an awesome GPS watch that I got. Back in Medway, when I was just starting to walk without crutches, I held 1.9mph average walking speed. On Friday, I held 2.5mph. On Saturday, 2.8mph. I even jogged a tiny bit both days.
I’ve done a lot, worked my leg really hard, and it’s held true. But it still feels kind of off… so tomorrow, I’ll call Dr. O’Shea, and let him know how it’s going. On Tuesday, I’ll see Ed and see what he thinks.
Wish me luck.
– Ben
______________________________________________________________________________
ACL Update – Week 11
Sent, 14-May-2017
Another week, another hour of cardio at altitude! 12,000ft, this time. Mt. Hood!
This week has been tiring… But tiring in a good way! On Tuesday I had my PT appointment, and my new PT for this week can be summarized as “work out, then do some more work outs. Just leg day, though. But like… Double leg day”. So I’ve been working it out a lot, steadily gaining strength and getting used to working the knee a bit harder.
I’ve been walking a lot too; as much or more than I did before the accident, honestly. It’s been tough to pull off while being at work, but the weather here has been nice, so I’m not complaining. So far this week I’ve averaged 8,000+ steps a day, just under 4miles of walking.
In regard to surgery: I did talk to Dr. O’Shea, and he’s optimistic as well. He’s said that we should keep the scheduled surgery on the books until next week, but that I can cancel anytime. And that if nothing changes this weekend (fingers crossed!) We’ll cancel this surgery, and reschedule for next month (again, just in case).
Aside, it goes well. I’m moving around well and with confidence, have been driving the Mustang without any trouble, and have even started carrying some of the groceries (much to Sarah’s excitement!).
So, wish me luck in the gym! Roar! Protein shakes and hydration and bench pressing!
– Ben
____________________________________________________________________________
ACL Update – Week 12
Sent, 24-May-2017
Hi all!
So this has been a week full of walks, steps, and physical therapy. We’ve gone hiking, I’ve started jumping rope, and my leg’s been sore basically 24/7.
That’s good, though. It means that, on Tuesday, I was able to officially cancel my surgery, and could spend time with Bill & Greta when they came out to visit. It means that, from Friday to Sunday, we were all able to go hiking together; from the beach to the gorge. I walked 5+ miles per day, without crutches or a cane or anything. I was able to drive us all in the Mustang for a sightseeing tour on Sunday… I’m starting to live life again!
I still can’t climb, though. I can’t run or bike, or join Sarah on her ascent of Mt. St. Helens tomorrow. Soon, though. Recovery is looking good, so maybe I’ll be up there again soon.
– Ben