14 Weeks....OR 3 1/2 months :)

Hi Team!!

Ok, so I'm a slacker blogger and didn't even realize my last post was in January. I'm still in PT, still working on getting that quad back, and still trying to build enough stamina to go for a bike ride of any significance sometime soon. :)

Here's the lowdown! Since my last post I've had another doctors appt. and of course my fears were all the same; was I far enough along, did I heal okay, was there any sign of an infection, was I getting enough flexion, and should I STILL be taking pain medication. The doc was very pleased. I was able to ditch the cane for good at 7 weeks and actually have still been taking pain medication at night....up until the last couple nights. I'm not even taking a whole one anymore, I split them and have been taking half every night. I've always had so much trouble taking pain medication I NEVER thought I would still be taking it over 3 months later. The pain I do have is primarily muscular and there is quite a bit of nerve pain. I don't feel the nerve pain in my back or hip, the pain actually starts on the outside of my knee and runs down into my foot and ankle. Actually, it is quite painful and really has  begun to just be kind of a pain in the ass! I always try to look at the bright side.... but I'm getting kind of over some of this stuff! lol!

I DID go for a bike ride....wait for it...OUTSIDE in week 10. Honestly, it was probably the scariest thing I've done in a while. Of course, once I got over my crazy fear I rode 7 miles. I've done this a few times since....it still creates quite a bit of anxiety, but I persevere. I went back to spin class in week 7....basically it hurt like hell and was WAY too early! I tried again in week 8...and while I felt a tad better, it still felt too early. I waited another month before trying again and went to one in week 12. At that point, it was tough but manageable. I haven't tried yet since....I swear I don't know what it is about some of these irrational fears...but I will try again this week!!!

Let me update on what I've been doing in therapy....It's really only looking back at my last post that I see how far I've come.....Got some good news from the PT front! :)
I ride for 10 minutes, stretch on balance board for 3 min, single leg stand on the blue theraband 4x1min, leg press 110lbs 1 set of 10 and 3 sets at 100lbs, TKE black band 4x10, short arc 5lbs 4x10, long arc 5lbs 4x10, calf raises 4x10, straight leg raise 3lbs 4x10, hamstring curls 5lbs 4x10, and last week I just started the hip series and competed 2 sets.....btw....THOSE were a killer!! Some of these exercises hurt more than others obviously....for instance single leg stand has really become my least favorite and hurts quite a bit!

One more funny item to share.......my PTA told me a massage would be beneficial and my PT office has a massage guy. SO.....I had a massage....lets just say this wasn't a leisurely stress reducing massage...in fact I refer to it as fist in quad and IT band....for an hour. It was extremely painful and I was super bruised up near my hips...hip flexors. I was so sore for a couple days.....BUT, now that the worst is over I think it actually helped. If I could survive another one, my hamstrings and calf's really need...you know some fist work! lol! I'll keep you all posted....not sure if another one is in the cards or not!

Take care team!!
Ralean