I used to be impatient and I thought I had learned to become patient raising four children. It did in many ways. But my knee injury has definitely taught me the essence of patience.
Five months ago I was undergoing ACL reconstruction, partial MCL reconstruction and cleaning of the menisci. Weeks of therapy and doses of cortisone had helped the recovery but it is only now that I am experiencing a real improvement of my strength.
Pain is almost gone or at least it is for long hours. Stiffness has reduced and my agility is improved.
What is quite surprising is that I have not been able to do some of my exercises now that I am in our lake cabin. I only have a bike, no elliptical or leg press equipment.
I am biking several times a day, climbing stairs countless times, walking on different terrains and yes, doing my leg exercises on a yoga mat.
It looks like this new regimen is working its magic and I wonder if the inflammation I suffered from wasn't due to too many strenuous exercises.
Giving time to time is maybe was I wasn't paying attention too.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 26, 2011
A pretty good day compared to yesterday. I have no idea why my legs felt as heavy as sand bags but it was quite a miserable day. The previous week on the road was so easy that I often forgot about my knee buy yesterday was a brutal reminder that things weren't yet quite normal.
I still bike at least twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes, do my exercises and walk more than I did in California. I also have more stairs to climb and I don't spare myself.
Last night was painless which reassured me after the miserable day and today was much easier. My son started camp today so we drove him and helped him to settle and it went smoothy for my knee.
The rest of the day was eventless. I am now icing my knee and hoping that tomorrow will be a great day. The weather should be sunny again and maybe I will go for a bike ride on the six mile walk/bike path nearby.
I haven't yet been on a regular bike besides my trainer so it would be cool to try it.
I still bike at least twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes, do my exercises and walk more than I did in California. I also have more stairs to climb and I don't spare myself.
Last night was painless which reassured me after the miserable day and today was much easier. My son started camp today so we drove him and helped him to settle and it went smoothy for my knee.
The rest of the day was eventless. I am now icing my knee and hoping that tomorrow will be a great day. The weather should be sunny again and maybe I will go for a bike ride on the six mile walk/bike path nearby.
I haven't yet been on a regular bike besides my trainer so it would be cool to try it.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011
We've settled in our lake cabin and summer is starting under good auspices.
The weather is gorgeous and my knee is better.
I am now using a bike trainer so instead of pedaling on a stationary or upright bike, I am biking on my good old bike. It is nice for two reasons. First of all it gives me a sense of normality since this bike and I have been in Acadia and Yosemite National Parks, in Massachusetts and in different parts of California as well. Second of all, the pedaling is a little bit more challenging and it pushes my knee a little bit more. Hopefully, it will help the scars tissues to diminish.
Other than that, I keep up with my daily exercises. In addition, since I have stairs to climb inside and outside the cabin, I hope it will also reduce the stiffness of my knee. It is by far better than when I left. As if relaxing for a week in the car and the hotel had had some benefits.
Today, I have been cleaning the house and the porch since we have moved in some furniture. It was a good feeling to be active without exercising.
I may be wrong but I am positive that my knee has regained more flexibility. At least for the flexion.
The extension still lacks a few degrees and I hope that the next weeks will help me to reach my goal.
My leg is also stronger and I hope that the stairs and the active outdoor life will do the job.
Tonight I feel soreness in my calves and I know that the stairs are the reason to celebrate.
Tomorrow we will install the dock. I am usually the one in the water but the rocky cove is treacherous with a weak knee and my daughter will replace me tomorrow when my husband assembles the dock.
Then we will boat, canoe and simply reads, eats and tans on the dock, facing the peaceful lake that all of my children have known since they were little children.
This is life at its best when water, sun and family are together for long lazy days.
I have been waiting for that moment since January and I intend to enjoy every bit of it.
The weather is gorgeous and my knee is better.
I am now using a bike trainer so instead of pedaling on a stationary or upright bike, I am biking on my good old bike. It is nice for two reasons. First of all it gives me a sense of normality since this bike and I have been in Acadia and Yosemite National Parks, in Massachusetts and in different parts of California as well. Second of all, the pedaling is a little bit more challenging and it pushes my knee a little bit more. Hopefully, it will help the scars tissues to diminish.
Other than that, I keep up with my daily exercises. In addition, since I have stairs to climb inside and outside the cabin, I hope it will also reduce the stiffness of my knee. It is by far better than when I left. As if relaxing for a week in the car and the hotel had had some benefits.
Today, I have been cleaning the house and the porch since we have moved in some furniture. It was a good feeling to be active without exercising.
I may be wrong but I am positive that my knee has regained more flexibility. At least for the flexion.
The extension still lacks a few degrees and I hope that the next weeks will help me to reach my goal.
My leg is also stronger and I hope that the stairs and the active outdoor life will do the job.
Tonight I feel soreness in my calves and I know that the stairs are the reason to celebrate.
Tomorrow we will install the dock. I am usually the one in the water but the rocky cove is treacherous with a weak knee and my daughter will replace me tomorrow when my husband assembles the dock.
Then we will boat, canoe and simply reads, eats and tans on the dock, facing the peaceful lake that all of my children have known since they were little children.
This is life at its best when water, sun and family are together for long lazy days.
I have been waiting for that moment since January and I intend to enjoy every bit of it.
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011
Being on the road seems to please my knee which is doing pretty well. I keep my fingers crossed, hoping for recovery and skipping a surgery.
I keep up with my exercises, biking twice a day and icing. I wake up at 6 every day and go to the gym before having breakfast with my family. It takes an hour to do the 15 minutes biking in addition to the leg exercises. At night I do some stretching exercises and I also plain relax with a good book.
We have been driving since Tuesday morning and are now getting closer to our destination. One more night at the hotel before being in our own beds in our snuggly Maine cabin.
One thing is sure: I have been a pro at checking the fitness centers in each of the hotels we have been visiting this week!
As for tonight, the kids are hungry so I will bike afterwards.
I keep up with my exercises, biking twice a day and icing. I wake up at 6 every day and go to the gym before having breakfast with my family. It takes an hour to do the 15 minutes biking in addition to the leg exercises. At night I do some stretching exercises and I also plain relax with a good book.
We have been driving since Tuesday morning and are now getting closer to our destination. One more night at the hotel before being in our own beds in our snuggly Maine cabin.
One thing is sure: I have been a pro at checking the fitness centers in each of the hotels we have been visiting this week!
As for tonight, the kids are hungry so I will bike afterwards.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 16, 2011
Third day on the road and my knee is doing okay. Occasional discomfort bothers me but it is not to the point of pain. What is more difficult is the lack of strength in my leg causing my right leg to work too much and making me a little wobbly.
More than two hours in the car is difficult. My legs get stiff when I step out of my seat. However, it gets easier at each rest stop and only lasts for a minute or so.
I biked for 15 minutes this morning before doing my other exercises and I went for another 20 minutes this afternoon followed by 10 minutes of weight lifting and another 5 minutes of biking.
The road from Utah to Wyoming goes through outstanding American scenery and I'm glad I postponed the decision to go back through my knee if it gets necessary.
As long as I control the inflammation and it has been just fine so far, I think I can manage my life with a weaker knee.
At least for the summer.
More than two hours in the car is difficult. My legs get stiff when I step out of my seat. However, it gets easier at each rest stop and only lasts for a minute or so.
I biked for 15 minutes this morning before doing my other exercises and I went for another 20 minutes this afternoon followed by 10 minutes of weight lifting and another 5 minutes of biking.
The road from Utah to Wyoming goes through outstanding American scenery and I'm glad I postponed the decision to go back through my knee if it gets necessary.
As long as I control the inflammation and it has been just fine so far, I think I can manage my life with a weaker knee.
At least for the summer.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June 15, 2011
Nursing a healing knee on the road is not always easy. It means waking up at the crack of dawn to beat the potential crowd at the cramped hotel gym and bike for 20 minutes before doing other fun leg exercises. Then showering and grabbing breakfast before catching the family ride.
It also means being away from home, not having to cook and clean. It means being in the same car with two teenagers and thinking that it is great to share their precious adolescent moments that have to be savored before they vanish.
It also means enjoying new extraordinary scenery as we cross the US and thinking that, yes, it feels good to live in our big country.
My knee is behaving itself, and my leg is getting stronger. Not as fast as I wish but hopefully over the long lazy days of summer, both knee and leg will get better.
I'd love to go back to physical therapy with a much improved knee. All by myself!
But now I will call it a day after a great Indian dinner and yes, 20 minutes of biking.
It also means being away from home, not having to cook and clean. It means being in the same car with two teenagers and thinking that it is great to share their precious adolescent moments that have to be savored before they vanish.
It also means enjoying new extraordinary scenery as we cross the US and thinking that, yes, it feels good to live in our big country.
My knee is behaving itself, and my leg is getting stronger. Not as fast as I wish but hopefully over the long lazy days of summer, both knee and leg will get better.
I'd love to go back to physical therapy with a much improved knee. All by myself!
But now I will call it a day after a great Indian dinner and yes, 20 minutes of biking.
Monday, June 13, 2011
June 13, 2011
Status quo yet excellent mood.
Great dinner yesterday night with two good friends before a day of packing for an extended vacation.
I'm bringing all my "knee accessories" in a special bag. My physical therapist prepared a booklet for me, mostly as a reminder. I'll be a good girl and hit the gym every day. I did it before my accident anyway.
I hope for progress although I'm not expecting any miracle.
Besides my gym bag, I am taking a pile of books and writing projects as well as pretty dresses to remind myself that a crooked knee doesn't stop a woman to get ready for summer.
Early August will be there before I know it and I intend to savor every day at my beloved Maine cabin.
Knee or not, here I come.
Great dinner yesterday night with two good friends before a day of packing for an extended vacation.
I'm bringing all my "knee accessories" in a special bag. My physical therapist prepared a booklet for me, mostly as a reminder. I'll be a good girl and hit the gym every day. I did it before my accident anyway.
I hope for progress although I'm not expecting any miracle.
Besides my gym bag, I am taking a pile of books and writing projects as well as pretty dresses to remind myself that a crooked knee doesn't stop a woman to get ready for summer.
Early August will be there before I know it and I intend to savor every day at my beloved Maine cabin.
Knee or not, here I come.
Friday, June 10, 2011
June 10, 2011
First warmer days of the season! Since yesterday, the valley and even the foothills are getting ready for the long hot summer. It has been a long cool and lovely spring and I already miss it.
It has been easier for me to walk and exercise because of the really crisp weather we got this year.
Today I had physical therapy early morning and for the first time since my post surgery I was sweating.
A couple of new exercises have been added to my program, both squats to strengthen the muscles of the leg.
I am doing better with them and it's only because my extension is also a little better.
I wasn't measured today and will ask for it on Monday which will be my last session before my return early August.
I'm a little nervous to be on my own but I have been doing so much alone that I should be okay. Both the surgeon and therapist have asked me to call if I need to.
I will look for a gym near our cabin so I can get to use an elliptical and other equipment if the weather doesn't allow bike rides and walks.
I am preparing my bag with my various accessories and I intend to come back with a great knee. Well, at least not worst.
We'll see in August if surgery is or not necessary to get rid of the scars tissues that are still in my way.
This afternoon is exciting as I am taking my very first walk around the lake with my hiking buddy. We have been visiting each other but between my difficulties to walk until recently, our busy lives and the rain we haven't been yet able to walk together.
She has been joking that perhaps today is her chance to beat me.
I didn't tell her that I will let her win!
It has been easier for me to walk and exercise because of the really crisp weather we got this year.
Today I had physical therapy early morning and for the first time since my post surgery I was sweating.
A couple of new exercises have been added to my program, both squats to strengthen the muscles of the leg.
I am doing better with them and it's only because my extension is also a little better.
I wasn't measured today and will ask for it on Monday which will be my last session before my return early August.
I'm a little nervous to be on my own but I have been doing so much alone that I should be okay. Both the surgeon and therapist have asked me to call if I need to.
I will look for a gym near our cabin so I can get to use an elliptical and other equipment if the weather doesn't allow bike rides and walks.
I am preparing my bag with my various accessories and I intend to come back with a great knee. Well, at least not worst.
We'll see in August if surgery is or not necessary to get rid of the scars tissues that are still in my way.
This afternoon is exciting as I am taking my very first walk around the lake with my hiking buddy. We have been visiting each other but between my difficulties to walk until recently, our busy lives and the rain we haven't been yet able to walk together.
She has been joking that perhaps today is her chance to beat me.
I didn't tell her that I will let her win!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June 7, 2011
Almost a week went by without a single post and I suppose this is a good sign.
Life goes no, with or without a good knee.
And as far as my left knee is concerned, it is a half good, half bad knee.
Much better than it was after I blew two ligaments in January.
Not as good as it was before I blew two ligaments.
The cortisone shot released a lot of stiffness and when I met my surgeon on Monday, he agreed that it was a good idea to wait until my return from Maine before taking a drastic decision.
My flexion is now a solid 130 degrees and my extension is missing 3 degrees.
It doesn't seem so bad, right? Except that my right knee is 140 degrees for flexion and I can overextend my right knee which is crucial to accomplish any physical activity with ease.
Yes, there is room for improvement and my hope, shared with the surgeon and my physical therapist, is that time can help me to increase the mobility of my knee.
Today I went to Berkeley to visit my college daughter and drove to San Francisco for lunch and a little stroll in town under a lovely weather that made me forget all about my misery.
I am leaving for Maine next week. My husband and I made the itinerary last night and although it is not our first cross country trip (we have done is countless times), I am as excited as if it was the first time. I'm always looking forward to a trip across our big country.
Besides the regular packing, I am adding my accessories for my daily exercises. I will exercise every morning before we leave the hotel and hopefully every night as well. My seventeen-year-old daughter promised to keep me company at the gym. It is mostly a stationary bike and an elliptical machine that I need. And on manual, please. No cardio or fat burn program is necessary.
My goal during this trip is to both enjoy our family time and get this knee back to shape.
In Maine, I hope for a summer as beautiful as last year. The lake and the ocean are waiting for me and I can't wait to be there!
I have an appointment on August 10 with my surgeon and hope to show him that I don't need another surgery.
Scars tissues, here I come!
Life goes no, with or without a good knee.
And as far as my left knee is concerned, it is a half good, half bad knee.
Much better than it was after I blew two ligaments in January.
Not as good as it was before I blew two ligaments.
The cortisone shot released a lot of stiffness and when I met my surgeon on Monday, he agreed that it was a good idea to wait until my return from Maine before taking a drastic decision.
My flexion is now a solid 130 degrees and my extension is missing 3 degrees.
It doesn't seem so bad, right? Except that my right knee is 140 degrees for flexion and I can overextend my right knee which is crucial to accomplish any physical activity with ease.
Yes, there is room for improvement and my hope, shared with the surgeon and my physical therapist, is that time can help me to increase the mobility of my knee.
Today I went to Berkeley to visit my college daughter and drove to San Francisco for lunch and a little stroll in town under a lovely weather that made me forget all about my misery.
I am leaving for Maine next week. My husband and I made the itinerary last night and although it is not our first cross country trip (we have done is countless times), I am as excited as if it was the first time. I'm always looking forward to a trip across our big country.
Besides the regular packing, I am adding my accessories for my daily exercises. I will exercise every morning before we leave the hotel and hopefully every night as well. My seventeen-year-old daughter promised to keep me company at the gym. It is mostly a stationary bike and an elliptical machine that I need. And on manual, please. No cardio or fat burn program is necessary.
My goal during this trip is to both enjoy our family time and get this knee back to shape.
In Maine, I hope for a summer as beautiful as last year. The lake and the ocean are waiting for me and I can't wait to be there!
I have an appointment on August 10 with my surgeon and hope to show him that I don't need another surgery.
Scars tissues, here I come!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
Physical therapy early morning. Extension at 130 against 140! Flexion not as good as it should be. I miss 4 degrees and it seems like nothing and yet this is what allows a full extension of the knee, making every movement smooth and easy.
The rest of my exercises are fairly easy now for me. I still struggle with the stork (slightly bent left leg while the right leg is moving from from the hip back and forth with small movements).
This is due to the lack of strength in my quad, again impossible to regain if the knee is not fully able to extend.
My PT told me that there is no emergency to get rid of the scars tissues if I am willing to keep some discomfort. The main goal is to control the inflammation and it looks like this aspect is better.
My hope is to improve until Monday but I doubt that I will be totally fine.
So perhaps I will ask for surgery in August when we are back from Maine.
It is possible that I will have to say goodbye to my beloved late afternoon long walks on the beach. It makes me sad and yet I see progress and I don't want to forget where I am from.
Meanwhile, I need to suck it up and work out as much as I can.
Wish me luck!
The rest of my exercises are fairly easy now for me. I still struggle with the stork (slightly bent left leg while the right leg is moving from from the hip back and forth with small movements).
This is due to the lack of strength in my quad, again impossible to regain if the knee is not fully able to extend.
My PT told me that there is no emergency to get rid of the scars tissues if I am willing to keep some discomfort. The main goal is to control the inflammation and it looks like this aspect is better.
My hope is to improve until Monday but I doubt that I will be totally fine.
So perhaps I will ask for surgery in August when we are back from Maine.
It is possible that I will have to say goodbye to my beloved late afternoon long walks on the beach. It makes me sad and yet I see progress and I don't want to forget where I am from.
Meanwhile, I need to suck it up and work out as much as I can.
Wish me luck!
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