So, here are my scars 3 months on...I'm quite impressed with how they're looking. I have been plying them with Boots Scar Reduction Serum each night. Who knows if it is speeding up the heeling process, but it doesn't hurt to try!
The area to the right of the largest Scar is still feeling numb, but its nothing to worry about the consultant has assured me.
It's been a while since my last post. Since going back to work full time I don't seem to have the time, or remember too keep the blog up to date.
So in a snapshot since the last post I'm now down to physio once every 3 weeks. I'm still going to the gym regularly and feeling a bit stronger each week. I'm doing plenty of balance exercises, and can now manage 35kg on the leg press.
One legged exercises are still really hard. I'm working on one legged squats, lunges and stepping up and down from a platform.
Most excitingly, this week is the milestone for being able to run. I couldn't wait to get back to running, but walking on the treadmill, psyching myself up to run was scarier than I thought! I did eventually manage it but didn't have the confidence to run many steps...still its signifies the start of getting back to 'proper' sport. Maybe pounding the pavement will be easier than fighting with a treadmill at constant speed.
I'm feeling a bit frustrated this week - I don't feel like I've made any progress from last week. I'm still not able to walk down the stairs quite right and the locking sensation is starting to feel like its holding me back with exercises like squats and leg press. I only have myself to blame as I've had no time to work on the exercises prescribed - Andrew exhibiting at Grand Designs has taken over for the last week or so. On a positive note though, I did manage to work at Grand Designs on Andrew's stand all weekend - 3 long days of constant standing and my knee held up well.
I'm a bit behind with my updates this week. I was able to drive again this weekend. I didn't feel as if I'd missed it as much as I would and once I got back in the car it felt as if I'd driven only yesterday. Both of these things indicate how fast time has passed!
So, physio update for the week - more work in the gym on the leg press and balance exercises. I'm almost able to walk down stairs properly but its just the last few inches of dropping myself down to the next step that I'm missing.
The locking sensation has returned a bit and after some investigation again, Charlotte was fairly confident it's just my knee cap running a little bit out of alignment, and it should sort itself out once my quads return. It doesn't hurt but it is quote an unpleasant sensation.
The last week has been a bit hectic - Jake the puppy is here to stay for a while. Sadly, Alys was diagnosed with leukaemia last week so whilst Matt keeps her company is hospital, we're keeping Jake company.
I had my 5th physio session today and did really well. As I'd not had much time in the last week to do the last set of exercises I went to the gym before physio to try the bike and cross trainer. All felt good!
During my physio session we went back in the gym. I can up my time on the bike and cross trainer and use the stair master, plus the usual strength and movement exercises. It finally feels like I'm getting back to normality and its worth going to the gym again.
Over the last few days I've managed to get back to walking up stairs normally. Going down is almost there but I can quite seem to lower myself the full height of the step.
5th Physio session today
Knee bend now at 130 degrees - almost there!
Able to start work on the bike i n the gym or my turbo trainer at home - finally something that feels like proper exercise 😊
New exercises again, this time to work on balance. I have to balance on my bad leg whilst keeping my eyes closed - its a lot harder than it sounds, even on my good leg. Also doing heel to toe steps and sideways steps on tip toes which feels very easy.
It's been a good weekend so far. Last night I enjoyed getting out of the house to go to the pool. Today we're in Abergavenny for the food festival. I've managed to walk around for a few hours with DonJoy brace for support. So far so good but let's see what tomorrow brings! For now there is more cider to be drunk and local food to enjoy.
