I'm cured!

Or close enough.

Just got back from the doctor. I rode my motorcycle and walked in, no limping (but I have to really think about it when I walk).

He watched me walk, we discussed things I need to be careful about (dental work), and told me to see him in 6 months. He'll take x-rays then, and if all is good, don't need to see him for a couple more years.

He says I can do any activity I feel up to doing. I told him I've already been diving and he says no problem.

At this point, the final mental weight has been lifted.  I want to try bicyling, running, etc. again.  He just warned me not to break anything, so that's pretty much what I've been doing all my life, so I'm back!

Picking a physical therapist

I did a smart thing.  First of all, I picked a PT where they had aquatic therapy.  And this facility is a good one- the pool they use is big enough to do walking exercises for several people at once.  I've seen ads for other facilities where all they have is a big tub.

But the other important feature of my PT, which wasn't intentional- was to have a female therapist.  Who also has two female student assistants.

It's had several benefits.  When they do work on my scar, I don't mind.  One of the male students offered, and I skipped the scar therapy that day.

But, the 'workout' aspect of therapy works as well.  I'm sure that I try harder when a woman is asking 'can you do this', or 'let me know if you get tired'.  The answer to the first is 'yes', and to the second is 'of course I'm not tired.'  Sure it is sexist at some level, but it actually works- were it a guy, I would flat-out say something like "I don't like doing that."

The therapists (unlike the office staff) make it a workout I look forward to- even the men.  But I hope the workout won't be too much longer- I'm ready to start on my own I think.

Drying out

My Physical Therapy has been migrated from the pool to the gym.

That is a good thing it turns out.  Water is very helpful- it gives resistance to movement and buoyancy to allow motions that would be difficult on land.  But that same buoyancy limits the actual forces I deal with.  I've improved to the point of really needing to strengthen the big muscles of my legs.

In the gym, I ride a type of bicycle (push pedal), do squats, stretches, step-ups, pull against rubber bands, etc.  It is very effective.  I feel like I've been working out afterwards.  Muscle soreness- the good kind.

More PT

I've been going three times a week, I can really feel myself get better.  I've moved on to v2 of my at-home exercises, so I must be getting stronger.

I also notice that my flexibility is much better.  I was able to almost do a split in the water today.  I can bend my knees to my chest now too.  When I get re-evaluated, I'm sure that will be a huge improvement.

I'm still walking with my cane.  It definitely helps my gait when I use it.  Yesterday I walked and did some light cleaning in the garage without it all day.  And I hurt afterwards.  I notice that my gait suddenly got sloppy too.  I started walking with that hip-hop 'hitch' as my hip starting dropping.  I've been consciously making sure that doesn't happen, but walking without the cane just tires those muscles out.

Today in the pool I got a new therapist since my usual one was out sick.  It was a guy, which was cool; someone new to talk to.  But, when it came time for the 'manipulation' of the scar to help break up the scar tissue, I was like 'no thanks'.  I'll wait for one of the others to touch me there :)

Physical good. Mental Bad.

I've lost  my mind.  It's 37 degrees and ridiculous wind and I rode my motorcycle to physical therapy today.

Therapy is working great.  I've also been doing sessions where she is breaking up the scar tissue.  Afterward we did pool work, the treadmill and stretching.

I have to admit I took a long hot shower in preparation for the trip back.  And I still froze my ass off.  Brrr!

Aquatic Therapy

This was more like it.  I was able to work out in the pool at the physical therapist.  93 degrees and long enough to do some pretty cool exercises.

When I was evaluated, my range of motion was pretty good, but my strength was down.  So a bunch of exercises were all about building strength.

I did laps, walking back and forth in the water.  Did some treading of water.  Worked on the treadmill.  And probably the best one was simply walking up steps with my bad leg, letting the buoyancy of the water hold me up so I could go through the motion. 

I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to my upcoming three sessions next week.

First meeting with the Physical Therapist

I drove down to meet my PT today.  She's great.  What I didn't realize about PT is how much work *I* have to do.  For some reason I thought it was all machines and this and that. But it is more like homework!

She measured my range of motion and I'm not in bad shape, but both legs are weak.  So I've got all kinds of exercises to do, most of them lying down.

Something very interesting- I had assumed that not walking with my crutches or cane would be a good thing.  Nope.  Since I'm limping, I'm training my body to walk like that, which will affect my gait for a long time.  Turns out I need to get back with the cane and force myself not to let my hip sag when I move the bad leg.  It'll strengthen the hip, and prevent bad habits.

I'm trying to get PT in as soon as possible, so I'm back at the PT tomorrow and will be working in the pool, then three days next week!