Not sure what’s going on, well I do, it’s a matter of containing it.

It’s almost 2am and I’ve had the most amazing day. Smashed my pool session to pieces, caught up with my Chiro who I’ve not seen for 3 months.

Checked in with my GP and that is all tracking really well. My reliance on pain meds is reducing and the wounds are all nicely closed. Tomorrow is going to be the first day I venture out without any bandaing or dressings on. I will however continue to use my ankle brace for the comming months.

On the way back from the GP I discovered Burger Thery in Light Sq, given they are all the rage on Facebook and Twitter I thought I should endulge.

I’m headed for the dentist and a PT session tomorrow, so either way I’ll pay for it.

Actually had a great experince at my chemist, staff noticing that I’m walking a lot better and it was nice to drop in and not have to pick up any medication for myself.

Spent the afternoon resting at home and that is probally why I’m wide awake (daytime sleeping can be a problem)

I can see it in myself the improvment literally, mind body and soul.

I decided to try the wobble board tonight and I managed about a minute before I had to get off.

Last time my Physio even suggested I try the wobble board I scoffed at it.

Now I know that I can push myself to weight bearing all that bit more.

But with all things Rehab will need my Physio’s guideance.

I look forward to walking into her studio on Friday for the first time in months without crutches and embrace the next step of my rehab journey.

So today with help, I arrived on crutches and with a set of walking sticks and quad sticks.

Looks like I’ll jump going from crutches to just one walking stick.

Quad sticks aren’t for me, not entirely unhappy about that!

Will probably need to buy a stick that is weight rated for me.

I’ve been full time crutches since early march. I’m not totally off them yet but we’ve started the journey and I’m really looking forward to it.

Physio was keen to let me know I’m doing really well. Not just with rehab but I’m doing a whole pile of other exercises to help regain strength and flexibility.

My dedication is paying off and going strength to strength is what it’s about.

Back in the pool tomorrow, then it’s time to catch up with my Chiro.

Finally heard back from my boxing PT, hopeful we can face off on Saturday. I’m ready to unload a bit.

Return to work Monday is tracking well, pumped about returning. Have been off for nearly two months and my return is a major part of recovery!

You slowed me down, but you never stopped me!

I’m not sure if it’s the fact I have solid near sighted goals or I’ve managed to “spin” my view on the world, but right now I’m pumped.

Got my head around that the next step forward is walking/ quad sticks and that Monday next week I”ll be back at work.

It also comes on the back of a hydro session this morning where I for the second time in a week in relation to exercise felt that I needed to push myself.

Now “pushing myself” means that while being careful I’ve self checked my exercise and worked out that i need to go harder.

Now given that I’m recovering from what could be deemed an overwork injury, yes one does have to be careful.

I tried to “push” Hydro early last week and paid for it, will be interesting to see how I go overnight and in the morning.

That said I’m also resting more this week despite “pushing”

Also the change in crutches use is helping, not putting as much pressure/load on my arms, neck and shoulders is defiantly a win.

Tomorrow is a short Physio consult then a Pilates Matt class. Really could do with a extended consult tomorrow, but with the matt class straight after I do need to settle it down a bit.

I can see the past couple of days being really positive, while I’m ready for a bad day or two, if I can continue to build on these “solid progress” type days all the better 🙂

In this modern busy world we often think that people don’t give a stuff about anyone any more. The media is always telling stories of neglect and how people aren’t being looked after.

As I continue my journey through rehabilitation from injury what has surprised me is the kindness shown to me often by complete strangers.

I’ve previously written about trying to put yourself in a situation where you simply can’t walk, or at least very far.

Also look at the situation of getting through doorways is a problem. I’ve had elderly pensioners old doors open for me. I’ve had young woman do the same. I appreciate the help and gracefully acknowledge it.  Tonight the household wanted Indian Takeaway and due to the weather I wanted to spice things up a bit. Now there is only one restaurant that I know of that delivers and their quality is rather poor. My preferred restaurant does take-away but parking can be an issue and their front step is quite high. They know be by name at the restaurant and accommodate me well. Tonight the manager offered me a drink, initially asking if I drank beer, he then offered an alternative. I ended up having to politely say “thank you for  the offer, but I have no way of carrying it” One of the waitresses said  something along the lines of “I could take it out to your car for you” this floored me, totally out of nowhere.  It might seem a little silly, but when you have to where and when you go to a certain place and limit what you buy because of your ability to carry things, to have someone offer this is just amazing.

The motivation behind this post is from a couple of experiences throughout the week that have been of significance to me.

Last week it was time to sort out an ankle brace and my Physio Liz had quite a job to carry three braces into the treatment room with my file and open the door.

I’ve doubted my Physio on many occasions as I have been  frustrated by my progress. For me the ankle brace is a significant move forward. It means a return to health and fitness and mobility. I’ll never forget the look of excitement and the enthusiasm Liz has as she brought the braces into the treatment room. It was symbolic of her care and commitment into treating me. I was really excited to start the ankle brace fitting process, yet Liz seemed somewhat even more excited than I was. I didn’t think that was possible!

There were two styles we were trying and the cheaper one didn’t seem to fit very well.  Despite trying two sizes Liz decided we needed a third size which would have to be ordered in from the supplier. It was midafternoon the Friday of a long weekend; I didn’t think there would be anyway the third sized brace could be delivered in time for my Saturday morning appointment.

To my absolute surprise it was, Liz herself had driven to the supplier to pick up the brace for me. I think she had just a little insight into how much it meant to me. I’ve written previously about the brace, so won’t go into detail. Just enough to say that is really is amazing and doing its job well.

The next person I wanted to write about is my primary personal trainer. People seem to like having a PT to hold them accountable. I don’t think that is a problem or requirement for me as I have a strong commitment to what I’m doing. More of a priority for me is a tailored and varied work out. Sean has done a stellar job in working with my schedule to make time but also put a lot of thought into modifying my program so that I’m able to complete as much as I can.  Until you stuff up a major weight bearing part of your body, you don’t realize just how much you can’t do. Sean has made it so that apart from moving around from machines, I’m seated for the entire work out.

I can’t stand and use the cross trainer, but what I can use, seated on a bench in the grinder. I love to hate this machine. It’s great to get the upper body working and the heath rate up. It’s a bit like boxing seated on a bench it reminds you of what is possible.

The other person is Georgia, who is my second PT. I’ve only trained with her once, but she has recently had surgery on an ACL and has some idea of what I’m going through. She’s been a great support both in person but also via SMS. The one training session I did nearly killed me. I was out to impressed, but also prove myself to myself. I spoke with Georgia about a week after the session and she said that she knew she pushed me hard but it was to remind myself what I could do. I had forgotten that and it was great to be reminded. One thing I found interesting is she takes much more detailed/ technical approach to training. I’m constantly being reminded about how I need to improve my technique. Which initially I found annoying but I understand why she did it. It’s particularly important for me at this moment as I recover from a couple of injuries if I do the exercise correctly it can work a different muscle group than if I were to do it incorrectly.

The last person I really should credit is Jodie my Podiatrist. I turned to her when I couldn’t get a clear answer out of my original surgeon and in near despair I sought her advice. I should really right more about Jodie, but right now it’s the early hours of the morning and this blog post is nearly 1000 words and I really should get some sleep.

I’ll end here, but in summary it never does cease to amaze me the impact people can have in a positive way. It’s really nice to see that in many cases basic human kindness and  from my health care team a real care, compassion and dedication.

Despite what I’ve been through and continue to endure, I consider myself to be very lucky and fortunate.

So today I’m feeling a little “good pain” something I actually miss.

Pulled up a little sore this morning from the pool session but nothing bad.

This morning I had a half hour PT session, still being on crutches I’m NWB at the studio so it’s a 100% seated workout apart from hobbling between machines/benches.

That said, we upped the weights and reps a bit and some interval training on the grinder to get my heart pumping. While I’d like to think I’ve been capable of this before, this week was the right time to push me that bit harder. It’s what I loved about supervised training, the person gets to know you and your limits. That’s especially important right now as my limits change so regularly.

My shoulder is still a concern, but it’s finally coming good. Finally got to glove up today and land some punches into the pads. Again still fairly light and low in reps, but to get the pulse rate up and the adrenaline pumping, wow! It really reminds me what I’ve been missing and I know I’ve turned a real corner now as despite still having to make adjustments, I can feel that I’m confident, safe and ready in myself to push myself. That’s kinda handy as the City to Bay isn’t all that far away.

My PT was so pleased I came up with this idea, it’s going to be interesting to see my reaction when I do cross that finish line. It really is going to be the coming together of a lot of hard work, not only by myself but Team Pilko.

Something else that is really encouraging is my PT has indicated that despite running the 12KM leg, he’s going to try and come back and be with me at least part of the way as I complete the 6km walk.

I was only saying to a friend via chat last night, despite the challenging times I have been going through. I really am working with the most amazing people.

This blog is about my journey back to health, but in part it is a testament the hard working, dedicated health care professionals I’m proud to call Team Pilko.

I’m having a little battle with Team Pilko.

They’re a dedicated bunch, they are doing well coping with my humour and unrelenting push.

I’ve learned that I have to do as I’m told and follow instructions as given.

This often means that I’m told I can’t doing something right at the moment, it doesn’t mean no.

On a bad day I’m told “not now” and all I hear is “no”

It’s taken me a while to hear exactly what is said.

On a good day when I’m told “not now” I hear “not now”

It’s an important difference, it’s how you process things. Might seem small, but when your working through rehab you’ll hopefully appreciate and understand what I’m talking about.