I'm depressed...any suggestions?

Hi all,
I'm out of commission. Hurt the bad knee and cant do much. I feel like such a dork right now. I mean, I know that this is not the end of the world but I've been really active for the last 5 months and now I can't even walk. Went to the doctor and he ordered an MRI because the ACL might have blown again. He definitely thinks that the MCL and meniscus (cartilage) ripped. That's not good but not nearly as bad as the ACL in my book. Anyway, I'm depressed. I am now in a knee brace but I have to use the crutches. I'm thinking of getting out the exercise ball and trying my best to do some ab work, get out the weights and lift, but what can i do for cardio? any ideas? if I had a trainer I could set it up and ride one footed but I can't...hell, I can't even drive my car right now because it's a standard. Grrr..I'm frustrated.
Gray

first your own quote:

Sometimes life need be no more exciting than throwing rocks in the river on a cloudy autumn day


there are lots of things you can do while you are healing. There are also lots
of hobbies that don't require your legs at all.

i'd think any lifting with your arms will do cardio work.

get well soon!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

first your own quote:

Sometimes life need be no more exciting than throwing rocks in the river on a cloudy autumn day

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Hi, I actually did that. I make stuff out of 550 paracord and made a sling (like David and Goliath sling) and practice throwing rocks in the river using it. It was fun and very calming and soothing to me. It was cool. I wrote that quote last week before this happened.
I know there are other hobbies and I"m indulging them. I'm cleaning my knives, reading (a lot) and making more stuff out of paracord. But, I'm just a little down. I think I need a new quote though. :) I don't think it's saying what I wanted it to.
Thanks,
Gray

I don't know what to say, but I send you good vibes that you will find something to give you peace. It really sucks when you work hard and just one mis-step takes you down:(.

Grey-I was where you were, last october, with almost the exact same issue. (Mine was PCL rupture & MCL tears..) I couldn't drive either & just had my dear drive me to the pool. I wasn't allowed to kick so a pull buoy came in rather handy.

If you have a swiss ball, do some gentle ab work. Don't overdo it!

Also, don't panic! Although you can't bike atm, you're still a good person!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GraysonKelly

Hi all,
I'm out of commission. Hurt the bad knee and cant do much. I feel like such a dork right now. I mean, I know that this is not the end of the world but I've been really active for the last 5 months and now I can't even walk. Went to the doctor and he ordered an MRI because the ACL might have blown again. He definitely thinks that the MCL and meniscus (cartilage) ripped. That's not good but not nearly as bad as the ACL in my book. Anyway, I'm depressed. I am now in a knee brace but I have to use the crutches. I'm thinking of getting out the exercise ball and trying my best to do some ab work, get out the weights and lift, but what can i do for cardio? any ideas? if I had a trainer I could set it up and ride one footed but I can't...hell, I can't even drive my car right now because it's a standard. Grrr..I'm frustrated.
Gray

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Hey, my bf was out of commission for almost a year with a broken leg, osteomyelitis, etc... It's 2 years now and the leg's still not healed.

I was already kayaking fairly often, so he took it up when he pretty much couldn't do anything else. Only sea kayaking or river touring basically, no whitewater 'cause his leg was in a cast - falling into the river wouldn't have been good.

Given his limited mobility it pretty much meant that I was doing all the kayak carrying and car topping - however, it was a way to get him out, mobile, and doing something.

Of course, it is almost november, getting cold, and I don't know where you are in West VA. Looks like this weekend's going to be beautiful if you can find someone to help you with a kayak and ferry you to it.

I'm not sure what your friend or relative situation is, but if one of them has an automatic and is willing to trade cars with you for a while, that'd give you some mobility as well... Before he could go out in the kayak, I'd often just take him on long drives - he'd be out seeing stuff and exploring at least.

We're both reasonably interested in photography, so long drives to take photos of pretty stuff worked.

I don't know if you could get an erg/rowing machine and basically just use it with your arms and abdomen (don't flex your knees or move those)... I know there's those bike trainer like things where you spin with your arms and not your feet.

I'm really sorry about your knee!

Aw Gray that stinks :(

I don't have anything to add to anyone else's suggestions - just sending healing vibes and hugs.

It's not physically active, but take a look at these sites for a chuckle:

http://punditkitchen.com/
http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Hint: start at the very first page of icanhascheezburger.com instead of the last one that pops up when you first go to the site.

I feel for you Gray, I'm in the same boat right now (SI joint injury with left leg pain and weakness)...I'd give my right arm to be able to sleep through the night without waking up crying and then pacing for an hour before trying to sleep again. It sucks the joy right out of you doesn't it?

That really stinks!! It's a bummer to not be able to do your regular activities. Would you be able to take the brace off to swim, and then use a pull buoy? That would give you some cardio and upper body work...it is kind of annoying to have to use the pull buoy (I was doing that for a week after aggravating my IT band--even flutter kick didn't feel good) but at least it's something.

I wish I had a perfect solution. About 10 yrs ago I dislocated my patella and I really got very depressed. Most of my friends didn't understand, it was temporary, I'd be fine, what was the big deal. But I hated the forced inactivity and honestly don't think I've yet recovered from that time lost, physically speaking since it lead to a lot of weight gain. So I hope you find both a way to keep up some activity and a way to keep away the depression. Healing thoughts your way!

hey there!

I had knee surgery and was out of commission for quite sometime. My mom is disabled and gave me some really good ideas. There are some really good tips on working out for 'handicapped' that you can do from your wheelchair. I know that you are still able to move around, but you dont want to kill yourself on that exercise ball. look on the web, and find you a good workout. dont forget that you dont need your knee to do abs... so get a nice 6 pack ;)