Here we go with recovery update

[jeannierides]

Hi everyone. Although I have been posting a little in the last few weeks, it has been brought to my attention by a couple of my TE friends, that I haven't posted any kind of update on my accident recovery. So here is the short version...

I've been home now for about 8 wks. (wow! time really does fly!) I am now going to physical therapy only two days a week - but they are intense. I'm using 5# weights on my ankles for my mat work (all kinds of leg strengthening exercises), I am using the recumbent cross trainer for 20 minutes at the highest level - 10, I haven't been on the treadmill in the last week or so, because I've gone to exercise ball/core work, but I was doing 15 min. @ 3 mph. w/10% grade! I can do 3 sets of 10 lunges (w/knee going to the floor) & 3# weights in my hands!

Two weeks ago I decided to walk outdoors (first time) and just see what happened... I walked 2.2 miles! Pushing through the pain... Of course, it was too much, and I paid for that little excursion that afternoon and evening! (And, once my doc found out, I got a little smack on the hand! He said 1/2 mile at first... so I've settled for 1! )

You can see I'm healing pretty well. I still have lots of pain... my lower back aches if I'm pushing too hard. I have nerve pain in my foot and ankle due to an injury to my knee & therefore injury to the nerves. I'm having to take Lyrica for that, which has a few side effects. I'm still also having issues with my ability to focus/emotional stuff, etc., which could all be part of the trauma recovery process - or the medication. Either way, hopefully it'll get better with time.

I have talked with my manager at work, and we've come up with a tentative date for me to return to work on a limited part-time basis around the second week of September (after the Labor Day sale is over). We're trying to keep me out of as much of the stress as possible at first. So we'll see how that goes. I'm usually an *all or nothing* kind of gal, so part time may be very frustrating - or it may be something I decide I can do on-going. It depends also on my sales!

My saddle finally came in (you can see I have an extra that is for sale on the *for sale* threads), and my SO and I are working to get it set up. I was able to finally clip in and actually get up on my bike this weekend (on the trainer) for the first time in months! We should've taken a picture of me out of the saddle peddling!! It felt good - and bad. It's going to take a while to get the saddle right - or find the right saddle.

Anyway, there it is...the not so short version.

[mimitabby]

oh, fantastic. you are an amazing woman. You're already putting in MILES!
good work. I hope you can find something like yoga or PT to help you with movement to strengthen and loosen all your sore hurt parts. Thanks for the progress update.

[Ninabike]

Hi Jeannie. Thanks for the update. Hang in there girl!!

[HappyAnika]

Oh my gosh, your progress is incredible! Look at you, out for a 2.2 mile walk and getting on the trainer already! That's amazing. You've definitely got the right attitude, just take it easy.

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks for posting Jeannie. I was thinking of you. You are making great progress!!!

~ JoAnn

[jeannierides]

Thanks, you guys. I appreciate all the support and good thoughts. It really has meant a lot during my recovery.