Week 32-Jogged 2 miles, biked 26-working my way back to full AT strength
Today I reached 32 weeks post op so I am getting closer to the end of the marathon. I went for a 2 mile jog this week and it went fine, no pain, AT felt good. Today I biked 26 miles and have been doing that type of mileage for a few months. All in all recovery is going well but I am not back to full strength just yet. I can do a few one leg toe raisers but not nearly as well and my good leg. The AT still gets sore after long workouts or a long day on my feet so I can tell there is more work to do. Early on it was hard to understand when people kept saying it will take a year to recover but I am seeing how true that is. Even though I can do most of what I did before, it’s not with the same power and strength. So I press on day by day as IowaJim likes to say! He’s so right. Just take is one day at a time and DO NOT give up on your recovery efforts as it’s all worth the effort. We all have a whole lot of living left to do and repairing the AT is crucial to future years of enjoyment. My kids and the expectation of grandkids sometime in the distant future keep me going. I want to be active to enjoy them. All the best to my fellow ATR Recovery Friends!! Cheers, Bode.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:44 am
Bode:
I’m jealous - I’d give just about anything right now to jog 2 miles! I’m in 2 shoes though and I’m very grateful for that!
You planning on playing any more basketball? That’s the $64,000 question for me - whether or not to return to high risk ATR sports (tennis, basketball, lacrosse). At 49 and pretty active, I’m leaning towards picking up my life where I left it. I love all that stuff too much. The thought of another tear is terrifying though.
September 11th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Hi Tom, Here’s the crazy thing about your $64,000 question-I should have taken the time to ask myself the question, “Do I really want to go back to bball?” before I had the ATR. I had taken 10 years off from playing and really missed the game so decided I would make a come back. Well for 2 brief hours of full court basketball all was well and I was loving it! But then disaster hit and on my 2nd trip to the gym my AT blew. So, now when I ask that question, it’s much easier to say NO, I’m not going back again. If I had had the wisdom not to return to the sport of my youth, I likely would not be recovering from an ATR. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it. I have turned my attention to mountain biking which is much less likely to cause another ATR. It’s not like I was back in the habit of playing basketball either so for me it’s easier to say I’m done with it. Mostly I want to be fit and enjoy life and there are so many great sports to be involved with that are less risky for another ATR. Sounds like you are much more into the team sports and if you work hard on recovery, I’m sure you could make get back to playing your favorite sports again. One thing that has been very motivating in my recovery was reading the book, “Younger Next Year” by Chris Crowly and Henry Lodge. They really tell it like it is and get in your face about what it takes to get and stay fit right up into our 80’s and beyond. It’s a great read if you are inclined. Best of luck to you! Cheers, Bode
September 12th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Hey Bode,
Good to see you’re getting better. I’m just right behind you a few days on the ATR surgery. I’ve played bball 3 times this week and playing again in the morning. While I do not put as much effort as I was 8 months ago, I just enjoy running around and just taking jump shots all over the court. Actually the knee is more of my worries as it’s pretty sore from a lot of pivoting and quick hops.
The key thing is, now we’re working out our AT so well, we have to make sure the knee and other parts of the legs (maybe even the back) are well conditioned as well. I’m still trying to build up my calf muscle as it’s still about an inch smaller. Guess I need to hit the gym, but time is actually helping with my strength as well as I play more tennis and basketball.
Look forward to hear from you again down the road… Carl
September 15th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
“Mostly I want to be fit and enjoy life and there are so many great sports to be involved with that are less risky for another ATR.” Well said, Bode. I think that I may not return to tennis, even though I love it dearly, since this is the second injury requiring surgery, on the same leg, occurring at tennis. Odds are against me that I will survive a return at this point!
I look forward to finding other things that I can enjoy. Thanks also for the book reference. I’m going to check it out
September 16th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Hi Carl, Great to hear you are back playing basketball-you are a brave man! Sounds like you are enjoying it without pushing too hard which is terrific! A friend of mine at work had ATR in both legs a few years apart and still went back for more basketball just because he loves the game so much so more power to you. Hope you stay injury free!
Hi Trisportgirl, We all have to make the call to return or not return to certain sports and it sounds like you are comfortable with your choice. I’m happy to move on to other things too. Good luck finding your next great sport! Just an FYI-The “Younger Next Year” book has a version for women too (bright pink cover) just in case you check it out. Cheers, Bode
October 21st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Bode, looks like you are doing great!! Keep it up, it’s worth spending the time now to make sure you can enjoy a long and fit life! The topic of return to sport would be a great topic for fellow ATR friends. I hadn’t really thought about it much, just started playing golf as soon as I could, waited till six months to start playing tennis per Docs orders. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m afraid of reinjury from playing tennis. My doc said because I pulled it from the heel the chance if reinjury is very slight. I’ve never not gone for a shot or been afraid to change direction when playing tennis. I will say that I have improved my footwork and tend to take smaller strides and play on my toes when running on the court to reduce the stress. It also makes my reaction time better. I’m still stiff in the morning and get some side heel pain as well, but it’s getting better and streching and working out help.
Again keep up the good work, and as always.
Step by Step, Day by Day!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Bode,
Just realized I hit a year today, still a bit sore in the morning and after a couple of hours of tennis, but almost forgot it was a year ago. Hope ur well and make good process on your journey.
JIM