The Beach/Off to Europe
Spent 4 days on the Jersey shore last week. Day 1, my kids are up at the crack of dawn ready to head down to the beach! The BEACH? Sand? Barefoot? Can I do this?? After sunscreening the heck out of my scar (that is important for AT LEAST A FULL YEAR folks!!), I slowly ventured out onto the sand - it was tough going as my heel was sinking in to the sand resulting in the tendon doing more stretching to walk. But wow did it stretch me out! I stillhad one small scab over the spot I had been oozing and figured it was not a good idea to go into the ocean. Then I threw caution to the wind and just waded in. Sure enough, the ocean softened up the scab and it fell off later that night!! I am now officially scabless, though there are still some rough spots on the scar that need to settle down.
Long story short, 4 days on the beach and boardwalk walking multiple miles a day hurt like hell, but I am more stretched out than ever. I can actually walk in the morning now without limping too much.
One funny story - there was a “skybike” ride at the Amusement Park on the Boardwalk. So, I grab my 7 yr old and we head on. Turns out you have to pedal so that your car moves along this track that is about 30 feet above the ground. My 7 yr old can’t reach the pedals so its up to me. There were times I didnt think I would make it. The tendon was tight and the pedaling was rough. All I kept thinking was, no different than PT - just work through it. I came off the ride drenched in sweat and hurting. I can laugh at ti in retrospect, but it was HARD!!! Other than that and getting jostled around on the roller coasters, I survived just fine. Good to see that an ATR doesn’t impact skeeball skills - had my best score ever - a 380.
So here I sit in the airport waiting to take off for Paris - then London. I am confident that I will be able to walk when I need to - though I will be sore at night. I am hoping I dont swell up too much on the flight.
I am nervous about going 2+ weeks without PT, but I have a home exercise program (that I have been less than diligent with so far) and truthfully, I have been very active so I hope I wont have lost too much ground.
Wish me luck!
Ed
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Your self-talk about being younger and in better shape is so true. I try not to compare myself to others who are doing a lot more than I am, but it’s tough.
now we look forward to hearing about your party when your last scab falls off! 
good luck! you will do just fine without PT if you make sure you walk in London and Paris everyday. I find that it helps to walk a lot-like you said-in the mornings it doesn’t hurt too much. You’ll be fine-try not to think too much about the AT, just make sure you are on even and smooth surfaces and have a GREAT time!
Good Luck, ED
Good luck with the trip. This gives me hope. I am only on day 3 post-op, but I am scheduled for a flight to Florida at 14 weeks (a trip I’m totally looking forward to).
I am worried I may have to cancel, but you are giving me hope that I”ll be able to handle it after all. Looking forward to hearing about how your flight went, etc…
Have a good time.