Frouchie’s Achilles Recovery

03/15/2010

Looking back has it only been a week since I last wrote to the blog? It has felt a little longer because I have been having so much fun. With the fun comes a little more limping and some stiffness, so maybe it is an equal toss up.

Last Monday (the last posting I did 03/08/2010) I was told I could start back to most of all my old activities, minus running and jumping. I was also told I didn’t really need to keep coming back to therapy either.

Well, that same evening happened to be my normal nights for doing my indoor spinning class (it is really Les Mills RPM cycling), so I thought I might as well give it a try. I called the fitness center to see if there were any open stationary bikes available, and yes there was 1 left open. I felt that it was meant to be that I attend class because there are never any bikes open for this class.

I left work just a little early stopped by the house grabbed my cycling shoes, shorts and gave the wife a quick kiss on the cheek. I didn’t even stop to explain to her what I was going to do while she was asking questions…she did call me on the cell phone as I drove over to the fitness center and I explained everything to her.  I got to the fitness center and was greeted by several people whom I haven’t seen for months with all the questions one would expect to how well I was doing. I told them that I’d love to talk to them, but I was going to be late for the cycling class if I would stop to chat. I entered the cycling room and shocked everyone. My instructor looked at me and asked me if I was really ready to come back…I said "HELL YES" . Believe it or not, my bike that I rode for every class, before my injury, was the bike left open and that again was another sign I was to be there.  I quickly set up the bike to my height and all limped off to change into my shorts and shirt, and then returned to the classroom. I jumped (not really jumping) on to the bike and slowly began to pedal.  The instructor said through her microphone.."Now that our new class member is here.. (she said with a huge smile on her face and several of us regulars to the class laughed)..no.. really its great that Chris is finally back.. (several people cheered, I almost felt a tear form).. and hopefully he won’t kill himself today on his first returning ride".  Oh it was such a strange feeling having that little bike saddle working its way up the crack of my butt again after 4 months of being away from it….and with that feeling class began. Halfway through the class, I was gasping for breath, sweating like like a work horse, and ready to pass out. Several times I tried to stand up on the pedals while we were doing rolling hills and a mountain climb, the ankle and new AT felt pretty good, just a little stiff. With each attempt to stand and do an attack jump up from the saddle to standing climbs, I was reminded by my instructor to take it easy, and I knew maybe I should listen.

Before long, the hour class was over.  Thank Goodness..I was beat, but…I DID IT! I slowly climbed down off the bike and sat on the floor. I removed my shoes and lightly massaged my AT, foot and ankle.  I had so many of the people come over and welcomed me back. Many of them wanted to see the scar and ask me how I was feeling.

It felt so good to be there. Oh how I’ve missed the class, the atmosphere, and the people.

Since that last Monday, I have returned and done the Wednesday class, and I also went to the Sunday afternoon class.

My foot and AT are feeling a little stiff, but I feel no pin. I seem to be limping a little more today too. I’m just wondering if I should sit out of today class..or try to ride again, but not as hard as I have been.

Nah, I’m going.