Week 14: Walk slowly and carry a big stick!
I hate to report that Week 14 has been a little bit of a disappointment. I’ve had some ankle/achilles soreness after getting the bejeezus scared out of me when I got charged by a loose dog. I did a combination of running and hopping to get back in the house and my achilles is still angry with me. I’ve cut back the walking to once a day (armed with my friend, L. Slugger.) Let’s just say that dog better hope he doesn’t cross my path again–batter up! I gave up on my walk today–I was just too sore so I sat on the bike for awhile. Inspired by ekiaer, I laced up the skates but that was a no go too. Too much discomfort on the achilles trying to maintain balance on my injured leg–pushing off even gently was uncomfortable.
So what is new, you ask? Well, let me tell you. I can squat all the way down like this now. It was only a few weeks ago that I could barely get my quads parallel to the ground. Look at me now! (Of course, I don’t really know if this is a position I even need but if I ever need to get really small, I know I can do it.) My ankle flexibility is definitely improving.
Next new trick: I can get a non-zippered boot on! This is a major coup in Kellyland! I could barely get my foot into the shaft of the boot three weeks ago (yes, I tried.) PT said my ankle would eventually loosen up and she was right. I see my shoe options opening up for me come fall. Not my favorite pair, but they are comfy, low heeled and hide the ugly stepsister.
I’m hoping that the achilles discomfort dissipates over the next few days. I will be taking it easy and limiting my walking. Heel raises and balance exercises don’t bother it too much so I will keep up with those. Hope to be back to “normal” next week. Take it easy, Peeps!
August 7th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
Woo Hoo! You are a breathe of fresh air KG! You also look great.
Keep on posting your terrific progress.
August 7th, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Sounds awesome! Your body will let you know when its enough. Rest is also a very important aspect of a good recovery.
Your heal raise looks great, way better than mine at this point. Keep up the good work.
Also, I love the (Teddy) Roosevelt Corollary reference. (Says the History Teacher in me).
August 8th, 2013 at 1:01 am
Your detailed descriptions and pictures have been so very informative and fun to read for those of us coming in behind you. Thank you for taking the time to post, and I hope that dog leaves you alone! (Isn’t that what a cane is for, seriously?)
August 8th, 2013 at 2:10 am
@Anne: Thank you. I felt a bit like a downer in this post. Glad that you found it refreshing rather than depressing–lol!
You are right about rest by the way–I need to remember that.
@Kevin: Thanks! I did a report on TR in grade school–he made quite an impression on me! Pleased that you could appreciate the reference
@kiki: Glad that my posts aren’t putting you to sleep. While sort of time consuming, it is also therapeutic. It will also be a great reference should I rupture the other leg. Aargh–just kidding, I hope (but those numbers are frightening.) I’m pretty sure I’m safe from the dog (and every thing) now that I wield a bat. I notice everyone gives me a wide berth
August 8th, 2013 at 10:59 am
Love the title of the post Kellygirl! Those pics look great and as Kiki says, they give those of us who are behind your timeline a glimmer of hope that eventually things will get better. Your calf looks great, keep up the great recovery and avoid that dog!
August 8th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
@Seaweed: Thanks for the nice comment! Yes, it does get better– albeit slowly. I think you got it the other way around, that dog better avoid me! LOL!
August 8th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
KG- this looks great. Your muscle definition is returning and these photos are a good benchmark for later. Walking hills and stairs as you are able will help. That position you say you may never need I happen to use all the time when I am hiking and camping and find being able to do that makes the job so much easier. I don’t think I need to explain any more.
August 8th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
I think Stuart means that this position may be handy if you ever go on holiday to France! Lol. I can’t keep up with you Kelly, can you get back up from there??
August 8th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Hehe! @Stuart and Micah. You two are TOO funny. I’m still laughing
I think I’m going to keep practicing–just because I can. Haha!
August 9th, 2013 at 6:31 am
Was thinking more of holiday in Asia. There are signs in the toilets at the airports to stop people stand on the seats. It is really the best position for a good evacuation. Don’t blame me KG. You started this with the photo.
August 9th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
@Stuart: I think I should have titled this post, 14 weeks: Free to Pee on the Squat Toilet! Just wait for my next post and photos
I do remember seeing one when I was traveling many years ago–pretty sure I didn’t use it though!
August 9th, 2013 at 4:50 pm
BOOTS!!! That was the most exciting part of your post!!! Don’t get me wrong I love them Fitflops I got to copy you but BOOTS, shoes….I can not wait!!!
So I too have been working on my squats. They do not look like yours but truth be told they never did. I spent a bit of time in Japan the land of the fanciest toilets around and the least fancy…the squatter. I’m not gonna lie, I had a fair amount of trouble with those! You on the other hand, are good to go!
August 10th, 2013 at 2:11 am
@Lynne: LOL! You understand
It was thrilling, I tell you, to slip my foot into the boot! I like my FF’s too but I like a little variety. Breaks up the monotony. Keep working on that squat 
Hope you are doing well.
August 11th, 2013 at 12:15 am
Oh I need to get a picture of my squat! I could only ever do it with heels down while holding onto something which adds to the Japan squatter story in ways I should not post!
August 11th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
KG - Everything looks great. I glad you are now ready to travel and. go camping:). After reading the comments, I will just loose it if my PT asks me to do this.
I am glad the dog couldn’t catch you. That must have been a scary run.
Take care
August 12th, 2013 at 3:22 pm
This is great! You can definitely see more muscle definition in the left calf muscle! Keep it up and keep up the positive attitude. I find that sometimes that is the hardest thing to accomplish!
August 17th, 2013 at 10:27 am
Hi Kellygirl,
Micah x
Ages ago you asked me about how I was walking upstairs and was I flat footed or pushing off with the ball of my foot, to which I never replied, I apologise, brain fog etc. At the time I was walking up flat footed and thought about it and thought that I had always walked up that way and then forgot or something, however……drum roll…..yesterday I walked upstairs and realised I was walking up and pushing off with the ball of my foot!! Just like that! I got my husband to walk up and I watched him, then I walked up, then we had a laugh about it as only the previous day I had been moaning about not achieving anything new recently etc blah blah blah, you know how it is! So, doing it at 21 weeks, or is it 22? I forget
August 18th, 2013 at 8:37 am
Kelly,
Your blog is fantastic! I thought it would me much longer to get to squats. I am thrilled to see your photos. Thanks for your encouragement. I hoping to get on bike once I get boot this week.
Sally
August 31st, 2013 at 7:16 am
Hi Kelly, can I ask you about your tendon soreness after your dog chase? I was at physio this week and was given 1-legged heel lowering to do and boy have I suffered ever since. I can walk ok without too much pain but the tendon is very tender and swollen - sharp, tight pain and sore to touch. Does this sound like the pain you had? I’m taking things easy until it calms down (if it calms down!). I’m terrified I’ve done some major damage.
August 31st, 2013 at 11:43 am
@PamG: Yes, it sounds very similar only mine hurt to do any serious walking too. It bothered me so much that I ended up emailing my Dr. for advice. He said that it sounded inflamed and that it would be a good idea to immobilize it in the boot for a few days. I didn’t do that (where the heck is that boot anyway?) but I did take it easy, ice and elevate. It took about a week to get better and I cursed that dog every day! Although it didn’t feel very good, I also tried to “massage” the tendon by putting pressure on both sides of the tendon up and down my leg. I don’t know if that helped but they did that at PT. I figured that if I could still move my foot up/dow/around, then everything is intact. If you can do the same, I’m sure there is no real damage–tendon is probably just mad at you
Hope that helps.
August 31st, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Hi Kelly, thanks for replying, you’ve made me feel so much better. I can move my foot up and down and around as well as I have been able to in the last few weeks. Like you, I’ve been elevating and icing and taking things easy, which is soooo disappointing having got this far. I’ve also been massaging, which does help the pain for a while and loosens things up for a while too. I think you’re right, the tendon is really mad at me and I am too! I must remember to take things more slowly and not feel I have to do 10 or 15 of every exercise just because the PT tells me to! Thanks again, I love your blog
August 31st, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Pam you’ve learned an important and valuable lesson, and probably bought the tip for an affordable price. The first time I learned that PTs sometimes prescribe Too Much Too Soon, it sent me back into the Boot for a MONTH — and with the worst pain of the whole process except immediately post-op, too! Details somewhere on my blog.
Let it recover now, and remember to stay INCREMENTAL as you introduce new challenges to your calf and AT. Listening to your body in real time is good, but it’s not enough. Sometimes the ill effects of overdoing take hours or even a day or two to settle in.
August 31st, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Hi Norm, yep I remember reading your post about your setback. And yes, this is the most pain I’ve had - even the rupture didn’t hurt this much. I shall listen to my body and remember to take things incremental as you say, instead of following the rules to the letter. I blame my parents for that trait, though at 50 I’m not sure I’ll get away with that
August 31st, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Pam… When I ruptured and re-ruptured I could move my foot and walk. When I re-ruptured it hurt worse than the initial injury and the pain didn’t go away. My wedge moved and my heel went down. I’m not trying to scare you, but call the doctor if it concerns you.
One thing I did notice was that my tendon was no longer filled in and had a major bruise. How far along are you?
August 31st, 2013 at 5:51 pm
Hi Anne…I don’t have any pain if I’m not moving or touching the injury point. I can feel a lump (scar tissue?) on my tendon and no apparent breaks, it’s just really tender and tight. I’m at 14 weeks now, so fingers crossed it’s as kellygirl and normofthenorth say - I’ve irritated the tendon by overdoing things
I remember you re-ruptured your tendon - how are you doing now?
August 31st, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Hi Pam…. I’m in a cast.
I had surgery 5 weeks ago. I got a little giggle with your “incremental” comment. In my opinion, pushing oneself to do more and achieve greater results and overdoing it seems to be a fine line and I’m hoping I’m imparted with the wisdom of knowing which is which soon.
Glad to hear you haven’t had an Anne moment and I hope your recovery is going well. Take Care.