7 weeks post-op and swimming, progress towards FWB
Today is 7 weeks since surgery. I’ve been in the pool twice and my swim fitness isn’t too bad… the first swim I did 2150 yards, today 1700. Am only swimming with the pull buoy for now, no kicking, or pushing off the wall. It is great to be able to swim again and just be doing some real exercise. I am hoping to participate in a 2-mile swim race at the end of May. I’ll be there just to finish, not race. I need to get into the 2500-3000 yard workouts next week.
My physical therapist is really encouraging me to go to one crutch, I think I will be in 2-Shoes status in a couple of weeks, although it is hard to see now. It is difficult to trust that my leg can handle FWB, although she says it can… it’s just a mental thing right now. When I use one crutch, am finding that I take a really short step, almost a hop, with the good leg, presumably to avoid weight on the bad leg. Need to practice this and make Nicole (physical therapist) proud!
Am going away for the first time since surgery this weekend, to a triathlon that a few of my good friends are doing. Even though I can’t race of course, will be fun rooting for them and hanging out. Looking forward to it.
And here’s a pic of the leg, taken today. The incision is looking great… the swelling isn’t so much, but that is due in large part to the blood clot, and of course to the fact that I don’t have it down all the time. Swelling just comes with the territory.
So, my spirits are good despite the blood clot curveball. We caught it early, will just be on blood thinners for 6 months, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Not quite there yet, but lots of good progress being made.
on April 15th, 2009 at 4:43 am
Hey newleaf, good to hear you are back in the pool. I’m still trying to get some form of OK to swim (visiting a Chiropractor/Physio tomorrow) to see what they say.
Interesting to see that your scar is vertical, I have about a 2 inch lateral scar. I’m sure you leg can take more weight than your brain is telling you. Good luck.
on March 1st, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Have you seen those small pools for exercising in? I found a mini pool called the Swim Spas seems like a great way for water exercising and therapy.