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Well, I must say the weekend was definitely a break from what I am used to lately. But a much needed retreat to normalcy.
I was a tad ambivalent as I made the drive out to Vantage this weekend with my girlfriend. Vantage, a popular climbing area in Washington, was not always my favorite place to climb but is definitely one of the more friendlier places to engage in this kind of activity whilst sporting a nice plastic boot. I’ve been climbing around in the gym lately (one footed) being cautious not to fall on my ATR foot (even though it is encased in my boot). So far it’s been going well and I thought, “What would be the harm of doing a little outdoor climbing?”.
I stayed religiously to routes that were well below my skill level and all in all I was pretty successful on everything I got on as well as having a blast finally being outside engaged in the sport I love! I managed to lead 6 sport climbs from 5.7 to 5.10a and top roped four more from 5.9 to 5.10b. I was quite pleased with how much climbing I was able to do with one foot and I never felt any pain or strain on my newly repaired tendon. The hardest part really was hiking to the climbs. Going up hill is still a bit dicey, but I always pay close attention to how my body is healing and absorbing the extra work it has had to do because of this injury.
I’m taking a rest day today, since the weekend was definitely tiring, but I’m still doing ROM and I need to start sticking to a more consistent icing regiment. My incision is healing up nicely except near the bottom of my leg where there is still swelling and some redness.
Today, Monday April 8th 2011, marks the almost 4 week mark since the surgery (tomorrow will actually be the real 4 week anniversary). I have to say I feel good. Everyday I feel like I have a little bit more flexability in my ankle and tendon as well as a little bit more strength. I continue to weight my ATR leg out of the boot and walk around my apartment as much as possible. I hve yet to get in touch with my doctor with some questions I have about PT and such, so I will post about how that conversation goes. I also appreciate the comments on my last post.
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Wow! Rock climbing in the boot….honestly, it never occurred to me, although I think for me a top roped 5.8 is the hardest I’ve ever really climbed.
Comment by iski7b 04.11.11 @ 5:47 pmVery impressed…you lead climbed in the boot!?!??! Wow!
Glad it went well, no issues, and glad to hear you are putting weight on it and walking at home in a safe environment as much as you are able to. Great news! Very happy for ya!
Come on…rock climbing at 4 weeks? I’m just hoping to get out of this cast on Thursday. Today is 4 weeks post surgery and I’m itching to see what I have in store for me…well done!!
Comment by sadams 04.12.11 @ 10:00 amThanks you two!
Comment by Micah 04.12.11 @ 11:31 amI’m really excited about being able to still enjoy the things in life that make me the most happy (i.e. good friends, a camp fire, and rocks!).
@sadams-I did a previous post where I wrote about my confusion concerning why my experience with ATR surgery and post-op recovery timelines was so different from other peoples experiences. I’m still shocked when I hear about people being put in casts. Let me know how your cast removal goes, I’m pscyhed for you as well!
SiN, I know I lost some respect for my Cardiologist when he used the word “crazy” in his advice to me about skiing in Whistler 8 weeks after my heart surgery — so I’ll bite my lip about your rock-climbing at week 3-ish!
I’m happy that you had some fun, and some “back to normal” fun, too. Most of us know the feeling, or we’re still looking forward to it. But do Watch Your Step!! None of those boots (or casts) are designed to protect you from a real fall — and even if the boot did its job, your reflexes to save yourself might still injure your AT seriously. (I’ve “done” both ATs, but I think once per side is PLENTY!)
Comment by normofthenorth 04.12.11 @ 2:23 pmInvesting hours in crampons with boots that are too delicate or feeble has finished the satisfaction and even the trip itself for more than one would-be summitteer.
Comment by Purchase An Assignment 08.29.17 @ 3:38 am