The start of the week marked one month post-op for me, and I admit that a bit of doubt has started creeping in. Mr. PugRunner keeps saying I am in “the first quarter” of all this, but at this stage of the game, I really hoped to feel more like myself. Instead, I still struggle with exhaustion, discomfort, insomnia and lack of focus.
Sunday – pt exercises + recumbent bike
I needed a day to recover a bit after my big day out with my friend. I was able to rally enough for the gym, but that was about it. Little man was about to start back to school for his second semester of 6th grade so we had much to organize.
Monday – physical therapy, 60 minutes
I was really excited to get Monday and PT started. Truth be told, my last session ended on such a positive note and I thought I was rocking it. On Monday, I met with another different therapist and he got me very edgy and anxious.
He was surprised I wasn’t yet trying to wear a shoe, but also didn’t like me walking on my bare foot with one crutch as previously instructed. Additionally, he didn’t think I had made sufficient progress with my upward flex, and really put me to work with that.
I was nauseous the rest of the day: partly from the workout and partly with nerves about my one month post-op status. Sure, I tried to be positive, but I wasn’t feeling it deep down.
Tuesday – pt exercises + upper body + core + recumbent bike
Mr PugRunner is now up and back to work, which definitely changes the landscape of my days a bit. He offered to take me to the gym after lunch, and I was able to get in a nice round of activity.
Wednesday – pt exercises
Mr PugRunner was crazy busy on Wednesday, so I skipped the gym. I did do all my exercises at home, which generally works well (although I miss the cycling). However, after feeling not so great after Monday, I was also glad not to have to go out.
I did get a nice bit of uplifting news: I have been accepted as a Nuun Ambassador for the second time. I took a year off because I wanted to streamline some things with my blog, and I am so happy to be back on the team.
Thursday – physical therapy, 60 minutes
I was back with my original PT and I shared with him about Monday’s experience. He was very kind and supportive, which made me feel so much better. Obviously, different therapists have different methods, and I guess I am going to click better with some than others. I left feeling so much more positive about everything, but once again, he had worked me hard.
Friday – pt exercises + core
I felt awful on Friday. I was tired, shaky, emotional and my calf was really sore. I didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything and even though I did my PT stretches and some Russian twists, my heart wasn’t in it. Boo. But look at me on my stairs! Sideways is still making it happen!
Little man had been begging to have a friend over after school, which turned into a sleepover. I was glad he was able to hang with his buddy, and fortunately, they were pretty chill and quiet.
Saturday – pt exercises
Saturday was probably my worst day this week. For some reason, my calf really started hurting, making it harder than usual to walk. As if that wasn’t enough, the bottom of my foot and my toes were just absolutely on fire from new skin and nerves. Yay. On a more emotional note, the rest of my steristrips came off the second surgical site. I will spare you the photos. It’s not BAD exactly, but it was hard to see.
Once again, I got a nice surprise to cheer me up: a box of goodies from FitApproach for participating in the #HolidaySweat Challenge.
I’m excited to try some new healthy snacks!
Goal-getting
So it was a solid week. I didn’t get in as much gym-time, but I still did my workouts, as instructed, even when I wasn’t feeling it.
This week, I had to really lock in my eating. My appetite has been AWOL since I broke my leg, which is starting to become a problem. I am burning almost as many daily calories now as I was back in my running and 9Round days, but I don’t think I’m eating enough to support it. It’s not helping my overall well being and I’m trying to do better.
Due to my lack of focus this week, I didn’t start “The Hate U Give.” Instead, I watched a bunch of movies, blasted Broadway soundtracks and started trying to watch “The Crown” again. I really enjoy the show, but I keep getting distracted and losing track. This time, I’m committed.
Next Monday, I’ll be at the ortho for x-rays and a status report! It’s getting really real now!
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
Will you be joining me at any of the Best Damn Races? Don’t forget to register with my BDR discount code RUNSWITHPUGS to save on any distance at any BDR location! Remember, the code for Safety Harbor will expire on 1/17 so don’t miss out!
How was your week in training?
Any suggestions for easy, yummy foods to tempt a nonexistent appetite?
I’m sorry it was such a tough week! But you are probably on to something with the lack of calorie intake. If you’re not fueling well, it will bring you down in every way. Emotionally too! Hopefully you’ll be back on track this week and feeling better.
I just wish I WANTED food. You know it’s bad when I don’t even want sweets. That’s my kryptonite.
Sorry it was a hard week! That’s good news that you felt better after meeting with your original PT. It would be nice if progress was linear but I guess it’s always a bit of an up and down journey. I hope this week is better 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly Review
I really just want a chart: on this day you should be here. From there, you go to here. And on this date, bam, you’re better. It doesn’t work like that, though.
I think you’re making a lot more progress than you’re aware of…it’s kind of hard to see the day-to-day improvements since you’re living it 24/7. It’s like watching your hair grow LOL Hang in there!
You are probably very right. This time is dragging for me and I am struggling so hard. It’s probably all in my head, but I’m trying to overcome all of it.
I agree w what Kim said above. Sounds like you are making so much progress each week. I hope your DR appt goes well today. Hang in there Jenn you are a strong one!
It’s this upcoming Monday, but thank you. I’m really excited but also so nervous.
I’m not joking. You are amazing. And I know how you feel.
I did not start PT for 8 weeks. It is hard. It is painful. It is tiring. Hang in there.
I know you know. And I can’t imagine how awful that must have been. I imagine waiting that long put you far behind the 8ball. I am resentful that I have to do all this work and then I’m too tired to do my normal life things. I really hope I am up to going out tonight. It’s such a scary feeling.
I know it’s so hard but you are killing it on the recovery front my friend! You truly are. I saw The Hate You Give on a plane and did not love it. I’m in the same place you are with The Crown. I keep getting distracted. Ugh.
I did see the movie, and I liked it but I believe the book runs deeper and want the words.
I finally made it into season 2 of The Crown! It’s happening!
Wow! You do some kind of fitness EVERY DAY! I think that’s awesome. I found that I clicked better with some PTs than others when I had therapy for my injured hamstring. You are working hard and doing better each week. I can’t imagine a better PT than you!
Laurie recently posted…The Stubborn Promise of Hope
Well, I can’t just lay around and do nothing. I would go absolutely crazy!
Wow! I cannot believe that it’s already been a month since the surgery.
You are doing super an AMAZING job at staying active. Between the PT and your other exercises, I guarantee you are going to come back stronger after this injury.
I believe it, because time is DRAGGGGGGING. This week, I’m feeling incredibly unmotivated.
You did great this week, but ugh to the Monday PT…what a downer. Glad that you have one that you like. You’re making incredible progress.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Eats: Tofu Thoughts
I’m really trying. We are supposed to go out tonight so I’m doing a fat lot of nothing so I will be in good spirits and form. Hopefully it’s a solid plan.
Oh, that is frustrating that the 2nd PT was apparently not on the same page as the first. You are being really diligent with your PT exercises though.
I have to be to get back to normal. It’s awful though. I feel like I spend the whole day stretching.
Sounds like that second PT really through you off. I’m glad you got to see the other one again. You are under enough stress without your PT stressing you out! I hope your ortho gives you more reason to be hopeful!
I had the other one back this week, but we worked it out. He’s a former Marine and seems to have a bit of a rougher touch. It’s fine, now that I know what I’m dealing with and that his endgame was to see that I am ready to drive again. However, i don’t care as much about driving and have other goals in mind.
I remember being told that your body needs more calories/fuel to rebuild itself. There’s a lot going on in there!
I’m curious about the steristrips since I had a very similar procedures- were those on top of stitches? I had stitches that had to be removed….those were gross.
Oh, I believe it and I want to honor that. However, I went from someone who loved food and loved eating, to honestly not wanting anything. Occasionally, I’ll be in the mood for something like mashed potatoes or some other kind of comfort food, but I just don’t get excited about it. I’m working hard to take in good, nutritious calories but it’s tough.
The strips were after the stitches came out. I guess they were just to ensure that I was all closed up properly? The ones on the outside of my ankle fell off after about a week. The inside ones … well, it took a bit longer. My regular stitches came out at my 10 day follow up with the ortho.
Congratulations on the NUUN ambassador!
You are doing more PT exercises than I ever did, that takes quite some discipline. You’ll be needing that box of goodies from FitApproach.
I hope the x-rays are going to go well.
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Yesterday, the PT told me I should be doing them 4-6 times a day!!!! I was like “so, all day then?” He laughed, but seriously. By the time, I unwrap, get on the floor, get set up, do the moves and get back on my chair, it’s time to start again. I want to do this right, but it’s kind of cramping my style.
It sounds like you had some ups and downs this week but overall you are really making progress! Great job keeping up with all that PT. Fingers crossed for great news on Monday!
I’m trying to keep up with the PT because I know it’s the only road to better. But it’s just so incredibly exhausting all the time.
What a week 🙁 I’m so glad you got back with your original therapist. That Monday session didn’t sound too good. Also really glad how you managed all your exercises even if you really weren’t feeling it. That’s tough. But you survived another week and even if it doesn’t always feel like it, you’re a step closer to being healed. Hope this week is a bit better.
Shathiso recently posted…My 10-Step Guide To Get You Off The Couch
This is just the dead zone where things are happening, but it’s not very exciting, nor very quick, so we do what we can but it’s not very fulfilling. I’ve whined a lot this week LOL.
First off, welcome back to Nuun! We’re happy you’re here.
I’m sorry that the different PT brought you down so much. Boo. I mean really, part of their job is to instill you with confidence! You are doing GREAT, even when you’re feeling it.
Eat, girl. Repairing bones is hard work. You want nice healthy bones, right? They need that fuel to repair themselves.
It’s always going to be a back & forth process. Some days we’re down, some days we’re up — it’s totally normal. Feel what you feel, and then let go of it. I bet you rock your next appointment!
I mean, he was fine, but we just didn’t see eye to eye on goals. I realize, after a second session, that he is very focused on me driving and at the moment, driving is so much not my goal. We worked it out.
And I’m eating, but I’m not hungry. It’s awful shoveling in food when you just don’t WANT it. Even worse when you are (or were) a foodie and LOVED eating. Blah.
I’m going to say it again – I’m really proud of you and how you are dealing with everything. It’s always going to vary day to day while you are still healing. And I do agree that PT’s are going to have different methods. Hopefully the ones you click with, you’ll get the biggest boost from and the ones you don’t you can at least get *something* out of it. This is a physical “test” as well as a mental one for sure.
Congrats on becoming a Nuun ambassador and for getting your goodie box!
I had another off week. I wish I was stronger mentally but I am still struggling with some things. I’ll get there. I have to!
Hug. We will both get there. I just wish it wasn’t so exhausting and overwhelming. Sending love and support your way.
That is a great box of goodies from Fit approach, I bet that was a nice surprise!! I hope your Dr’s appointment went well…one step at a time, you are doing great!!!
I’m sorry you had such a rough week (both physically and emotionally). I hope this week is going much better!
Sending hugs your way!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Year of Running 2019
It’s a little better. I try not to let myself wallow too long in my pity parties when I have them, and I’m grateful that I am able to dig myself out of those dark places.
Congrats on your ambassadorship! I love Nuun and now I regret not applying again. Bummer that it was a rough week for you. You are still doing so great with your PT.
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