Here we are, 12 weeks post op. Almost six weeks of getting the big thumbs-up from the surgeon and starting to bear weight. To be honest, it feels like forever. Even longer when you add in the weeks between the fall and the surgery date.
I point this out because I need the reminder that I have done so much. In the moment, I struggle with, what I consider, my lack of progress, and my limitations. Sometimes, I need a kick in the yoga (or pajama) pants so I don’t lose sight of the reality of my situation.
Sunday – pt exercises
The weekend weather has been so lovely, so we decided to get out of the house for a bit and try a movie at the new theatre. I LOVE going to the movies, but it’s been really hard because I can’t drive there, and it’s also hard to sit in one spot for very long.
Little man chose Sonic The Hedgehog, which I will admit was amusing and very watchable. They also loved the new theatre, so it looks like we have a new favorite.
I was a little sore afterwards, and tried to make up for it with PT stretches.
Monday – physical therapy
I felt fabulous at PT to start the week: I did well, and I felt strong and rejuvenated. My second therapist and I talked more about my recovery plan and it was a good conversation.
Later on, I had another conversation that really upset me. It led to a three day crying jag, where I just felt so empty and directionless. I know I shouldn’t let outside opinions bother me, but I’m human and words can sting.
I’m not proud to admit it, but I fell apart pretty hard for a few days.
Tuesday – gym (bike, elliptical, core)
Tuesday morning, I managed to get myself together enough to drive to the gym. I did my 15 minutes on the recumbent bike, and then I pushed to 12 on the elliptical. It doesn’t sound like much (at least, not to me), but muscle atrophy is no joke. When I was finished with my cardio, I did some weights, and worked on my seated squats.
While I would have loved taking it back to bed the rest of the day, we had a chaperone meeting for little man’s upcoming field trip. We had both put in to help out before I broke my leg, and as luck would have it, both of us got picked. The teachers in charge are ok with my situation, and we have a great plan for the day, so it should all work out just fine.
Wednesday – pt exercises
I had a lot of work to catch up with on Wednesday, and the weather was starting to turn cold again.
My new Road ID showed up, and I was so happy with the rose gold plate.
Mr PugRunner and little man asked if I would go to karate that night, so I did, although their seating isn’t the most comfortable. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned, but little man has been invited to test for his black belt in July. He’s working so hard and we are very proud.
Thursday – gym (bike, elliptical)
I overdid it on Thursday. From the minute I got to the gym, I knew I was pushing it, but I went ahead and did it all anyway. Whoops.
Sure, there was the gym. But there was also my first solo trip to Publix since November.
And then I went to visit my friend’s new baby (I did get a ride, but it was just one more outing in an already packed day).
Friday – physical therapy
PT was early on Friday, but I got in and did fairly well. From there, the day just got hard. I thought I would start cutting back on my nerve pain meds (I need to wean off them instead of just stopping when the scrip is up), and that was a mistake.
I had a hard time focusing during the day, and I really struggled. Mr PugRunner volunteered to drive little man and some of his troop-mates to their campout, so I tried watching some tv and then headed to bed.
Saturday – pt exercises
I thought about going to the gym, but I was still a little achy so I opted to sleep in and do my stretches and balance work at home, instead.
Since we had the day to ourselves, we made the drive to St. Augustine Beach to try a new-to-us Mexican restaurant. It was, after all, National Margarita Day, and I had a craving.
Afterwards, I asked if we could go to the Alligator Farm to get in a little walking. We have a family annual pass, so I thought it would be nice to stroll somewhere different. The chilly weather made it very pleasant and I enjoyed getting to see some of the animals. I didn’t last too long, but I felt good about what I managed.
That night, we stayed in and watched A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, about Mr. Rogers, and it just about wrecked me. I went one step further and also read the Esquire article, “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod, on which the movie was based. The movie made a lot more sense after reading the Junod piece, but it still left a lot of food for thought and was nothing like what we expected.
Goal-getting
Friends! I joined a book club in my neighborhood! Sure, I don’t know any of the other people involved, and they are having a bit of difficulty setting a first meeting date, but I joined! I even offered to host if they need it one week! Our selection is Such A Fun Age, by Kiley Reid, and so far, it’s really powerful.
Another bright spot is that we’ve decided on a summer vacation and I am over the moon about it. The details aren’t all finalized yet, but it’s in the mountains with friends and I am so looking forward to it. Our travel was so restricted by my accident, and I know our whole family will benefit from a good trip.
Everything else is moving along. I’m driving and keeping on track. I’ve got myself set in some good systems. It will be ok.
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 New Orleans expires FRIDAY, MARCH 13 so don’t miss out!
How was your week in training?
Any big goals on your horizon? I would love to hear about them!
Oh, thanks for the reminder on that book! I want to read it! I hope the book club works out.
Was it a convo at PT that upset you, or something else? I hope you felt better by the end of the week.
Nice to have a summer vacay to look forward to!
Book club is going to be interesting with this book. It’s a lot deeper than I imagined, and I’m curious how a group of people who don’t know each other will be able to discuss the themes involved. Without giving too much away 🙂
It was after PT, and unrelated to anyone there. PT has been very supportive, cautiously optimistic but supportive. I’m ok with that.
I really hope that I will be able to do a little hiking while we are away. It would be such a blessing.
I’m glad to hear that the Sonic the Hedgehog movie was pretty good. I love when movies are great for kids and adults too.
So cool that you’ve already decided on a summer vacation. I’d like to take vacation at some point this year, just not sure when.
Kim G recently posted…Weekly Run Down: OTF Transformation Week #5
I REALLY didn’t want to see it. I sucked it up for little man, but I did chuckle a few times.
I’m really excited. I’ve missed traveling.
I am glad to see you up and about so much more this week. If you need a reminder of how much progress you have made, go back and read your weekly run down from a month ago. Thanks for linking up and go get it this week!
You’re right. A lot has changed. And it’s feeling better every time I do something new. Not saying it doesn’t exhaust me, but I’m getting there.
You really are making great progress! I’m sure at times it is hard for you to see that. It’s awesome that you are able to do more things independently! And I think having plans for a vacation is a great idea.
It’s really hard to see. But I am more independent, and I’m feeling stronger, so doing those independent things is getting easier. Even driving felt almost normal today.
Yay to your first solo trip to Publix! I can imagine that it made you feel liberated.
A book club! How exciting! You’ll have to let us know more about it once you’ve had your first meeting.
Catrina recently posted…When a Workout Week Works Out
Well, I hate the grocery store, so I wasn’t happy to be back there, but I did it!
I am kind of excited. Also, it’s a pretty polarizing book so I can’t wait to see what happens with a bunch of strangers in a room discussing it. 😀
Sounds like a good week overall! You got a lot done. That’s impressive that you joined a book club where you don’t know anyone, I think I would have been intimidated by that. And a vacation in the mountains with friends sounds wonderful.
Chaitali recently posted…Pike’s Peek 10k Training Week 5
I love reading and I don’t ever have anyone to discuss things with. I was in one book club, and it ended up that I was the only one who read the book, and everyone just wanted to chit chat. Maybe it will be better with strangers LOL!
That’s great that you will still be able to go on the field trip! I was always a helper for everything and anything when my kids were in grade school. Now, my son (Freshman) is taking a trip to the zoo for some biology research and I signed me and the hubby up to chaperone. I was bummed that my son was embarrassed about it!! He has always been the cool one about that kind of stuff. Sigh. I guess we’ll just hide in the shadows and ignore him on the trip! haha!!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…GCM training recap – week 7, in deep
Well, my son isn’t in my group, so there’s that LOL! Kids are funny. They act like we embarrass them but they still love us.
I’m glad your week ended on a better note after you got through those first couple days. Keep celebrating all your progress!
It did. I’m still sad and a little sensitive, but it’s ok. I’ll get this.
Sounds like things are moving along for you! Jealous of Publix… No fried chicken up here compares to Publix fried chicken. None.
I’m glad you’re starting to feel more like yourself, and it sounds like you have some fun things to look forward to also!
LOL! The boys love the Pub subs and fried chicken.
I’m excited to have fun things with which to distract myself. It’s been a while coming.
You are definitely making progress, but I know it’s hard for you to see it since you live with your recovery every day! I don’t know why people have to insert their opinions into everything–doesn’t it seem like everyone’s an expert on everything? I love when people try to tell me how it is with medical stuff, lol. You can only imagine the stuff people have said to me about RA. Hang in there–only you know what’s best for you!
I read that book and even though it’s an ‘easy’ read, it is mighty powerful! I bet you’ll have a great book club discussion.
Oh, I can imagine. I try to believe that people are saying things from a good place, but I was at the grocery store today and one of the cashiers asked what was wrong (because I still limp) and she hasn’t seen me in a while. I explained what I did and she was like “and you’re still limping?” And I was so sad all over again, because I really felt like I was making good progress, considering. She didn’t mean anything by it and she would be crushed if I told her she hurt my feelings, but still.
I hope it’s a good discussion. But like I said, it’s going to be interesting, not actually knowing the people and this being our first encounter.
First, congrats on the progress you are making. Some victories and firsts every week!
Second, I want to see the Mr. Rodgers movie in the worst way. I think we will have to rent it through Netflix, but it’s worth it.
Definitely rent it. It is absolutely worth it.
I know it doesn’t feel like it sometimes but you ARE making progress! Just review your past few posts and see how far you’ve come in the last month or so! Having a vacation to look forward to will hopefully help too!
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…Yuengling Shamrock + Flying Pig Training Week 4: 2/17-2/23
You’re right. However changes are hard to see in the moment. It’s definitely awesome to have a vacation to look forward to.
I love the Alligator farm. Such fun. sadly it was not cool when we visited and I kind of melted. See also, St. Augustine lighthouse.
I feel you on book club pain. It can be so hard to coordinate calendars.
Yay Publix!
Cari recently posted…Running and Social Anxiety
It’s definitely a rare treat when the weather is pleasant. And I was glad to mix things up and see their newest residents: the sloths.
Every day Ill start venturing farther and farther. Next up is getting on the highway.
Jenn, I love hearing about your progress each week. I know it’s hard but those muscles will soon forget all about their atrophy;-) You’re rocking it!
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Sweats: Adding fuel to the fire
I’m really trying to rock it. Some days, it’s just so discouraging.
Cheers to your first solo trip to Publix! That’s a huge win and you’re making tons of progress, although I’m sure it feels like eternity. I want to see Mr. Rogers so badly. I heard it’s nothing like you’d think. I’m intrigued!
It’s absolutely NOTHING like what we expected. I definitely think you need to read the article before or after (or during, like I did), to get the whole scope. It was certainly powerful and really offered food for thought.
Exciting that you have a vacation planned to look forward to! Since I’m a sporadic linkup participant, I’ll tell you that every time I come back after a couple weeks away it’s obvious you’ve made progress.
I do appreciate that so much. <3
Great to hear about your progress especially being able to take a trip on your own to the grocery store! I love to read but have never considered joining a book club – look forward to hearing more about your experience.
I look forward to it happening! I love talking about books!
You have been working SO HARD & it’s paying off. I know it seems like forever — and it is a really long time — but look how far you’ve come!
We all get that mean girl voice in our heads sometimes. I was just talking about it with my mom & mr. judy. The voice that says you’re not good enough . . . it’s not true, but sometimes you feel that way. 🙁
I love rose gold!
Oh, I hear that voice all. the. time. It’s really exhausting.
Jenn, even with tears you still overcome every day and you keep going. I do know that I probably sound like a broken record but I’m so incredibly proud of you. I know exactly how you feel. I’m already running again but I still have tears. I still would rather do something else than run sometimes, simply because I’m afraid! And I am still avoiding things that I really enjoyed like bodypump because again, I’m afraid. I’m also lonely and feel isolated – I have no more running group because I am too slow. It’s no wonder I have put a lot of energy into parkrun; I don’t have to run it and yet I still belong! Everything changed with this stupid hernia and yes even *I* have been told that it was probably from “too much running” and been reminded how “bad” it is on our bodies… *eye roll* Anyway, sorry. Not about it, it’s about you. Keep fighting. Keep pushing. You will be able to do anything you want.
Excellent news about Little Man going for the black belt possibly!! and great news about the book club – that’s something that can help with your loneliness I hope!
Renée recently posted…WRD: Gin, Hot flashes and Ranch Dressing
It’s weird because I am an introverted extrovert, so I am ok with being alone. In fact, lately, I’ve been a hermit through and through. But I miss my tribe and I miss the adventure!
Sending love to you – I am proud of you and all your hard work. You focused your injury into something so meaningful for your community. The only thing I want to do is rescue all the smash-faced animals (pugs and french bulldogs and those angry persian cats) and I have a feeling it’s not going to go over well with a certain Mr PugRunner).
I miss book club with my friends. We would read books in Spanish, eat, and drink wine. Fun times! You are making so much progress. Hang in there – I know it hasn’t been easy.
I am excited!