Just want to run again - 4/9 with Dr. Su

[Arrojo]

Thanks hernanu. Two weeks after surgery and I am down to one crutch (per Dr. Su, don't worry)!  Celebrated by walking 1.2 miles. Also did 10 minutes on the bike trainer (no resistance, also per Dr. Su)

[hernanu]

Sounds good - just went to a family reunion over the weekend and spent 7 hours (mostly) dancing to latin music, so the hips got a very good workout.

No excess pain in the hips, but a lot of loose and used up muscles. Cool to do something that would have crushed me pre surgery and no impact on the hips. You'll get there.

[Arrojo]

Sounds good - just went to a family reunion over the weekend and spent 7 hours (mostly) dancing to latin music, so the hips got a very good workout.

No excess pain in the hips, but a lot of loose and used up muscles. Cool to do something that would have crushed me pre surgery and no impact on the hips. You'll get there.

Not sure I will ever be dancing to Latin music.   ;)  But it'd sure be fun to do some punk rock pogoing and slam dancing again.   ;D

[hernanu]

I did that in the late 70's early 80's (post disco, pre house music). Lots of fun...  8)

[mslendzion]

How about party rocking ...  Everyday I'm shuffling

[hernanu]

You'll be past the shuffle soon enough... You're still early on, the muscles will be mostly healed in a month or two, then you can start dancing.

[WTW15]

WTG Arrojo!  not the slip, but the increased activity. 
I am still amazed how fast the time goes when I look back.  Doesn't seem like it day to day, but in another month, think where you'll be. 

Dance Dance Revolution! 
8)

[Arrojo]

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks from surgery. Speaking of threes, it was just three short years ago that I was among the top 50-year-old sprinters in the country. I was invited down to run at the Penn Relays on a 50+  4 x 100 meter dash relay team.

That's me in the red in the center of the photo, running the leadoff leg for Mass Velocity:



I worry about stuff. I see my left (good) leg is still muscular with thick quads, but I appear to have lost muscle mass in the operated leg. Is this normal? It wasn't like that before surgery. It'll be a long road back, but I hope to someday sprint at the Penn Relays again, despite what many runners here seem to think about running fast again.

[jjmclain]

Don't worry...your muscle mass will come back!!!! I had that same fear...but I can't tell the difference now between my two legs. I am sure you will run fast again!!! Just be patient and good luck to you!

[Woodstock Hippy]

Great picture!  Don't worry, if you work hard and work a smart, in time you'll be right back up there

[Arrojo]

Was hoping I'd be off crutches by now, but I still need to use one. But after I get walking for a while I can actually walk normally! Walked 1.8 miles today and while I had the crutch with me, I really didn't need it. Just really focused on trying to walk normally.

And, I can actually touch my right foot!

[Arrojo]

Took me longer to be off crutches totally than I was expecting.  About 3 1/2 weeks.  But if feels good.  My one month checkup is in 2 days.  I am riding the stationary bike 23 minutes, walking about 2/12 miles.  Very happy.  :)

Edited to add: I just tied my shoes!!!

[hernanu]

Congrats !!! I was happier that I did it after my resurfs than when I did it at 4!

[Arrojo]

Congrats !!! I was happier that I did it after my resurfs than when I did it at 4!

;D


I can't believe it has already been one month (as of yesterday when I had my checkup with Dr. Su).    I have no pain, just a little soreness and stiffness after sitting or lying for long periods.  Dr. Su examined me and said my range of motion was "really good, actually". He gave me a bunch of new stretches to do and also a prescrption for outpatient PT, which I will set up today.  I can add resistance to the bike now.  He also cleared me to drive.  I think my wife is more pleased than anyone about that.

He also cleared me to mow the lawn! I've never been more excited to mow my lawn (not to mention saving the $30 a week I'd been paying the high school kid to do it).

Last night I dreamed I was running.  And running fast!  Then I realized, wait, I'm not supposed to be running yet.  So I stopped.  But it 'felt' good.   :) So glad I had this surgery.  I hope everyone else is too.  Have a great day!

[hernanu]

Good stuff, really glad it's coming out well for you.

[Arrojo]

Had my first outpatient PT today.  Just when you think your recovery is going well, a physical therapist tortures you.    :o

It's all good, I know I need to work hard to get back.

[hernanu]

This little female PT completely kicked my behind the first time, did it so well I asked for her the second time. She was so excited to be doing her first HR, she researched it to a fare thee well.

[WTW15]

Congrats Arrojo!!  awesome progress.  I felt the same way too - thinking I was doing pretty good and then went to PT (physical torture) only to find out that WOW - I have a LOT of work to do.  But it's all good.  It's coming back. 

Now you get to be like those of us on the other side and encourage those looking into this for the first time.  First hand testimony is so important.  Can't wait to hear about you running fast!! 

[Arrojo]

Had my first ART (Active Release Technique) session last week and it was terrific.  He broke up all scar tissue that was starting to form in the glutes, perifmormis and TFL. 

Spending my days (other than working and coaching track) walking, riding the bike, doing my PT exercises and stretching.  The hardest part is being patient.  I feel great, and so glad Dr. Su did not have the 90 degree restrictions as my ROM is almost all the way back now, thanks to my aggressive 3x day stretching (PT was shocked and pleased). 

[hernanu]

That's great, Arrojo - I may try that, maybe I could benefit from some scar tissue abuse. The stretching is great, remember that your  muscles are still mending, you want a good balance between good ROM and strengthening.