Back in the Saddle!

Here I am reporting in from physical therapy.  It's been about a week and a half since the cast came off and I am making progress every day.  I can actually walk now and my ankle is starting to get with the program.  I spend 6 hours a week at PT and then have homework to do on my own.

So far the hardest thing has been all about managing my own expectations and the mental aspects of rehab.  I know what kind of oncology patient I am - grouchy come scan time, only cautiously optimistic with my doctor. . . but learning what kind of PT patient I am has been different.  I really have had to work hard to understand my fears and expectations about the process.  The biggest realization was that I was fearful of working the rehab process and then finding in the end that my body was failing me - AGAIN.  For me, the should package some psychotherapy along with the physical therapy.  But, now that I am seeing progress my fears are easing.  I know that it's going to take time but that doesn't stop me from asking "Um, when can I swim and bike?"  (I'm not dumb enough to ask to run again for awhile).    One of my therapists, Jennilyn's response "I hate when you ask that question."  But, the good news is that I talked enough about how my pedal stroke wouldn't hurt me that she let me try their stationary bike! 

Here I am - I completed 10 minutes and went 2 miles - lookout tri circuit - I'm back!   Now I just need to work on my ability to balance my whole body weight on that left leg.  After a month of not using those muscles, all the muscles in my leg shake when I try to bear all my weight on the left leg. 

1 mile at a time - let's do it together!

-Jen

PS.  Jill and Jennilyn - if you are reading this - DON'T WORRY - I promise I won't do more than 10 minutes each day right now until you say so!

Posted by Jen on January 17, 2008 in Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat , Two Wheel Adventures | Permalink | Comments (2)

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