Finding My Footing

It’s time to return to the written word once more.

So much to say.

A recap:

August was the Shakira concert. In excitement, of the Black Eyed Peas opening, dancing & sweating led to the ACL being torn & the meniscus flipped. The Stadium ER left me to my own courses. Inching across a Stadium, and more than 10 blocks would have been brutal if not for the kindness of others.

The ideal Columbian, sister-doctor, full of love, compassion, & patience.

A wheelchair-rolling, stadium worker who generously took me where no one else could, would, or bothered to assist – while already off-the-clock!

A hustlin’ tuk tuk cycler who ferried stadium goers to their vehicles for a fine fee – saw a hobblen-shuffler in need & offered his services for free; even though we forgot where the car was and had to circle a bit. (I tipped him well in gratitude.)

All in all, Shakira made a concert worth a busted knee. And strangers made a hard, painful night, pass a little bit easier.

Yet family held my hand from the stadium seats, to my car, and shouldered me from my car to inside my front door.

And there’s no greater love than that when you’re in need.

The Aftermath

Unfortunately, ACL + meniscus repair is not a new adventure. Having injured 2007, and dealt with life until surgery in 2018 on my right knee, I was very intimate with the protocol for recovery, and the sequence of steps to get medical care to initiate the surgery for my left knee.

Stricken down 8/4, I called walk-in orthopedic clinic 8/5, and got an appointment 8/6 who immediately ordered x-rays. Upon review, ordered MRI.

MRI appointment made for 8/7, results confirmed what was suspected – torn ACL; flipped meniscus. Surgery needed, with post rehab Physical Therapy, and 9 month recovery. I staid on top of chain and got in post-operate screening, follow up appointment & surgery date for 8/21. Used ChatGPT to assist with rest protocol pre-operation and used my Physical Therapy credits to get pre-op care on medical insurance as well.

Physical Therapy is so underrated to me.

It seems like the routines provided are so menial with no gains, and laughably easy movements.

BUT don’t be fooled! if the doctor offers you physical therapy to heal from whatever ailment you’re facing – ALWAYS TAKE IT. Because the tiny, laughable movements – I found – have always immensely improved healing every time I have used it.

Given, physical therapy only works if you use it consistently and progressively, according to directions.

If the prescription is twice a day, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, then you absolutely need to follow the routine – as tolerated – as directed to receive the full benefit.

Cheating, stacking, poor balance or posture, “phoning in” the movements simply don’t seem to work as great, as swiftly, as increasingly, as following your prescribed protocol.

It really is worth it.

And so, it is essential for your health, to prioritize it, and make the time to do it.

However, it cannot be said enough to listen to your body. If you find you need pain management, seek & use it. If you’re struggling to perform your routine regularly:

Because of Physical Therapy, I was able to pre-op build a protocol that mentally & physically prepared me for the exercises to come and assisted in how to use crutches, wraps, ice, as well as education on the benefit & importance of each.

I made the most of the days, cardio & movement before I was locked down. Some things still fell through the cracks, but for the most part, I felt more ready for the next leg of recovery. (tee-hee, punny)

anywhoo, exhausted

so ta-ta for now

and as always,

Take Care out there