Still kickin and coming back!

Perhaps I should've named this entry "Still Jumpin'" I've been doing really well with PT, I think. Doing a lot of jumping exercises and what I call "The Treadmill Of Death!"

So, funny story... I was at PT on Wednesday and I was walking on the treadmill while strapped to a machine that pulls me backwards. It's pretty much like walking into the wind. I was watching the TV on the wall and walking about 3.2 MPH. I've done it several times before. For some reason, my left foot ended up half on the treadmill and half on the side railing of the treadmill. It forced me to loose my footing and I almost fell while yelling "Oh SHIT!" in front of about 6 other patients and therapists. lol... I was fine, though. No worries. Just a funny story. I actually think the machine I was strapped to helped me from falling completely. As much as I hate that thing, I guess it was good to me that day.

My therapist has me doing several exercises I absolutely hate. But I can see them working. No pain, no gain, right?

I plan on signing up for my comeback race soon! February 7th in Cazenovia for the Chilly Chili 5k. I'm not sure I can run it. I'm hoping I can, but if not then I can certainly walk it, and have walked it in the past.

My next doctor appointment is on New Year's Eve. Hoping for good news there! :-)

Doin Fine!

It's been a couple weeks since an update. Things are going well with PT. I'm starting to do some low impact things. I might be doing some light jogging by the end of next week.

I got the ok to go ahead and sign up for my next season of Team In Training that starts at the end of January. So that is a good thing, and I'm excited to get going again.

My left leg is still a little swollen, but when I saw the doctor on Thursday he was happy with the progress and wants us to keep on the track we're going. Bruising on my left leg is still there a little bit, but healing well. There's also still some numbness on the inside of each leg, but that's getting better, too.

So, all in all things are going well. :-)

A good sign...

So, Thursday night I was playing my weekly gig out in Manlius. The rain was pouring quite a bit. My car was about 75-100 feet away from the door. I brought out a speaker cabinet to my car and shoved it in. Then instincts hit... I started running back to the door to get out of the rain.

I got inside and thought, "I just ran. I JUST RAN!!! Holy crap, maybe I shouldn't do that just yet." lol... The next morning I told the story to one of the physical therapists at the place I go to. He asked if I felt any pain and I said "no". Then he agreed it was a good sing, but I probably shouldn't be doing too much of that just yet.

A Nice Realization

I came to a realization this weekend. Amidst laying down in the driveway under my car to fix it, prancing around throughout hardware and auto parts stores, trotting down to the dairy 2 blocks away, and going in and out of my house countless times, I stopped and realized that I wasn't thinking about how my legs feel anymore.

It's a great feeling realizing that I'm not thinking about something that only a week ago I was so intensely focusing on. I simply put a foot in front of another and go. I walk and run up and down stairs again.

That's not to say I'm in the clear. There is still some swelling and redness. I still can't run. I don't know when I'll be able to, either. However, my physical therapist is going to have me doing some jumping exercises soon.

I guess I won't be running the Jingle Bell Run this weekend! lol... (I wasn't planning on it anyways)

Got to admit, it's getting better...

Well, things have been going well. First of all, my physical therapist told me that I'm coming along nicely. He said it looks like I have full range of motion in my right leg and foot. For my left leg, he said he's gotta work my foot and ankle to bend up about 8 degrees more, and then I'll be all set there. However, I still need to work on getting my muscles back to where they need to be.

I also had a visit with my orthopedic surgeon, and that went well. He was a little concerned about the redness, swelling, and heat on my left leg. I was prescribed antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory. I'm still wearing the compression wrap on that leg, too. But all in all, I think he thinks things are coming along nicely.

So there it is... I'm walking around fine, and even ran up some stairs a bit today. I've got the itch to go running, but I know I have to hold back.

I'm getting there... slowly.

So, it seems as though the hardest part is over. The surgery went well. The initial rest and healing process went well (although a little agonizing at times). The staples came out and the wound healed up. Then I was able to get around ok on my crutches and physical therapy started. Then down to one crutch.

Now, I'm officially crutchless!!!! Well, for the most part. If I start getting too sore, my crutch won't be too far away. But I'm focusing on taking slow small steps, and that's doing well. My stamina for sitting up for longer times is coming back.

I even rode my bike on Saturday! I did a couple easy miles around the neighborhood. Only one hill to speak of, and that was a little slow going up. lol...

The wounds have healed well, and continue to do so. There is still a feeling of numbness on my inside calf from my ankle to my incision that I hope will go away. It's really quite uncomfortable!

All in all, things are going well. I can't wait to go for a run again. I think I'm anxious to find out how the surgery really went, and I won't know until I can find out if I'm able to run pain free again.

Whether I Like It Or Not!

Physical Therapy is going well. I'm walking around a lot better, but still need the crutch. I was told today, "By this time next week, you won't be using that crutch at all. Whether you like it or not!"

I believe it.

Walkin,,,

Physical therapy went great tonight. Learned some more exercises and am also getting better with the walking!

Speaking of walking... With the help of a shopping cart I was able to walk around the grocery store tonight! I brought my crutch and used that a bit towards the end of my shopping experience, but it felt good not to be on one of those slow (and embarrassing) motor carts.

Needless to say, I'm a little sore, so now it's time to kick back and partake in dinner and a movie.

Physical Therapy Part 2...

Today I started physical therapy with another person. I must say, I enjoyed this place much more. My PT seemed to have as many people he was looking after, but he was more on top of his game. I didn't feel ignored, and I definitely came out of this session feeling better.

I'm walking around now on one crutch, and it feels great. A little bit sore, but I think in no time I'll be done with them!

Also, the tape on my incisions is starting to come off. On one of them, the tape is completely off. Looks like they sealed up nicely!

Long week

This seemed like a very long week for me. It's nice that the weekend is here and I can rest a little again. I was going to help out Team In Training with a waterstop this morning, but I was just too exhausted, sore, and my stomach wasn't feeling right. I also wanted to go on some sort of road trip today, but I think that after being at work and out and about all week that it's a better idea to stay home, rest the legs, and keep them elevated. I may go out and see if Sound Garden has the final box set of X-Files Mythology episodes for me to watch.

My legs are doing a lot better. I walk around fairly well without my crutches, and have pretty much stopped using them around the house. After a while, it does get a little tiring and sore, though. Also, I'm a little slow without the crutches, so when I go out I still use them.

I think if I continue with the exercises I've been doing and remain patient I'll have my full range walking motion back in no time. Right now when I walk I cannot put my right foot in front of my left. Well, not much at least. I scatter along.

Anyways, I'm excited about the new therapist on Monday. I also found out my friend who recommended him may be going at the same time as me! I'll find out more on Monday when I have my first visit.

Physical Therapy

Today I started physical therapy. I wasn't very happy with how my session went. I thought the content of my session was fine. However, I didn't feel as though the therapist was very personable. I also found that they seemed to book appointments for too many people at one time, and I didn't feel as though I personal attention I thought I deserved as a first time patient. While doing my exercises my therapist would go off and it wasn't until well after an exercise when I'd see him again.

So, I'll work on the exercises he gave me, but I will be going to a new therapist on Monday. Someone who has come highly recommended.

Surgery follow-up...

So today I had a follow-up appointment to get my staples out and to talk to the doctor about how my recovery is going and the issues I'm having.

The first thing that happened when I got there was the nurse took out my staples. Now, people have been asking me what they use to get out the staples. Well, it was something like this (I think): Staple Remover. When I went in the nurse asked if I had taken any pain killers that morning. I told her "no", and instantly thought, "crap, this is going to suck." So, I was laying on the table and I asked her when she was going to start, and she said, "I've already got one of the wounds almost done." So, it wasn't too bad.

I asked the doctor about my blisters, numbness, and the pain in my left leg. He said the blisters are just something that happens during surgery sometimes and is normal. He did some tests for the numbness and said I should be fine. As for the pain, he seemed quite surprised about the bruise on my hamstring. My calf muscles were much tighter on my left leg than on my right, and he just suggested keeping a compression bandage on it. He also had me check for blood clots again.

All in all, I think things are on the right track. I went into work after my appointment. The doctor said it would be fine as long as I was comfortable. He suggested finding something to put my leg on if I could. And I did.

I start physical therapy on Thursday, and will be doing that for a month or so. My goal is still to be up and running by Christmas! It would be nice to go out for a Christmas run with my niece again this year. If I don't make it by then, then a Christmas walk would be nice, too! :-)

Saw VIII?

With some extra time this weekend I had a little bit of photoshopping fun!

Saw VIII - Coming to a theater near you (in a few years).

New Pics! (Now with staples)

The final staple count is 30! I just showered and feel all clean again and am anxiously waiting some company. It'll be nice to have some human interaction.

My right leg has no issues to speak of. Just some bruising that's been there for a while. My left leg doesn't feel so great, still. The blisters look better, but are still there. There is extensive bruising, and I think there may be a hamstring injury.

Here are some new pictures! Enjoy:
Right Leg, Left Side
Right Leg, Right Side
Left Leg, Right Side
Left Leg, Left Side

Weekend #2

So I'm going into my second weekend with my new legs. I'm looking forward to getting the staples out on Monday. They're getting pretty uncomfortable. Things haven't changed much since my last post. My right leg seems fine while my left one feels like it has some kind of muscle damage.

I'm still keeping my legs elevated, even a week after the doctor's directions said I didn't have to. I fear I might have permanent nerve damage, and have to ask the doctor about it on Monday. Like I said before, it was something that I was at risk for when taking on this surgery, and it doesn't upset me. My ankles and lower shin just kind of feel weird. Like they're permanently numbed by novocaine.

Anyways, I hope to get out a little bit this weekend. I don't think I'm going to be up for too much, but it would be nice to get some fresh air!

Hurtin Muscles...

Well, it seems as though the sharp pain I get when I stand up is pretty much gone. There a little, but not as bad as it once was. The swelling in my right leg is pretty much gone, but there seems to be some loss of feeling still on the inside of my leg just above my ankle.

My left leg isn't fairing so well, and it's making it difficult to get around. The swelling around my ankle and in my feet is still abundant, and there are nasty bruises all up and down my leg. I guess all I can do for now is keep my legs and feet elevated and give it time.

It's difficult getting around, because I feel like there might be some muscle damage in my left leg. It might be from me pushing myself too much earlier in the week. It's difficult for me to straighten my leg without pain behind my knee, and it's difficult to stand without pain in the back of my calf.

It's been a couple days since I've changed the bandages, so I don't know how the blisters are doing. All I can do is keep my legs elevated and take it easy.

Fortunately, I've been given clearance to work from home after my vacation and sick time runs out this week. I don't like the idea of working from home, but I also don't like the idea of not getting paid. lol... The days have been kinda boring, and my X-Files DVD's will be done tonight. It would be nice to get back to working a little and being productive. It would be nicer if I could get back to that in my cubicle. Perhaps things will go well at the doctors on Monday.

A little too much...

So yesterday I tried going back to work. I thought I was doing well until as I was leaving I noticed my left foot swelling more and turning back and blue around the toes. I think all the events of yesterday (going back to work and my uncle passing away) were a little too much for me.

I slept downstairs again last night. I feel as though getting around took a step backwards. I'm having a difficult time once again. I can only hope that things get better soon.

A little discouraged

I felt like I was having a good day today. I drove this morning for the first time since my surgery. I had some friends over for football and spent much of the afternoon sitting up. I feel like I may have taken on too much too soon.

My right leg is doing well and feels well. My left leg, however, feels worse than it did yesterday, or even earlier today. I've noticed a nasty bruise behind my knee extending up my hamstring on the back of my thigh. It's hard for me to tell how far the bruise goes up, but it's longer than half my thigh. I can still walk without the crutches, but I'm choosing not to. I feel like it's probably better if I take it easy.

I guess I just want things to get better. The things that I was doing a week ago, like getting up and grabbing a drink from the kitchen, seem so difficult now. I have to think about everything I need to do before I get up because it takes so much energy form me.

Anyways, no pity for me, though. All in all, I'm doing fine. I took a look at the pictures I posted the other day, and tried to figure out how many staples I had in me. I think there's about 11 in each incision. About 40 staples over all! :-) Surprising thing is that they don't hurt all that much. Maybe I can take over this guy's job!

Days 5 and 6

Finally! I got out of the house for a little while. Steve, from PA, stayed over so we met up with some other friends for breakfast. I am getting around much better now. The swelling in my feet has gone down, but my ankle and calf are still pretty swollen.

There really isn't much pain anymore, and I've pretty much stopped taking the pain killers. I don't have the shin splint kind of pain anymore. The only time it's painful is when I have my feet elevated, then I go to stand. The blood rushes to my legs and I can feel a sharp pain in each incision. Once it settles down, I feel fine.

Still A LOT of bruising, and parts of my lower calf are still numb to the touch. I knew going into the operation that permanent nerve damage was a risk. In the area where the surgery was done, I was told there are some tricky nerves that he had to get around. I only hope that there wasn't any permanent damage, but if there was it's something I can live with.

Anyways, this morning (Sunday) I decided to go out for a drive. I needed to see if I could get to work on my own or not. So I drove up there, then went to the dairy for an apple fritter and chocolate milk. Hopefully, some friends will be able to come over and watch some football later on. I think going out this morning was draining, and if I were to go out again this afternoon that would be too much.

Back to work tomorrow. Ugh! lol...

Day 4

Oh, what an exciting day!  I've definitely been getting around a lot better.  There's really no pain now, except when I stand up at first.  I use the crutches to gain a sense of balance then I'm usually good after that.

I walked up the stairs today, and that was a relief.  Especially since Steve is coming up from Philly and is crashing here tonight.  Staying downstairs with him would be rough, seeing as he snores pretty loud!  But really, it was nice to be able to go upstairs and know I'll be able to sleep on a comfy bed tonight.

I also finally got to take a shower and change my bandage.  I took some pictures when I changed the bandage.  To spare those with a weak stomach, I included links to them:

Right Leg - Left Side
Right Leg - Right Side
Left Leg - Right Side (this is the worst of them)
Left Leg - Left Side

I'm going to have some photoshop fun with those!!!!  :-)

Day 3

Everything felt better today.  However, the swelling in my left leg didn't look right.  I got it checked out for blood clots and it came back negative.  However, while I was there getting my legs checked out I almost passed out.  Not sure why, but they suspect it had to do woth me not eating much this morning.  Anyways, all is well.

I am getting around much better, too.  I walked a little without the crutches.  They seem be most useful now as something to help me up off the couch.  I'm still using them, though, when I walk.

I can't wait to take off the bandage tomorrow and take a shower!

Painkillers and sleeping...

It's true what they say.  Painkillers really do give you strange dreams!  Apparently I have no problem walking naked down Geddes St. looking for my ex-girlfriends apartment (who was wearing a prom dress).

Days 1 and 2

I got to the hospital on time yesterday, only to have to wait about 15 or 20 minutes.  I'm not going to lie, I was nervous.  Not so much because of the surgery itself, I knew that was going to be fine, but for the recovery.  Like I said in my first post, I didn't know what to expect.

I went through all the fun stuff that one goes through during pre-op.  The questions, ceremonial shaving of the legs, IV in the hand, talking to the crazy anesthesiologist.  Got to talk to Dr. Battaglia again, and then it was off to the operating room.  We entered the room, an injection was given to me, and the next thing I knew my calves were the size of footballs and I was back where I started in the pre-op room.

In post-op, I found out what I had to do the next few days.  I also found out that I won't be able to see the incision and staples, in my leg, until Friday.  The first few steps I tried to take were a doozy.  Even with the crutches.  I had 2 nurses making sure I didn't fall over.  To be honest, I don't know what they could've done if I were to fall.  I am way too big and they were way too small.

I would like to take this time to mention that one of my nurses names was Linda Blair.  She served me ginger ale, not pea soup.

Eventually, I was able to leave.  My first time in a wheelchair.  First class service right to the curb.  I got in the car and 20 minutes later I was home.  About 4 to 5 hours after I left.

After getting settled at home, I learned how to use my crutches very well for things other than walking.  I've learned how to grab a pillow or blanket from another seat.  I learned how to close the curtains with them.  I've also come up with several inventive ways to carry things while using the crutches, and even how to use both crutches with one hand. Walking isn't too bad, and doesn't hurt that much.  I've gotten accustomed to that.  The pain comes when trying to get up.  The percocet doesn't seem to help me much, either.  It helps put me to sleep, and I suppose that's good enough.

The first day was getting accustomed to the new life I have to lead for a few days.  Day 2 was really just relaxing the best I can.  The pain that comes with the surgery is pretty intense.  At times I can feel where the staples are, but pretty much all the time there's a sharp pain in the front of my leg.  It kinda feels like I have horrible shin splints all the time.  The swelling in my left leg is pretty extreme, too.  I may need to call the doctor about that.



I spent most of day 2 watching some movies, browsing the internet, and sleeping.  I had a few visitors that brought me food and kept me company.  I also kept myself amused by timing how long it took for me to do things.  For example, I had my phone charging on a table about 10 feet away from me.  It took me 5 minutes, from my resting position, to get up, get the phone, then get back to my resting position.  It took about 15 minutes to use the bathroom and to get an ice pack.

I also read up on my post-op paperwork.  I read it yesterday, too, but I'm just OCD like that, I guess.  lol...  72 hours of keeping my legs elevated.  Icing needs to be applied 2-3 times a day for 3 days.  On Friday I get to unbandage my legs to put new bandages on them.  I also get to take a shower then!  Then there's also painkillers as needed, antibiotics, and asprin.

Speaking of, I just took some painkillers and am getting a bit tired.  Day 2 is almost in the books, and although the road to recovery is still a long one, I know this surgery was a good decision.

Playing Catch-up

I decided a few months ago that I was going to start this blog.  Why?  The main reason was because I was about to embark on a journey I knew nothing about.  I did all the reading I could on Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome, but I didn't find any first hand accounts from people that had traveled down this road.  I didn't really know what I should expect, and I hope someone trying to decide whether or not to have this surgery will find this and have a better, first-hand, understanding than I did.

I guess to catch you up on the action, I should start with my history.  In January of 2008 I started running with the Team In Training program.  I faced the usual physical challenges for a big guy starting to run.  I overcame them, and completed 2 half-marathons by September 2008.  I took some time off in the fall, only running a few times a month.  In January 2009 I started running more, again with Team In Training.  This time I noticed something different.  I started getting an intense, numb, tingling feeling in my feet after running for about 20 minutes.

The numbness was difficult to bear at first.  I tried everything I could think of to get rid of it.  I laced my shoes differently, stretched more, used after market insoles, took out the insoles alltogether.  Nothing seemed to work.  Fortunately, as my runs got longer, the pain became more bearable.  Usually by the 7th or 8th mile the numbness would subside.

Even so, I knew I had to get something done.  I have goals!  I want to do a half marathon in under 2:10.  I want to do a full marathon.  I just wanted to keep running without pain and without cramping.  About a week before the Mountain Goat run in Syracuse, I went to a podiatrist.  She was nice and gave me some of the suggestions I mentioned above, but none of them worked.  I eventually decided to go to a foot and ankle specialist.  Had a nerve conduction study done on my feet and lower legs.  Everything looked fine.

Finally, the specialist recommended I go see a sports orthopedic specialist, Dr. Battaglia.  He took a look at me and decided he wanted to do the test for compartment syndrome.  In August, I went in for the test and we found that my levels were elevated and the swelling of my calf muscles was causing me to lose circulation to my feet.

From there I had 3 options: 1) keep running with the pain; 2) quit running; or 3) get a fasciotomy.  So, after talking it over with some friends and family, I decided to get the fasciotomy.  Fascia tissue is a thin connective tissue that surrounds the muscles.  This surgery involves going in to cut away the fascia allowing for the tension, and pressure, to be released on the muscle.

On October 13th, 2009, I had my surgery.  The rest of this blog will focus on my road to recovery.