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| January 16, 2011 | | Cleared for some pool running! Oh yes!!!!! | | It has now been 37 weeks since Dr. Glashow and his assistant Chris Prezzano transplanted a De Novo NT Allograft into my left knee. It has been 13 weeks since my last arthroscopy. And it has been a year and three weeks since I tore a pothole (1.5 cm X 2.1 cm) in the articular cartilage of the femoral condyle of my left knee.
Rehabilitation from this injury has required a little thinking outside of the box. In addition to the De Novo Nt allograft that healed the injury to my femoral condyle, I have been receiving autologous stem cell injections every month to close the tear in my trochlear groove.
Stem cells are cells that can become virtually any type of cell. This is known as differentiation. Stem cells are are the “Repairmen of the Body”. Below is a picture just before receiving another injection. These locations are chosen based on ultrasound.
The insertion of stem cells directly into injured locations has been shown to expedite healing. In addition, some studies have shown that these cells may be able to be regenerate articular cartilage. My recent MRI suggests that in concert with De Novo that this process is working. And that is the goal!
The injections are getting somewhat routine. However, I still feel a little tired and sore after. However, after about two days I start to feel darn good again!
My VMO continues to improve. This week, I added two more closed chain exercises to my recovery protocol. One of the exercises is on a kaiser leg press machine. With NMES, I push and then resist in a 30 degree range of motion while concentrating on firing the VMO. This seems to fry that muscle rather effectively.
In addition, I have been instructed to lie prone with my belly down. In a plank position, with my toes pushed into the table that I am lying on I flex and release my VMO repeatedly, This has also been working very very well. As I have indicated, getting my VMO to fire again is goal numero uno! This is the gateway to recovery!
I continue to work on core and related strengthening with the good folks at Endurance Rehab. Andi Felton is a real rock star and she has definitely helped me exponentially. I really am beginning to feel the benefits in the pool. I wish I had known how important it was to strengthen all the supporting muscles before I got hurt.
As I mentioned last week, I am now back on the trainer. I have been wanting to do some work on a wind trainer so I went out and purchased a Lemond Revolution.
I can assure you that it did not disappoint. It feels much more realistic than a fluid or resistance trainer. I also found it to be more realistic than my computrainer. I am looking forward to doing a ton of interval work on it. Below is a shot of me on my inaugural ride.
Above, It felt a little different not to have a back wheel! But I gotta say that it felt more natural than a tire rubbing on a roller. My activities continue to be moderated by my knee and my lack of cardio fitness. I rode twice this week for an hour each time. It feels so good to be back on my bike. I am just itching to get on the road with Brian, Kenny, Kevin, Eric and many others - soon so very soon!
The swimming continues and continues! This week, I swam 24,000 more yards. That makes seven consecutive weeks over 20,000 yards. This week I revisited a couple of Hillary's smashfest workouts! Ouch! I still have quite a ways to go! I am going to try to expedite this process by knocking out another 100 X 100 this coming weekend. But, I gotta tell ya I am enjoying the process of regaining my fitness. It certainly is a lot more fun than the first time!
Speaking of the first time - I am now cleared to run in the pool. I actually did a a very small test a couple of weeks but now I am really cleared! So in celebration, I ran 300 meters this week! It felt awesome to do a motion that I have not done in over a year. I also did some skips, mini hops, and one legged squats. Talk about a good time.
While we are on the subject of good times. This weekend, my family headed south for some relaxation down in Tucson. As part of this journey we went to the Saguaro National Forest. One word describes it - AMAZING! These Saguaro which only grow in the Sonoran desert are simply spectacular. They are everywhere and they are huge. If you ever are headed to Tucson, Saguaro National Forest is a must see!
Our trip down south was not all fun. At times, I try to show my kids a little more than just the rosier sides of life. Hence, while in Tucson we stopped by Tucson Medical Center to see the memorial that has been created to honor those shot at Safeway this past week.
The scene was very somber. A week later people were still very reflective. On the way home, we stopped by the Safeway to pay our proper respects. I was definitely moved and my family was also!
Thanks for checking in! Never give up folks. You can and will destroy your limitations!
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