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| July 4, 2010 | | New Blog: Happy Fourth of July everyone. | | I am most thankful for the ability to do as I choose. I would be remiss not to thank all of the Veterans who over the years have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Fourth is important to me for another reason - it was my Grandfather's birthday. Well not really but the one he celebrated because when he immigrated from Poland the officials at Ellis Island gave everyone on his boat the same birthday - July 4th.
This week has been great!!!! I am almost 9 weeks post op from having a De Novo Nt Allograft implanted in my knee. On Wednesday, I had a good visit with Dr. Glashow and his PA Chris Prezzano via SKYPE. They are both very pleased and highly optimistic about a great outcome. I cannot over emphasize how pleased I am that I chose these guys to treat this problem for me.
Dr. Glashow and Chris both cautioned me that while the site feels good that the injury HAS NOT HEELED. And that accordingly, I need to be most careful. In essence, they said that this period from months 2-3 is a very dangerous time because physically I feel good but the biology required for the graft to fully set has not quite had enough time. They pointed out that a month from now that the cells will be so much stickier and functional. I assured them that I would behave!!!
As for rehab, I have had no setbacks. And I continue to just get stronger by the day. I have worked extremely hard to maintain my quad muscle. Nate and Co. have told me that if I am going to run again that my quad is going to have to become my primary shock absorber. Thus, it is imperative that I stave of atrophy and get this muscle as strong as possible.
Below is a shot of my quad at 7 weeks. I am very very happy that I have not lost all tone and control as it is going to make my transition back to sport so much easier. I am still using the NMES machine 7 days a week and it seems to help my muscle memory. Thus, I will continue to use it until I am told differently.
You may also notice that almost all of the swelling is gone now. And the knee now really looks like it should - A KNEE. I owe most of this to NORMA. That is Norma-Tec normatecsports.com/. These magic space boots are the best investment that I have ever made. I would make this purchase over and over and over. I can't even imagine how much i will enjoy using them for recovery. Here is a shot of me using my magic boots.
OK the heat has set in here and I am ready to get the heck out of this hell hole. 115 is just a bit ridiculous don't you think? Truth be told now that I am not training outside it hasn't been that bad. However, next year, I do plan to train outside; hence, I am making plans to get out of here.
My friends Erica and Chris McClurg sent me this shot of a pool they enjoyed in Beaver Creek. I am thinking a training camp at altitude may very well be in order next summer. If you are interested please let me know.
I have returned to the pool again. And this time without any PULL BOUY. It is certainly humbling!!!! All of a sudden a am a true newbie swimmer. It is difficult to comprehend just how far I am from just one year ago. But this just pisses me off more and it will drive me to get back to where I was at. I absolutely hate sucking and right now I truly suck. And I will change that.
One of the reasons that I love Endurance Rehab is that the people there are just flat FUN FOLKS. Here is a shot of me reacting to getting a soaking wet hug from Wolfgang. Wolfgang was soaking wet with sweat because he had to wear a wetsuit to work all day because he lost a bet to Shane over who would be the NBA Champs.
Wolfgang has been my primary caregiver not only for this rehab but for many others as well. He is one of the best PT's I have ever met and without a doubt the best MAN I know. I am very lucky to have WOLFGANG as a close mate. My life is better because Wolfgang is in it.
Again this week, the major thrust of my rehab has been learning to walk properly. I am getting better but I am not quite there yet. I still have a noticeable limp but it is getting better and better each and every day. It will be a tad longer than I hoped but it will soon be gone!!
Strength is also a goal now. Dr. Glashow has allowed me to start redeveloping my quads and my glutes. I am now allowed to do some ball squats with my feet way out front. I am limited to 90 degrees. This week I kept it at 60 degrees. By the end of the week I was able to comfortably knock out 2X30
Here is a short video showing me doing some strength work. I am loving all of the changes that I see on a daily basis.. It is amaziing how sore I got from this. It was bilateral and not related to the knee so all is good. It has been a long time since I have done any of these!!!
Here is a front shot of the same exercise. Going forward, I imagine that these will become a staple of my program. I understand that after you have a procedure like this that rehab never really ends. Core and these leg exercises will be a staple for the remainder of my life!!!!! It is a fair trade if it permits to continue to do the things that I love.
Time for fun! I have blogged several times about this but I thought this would be a good time to highlight this. Going forward, I am going to take make a ton more time in my life for fun. It will not all be training. Below is a shot of me and my buddy Brad Stocker enjoying some nice wine!!! Good stuff.
A friend is also talking to me about jumping out of a plane with her. She doesn't know it but I am in!!!! Whatever happens happens!!!!
From time to time, I am going to start doing a blast from the past in my blog. The shot below is shot from a year ago in Frankfurt. I am with my friend Ironman Legend Ken Glah and Stacy Hadac. We are in town center about to enjoy a meal. I very much miss traveling the world with Ken. I will make it back to that lifestyle.
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