7 weeks post op I am
doing exceptionally fine. Slowly gaining more mobility I am able to walk very
slowly 1 km without brace and mostly without crutches. It makes me happy but also
very aware of the job I have ahead of me regaining muscles strength and the
propioception (the nerve connection that brings messages between my brain and my
leg, that really has a hard time responding when I more or less unconsciously ask
it to move or flex etc.) There is a noticeable delay in the communication
leaving a lapse of time for me to actually make my next move and sometimes
stumble before I realize the delay. To prevent this I have to be extremely
focused and concentrated all the time no matter what I do. It’s tough but also
interesting figuring out and observing the healthy side of my body compared to
the weak one.
At least 2-3 hours
daily I spend solely on nursing and strengthening the leg. I take off the brace
to get a better feel of my muscles but also to observe and focus on perfect
execution. Before I lay out my mat to work out I warm up by walking and biking
on the static bike in the basement. It makes me feel very exposed walking
without the brace. It’s my protection not alone from bad movements but also it
aids me by alerting surrounding people of my weak leg. It’s very important to
me that my over-protective consciousness will let go of the fear of pain and
injury and start to build up the confidence and trust I will need in the
mountains. The exercises at this point is focused on obtaining a complete
extension of the leg and on gaining more range of motion. Today I can flex up
to about 135 degrees when assisted. That’s a whole lot better than expected at
this point giving me a great advantage as I am shortly taking off the brace and
start the real rehabilitation. The difference in circumference of the thighs
are still 4 cm as it was 1 week post op. It might take a year to regain
complete muscle-strength.
Being semi mobile I
have gone to the north coast of the Danish Island Sealand, a 1 hour drive from
Copenhagen. I am sitting in the sun appreciating all the different trees
blossoming bringing about the recognizable and super beautiful baby green color
lightening up the entire landscape that is awakening after having just
survived during winter. Spectacular creatures... I leave you with the sunset
last night.
