Doctor Visit

I went to the orthopedic surgeon on the 25th to have a 1 month check of my ankle. He was not pleased with the swelling that remains. He recommended anti-inflammatories 3X per day, and a change to my exercise routine to put less stress on the soft tissues and to strengthen the ankle. So far today, the ibuprofen is keeping the pain down, perhaps the swelling too, it's too hard to tell. Only a month and a half till the Tour de Cure. Hope I'm ready.

Rainy Day

I went to a 4H leader training for hiking/backpacking this morning. A very experienced backpacker was there to provide some insight into this project area as well as tips and tricks while hiking and on equipment. We were supposed to go on a short hike along a nearby nature trail but it is just so cold and wet out today that we all just dropped the hike part. I was going to use the hike as an ankle test. Oh well. Perhaps I'll join the family hike up to a nearby rock ledge next week (weather permitting) as my ankle test. I'm getting really pumped about the summer hiking season. I did well this week at the gym and will increase my exercise bike level when I go back on Monday. Still working on getting in shape for a June 12th American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure bike ride. Now, if I could just control my food intake! ;)

Back from Vacation

Randy and I went to California and Arizona to see family and friends. We got back on Friday evening. My ankle was not a big problem while we were gone but it did affect my ability to tour around. Even so, I managed a couple of nature parks and a museum while I was gone. Last night, while in a big, full body stretch, the ankle joint popped and this morning, I have nearly full flexibility, up and down. It makes it much easier and less painful to walk. The side to side movement is still restricted and painful but I'll keep working on it. I continue to hear from those who have broken their ankles that it will take a year or even two before I get full restoration. That's a little disheartening but I continue to plan to try the Northville-Lake Placid trail again late summer / early fall.

Ankle Check

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I had my cast removed. The swelling has decreased significantly and therefore the flexibility has increased. There is still swelling around the back of the ankle on both sides and around the achilles tendon. I started walking (hobbling) around without a cane this morning. Of course, I'm only walking around the house. If I go out anywhere I'm going to use the cane. I've been doing some stretching and balance ball exercises that are easy on my ankle but allow me to stretch the muscles and tendons in the left leg. On Thursday my spouse and I fly off to see our daughter and son-in-law in California. I can't wait. They've made some renovations to their house, added a spa and gazebo and a new cat. We'll also be stopping by L.A. to see Randy's brothers and mom before we head off to Arizona to see an old AF buddy and Randy's brother Pat. It will be a very busy week. When I get back, I've got to get to the gym and start training for my American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure ride in June. I think I'll have just enough time to get in shape for that.