It's crackling. Is it because I haven't done enough, because I have done too much, or is it just normal?
Argh!
x
12/31/2011
12/30/2011
2011
2011 is soon come to an end, so let's recap (mostly in knee terms).
January - Still in blissful ignorance about what needs to be done.
February - Starting to realise it's not going anywhere. Contacting surgeon in England.
March - See surgeon. Do MRI and x-ray and CT-scan. My friend tears her ACL too. Find out the truth about the first surgery, that he made a mistake. Deciding to try and sort it out; forced to contact Norwegian physio (by said friend).
April - Fly to Norway to see physio, onwards to Sweden to see another surgeon. Come in contact with a third surgeon through Norwegian physio. Told at first that there is no way to have surgery before summer unless I want to pay a fortune. Getting ready to pay.
Late April - Get a date for surgery, by the end of May. Ready to pay £5000 for it.
May - Find out the cost will be covered. Happiness. Finish exams, fly to Sweden for surgery. Literally going straight from the airport to hospital.
June - Back home, in bed, in the same situation as 6 years earlier. Still in high hopes. My friend has her surgery.
July - Getting rid of crutches.
August - Physio, physio, physio and loving every moment with CJ.
September - Starting to run and go for check-up at hospital. Told to stop limping. Worried. Fly off to Japan.
October - Training is tough. Setback after setback. Bearing it.
November - More setbacks, but running is going well. E-mailing physio. This is where my mental capacity starts to break down. Start to play volleyball.
December - 7 months post-op. Worried.
Let's hope for 2012.
x
January - Still in blissful ignorance about what needs to be done.
February - Starting to realise it's not going anywhere. Contacting surgeon in England.
March - See surgeon. Do MRI and x-ray and CT-scan. My friend tears her ACL too. Find out the truth about the first surgery, that he made a mistake. Deciding to try and sort it out; forced to contact Norwegian physio (by said friend).
April - Fly to Norway to see physio, onwards to Sweden to see another surgeon. Come in contact with a third surgeon through Norwegian physio. Told at first that there is no way to have surgery before summer unless I want to pay a fortune. Getting ready to pay.
Late April - Get a date for surgery, by the end of May. Ready to pay £5000 for it.
May - Find out the cost will be covered. Happiness. Finish exams, fly to Sweden for surgery. Literally going straight from the airport to hospital.
June - Back home, in bed, in the same situation as 6 years earlier. Still in high hopes. My friend has her surgery.
July - Getting rid of crutches.
August - Physio, physio, physio and loving every moment with CJ.
September - Starting to run and go for check-up at hospital. Told to stop limping. Worried. Fly off to Japan.
October - Training is tough. Setback after setback. Bearing it.
November - More setbacks, but running is going well. E-mailing physio. This is where my mental capacity starts to break down. Start to play volleyball.
December - 7 months post-op. Worried.
Let's hope for 2012.
x
12/29/2011
to kawasaki and back
Surprised myself and actually went for a run today. As the gym is closed I have to do outdoors stuff, and when the weather gets cold I like to stay inside. Not a good combo. After hours and hours in front of my computer, trying to write essays, eating noodles by the bucket and so on (read: standard Thursday) I decided to take a walk before it got dark. Not a run - I was way too tired for that - but a walk to get some fresh air and at least a little movement. Just like so many times before, the 'walk' immediately turned into a run. Why? I have magical running trousers. It is impossible to walk in them. Results according to Nike+ iPod:
51 mins 35 secs
10.57 km
Now, I highly doubt the distance - I do not run that fast. Time is accurate though. I took the street way today and so had to stop quite a few times for red lights, but I paused the work out during these stops so effective running time is as stated above. Regardless of the actual distance covered, I will be happy with that.
Good lady.
x
51 mins 35 secs
10.57 km
Now, I highly doubt the distance - I do not run that fast. Time is accurate though. I took the street way today and so had to stop quite a few times for red lights, but I paused the work out during these stops so effective running time is as stated above. Regardless of the actual distance covered, I will be happy with that.
Good lady.
x
12/28/2011
f as in fail
Went to the gym in high spirits. Left it, as most often, in despondency. Somehow I can't quite keep my mood up through the whole session and I end up panicking about ridiculous worries that I'm not doing enough which, ironically, disturbs my training.
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (15 reps)
Leg curl: 3x 41.5 kg
Leg extension: 26+28.5+28.5 kg
Squats: 3x 25 kg
Bulgarian squats: 3x 10 /leg
Bending: 2x
Should have done more I realise now, but had no more time (my own fault of course) and at the end I was mentally dead. Will try and push harder in running. The gym is closed now for 4 days so it'll be outdoors for me with my Nike +iPod and jumping etc. Happy days...
x
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (15 reps)
Leg curl: 3x 41.5 kg
Leg extension: 26+28.5+28.5 kg
Squats: 3x 25 kg
Bulgarian squats: 3x 10 /leg
Bending: 2x
Should have done more I realise now, but had no more time (my own fault of course) and at the end I was mentally dead. Will try and push harder in running. The gym is closed now for 4 days so it'll be outdoors for me with my Nike +iPod and jumping etc. Happy days...
x
back in the gym
Did my run yesterday, despite some pain before. In fact, it felt a lot better afterwards and had I not been under some time pressure, I could have run further. Only one stop due to earphone malfunction.
5 km - just under 28 mins
Some stretching.
Still swollen and achy, and at 7 months I can't but help to wonder...
x
5 km - just under 28 mins
Some stretching.
Still swollen and achy, and at 7 months I can't but help to wonder...
x
12/27/2011
7 months
Officially entered into my 7th month of rehabilitation now. Time flies?
After the Christmas trip of 5 days, the knee is crap, crap, crap. 8 hours bus ride did not do me any favours and it's crackling like there's no tomorrow. Will be going to the gym later on to try and rectify. I haven't neglected training, not at all, so hopefully it'll be better soon.
x
After the Christmas trip of 5 days, the knee is crap, crap, crap. 8 hours bus ride did not do me any favours and it's crackling like there's no tomorrow. Will be going to the gym later on to try and rectify. I haven't neglected training, not at all, so hopefully it'll be better soon.
x
12/22/2011
3+4/4
Week's sessions done. As follows today:
Running: 5 km 28 mins (5.96 km according to iPod....)
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg curl: 3x 41.5 kg
Leg extension: 26+28.5+28.5 kg
Squats: 20+20+25 kg
Bulgarian squats: 3x 10/leg
Bending: 3x
Yep, that's it. No ski jumps or interval cycling but it's ok. It's ridiculously swollen and achy today so I think the session is enough. Now 5 days rest await (going away) and hopefully we can be back with a boom next week! I'm planning to deal with my life, see. Sunday will also mark 7 months post-op.
Anyway, trip means a little break in blogging, and I shall be back Tuesday.
Merry Christmas ACLers and all the best for your knees!
x
Running: 5 km 28 mins (5.96 km according to iPod....)
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg curl: 3x 41.5 kg
Leg extension: 26+28.5+28.5 kg
Squats: 20+20+25 kg
Bulgarian squats: 3x 10/legBending: 3x
Yep, that's it. No ski jumps or interval cycling but it's ok. It's ridiculously swollen and achy today so I think the session is enough. Now 5 days rest await (going away) and hopefully we can be back with a boom next week! I'm planning to deal with my life, see. Sunday will also mark 7 months post-op.
Anyway, trip means a little break in blogging, and I shall be back Tuesday.
Merry Christmas ACLers and all the best for your knees!
x
nike + ipod
In other words, now there is no denial or delusion - I will know exactly how far and how long I am running. Good, bad, I don't know - depends on if you're talking about sanity or actuality.
On a similar note, I also got some serious earphones that hopefully will make my running life a tad easier. As it is, I spend more time pushing my current ones in than anything else. First trial session will be today in my monster session.
So sleepy.
x
12/21/2011
2/4
Did the running. Well done for that. Took 1hr45mins. Not very good. It should be 1.5 hrs max. But nonetheless, it's done and I did all 5 stations as well so I have to be content-ish with that. Still convinced there's something wrong with me. It's not even THAT tough - how can I be so lazy/reluctant?
Running: 3-4 km (I think)
1. Hurdle jumps: 1 leg (3x 10) + 2 legs (3x 20)
2. Sprints: high knees, karaoke, accelerated sprint, backwards, backwards+turn sprint
3. Stairs: 3x 3 (long ones)
4. Intervals: 10 sec x 30
5. Box jumps: 3x 10 (high)
Perhaps it's true that if you really want something, you'll find a way. However, during the run (and partly why it went so badly) I started thinking about why I'm doing all this. Yes, to get a healthy knee, to live a normal life blabla - what is a normal life? I will never be able to ski, basketball is out of the picture, and what else is there that I'd like to be able to do? Sure, I do appreciate being able to go out dancing without having to twist it, and running to the train without really having to worry about it, but still...in a situation where motivation should be a given, I fail to find it.
It can't be normal.
x
Running: 3-4 km (I think)
1. Hurdle jumps: 1 leg (3x 10) + 2 legs (3x 20)
2. Sprints: high knees, karaoke, accelerated sprint, backwards, backwards+turn sprint
3. Stairs: 3x 3 (long ones)
4. Intervals: 10 sec x 30
5. Box jumps: 3x 10 (high)
Perhaps it's true that if you really want something, you'll find a way. However, during the run (and partly why it went so badly) I started thinking about why I'm doing all this. Yes, to get a healthy knee, to live a normal life blabla - what is a normal life? I will never be able to ski, basketball is out of the picture, and what else is there that I'd like to be able to do? Sure, I do appreciate being able to go out dancing without having to twist it, and running to the train without really having to worry about it, but still...in a situation where motivation should be a given, I fail to find it.
It can't be normal.
x
dead - lifts
Silly silly me. Did deadlifts yesterday as my hamstring exercise, thinking that it was ok and now thighs are dying. Not in a good way, I don't mind the good way, but in an over-trained, painful way. People of the ACL world - be careful with deadlifts!
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg extension: 26+28.5+28.5 kg
Squats: 20+25+25 kg
Lunges on board: 8 kg/hand
1-leg jumps: 3x 10/leg
Bending: 3x
Time constraint (this took 1½ hours) had me finish there, but it's a decent work-out I think. As the knee was sore and achy (especially after the jumps) I decided not to do ski jumps. Have to do a run today/tomorrow with sprints etc as well, so I'm thinking it was a good decision. Dear, I hate the outdoors running, and in 5 degree weather too!
I just don't see this working out you know?
x
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg extension: 26+28.5+28.5 kg
Squats: 20+25+25 kg
Lunges on board: 8 kg/hand
1-leg jumps: 3x 10/leg
Bending: 3x
Time constraint (this took 1½ hours) had me finish there, but it's a decent work-out I think. As the knee was sore and achy (especially after the jumps) I decided not to do ski jumps. Have to do a run today/tomorrow with sprints etc as well, so I'm thinking it was a good decision. Dear, I hate the outdoors running, and in 5 degree weather too!
I just don't see this working out you know?
x
12/18/2011
sunday
Ok, so Sunday. Final day of the week and one more session to go. After having spent 8 hours doing my essay, watching tv-shows, sleeping, and generally just stayed in my room, suppressing the fact that the run awaited, I actually told myself to get a f-ing grip and go do it. I had no excuse. Except it was really cold outside so I went to the gym instead.
5 km = 28 min
So no jumps, no sprints, mostly because of time issues. Yes, it was my fault for leaving so late, but I also figured that the basketball session probably took its toll on the knee, and so a pure run would suffice. And guess what - I didn't stop once! Probably because I'd had quite a lot of carbs (rice and noodles) during the day, with very little activity, and so plenty of energy to spare.
I know it's silly. 5 bloody km in 28 fricking minutes without stopping and I'm happy. Nonetheless, given the past weeks' disastrous nature I will accept this win for now.
x
5 km = 28 min
So no jumps, no sprints, mostly because of time issues. Yes, it was my fault for leaving so late, but I also figured that the basketball session probably took its toll on the knee, and so a pure run would suffice. And guess what - I didn't stop once! Probably because I'd had quite a lot of carbs (rice and noodles) during the day, with very little activity, and so plenty of energy to spare.
I know it's silly. 5 bloody km in 28 fricking minutes without stopping and I'm happy. Nonetheless, given the past weeks' disastrous nature I will accept this win for now.
x
12/17/2011
strengthened
Strength session, despite some soreness from basketball. Still on painkillers, so I hope I didn't do too much because I couldn't feel all the pain...remains to be seen. Anyway, the session felt ok during and after even if it hurt before. Better than the opposite I suppose.
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (bit painful)
Leg extension: 3x 28.5 kg
Leg curl: 41.5+44+44 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg
Split squat: 3x 10/leg
Bending: 4x
No ski jumps, as that might have put unnecessary strain after the huge effort that was basketball. Have only done one proper strength session this week, and that's probably all I'll do. Not ideal of course, but volleyball counts as one, and basketball will have to do so too. One more running session to go.
x
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (bit painful)
Leg extension: 3x 28.5 kg
Leg curl: 41.5+44+44 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg
Split squat: 3x 10/leg
Bending: 4x
No ski jumps, as that might have put unnecessary strain after the huge effort that was basketball. Have only done one proper strength session this week, and that's probably all I'll do. Not ideal of course, but volleyball counts as one, and basketball will have to do so too. One more running session to go.
x
12/15/2011
basketballing
So it was time. Finally. Basketball. Keio Mustangs was going to get a visit from Swedish super star (ha!) JoJo Svensson. Well, they did. And I realised a few things. But first, let me say that the knee coped. Obviously I was super careful and tried to stay out of any unnecessary confrontations. After 7 years I have developed a distinct style in this manner. Now knee is swollen + under ice but I'll take it as a positive step nonetheless.
To my realisations.
1. I'm not good anymore. Not that I ever was amazing, but not having touched a basketball for 7 months clearly damaged my skills. Airballs all over the place (although I got a couple of good shots, including a 3-pointer) and generally struggling to play. This is ok I suppose.
2. Basketball isn't as fun as I hoped. I had these sky-high expectations of how amazing it would feel to finally be back in my hoods, my homelands. But it wasn't. Perhaps because I couldn't play properly, or because I couldn't really communicate with the people (they spoke very little English), but that burning fire within was lacking. This realisation leads me to the final, and most important one...
3. Basketball isn't my hood anymore. Of course I had decided to quit already, and I stand by that, but some part of me still hoped to find a home, a familiar place, within the game. As this feeling did not occur, I think it is over for good. Maybe this was the closure I needed. Now I'm quitting by my own decision, not one made for me. Even though they are of course intertwined.
I don't know if this is my current state of mind speaking, but I think I can eventually move on from basketball. I'll be that old lady who has 12 cats (or in my case, pugs) and talks about her glory days as a young promising basketball player, dropping 3-pointers here and there. Of course my 'promising career' ended in 2004 but I had a good run after that. Don't get me wrong, I will still mourn this loss.
Moving on might be possible and necessary, but that doesn't mean it gets any easier. The only positive aspect now is that I don't have to think "what if?" - and in my opinion, that's a big one. Over and out.
x
To my realisations.
1. I'm not good anymore. Not that I ever was amazing, but not having touched a basketball for 7 months clearly damaged my skills. Airballs all over the place (although I got a couple of good shots, including a 3-pointer) and generally struggling to play. This is ok I suppose.
2. Basketball isn't as fun as I hoped. I had these sky-high expectations of how amazing it would feel to finally be back in my hoods, my homelands. But it wasn't. Perhaps because I couldn't play properly, or because I couldn't really communicate with the people (they spoke very little English), but that burning fire within was lacking. This realisation leads me to the final, and most important one...
3. Basketball isn't my hood anymore. Of course I had decided to quit already, and I stand by that, but some part of me still hoped to find a home, a familiar place, within the game. As this feeling did not occur, I think it is over for good. Maybe this was the closure I needed. Now I'm quitting by my own decision, not one made for me. Even though they are of course intertwined.
I don't know if this is my current state of mind speaking, but I think I can eventually move on from basketball. I'll be that old lady who has 12 cats (or in my case, pugs) and talks about her glory days as a young promising basketball player, dropping 3-pointers here and there. Of course my 'promising career' ended in 2004 but I had a good run after that. Don't get me wrong, I will still mourn this loss.
Moving on might be possible and necessary, but that doesn't mean it gets any easier. The only positive aspect now is that I don't have to think "what if?" - and in my opinion, that's a big one. Over and out.
x
running
Did a run today. Not a good one. Not even close. I'm getting worried. To be fair, the first 3 stops were due to intense strain in my calves. I don't know what's wrong with them or if my running technique is odd but something is up! They were rock hard and near on cramping. The 4th stop was because I was sort of out of breath. Bloody hell. I used to love running but now the very thought of it makes me want to die. So:
5K - ca 28 mins
4 stops/pauses.
x
5K - ca 28 mins
4 stops/pauses.
x
12/14/2011
beyond stupid
I went to the gym this morning, fully determined to do a 5K run before class. Not epically pumped, but ready to do the work. What happens? I've been stupid enough to forget shorts. Because of the lack of time I had the choice of either run in jeans hotpants or take a shower and leave. I did the latter.
Fully determined (again) to run in the afternoon, I did my errands and then got told by a friend that we have an exam tomorrow I did not know about. Great. No running today. At all.
I have beating myself up about it all day but in the end it doesn't matter. I'm gymming tomorrow and Friday (to complete 3 sessions) and I will run Friday or Saturday + Sunday to make 2 sessions, so it's all good. But I'm so stupid.
x
ps: decided to play basketball tomorrow. Make or break I couldn't say no. I'll feel stupid with knee + running shoes but yes, not a chance I'm turning it down. For once I'll feel at home. Boy, it'll be good. Please, knee, cope, please!
Fully determined (again) to run in the afternoon, I did my errands and then got told by a friend that we have an exam tomorrow I did not know about. Great. No running today. At all.
I have beating myself up about it all day but in the end it doesn't matter. I'm gymming tomorrow and Friday (to complete 3 sessions) and I will run Friday or Saturday + Sunday to make 2 sessions, so it's all good. But I'm so stupid.
x
ps: decided to play basketball tomorrow. Make or break I couldn't say no. I'll feel stupid with knee + running shoes but yes, not a chance I'm turning it down. For once I'll feel at home. Boy, it'll be good. Please, knee, cope, please!
12/13/2011
volleyballing + basketballing
More volleyball today. Never made it to the gym before as planned, but got to play quite a lot in practice so I think it's ok. Knee feels ok-ish, only a little stiff.
And there is the question: should I go to the basketball session on Thursday?
Pros: it would be so much fun, I could feel 'at home'; good work out
Cons: I don't have basketball shoes anymore and would feel a little 'out', I don't know if the knee would cope with such stress, it could make me want to go back to playing even more at a point where I'm sort of starting to move on a little bit.
So what do we think? Yay, or nay?
x
And there is the question: should I go to the basketball session on Thursday?
Pros: it would be so much fun, I could feel 'at home'; good work out
Cons: I don't have basketball shoes anymore and would feel a little 'out', I don't know if the knee would cope with such stress, it could make me want to go back to playing even more at a point where I'm sort of starting to move on a little bit.
So what do we think? Yay, or nay?
x
12/12/2011
finally...
...got my ass sorted out and did my run. Although a fail, as all lately. It was a small victory in itself, doing it at all (I even skipped a meeting to do it) but it was a victory in a battle that should never have been fought in the first place. So:
Running 3-4 km (if even that far)
1. Hurdle jumps: 3x 20 front + 3x 20 side
2. Stairs: (2x normal length) 3x 3 runs
3. Box jumps: 3x 10
4. Sprints: 10 sec intervals
All in all about an hour. I'm back on double dose painkillers so it felt ok, and they do really help. Perhaps I needed the rest as well, I don't know, but I need to get back on track (I keep saying that...). This is not good.
x
Running 3-4 km (if even that far)
1. Hurdle jumps: 3x 20 front + 3x 20 side
2. Stairs: (2x normal length) 3x 3 runs
3. Box jumps: 3x 10
4. Sprints: 10 sec intervals
All in all about an hour. I'm back on double dose painkillers so it felt ok, and they do really help. Perhaps I needed the rest as well, I don't know, but I need to get back on track (I keep saying that...). This is not good.
x
12/10/2011
monster
Had a monster strength session (body-wise, not knee-wise) yesterday. As follows:
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling (lvl 19)
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg extension: 28.5+26+26 kg
Leg curl: 3x 44 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg + 10 reps
Lunges on board: 3x 6 kg/hand
Bending: 3x
Ski jumps: 3x 40 (don't like these anymore. they give me nothing)
Then lots and lots of arm stuff. I figured that if I'm going to be big, I might as well be big and muscly rather than big and fat.
Knee is currently is kind of bad pain, especially in the front. I don't know if it's because my running has been bad lately, or if the volleyball was too much. It's difficult to know, and I still did the running, even if I stopped every now and then. Have a session tomorrow with jumps and so on, but at the moment I'm just feeling as if it becomes worse and worse. And I'll be honest: it's tough, it's real tough. Maybe I should go back on painkillers again. I just don't know. Mr Physio hasn't replied either so I don't want to send another message to him. And what can he do anyway?
I'm 6 ½ months in - should it really be this bad?
x
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling (lvl 19)
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg extension: 28.5+26+26 kg
Leg curl: 3x 44 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg + 10 reps
Lunges on board: 3x 6 kg/hand
Bending: 3x
Ski jumps: 3x 40 (don't like these anymore. they give me nothing)
Then lots and lots of arm stuff. I figured that if I'm going to be big, I might as well be big and muscly rather than big and fat.
Knee is currently is kind of bad pain, especially in the front. I don't know if it's because my running has been bad lately, or if the volleyball was too much. It's difficult to know, and I still did the running, even if I stopped every now and then. Have a session tomorrow with jumps and so on, but at the moment I'm just feeling as if it becomes worse and worse. And I'll be honest: it's tough, it's real tough. Maybe I should go back on painkillers again. I just don't know. Mr Physio hasn't replied either so I don't want to send another message to him. And what can he do anyway?
I'm 6 ½ months in - should it really be this bad?
x
12/06/2011
volleyball 2.0
Had my second attempt at volleyball today. It ges a lot easier, and a hell of a lot more fun, when you understand the game. I'm not going to label myself an expert of any kind, but I did get a better grasp of strategy/system today and could play a little better than before. I particularly enjoy blocking people, which is much easier in volleyball than basketball.
But to knee-related things. Even though volleyball does not include any particular physical contact during the game, it does entail a lot of jumping and you have to be prepared to move in any direction at any time. I don't think about the knee that much while playing, but I'm sure I do take care subconsciously. So far (knock on wood) no incidents, not even any almost-incidents, so it's ok. That gym session this morning really helped me get back in mobility and so on, and prepared me for sporty practice.
So for now, for tonight, I shall feel somewhat content.
x
But to knee-related things. Even though volleyball does not include any particular physical contact during the game, it does entail a lot of jumping and you have to be prepared to move in any direction at any time. I don't think about the knee that much while playing, but I'm sure I do take care subconsciously. So far (knock on wood) no incidents, not even any almost-incidents, so it's ok. That gym session this morning really helped me get back in mobility and so on, and prepared me for sporty practice.
So for now, for tonight, I shall feel somewhat content.
x
Salina
Reply to a comment here on the blog (the first from an unknown reader!)
Salina,
Thank you for your comment! I see figures and stats on who's reading, but I rarely get to know who you are! I'm glad you find the blog useful :) I know as I was going into this surgery (not to talk about the first one, but that was back in the day - 2005 - before blogging became a 'thing'. Gosh, I'm old...) I would have liked to have something like this to refer back to, even if every rehab is different.
And please don't take my recent depressing posts too seriously. If you are going in for your first ACL reconstruction, you'll be fine :) Yes, it will suck a lot of the time, and yes, it will be boring. But you can still go back to whatever activity you like to do, and with a little luck you can continue/work towards practising it at a high level. Also if you're using a hamstring graft, the first 2 months will be tough but after that it's just go-go-go! With the patella it's usually a long drawn-out fight, but with an easier beginning.
Good luck! And please let me know how it goes. If you have any questions at all, or want to share your story (maybe you'll set up a blog?!) e-mail me at ladypretentious@gmail.com. It's always nice to have someone who's been there, someone who knows.
Jo x
ps. and don't worry. The surgery itself is the best part: being sedated and then people taking care of you. Sort of the calm before the epic storm that is to come. But all storms calm down eventually, and you just gotta ride it out :)
Salina,
Thank you for your comment! I see figures and stats on who's reading, but I rarely get to know who you are! I'm glad you find the blog useful :) I know as I was going into this surgery (not to talk about the first one, but that was back in the day - 2005 - before blogging became a 'thing'. Gosh, I'm old...) I would have liked to have something like this to refer back to, even if every rehab is different.
And please don't take my recent depressing posts too seriously. If you are going in for your first ACL reconstruction, you'll be fine :) Yes, it will suck a lot of the time, and yes, it will be boring. But you can still go back to whatever activity you like to do, and with a little luck you can continue/work towards practising it at a high level. Also if you're using a hamstring graft, the first 2 months will be tough but after that it's just go-go-go! With the patella it's usually a long drawn-out fight, but with an easier beginning.
Good luck! And please let me know how it goes. If you have any questions at all, or want to share your story (maybe you'll set up a blog?!) e-mail me at ladypretentious@gmail.com. It's always nice to have someone who's been there, someone who knows.
Jo x
ps. and don't worry. The surgery itself is the best part: being sedated and then people taking care of you. Sort of the calm before the epic storm that is to come. But all storms calm down eventually, and you just gotta ride it out :)
session 1
I'm volleyballing tonight, but as I'm a lazy bastard and in a dire recession knee-wise, I decided I'd take a strength session as well. However, modified.
10 mins cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (10 reps)
Leg extension: 3x 26 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg
Deadlifts: 3x 20 kg (20 reps)
Lateral lunges: 3x 5 kg
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Bending: 4x
As you can see, not an epic session but enough I believe. Mostly shortened by time constraint + a wee mental breakdown in the leg curl. Hopefully the deadlifting is enough for the hamstrings. Got a 3-hr volleyball session tonight (although it's mostly sitting down to be honest) so let's see how that goes.
I'm not sure about volleyball though. It's just not basketball, if you know what I mean.
x
10 mins cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (10 reps)
Leg extension: 3x 26 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg
Deadlifts: 3x 20 kg (20 reps)
Lateral lunges: 3x 5 kg
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Bending: 4x
As you can see, not an epic session but enough I believe. Mostly shortened by time constraint + a wee mental breakdown in the leg curl. Hopefully the deadlifting is enough for the hamstrings. Got a 3-hr volleyball session tonight (although it's mostly sitting down to be honest) so let's see how that goes.
I'm not sure about volleyball though. It's just not basketball, if you know what I mean.
x
12/05/2011
the point of no return?
It's stiff and painful and the mobility is bad. Have I gone too far? Is this the point of no return I was subconsciously seeking?
If so, what do I do?
What the hell am I doing? If I don't sort out this knee now, I'm doomed for life. I'm doomed anyway of course, but I'd be ever more doomed. I do have a confession to make: I don't believe it will heal. Over 7 years now it's been bad, and I was 14 when it happened. Sure, I can remember games and trainings before that (particularly in the immediate time before) but other than that I really can't remember what it's like having a knee you don't have to worry about. And, yes, even if it does heal, I will always and forever have to worry about it - keeping up training etc. It is a life sentence.
I guess it's been stuck at a plateau now for a while, maybe because I'm not doing rehab right, or because that's just the way it goes, but either way it causes me to despair. Then again of course I have no choice but to continue. It's just one of those moments. The best advice I've had so far in this crap hole is this:
Your knee doesn't know any difference between happy training-loving Jo and "I FUCKING HATE THIS FUCKING TRAINING BLEURGH" Jo. As long as you're doing it, you're winning!
(Tony, I will give you a proper reply to your very much appreciated pep talk. Very sorry for the delay.)
And it's true, of course it's true. Nevertheless, I imagine I try less if I'm in the former state of mind, and therefore it will give less effect. But who am I to question myself? Bottom line: I just don't know, and that's killing me. I'm one of those who would rather die painlessly than to go through severe pain and maybe survive in a plane crash. Exactly: one of the Quitters. Might come as a surprise for some, but that's the truth.
That's it for now. I'm off to my classes where I learn nothing simply because I don't try hard enough.
x
If so, what do I do?
What the hell am I doing? If I don't sort out this knee now, I'm doomed for life. I'm doomed anyway of course, but I'd be ever more doomed. I do have a confession to make: I don't believe it will heal. Over 7 years now it's been bad, and I was 14 when it happened. Sure, I can remember games and trainings before that (particularly in the immediate time before) but other than that I really can't remember what it's like having a knee you don't have to worry about. And, yes, even if it does heal, I will always and forever have to worry about it - keeping up training etc. It is a life sentence.
I guess it's been stuck at a plateau now for a while, maybe because I'm not doing rehab right, or because that's just the way it goes, but either way it causes me to despair. Then again of course I have no choice but to continue. It's just one of those moments. The best advice I've had so far in this crap hole is this:
Your knee doesn't know any difference between happy training-loving Jo and "I FUCKING HATE THIS FUCKING TRAINING BLEURGH" Jo. As long as you're doing it, you're winning!
(Tony, I will give you a proper reply to your very much appreciated pep talk. Very sorry for the delay.)
And it's true, of course it's true. Nevertheless, I imagine I try less if I'm in the former state of mind, and therefore it will give less effect. But who am I to question myself? Bottom line: I just don't know, and that's killing me. I'm one of those who would rather die painlessly than to go through severe pain and maybe survive in a plane crash. Exactly: one of the Quitters. Might come as a surprise for some, but that's the truth.
That's it for now. I'm off to my classes where I learn nothing simply because I don't try hard enough.
x
12/04/2011
...
Did my run. Fail as always. But done.
3-4 km running + stations:
1. Hurdle jump front (3x 20); side (3x 10)
2. Sprints (high knees; karaoke; backwards running; accelerated sprint; turn sprint)
3. Stairs 3x 5
4. Jumps 3x 10
5. Sprints 30x 10 sec
Walked quite a bit of the way, and felt some pain during drills. But I'm counting it. Can't afford not to.
x
3-4 km running + stations:
1. Hurdle jump front (3x 20); side (3x 10)
2. Sprints (high knees; karaoke; backwards running; accelerated sprint; turn sprint)
3. Stairs 3x 5
4. Jumps 3x 10
5. Sprints 30x 10 sec
Walked quite a bit of the way, and felt some pain during drills. But I'm counting it. Can't afford not to.
x
12/03/2011
friday
More strength.
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (15 reps)
Leg curl: 3x 44 kg
Leg extension 3x 26 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg (bar)
Lunges on board: 5 kg/hand
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Bending: 4x
Calf raises: 3x 20
Knee is rather stiff and painful at the moment, probably because I'm sitting still a lot. Should try and do some mobility work I think. + Got one running session this weekend but it's pouring down. What to do? Hopefully it'll clear up, but otherwise I suppose the gym will have to do. Also I'm getting chubby. Quite an achievement when working out 4-5 a week. Only me. Bah.
x
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg (15 reps)
Leg curl: 3x 44 kg
Leg extension 3x 26 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg (bar)
Lunges on board: 5 kg/hand
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Bending: 4x
Calf raises: 3x 20
Knee is rather stiff and painful at the moment, probably because I'm sitting still a lot. Should try and do some mobility work I think. + Got one running session this weekend but it's pouring down. What to do? Hopefully it'll clear up, but otherwise I suppose the gym will have to do. Also I'm getting chubby. Quite an achievement when working out 4-5 a week. Only me. Bah.
x
12/01/2011
trying
Trying to get back in the game now. Something's happened in the last couple of weeks. I don't know if it's laziness, mental breakdown, or simply a normal slump, but something's wrong. Therefore, little by little I will attempt to find the spark again. Not overly confident but I don't have a choice.
Running: 5 km (28min 30sec)
5+5 mins cycling
x
Running: 5 km (28min 30sec)
5+5 mins cycling
x
strength
Wednesday's session was a standard strength one. I need to get back on track somehow, and therefore I'm pulling back on my ambitions a little (at least until CJ replies to my e-mail asking for a plan for the coming 2 months) and going back to his recommendations.
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg curl: 3x 44 kg
Leg extension: 3x 26 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg bar
Calf raises: 3x 10 / leg
Lunges on board: 3x 5 kg/hand /leg
Bending: 3x
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Need to sort myself out and find that inner strength before it's too late. In the midst of celebrations for my efforts, I forgot how far I still have to go. I'm only halfway there.
x
10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 75 kg
Leg curl: 3x 44 kg
Leg extension: 3x 26 kg
Squats: 3x 20 kg bar
Calf raises: 3x 10 / leg
Lunges on board: 3x 5 kg/hand /leg
Bending: 3x
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Need to sort myself out and find that inner strength before it's too late. In the midst of celebrations for my efforts, I forgot how far I still have to go. I'm only halfway there.
x
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