Recovery in weeks 3 and 4 (Feb 2018)
In the weeks surrounding returning to work, I did find it tiring in the afternoon. I was able to work from home for a reasonable period; it helps the sense of things returning to normal.
Trying to balance a laptop, having a bag of frozen peas (to reduce swelling) and laying flat as much as possible does get uncomfortable – be aware. The swelling is getting less and some mobility was returning. I am going out more for a walk around also.
Starting Physiotherapy (at last!!)
Physio day (at the One Hatfield hospital) was something I was really looking forward to. In the same week, the UK was being braced to abnormally cold weather. Very challenging journey indeed to the hospital!
Loiza was worried on the day to drive. The outside temperature was around -1 to -3 centigrade on the day but snow was very light. In my mind I was completely set on going and would have driven myself to get there. I say this because I had set my mind to get to this milestone- its where the expert can tell me if my recovery is going well and what i need to do to get better. Having stopped work at 2pm, we set off.
I have to say that just sitting in the car and going for a drive is something i really enjoyed.
We waited for the physio to arrive and sat with a coffee.
We met with the resident physio, Craig. He started by testing my strength, assessed flexibility. He then went over additional exercises. Examples for strength exercises are :
- Lying on the floor and lifting the leg up 6 inches and lowering slowly
- Tensing the Quads and pushing the knee down
- Bring the knee to your body
- Roll up a towel, rest under the knee and straighten the leg
- Stand up and hold a ball behind the knee and push the leg back
Craig said he was happy that I had been exercising- he could tell.
The final task was to walk and alternate the walking sticks – aiming to move me off 2 crutches and onto 1.
Having concluded the session, the task was to continue at home on a regular basis and get some core strength back.
Will I Run Again 