8/52

(Nothing excited happend for 7/52, I was on the turbo, that's it)

I had my last trip to the consultant yesterday. He said that I am 'doing well for 8 weeks' and that I can start to run again. No climbing yet. Climbing comes when running is fine and the legs nice and strong and happy with twisting and angles. I finally got my x-ray images too, that's my knee over there.

Physio today gave me some more exercises to get on with. Still trying to get the strength back in the poorly leg.

This evening I had my first run. It was 11 minutes and 20 seconds long, covering a massive 1.33Km. I have to run in as straight a line as possible, so watching me run is a bit like watching those turtle things you programmed at school. Surprisingly though the leg felt fine, and whilst I was really pensive about my first few steps they were fine and running wasnt a problem. Physically I felt like I could run longer, but I am going to be a good boy and keep it small distances. I'm not sure I have ever been this happy to do a pavement pounding recovery run.

More turbo action tomorrow. Plan is to alternate turbo and run nights, and then do the strength and range of motion exercises every night.

6/52

It's actually the 7th week, but I seem to be blogging a week late.

The brace came off this Monday (the 5th). So now the atrophy has finally stopped, and I'm working on building my leg back up again to full strength. I need to get the muscle built up again and also working on the extension and the flexion. All three of which have degraded over the last month and half.

Exercises: Still spinning out at least 40 mins on the bike every day. Squats (one and two leg). Lots of standing on one leg. I also have a few Bending and straightening exercises to get my full range of motion back.

I'm definitely getting stronger, but I still have a way to go. Comparing the circumferences of both thighs the top and middle of the right are 20mm larger then the left. Hopefully all the exercise and build that back into a matching pair.

Sleeping is a lot easier without the brace on too. I now don't have to wake up to roll over. It's also quicker to get comfy and actually get to sleep.

I can now shower again (without getting the brace soaked and having to wait a couple of hours for it to dry).

The other good news with not being in the brace is that I can wear all my clothes again. I now fit in all my trousers, and I'm not limited to just the two pairs.

I have another follow up with the consultant on the 19th. I can find out when I can run and climb again then. I'd also still like to know what the screw is made of and if I can have an MRI again. I should also get a copy of the x-rays too (if I remember to take my memory stick).

5/52

Not much to say for this week. I got my turbo trainer last Thursday and I've been spinning out 30-40 minutes a day on it. Turbos are boring, but it's good to be exercising again. I've missed doing cardio work!

Brace off on Monday, all being well....