Way to go Dave, again...

Wear it proudly.

Waahooo!

It's been over 3 months since I've seen the front wheel on a bike actually go around and around. But, today was my first adventure outdoors.

I took advantage of the nice weather to get out and ride my 20 mile out-and-back route.

The wind was out of the NE at about 9 mph, so I had a bit more work on the way out. I did see Gary G. and another rider heading back towards town as I was heading out. They were going much faster than I was, I think they could tell. Maybe it was all the finger-pointing, name-calling, and laughter.

Anyway, I didn't break anything. My lungs hurt, my right calf complained a bit, my left knee took awhile to warm up, and of course the right ankle made sure I wouldn't forget him throughout the ride.

But, I'm all smiles now...

Wed. 3/18/09

Well, I'm back on my feet again pretty much full time (with the occassional soreness breaks).

I continue riding indoors to help loosen things up and keep some muscle tone. My plan is to hit the open road after I return from vacation on April 6th.

We'll see then how I really feel.

But as of right now, I feel I'm about 85% of the way back.

I'll let you know how the first outdoor ride feels after it happens.

All clear...

I had my return appointment today. So, it was X-rays (this time some standing up ones) and then a visit by the residents and finally Dr. Cass.

After comparing the new x-rays to the previous ones, Dr. Cass indicated that everything is where it should be and it all looks very good.

He asked about how much weight I've been putting on it and then he tapped on the front of my shin to see if I felt any pain.

He said, I should start walking around the house (at first) without the boot and without crutches, but still wear the boot to work, until I'm feeling comfortable walking without it there as well.

He also said, I'm good to go and can ramp up my riding to as intense as I want (or can stand). Which in my case isn't too much, but it's better than sitting around all day.

So, my plan is to continue riding indoors for now and get outside once the roads clean up a bit or on the really nice days. Yeah, I've turned into a big wuss.

At least I'm back (sort of)...

Fri. 03/06/09

Feeling a bit better every day.

I have still been getting my 30 or so minutes of spinning each day and my right leg is looking a lot more normal (still got a ways to go).

I am working on the range of motion in my ankle and with my return appointment next Tuesday, I am hoping to progress to the next level.

I have been spending about 90% of my time on one crutch with the walking boot. So, we'll see how much healing I've done in the past three weeks.

I need to be crutch free and walking boot free by March 28th (vacation time)...

Keep your fingers crossed.

Tues. 2/25/09

Spinning, spinning, spinning.

I'm slowly getting back into a groove. I've been getting in around 30 to 45 minutes each day since last Wednesday and I can say it feels great.

There are plenty of new aches and pains, as I stretch, twist, and strengthen my right leg. But I think my Doctor would call this the "Good Pain".

My ankle has been stiff the last couple of days, but after my spin it seems to feel much better. So, I'm going to continue until my next appointment.

I'm still a bit nervious about putting too much weight on it, just yet.
I really don't want to prolong this, by re-breaking something...

But as of right now, I plan to be out on the road by the beginning of April (my wife may not agree, but then "that's another story").

I'm back...

I'm back in the saddle again.

Yep, that's right. I was given the Okie Dokie to start putting some weight back on my right leg. A little at a time and with the aid of my crutches. I also don't need to keep the aircast boot on while I sleep (yippie).

But (more importantly) I did get the green light to start some indoor spinning. So, Bill got me all setup in the basement and I actually rode for about 45 minutes today.

My right calf didn't like it too much and my ankle was real stiff, but I think that's to be expected. The part where I sit also complained a little... At least I can say I'm riding (somewhat) again.

The x-rays showed some pretty good healing, but there is still a ways to go before it's 100%. I have another return appointment on March 10 and I plan on having quite a few miles in by then...

So, now I expect to be a little sore in some other areas for a few days and then it's go time.

Work will be half-days still until the swelling (and tingling) is under control.

All in all a great day!!!

Sun. 02/15/09

Today is the 7 week anniversary of my last bike ride.

The butterfly bandages have all come off and the scar is looking pretty good (chicks dig scars). There is some scab on it yet, but most of it has come off with the bandages.

Work wasn't too bad last week, but sitting in the meetings with my foot down really made it tingle. It feels alot like it's falling asleep. I continue the half-days at least until my return appointment on Wednesday. After that, I hope that I can start putting some weight on it and getting some spinning in.

I need to get my ankle limbered up after all this, not to mention the recovery of all the muscle tone that I've lost in my right leg.

At least I'm sleeping better at night...

Sun. 2/8/09

Six weeks and counting...

I start back to work tomorrow afternoon. It will be interesting to see how I feel after all this laying around. But I am looking forward to getting back to active life.

After the nice warm days this weekend, I can only say "I wanna ride my bike".

Can't wait to get back in the saddle...

Sun. 2/1/09

Five weeks since my disaster.

My foot/ankle look pretty normal, except for some minor swelling (and the big scar down the outside of my ankle). Sleeping is getting better, I only got up once last night. But, this "no weight" detail is really getting old.

I am planning on going back to work starting on Feb 9th for half-days to see how that goes. So, I won't be bored out of my mind. Made a few day-trips to help break-up the days. Bill and I got up to see Marty, hard at work, a few days ago and we met Scott at Glynners for happy hour on Friday.

I haven't seen any emails from Big Jim, Big Jeff, and crew, so I guess everyone has decided to put their bikes up and wait for me to get better (that way we can all be out of shape together).

Can't wait for the Feb 18th appointment...