Cleared to do whatever

Just wanted to share a happy moment, since I know you guys will be legitimately excited unlike my parents and friends here.

Had a doctor's appointment today. I'm 20 weeks post op, been out of the boot and in shoes for 6 weeks, and in Physical Therapy for 5 weeks.

Basically he palpated my ankle, had me move it around, and there was no pain. He then told me that I could (and should) start riding my bike around the neighborhood and if I wanted to, start swimming. The swimming I probably won't do, I'm not a great swimmer to begin with, but I'm excited to try biking again. he told me that as long as I could tolerate it, I can do whatever walking, etc I want to do. Which makes me so happy becuase that means I'm one step closer (hahaha, pun intended) to getting back to the mountains. My goal is do to the final leg of a charity hike for my camp on Memorial Day. 1.2 miles one way, cake. But it is a mountain.

I'm getting frustated though because my mind feels like I should be walking normal, and even with strong verbal cues I'm still limping. My ankle just can't bend the right way at the moment. I realize I'm being impatient, but it's hard. I don't want to hit a plateau or anything. just trying to stay strong with my therapy (I'm not great about doing the home stuff a lot of the time).

And I thought I'd leave you guys with a picture from one of my favorite mountains with one of my favorite quotes...so you all know what I love...(The picture is from July 2011)[img][/img]

That is marvelous news! I am soooooo happy for you!

That is a great picture! Don't get discouraged Liz. It's going to take some time. You're going to improve leaps and bounds before your hike in May. I know you're going to be there doing it. That's a great goal to set for yourself.

It's a gorgeous pic and such a meaningful quote. I think all of us here are in varying stages of our climb. This surgery and recovery has been such a life lesson for me. Mostly it stinks, but I think the best part is all the friends I've made (you all) and realizing how much giving and receiving support can contribute to recovery. Haha! We are our own "12 step" group. That'd be funny...make a list of all the "steps". Maybe they'd post it as a sticky note "over there".
Much love to you, Liz. You've come a long, long way from your "fall down and go boom" . I laughed out loud when I read where you wrote that the other day. Look out world! Here she comes!
xoxoxoxoxox
Rachel

P.S. Poor Peyton Manning. The mountain was not kind to him today.

Larry (my boyfriend) said that he must have had altitude sickness! haha