Twice crippled

Yesterday, February 17, 2013 marked two years since I was hit by a car while walking in a parking lot. As a result of the accident, I suffered an Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture and two weeks later I had Open Reduction Surgery to repair it. The surgery left me with a metal plate and 14 screws in my left leg. I spent months and months healing and rehabbing my leg.

At the time of the accident, I was actively working to kick obesity to the curb. I'd lost about 145 pounds, been working out faithfully, and I was in the best shape of my life. I was feeling really, really good. I was even training to run a half marathon that upcoming summer.

It's funny how in the blink of an eye things can change. I went from training for my first ever half marathon to rehabbing a fractured Tibia with no warning.

I'm grateful the accident didn't cause more damage. Though, I do sometimes wonder where I'd be physically if I weren't for the accident. Two years later, I'm able to perform all physical activities that I was able to perform pre-accident. I have to be more cautious doing some activities, but I can do most everything and I do most everything.

There have been two times in my life when I was crippled and unable to walk:

1. When I was weighed down by 388 pounds
2. When I was hit by a car and suffered a broken Tibia 

When I was crippled by the weight there was no desire to be physical activity. But, when my leg was fractured I had a burning desire to be active. Working out had become a huge part of my new life. Understandably, I was saddened, angry, and scared. Sad because my physical endurance was at it's peak. Angry because why me. Scared to think maybe my leg wouldn't heal and I wouldn't be able to walk or be active again.

After a  huge pity party with party favors included. I decided not to hang my head. Instead, with a positive attitude I put in the necessary work. My leg was broken, but not my spirit. So, I stayed active working out at the gym doing what I could do, going to physical therapy, and I even kept a social calendar. After six months of rehabbing I was able to resume most activities. And, in the midst of it all I lost 15 pounds!

Since I've been crippled twice in my life, I can appreciate the simple act of walking that much more. I will never, ever take the simple act of walking for granted. I walk because I can. I walk because it feels good. I walk because I remember when I couldn't walk and I so desperately wanted to. Now, when I put one foot in front of the other I realize how precious my steps are.

So, yesterday, to celebrate two-year post accident, I hit LaCamas Heritage Trail walking.

Happy knees

My grandmother use to say, "I'm no flim flam fool," but sometimes I certainly act like it. It's only been 6 1/2 months since having Open Reduction surgery to repair Tibial Plateau Fracture and I thought it would be a good idea to try and deadlift. Really? My trainer, Steve, was less than thrilled about the idea, but he knew from the look in my eye there was no stopping me. So he figured he should at least help me with my form and grip.

Well, my hard-headed, stubborn nature caused me to tweak my almost rehabbed leg/knee. For the last few days my leg has been really bothering me and my foot very swollen. Yesterday, I went to visit my Orthopedic doctor to tell him of my concerns.  Here's what I found out:

• I should NOT perform deadlifts, jumping jacks, jogging, or any motion that will jar my leg. Duh, I just underwent MAJOR leg/knee surgery. Steve is just saying "I told you so."
• Cycling is the best option for me it will keep my knees lubed and is the safest, best overall bang for my buck. Again, Steve is just saying "I told you so."
• As an alternative swimming would be another great form of exercise.
• Deadlifts are only good for football players. None of us common folk need to strengthen those particular muscle groups. Besides, he said most folks do them wrong.
• Dynamic workouts are okay for athletes, but most people overuse them and cause more damage than good. 
• Squats are overrated. No real reason to perform them.

As we closed our visit he advised me to stick with the cycling it creates "Happy knees."

Grateful

Crutchless

On February 17, 2011, as a pedestrian in a shopping mall parking lot I was hit by a car and suffered a fractured Tibia - Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture to be exact. On March 3, 2011, I underwent Open Reduction Internal Fixation surgery to repair the fracture. A metal plate was inserted in my leg to hold the repaired bone in place.

Today, marks 12 weeks from date of accident and 10 weeks post-op. At the time of the accident, I was devastated, frustrated, angry, fearful, sad. Amongst those feelings, however, I stayed grounded. I've refused to let my spirit be broken. I've managed for the most part to make the best of an unpleasant, unfortunate situation. Sure, I've had a few down moments, but mostly I've remained happy, optimistic, and joyous. I've continued on with my life -- business as usual. Attending social events, working out, running errands, and completing household chores.  In the midst of this all I've also lost weight and remained relatively fit.

When the accident first occured I had no idea how, why, and if I could get through this. After weeks of sitting still with myself, reflecting, I've become closer with myself. I've learned that I have a dynamic character. I'm strong, brave, fragile, fearful. My spirit shines brighter, my smile is bigger, and my heart is full of love and peace. I'm grateful.

Change of course

It’s funny how in a blink of an eye your life can change for better or worse. In split seconds, I went from training for my first ever half-marathon to being hit by a car while walking in a parking lot. Bang. I was transported by ambulance to the hospital to learn that I suffered an Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture.

After receiving the initial diagnosis from an ER visit, I met with an orthopedic surgeon last week.  He feels with the type of fracture I suffered and the type of active lifestyle I want to lead, Open Reduction Surgery is the best alternative. Bang. Restricted workouts. No marathon. Instead, I’ll spend the next 12 weeks recovering, rehabbing, and focusing on my diet.

Things certainly don’t always work out the way we plan. I’m a very organized person, a planner. With that said, I’ve learned the hard way on many occasions that my plan is not always, the plan. Believe you me -- I had no intention on rehabbing a fractured leg. For goodness’ sake, Megan was about to take my training to the next level; I was gaining momentum with my weight training; my jogging was coming along well; my physical endurance at its peak. Just as I’m stomping obesity down. Bam. Just like that. Sidelined. Curtailed.

Needless to say, this is a very difficult time for me. I have worked really, really hard to get to this level – physically. I am angry, sad, frustrated, and disappointed. Surely, these are all normal feelings to have after a derailment of this sort.

The course has changed. My spirit, however, remains intact. The will, determination, desire is still very much alive in me. The same fight that has propelled me to lose 155 lbs. will guide me through the recovery process too. Like legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, said: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."

Counting my blessings... 

1. It's only a broken leg
2. I’m not paralyzed
3. I’m relatively fit so that will aid in my quick, recovery
4. I am surrounded by awesome, positive, encouraging folks who want me to, and will help me succeed.

One sleep away…

Bulky temporary cast 

...From learning my prognosis. For some reason, I have no anxiety at all about tomorrow’s visit at the Fracture Clinic. Well, except we’re expecting snow in the area tonight and that could possibly make for a messy commute in the morning. Otherwise, I’m calm and peaceful and have this overall sense that everything is going to be just fine. The doctor will give me a once over, maybe even do another set of X-rays just to confirm the Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture is healing properly and thus rule out the need for surgery. They’ll replace my temporary cast with a new vibrant color fiberglass cast (I’m partial to purple) and send me on my way with a recovery plan. On prognosis eve, I am speaking my quick, painless recovery into existence.