Summer's here! This little blogger likes to sit out on our deck and look at the ocean, imagining that I'm surfing. Time for an allograft update.
It's been four and a half months since the osteochondral allograft surgery. When Dr. Bugbee advised me that it would be up to a year before I would completely recover, and that's how long it takes for the graft to completely integrate, well, I just didn't think that time frame would apply to me.
There have been times during this past four and a half months that I wondered, "Why did I do this to myself"? Oh, the pain, the hard work, (did I mention the pain?) And then yesterday I had a big breakthrough.
I had my four month follow up with Dr. Bugbee last week. When the technician took the X-ray I asked her how she thought I was doing compared to other allograft patients given the time frame. "Great!" Said she. "A lot of folks are still on crutches at this point"
When the Doctor reviewed the X-rays, we looked at my new bone and cartilage together, and you can see it integrating and becoming a part of ME, where before there was major deterioration. Groovy!
Here's what I've been doing:
Bikram Yoga (90 minute heated to 105 degree room) 4 - 5 times a week
Range of Motion Exercises 6 times a week
Stationary Bike 15 - 30 minutes 5 times a week
Walking the dog 2 blocks a day
Physical Therapy Sessions which includes electro stimulation on quad 2 times a week
And:
I started keeping a journal of positive affirmations about six weeks ago. It's filled with all kinds of statements to myself about how I'm healing, what I'm doing, how I'm surfing, running, healthy etc. There is great power in thoughts and the written word.
One of my favorite: "The Healing Power Of The Universe Is Surging Through Me Now" I say, write, and think that thought hundreds of times during the day, go to bed with it at night and wake up with it in the morning.
A Belief Is Only A Thought I Keep Thinking. Why is that important? Because most of us say things to ourselves over and over, allow others around us and the media to put thoughts into our heads, and then wonder why we don't have what we want in our lives.
A Belief Is Only A Thought I Keep Thinking. Hey! I'm starting to believe that.
So here's my breakthrough:
Yesterday, I got on an elliptical trainer and worked out, worked up a sweat, felt like I was running, had full range of motion, and no pain. Prior to the surgery, this was something I could not do without immediate pain. I was astonished, amazed, happy, thrilled, elated, euphoric and almost couldn't believe how great it felt.
When I got off the elliptical trainer I reminded myself that The Healing Power Of The Universe Is Surging Through Me NOW! Simple really. Change your thoughts, change your life. The most exciting part: You get to pick from the buffet of life. What are you thinking? I'm thinking happy thoughts for you. Happy Trails!
