Reparo patella talus - suzyQlou blasts joint pain

[suzyQlou]

I figure I'll fix my sore knees and ankles this challenge the easy way - with a little magic.

 

Ok, so maybe it won't be that easy.  My knowledge about spells is way too spotty.  Even researching a challenge page shows me that Reparo only works on objects, not people.  Probably need some Episkey or Ferula, but I'm thinking it's dangerous to self-diagnose spells with google.  I'm liable to blow stuff up!

 

So, human goals this time around:

1.  Do the stupid, boring physical therapy exercises EVERY DAY.

2.  Keep weighing less to put less pressure on those joints.

3.  Do not give up on exercise outside of boring therapy stuff.

 

1.  Do the stupid, boring physical therapy exercises EVERY DAY.

This one is pretty self explanatory.  There's a handy dandy app my PT uses.  It lists 30 minutes of exercises I need to do.  I need to do them every day!  Form is super-important.  I need to pay attention to which muscles are supposed to be working, and make sure I'm making adjustments to target them.

 

2.  Keep weighing less to put less pressure on those joints.

I'm going to carry over two of my helpful weight loss goals from last challenge:

2a.  Roll the dice tracking.  I will roll a four-sided die every day.  If I roll a "one" I will track food in mfp.  Otherwise, I'll continue jotting it down less formally on paper.

2b.  Restaurant restraint.  This just means extra-special thinking about eating when I eat outside of home.  New this time...eat BEFORE going to any restaurant that will have zero healthy options.

 

3.  Do not give up on exercise outside of boring therapy stuff.

It's hard to fit the extra PT into my daily routine, but I CANNOT use my regular workout time to do that.  I need to continue three days each of cardio and strength per week.

 

Also, this challenge, I am excited to take part in the Miserable Yoga pvp.  If you haven't checked it out yet DO IT.  Misery loves company.   My first pose will be a supported headstand.  You have no idea how giddy I am to get started.  I am hoping to get my whole family involved, and it is going to be extremely easy to look miserable with this first pose!

 

 

 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following along.

[suzyQlou]

4 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Following along.

Good to see you.

 

Already tickled with Miserable Yoga.  My family cooperated and put together a nice little photo shoot of my supported headstand.  And my dear husband (bless his soul) helped get my feet up.  Once I was there I was fine (even if propped up against the wall).  It was the kicking up that was really scary.  I tried progression to handstand a while back, and it was the same odd feeling.  Handstands are still on my epic journey, but I haven't thought about them in a while.  It's nice to have a pvp kick me out of my comfort zone a little bit.  Can't wait to see what pose I roll next!

[suzyQlou]

I managed to start week off on the wrong foot for sure.  Pizza and a silly Memorial Day BBQ have my body in shock.  BUT I finally made it to the grocery store.  So we once again have fruit and veggies in the house.  Phew!

 

I missed my PT homework yesterday, but really enjoyed a family campfire instead.  Emotional health is important, too.  The campfire is one place my family gathers with no distractions and enjoys being together.

 

The challenge can only get better  

[suzyQlou]

Good thing for today.  I ran outside for a half mile and then finished cardio on the elliptical.  It's good because I tried running too far last week and re-hurt the ankle.  But it's also good because I'm not giving up on getting back outside this summer!  I also had a better PT session last night.  Friday's was discouraging because I was thrown at a bunch of different staff members and no one (including me) knew what I was supposed to be doing.  But last night, the therapist helped me fix my form on a couple of the exercises, and I feel like I'm making good progress again.

 

I feel like I need some positive vibes to keep me going, so I am resorting to last challenge's garden photo prize.  Happiness is having pink fluffy things grow in front of my house.

 

[Salinger]

Hey Suzy, the camp fire sounds incredible! SO lovely. and your pink flowers make me smile! Will be following along xx

[honeybadger]

Found you! You did tell me where to look   

Goals look good. It is important to take care of yourself with PT but also not lose sight of your long term goals. Just try not to be too hard on yourself if you need to adjust. 

[Elastigirl]

Yeah for pretty flowers and campfires

[honeybadger]

How's it going???

[suzyQlou]

On 5/31/2017 at 2:06 PM, Salinger said:

Hey Suzy, the camp fire sounds incredible! SO lovely. and your pink flowers make me smile! Will be following along xx

 

On 6/4/2017 at 4:36 PM, Elastigirl said:

Yeah for pretty flowers and campfires

Yep.  Flowers and fires  Maybe even Harry Potter style...

 

 

On 5/31/2017 at 6:01 PM, honeybadger said:

Found you! You did tell me where to look   

Goals look good. It is important to take care of yourself with PT but also not lose sight of your long term goals. Just try not to be too hard on yourself if you need to adjust. 

 

18 hours ago, honeybadger said:

How's it going???

 

Life's a little crazy with the kid's transition from school to summer.  I have to keep reminding myself summer will settle down into a looser routine.  But I also need to make sure my fitness goals fit INTO that new routine.  

 

The physical therapy seems like it's on the right track.  It gives me good soreness (I think).  I am trying to stay positive.  It's hard to look in the mirror while I'm doing some of these exercises.  In my head, I'm much stronger than the old lady in the mirror.  But I keep reminding myself that's WHY I'm doing the PT.  Sore knees and ankles have been preventing me from getting stronger, and this is all part of the journey.

 

Last week was rough for goals though.  I don't think I even want to break them down.  I still haven't figured out how to make a weekend workout stick, and eating out has been awful with multiple celebrations for end of school, getting together with family, and scout graduation.  So, I guess it's always possible to turn things around and start fresh.

 

 

[Salinger]

I might have to read Harry Potter again, so good! 

 

Yes i need to turn things around too, lets do it together ! x

[honeybadger]

Transitions are hard especially the school/summer one. You will find your routine and one tha t works for where you are at. Remember that PT is an important step toward getting to a stronger healthier you. Chronic pain and injury are nothing to fool with. 

 

There is always time to turn things around or revise your goals if you need to. You got this!!!

[suzyQlou]

On 6/6/2017 at 1:48 PM, Salinger said:

I might have to read Harry Potter again, so good! 

Yes i need to turn things around too, lets do it together ! x

Yay!  Company.

 

On 6/7/2017 at 9:51 PM, honeybadger said:

Transitions are hard especially the school/summer one. You will find your routine and one tha t works for where you are at. Remember that PT is an important step toward getting to a stronger healthier you. Chronic pain and injury are nothing to fool with. 

There is always time to turn things around or revise your goals if you need to. You got this!!!

Ah, thanks.  Just the encouragement I needed.  You're the best!

 

Luckily HP lends itself to a bit of drama.  It's been kinda rough this week.  I expected the PT to be boring.  I expected to drag myself through it because it was good for me.  I did not expect to be sore every single day.  The kind of sore where I have to ice my knees and drag myself out of bed.  The kind of sore where I have to crawl up the stairs at the end of the day.  This is the kind of sore people get when they are running marathons or dueling with black magic.  I am so ready to get past the sore and get to the strong!

 

 

[Elastigirl]

Oh, I'm sorry that sounds rough. Have you told the PT people about that? I've never done PT, so I don't know, but I'm wondering if it's supposed to be that sore.

[honeybadger]

The road to strong is paved with sore!

you will get to a point when you look back at this week and think "look at where I am...I have come so far!"

[suzyQlou]

On 6/9/2017 at 0:24 PM, Elastigirl said:

Oh, I'm sorry that sounds rough. Have you told the PT people about that? I've never done PT, so I don't know, but I'm wondering if it's supposed to be that sore.

I like to think I'm honest with the PT folks.  They do ask how I'm doing, and adjust exercises if they feel the bad kind of sore.  Partly, I'm just over-dramatic.  Partly, I really needed a weekend of recovery after going in to the office three days a week.  And partly, I need to stop comparing this PT experience to the one I had five years ago.  Five years ago, I ended up getting a cortisone shot in the knees...and none of the exercises really hurt or helped.

 

On 6/9/2017 at 11:00 PM, honeybadger said:

The road to strong is paved with sore!

you will get to a point when you look back at this week and think "look at where I am...I have come so far!"

Yes!  I do feel like that this week.  Last week, we added squats and lunges to my session.  I used to do those all the time at home, but had pretty much dropped them (or just dabbled in them) because they hurt.  This week, I can do them again.  And I'm doing them with the right form that targets the right muscles.  Who knows.  Maybe I'll live to squat 100 pounds again someday  .

 

Weekly roundup is ok.  I need to focus more on the positive.  Oh, and eat better.

1.  Do the stupid, boring physical therapy exercises EVERY DAY.  6/7.  Not bad.

2.  Keep weighing less to put less pressure on those joints.  The scale is ugly this week.  I have been tracking on the dice, but not planning well.

3.  Do not give up on exercise outside of boring therapy stuff.  6/6.  Yes...even got to the weekend workout.  Yay!

 

One positive thing:

Took the kids to the pool two days in a row.  Yay for summertime!  And double-yay for the 10 minutes of "adult swim" time when the lifeguards kick the kids out of the pool  

 

[suzyQlou]

Positive thing of the day:

Went for two quick little bike rides with the kids.  Love getting out with them, and hope the summer has many more in store for us.

 

Oh, and positive thing #2:

Limited myself to one cinnamon roll.  Seriously, my son got it in his head to make cinnamon rolls yesterday.  He (randomly?) picked a fancy recipe from foodandwine.com .  It took all day for him to make them...but he did it.  And they looked, smelled, and tasted delish!

[Elastigirl]

That's so cool that your son made cinnamon rolls

[honeybadger]

Sounds like you had a really good week! Totally Rangered! You are selling yourself short. 

 

I love that that your son found a recipe and followed through with making yummy treats! That's awesome, as was your willpower. 

[suzyQlou]

15 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

That's so cool that your son made cinnamon rolls

 

14 hours ago, honeybadger said:

Sounds like you had a really good week! Totally Rangered! You are selling yourself short. 

 

I love that that your son found a recipe and followed through with making yummy treats! That's awesome, as was your willpower. 

Mmmmm dessert.  It really was a treat to have a kid do something productive with his time.  He and his dad have started watching old episodes of Iron Chef together.  I am thinking I will be able to hang up my apron one of these days.

 

Positive thing for the day:

Ran (ok, jogged) on the treadmill yesterday at PT.  Looks like I'll be finishing up soon because I'm starting to meet my goals.  That's good news for the body, free time, and pocketbook.  I do feel the difference.  Ankles are stronger.  Glutes and hamstrings are stronger.  Hips are stretchier.  Knees are bendier.  So I'll probably finish up next week.  Then comes the tricky part.  I have to walk away with a plan to stay on track.

[Terra]

Why am I just now finding your challenge!?!?!?  Love your theme! 

 

Sounds like you have had good luck with the PT and staying on track with the exercises after the PT sessions are complete is hard, but totally worthwhile!  

 

 

[Emerald_Dragonfly]

On 6/13/2017 at 0:12 PM, suzyQlou said:

  Maybe I'll live to squat 100 pounds again someday  .

You will - you are smart and determined.  If you want it, you will get it. 

 

4 hours ago, suzyQlou said:

 

Positive thing for the day:

Ran (ok, jogged) on the treadmill yesterday at PT.  Looks like I'll be finishing up soon because I'm starting to meet my goals.  That's good news for the body, free time, and pocketbook.  I do feel the difference.  Ankles are stronger.  Glutes and hamstrings are stronger.  Hips are stretchier.  Knees are bendier.  So I'll probably finish up next week.  Then comes the tricky part.  I have to walk away with a plan to stay on track.

Will the PT help with that?

I'm glad to hear that it is working - that is excellent news!

[honeybadger]

6 hours ago, suzyQlou said:

.  I have to walk away with a plan to stay on track.

Start thinking about a plan now! Ask PT people to help. Then let us know so we can harass cheer you on. 

[honeybadger]

How's it going? Ready to finish the challenge strong?!

[suzyQlou]

17 hours ago, honeybadger said:

How's it going? Ready to finish the challenge strong?!

Oops.  I've kind of lost sight of this challenge.  It has been a good week since I checked in last.  I'm claiming victory on good eating choices.  We baked up a storm this week for a cub scout event...and I enjoyed sampling some goodies.  I did NOT not go overboard on indulgence.  I'm building up my running distance a little bit at a time, and have my final PT appointment tonight.  So, it's all good!  I just need to organize my time to check in better before the challenge is *poof* over.