September 29, 2010

A Bittersweet End

Today was my last day of physical therapy. These "last days" are always bittersweet. I'm happy and excited to be on my own, but it usually means I'm saying goodbye to new friends too. I walked into physical therapy with a bad attitude this time around. I had not expected to need PT after this last surgery. I wasn't anxious to give up hours of my week once again; but after one day of PT with this group, I was feeling motivated again. Leaving PT though, means that it's all up to me from here on out. I need to get to the gym on a regular basis and treat it like it's a required appointment.

The best part about physical therapy, this time around, is that I'm leaving with some confidence I didn't have before. My PT pushed me outside of my comfort zone, making me stand on wobbly foam while doing squats, snap kicks and side kicks. He added weight to the leg press when I didn't think I could take anymore, and I did. He made me do crazy one-legged squats while balancing on a crescent shaped piece of styrofoam; and while I initially was kind of cursing him for it, I can't think of a time when my leg was stronger. The visual difference in my muscle over just a few weeks is obvious. The way it feels makes it even more exciting. My leg truly feels good for the first time in a really long time.

I brought the guys a giant container of donut holes this morning as a "thank you." I'm feeling better than I have ever felt and I owe the new strength in my leg to them. Donut holes don't seem to be quite enough for what they've done for me.

We talked this morning about a game plan for heading back to karate and eventually tennis. The plan for now is to continue working out on my own and building up strength and confidence. Then I'm going to start doing some karate at home on my own, slowly, to get used to things again. Once I find time in my schedule again to make paying the monthly fee worth it, I'll go back on a gradual basis. My PT warned me against going in there all gang-busters and then messing something up. He doesn't need to worry about that. Caution is practically my middle name now. I need to give my bone sufficient time to heal from the hole that removing the screw made.

Graduating from PT this week was the boost I needed to make me feel like I'm getting somewhere. I have to say though, I'm really going to miss those guys. Randy and Brandon. . . thank you SO much. One of these days I'm going to buy you both a drink (or school you at beer pong, your choice). You helped me gain strength and confidence; and I consider you both friends.