Maybe Me Medoc. Maybe?

Boo! Scary scarry pic.

12 Weeks post surgery or 3 months for your minimalists. The surgeon tested out my strut assembly and wheel alignment at week 11. He was extremely pleased with my results to date and showed off my range of motion to a medical student. The med student did a fair job faking extreme interest. I went into this appointment hoping for the green light to begin a modest run/walk program. The doctor encouraged me: not to be an idiot. I can start at the four month mark. August 4th by my math. On that day I will open up the throttle and after a 1 mile walking warm up I plan to explode back into running by run/walking (2 minute run: 5 minute walk, repeat x 3) for an entire mile. I am positive I will need some kind of new equipment to help me accomplish such a blistering pace. I plan to start searching at Bull City running for frill soon.

12 weeks post surgery.

Edited full moon.

Starting on the 4th gives me 10 weeks to get ready for the Medoc 10 miler, 12 weeks for the Spinx 1/2 marathon. I have charted, cutted, pasted, xcelled, divined, and searched the stars to determine that I will definitely be able to probably finish. Just like Sex Panther cologne. "They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works everytime." Medoc fits well as a comeback. I ran the marathon option near the peak of my fitness last year. 

Stolen from Tar River Running Company

My A goal was 9 min miles for an easy under 4 hour finish. Very fast for a trail marathon for me. I was on track at the halfway point, but at mile 14 I had a blood sugar crash. Caught up in the race, I missed consuming 2 gels at the one hour and 1.5 hour mark. I became confused and ran off the course, struck a tree and finally realized I was in jeopardy. My blood sugar was 29. A new record for me. A reading that low is rather dangerous. A victim can convulse, lose consciousness, or die with numbers not much further south. And it is exhausting. Medoc encourages runners to pick a trail name to be printed on there number. A quark of fate, I had picked HypoHazard. My friend and personal medic of the day Tony Bennett, dropped me extra gels when he passed and ascertained that like Gloria Gaynor I would survive. I sat on a stump and consumed 6 gels, near 150 carbs (more than I generally consume in an entire day). After a 35 minute furlough I fought my way through the last 12 miles. I managed to continue forward with Scott Lynch for awhile and Jim Wei distracted me through the worst of the miles. I managed to finish under 5 hours, but was physically demolished. I had to rest for an hour in my car before I could manage the drive home. 


This is Medoc's 5 year anniversary and the 10 mile option sounds like a great way to get my feet wet (hopefully with perspiration or a stream, not blood and gore). And after last year's debacle and missed goal, merely finishing this year would be a triumph. My best case scenario; not to be passed by any Marathoners. I am talking to you Dan Bedard. If I am lapped I am not above piggy-backing, or tripping and hair-pulling. My physical therapist thinks its doable, but just. I am not too worried I think MEDOC used to practice medicine.

I promise a race review as I return my focus to running, because everyone wants more running blogs to read. Until then, 12 week symptom check: 158 lbs, still swelling after weight bearing, scar tissue moderate, still entirely numb over the malleolus, peroneal brevis sore, lots of popping in foot, realistic amounts of pain in the peroneals. Walking up to 3.5 miles currently (barefoot), 45 minutes on the elliptical, getting better at standing on my hands when using a door for balance. My attitude is more positive. I made a training plan for both Medoc and Spinx 1/2 today! Calf size discrepancy still noticeable to me, but when I leave the house children are no longer laughing and pointing.


As of this publishing Medoc has sold out the 10 miler, 81% full for the marathon. Go sign up. This is one of the acorn capital area's best. Medoc trail marathon 2012.




diatribeTwentyone

Ellipticals and Rubber bands

8 weeks. 

8 through 10 weeks post surgical repair. I started this blog to detail my journey from average couch potato to T1 diabetic to oldest Olympic bronze medal winner. I did not choose gold. I am humble and not deluded, a realist and I think you should be honest with yourself. The gold would come with too much press and I value a little privacy. And silver just does't compliment my complexion well. Bronze really highlights my sun spots and the gentle lines at the corner of my eyes. I was also motivated to prove that any hardship can be powered through with brute determination and an iron will. I was very surprised that this was not an original idea. More than 80% of runners use running to deal with some sort of hardship. (I just made that number up and there is very little my old school newspaper editor can do about it.) And they all focus their determination into moving on, through, or over their personal obstacles. I have run with bypass patients, ex-heart attacks, cancer survivors, griever's of lost loved ones, partial amputees, formerly overweight, presently overweight, recently divorced, fighting addictions, and many other general casualties of life. Everyone is dealing with something and most of its major. Instead of inspiring the unfortunates with my limitless pluckiness, I found that I had joined a mobile support group. I have been inspired by some really special people over my 3 year distance career.

We shared my bed for 2 weeks. It's not me, It's you.
Goodbye boot.

The last month of recovery has been very hard on me. My genes are good friends with low grade depression and my chromosomes only encourage the bastards. One month after starting this blog, I was recounting more physiology than race reviews. I really miss the interaction with the 7 or 8 running clubs, groups, and loosely confederated crazies I was drafting off of on the roads and trails. I have substituted other exercises and stayed in pretty good shape. My upper body has benefited from some attention and my running crafted bulimic nervosa, heroin junkie on a fast body build has morphed into a bulkier well balanced golfer type physique. I am no longer able to get into the movies on a child's ticket. But nothing replaces the joy an hour's worth of Umstead's Company Mill trail provided or the camaraderie of an insanely early Saturday morning jaunt with the Galloways. But at 10 weeks out now and although my reserves have been drained, I hope I am well past the half way point toward my first post op run. I am casting off my funk and focusing on the near future. I wanted to be honest about this recovery as I linked to the Runner's World forum on peroneal repair and tens of people maybe following. I found a lot of information on people getting ready for surgery and some on people fully recovered 18 months later, but very little on the middle. I have found this part to be the most challenging. I have a scarlet letter number (a 26.2) tattooed onto a sad little calf. That irony describes this time perfectly.

The ministry of silly walks.

If my recovery was portrayed cinematically, (and full disclosure, I am in late stage negotiations with the home shopping network for my own reality series) these weeks would be blurred together with a Kanye West's  Stronger or maybe Corey Hart's Sunglasses at Night montage as I drank eggs, ran up escalators, and waxed on and off Mr. Miaggi's old jalopys. We really should develop better recovery technology. I have been closely monitoring TV, but have yet found a pill that will make your ankle solid for more than 4 hours. In reality, my day to day progress could be measured with a caliper. Even though, I am very far ahead of the typical post surgery timeline, I keep comparing my status with last year's abilities. At this juncture I am walking barefoot (thickening up the skin) up to 2.5 miles every 2 to 3 days and cross training with weights and the elliptical. The ankle swelling is pretty severe after the walk or just standing for 8-10 hours, but recedes within 48 hours. Strangely, the limited weight bearing of the elliptical has a positive effect on ankle bloat. I have been able to peak my heart rate at 90% of max.

I have my next Orthopedic meeting in 5 days. I would love to get the green light for a run/walk program. I am signed up for the Spinx 1/2 October 27. I would love to do the 10 miler at Medoc two weeks before the 1/2. Its hard for me to fathom completing those distances when walking a 5k results in a major cankle. For now, I am evaluating pillow balancing on 1 leg against stretchy band wrestling as my final Olympic discipline.

10 weeks. 

diatribeTwenty

This way to accessible adventures

Membership has its privileged.

Week 5. When the going gets tough the debilitated bug out to California. Over the last week, my careening gate improved enough to surpass the fine tuned surefooted balance of a baby giraffe. We applied the standard COPS field sobriety test to scientifically evaluate my abilities and my wife affirmed my travel visa for a road trip. We had purchased non-refundable airline tickets some months ago. I remain convinced that travel insurance is a government/big business/Freemasonry conspiracy. Or could be I am very slightly economical cheapish. Travel insurance will run you the same price as a new pair of Newton's Gravity series kicks. I prefer to cover the risks myself and buy the shoes. It would have been a travesty to exchange the pre-paid trip for a week's worth of Judge Judy and Jerry Springer episodes. I had to break out of my cell house. So, I pitched the adventure as the proof I needed to convince the doctors to sign my work release papers. They cleared me for any movement in the boot to pain tolerance. I posited if my brevis could drive 5 hours a day and waddle through tourist traps and picturesque trails, my tendon was ready to carry me back to work. With the mobile boot replacing the cast, I wanted to test the mobile part. And true dat homes, my west coast hip hop skills were in decline. Some true chillin in Compton (or safer and more handicap accessible areas nearby)was just what I needed. 

My most ill advised adventure of the trip. Water runs uphill? Magnetism is reversed? Laws of Gravity are suspended?
Morons with bad ankles lose their mind?

Guess which one my boot resembles?
Hint: Its very itchy, smells funny,
 and is NOT attractive. It may have given
me a rash.

In the week following the cast removal and preceding our flight, I increased my long walk limp up to 2.5 miles at a blistering 2.1 mph pace. The boot really improved my mobility and started to engage some of the lower leg muscles, but kept the ankle securely locked into a stationary position. I was directed to sleep in the 9 lb aggravation until my next appointment. The velcro neoprene monstrosity is as large as a small person and made my bed look like a Fleetwood Mac Rolling Stone cover. And its probably just as sanitary. My right leg was bulking up from all of the one leg hopping bathroom drills. But the wonderful perks! I was issued a temporary passport to the glamorous and privileged lifestyle of those requiring additional time to board. With a boot, small limp, and a brave face I copied from Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol Delta twice waived their $40 seat change fees, moving us up to the bulkhead seats. California Vehicle Code Section 22511.5(b)allows out-of-state handicap placards to be used for parking and the state parks had more reserved parking then my Orthopedic's office. And to top it off, every third person we passed on every trail we attempted let me know I was "awesome bro."

Number 1 cause of injury in a Redwood forest, slipping on a banana slug. Watch your footing.

 RICE (Redwoods, Inclines, Climbing, Elevations)?

We flew into Portland, OR and drove south 1200 miles down 101 and 1 past
Monterey. We hiked Oregon waterfalls, the ancient forests in Humboldt and Redwood state parks, the streets of San Francisco and the coastal beaches near Big Sur. I conquered 2 hotel stationary bikes, an elliptical, and 2 weight rooms. I survived the drunk hillbilly engineered gravity house at confusion hill. By day 3, my ankle doubled in size and developed a slight attitude problem. I fully tested the reclining capabilities of a Nissan Maxima's passenger seat and my foot waved to every commuter from its permanent perch on the dashboard. The medical compression wraps from the doctor's office irritated my skin, so I modeled 4 1/2 pairs of Penny's knee high socks one at a time. Light purple with white stripes were my personal favorite and illicit the most whistles. Hotel ice machines and nightly elevation proved my magic bullet, returning my ankle to near normal by most mornings. Distracted by my surroundings, I engaged the tendon numerous times when I failed to watch my footing. The metal side supports performed their job admiringly, limiting the tendon's rebuke to brief shooting pains and glistening eyes I ingeniously blamed on allergies.

San Francisco: All courteousness suspended when the cable car is full.

Luckily, now able to get my leg wet.

The physical exertions were beyond my abilities, but it felt great pushing the envelope again. The gambit paid off, 2 days after our return and careful resting I was able to talk the surgeon into green lighting my return to work 3 weeks early. We retired the boot and now at 6 weeks I am in a removable air cast. The tendon should be knitted together by now, although very fragile. The white coats insisted on another week for me to get the lower leg muscles out of their state of atrophy. I return May 29. Physical therapy starts in 3 weeks. After I regain the ability to invert the joint, running will finally be on the near horizon. I can elliptical now with just the air cast/brace. It allows full ROM (range of motion) forward and reverse, but refuses inversion. I managed 32 minutes yesterday, but the resulting swelling is impressive. From my research I will be battling inflammation for 2-3 years. Its still too early to reap the rewards. I am very much worse off than before the surgery mobility wise, but I am finally starting to see the hint of the benefits. My challenge will be not overreaching. To distract myself with a goal (and because everyone else is doing it) I am playing with a barefoot return. I have started walking feet naked on the sidewalks too toughen up the skin on my soles. When I finally get to running, its going to be a slow climb back. What better way to adopt a new style that might take some of the force out of my foot strikes and baby my newly constructed limb. Besides I am intrigued by AC reinventing himself with a new running style, envious of BF Josh's speed, and I want to one up Der Scott's running everywhere in bedroom slippers (maybe I will try flip-flops and a bathrobe).

"Stumpy" and the bottom of a Redwood.

65 degree stupidity.

Present status. Scar looks great. Even the tattoo knitted up well. I was secretly hoping for at least a little gore to impress people with. Effort results in some pain the following day (3.5-5 on a 10 scale) and semi-impressive swelling (I think this is slowly improving). ROM is 85% gas pedal motion, 15% side to side. Sleep is 27 times better in the small air cast. Calf size is still very reduced, maybe by 33%. Tib anterior is overtaxed and sore from covering the peroneal's job. A lot of tension built up in the glutes, IT band, and quads on that side. I am going to start rolling again to address these issues, with my increased mobility. Now that I can address blood sugar issues with limited cardio, I can finally begin to reintroduce a higher carbohydrate diet. Blood sugars remain in good control. To date, I am down 5 lbs probably due to the decreased insulin and low carb. My upper body is larger and my core is massively improved as all of my exercise has been free weights or core based. Waist size is down 1.5 inches. My lower body is definitely reduced from the 40 miles per week days. RICE (rest ice compression elevation) approach results are noticeable now. If you have this surgery, week 5-6 looks to be the beginning of the beginning. I am tentatively considering running the Spinx half-marathon with my mom at the end of October if she will wait for me at the finish. The surgeon says its possible if I run it to finish. I would love to Galloway it in. It will be on the best case side of possibilities for me. The 4 hour finish time limit should allow me enough time to moon walk it in if my ankle can't make it. I would love to return this to a running blog. Still hoping for a marathon return to Umstead 2013.

This way to accessible adventures.

Where there's a will there's an accident.

Recovery, finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

Common sense trail.

Safer modes of transportation. But, Sally is not famous for sharing.

diatribeNineteen

Cast off!

Half  Flowbee half Jaws of Life. It did get warm, but as promised no  blood.

My peroneal brevis repair one month review finds me a bit tired of everything and very aware of the passage of time. In a word, I am a malcontent. The European Journal of Social Psychology suggests it takes an average 66 days to create a habit. Added to more than a months rest before the operation I fear my running addiction is broken by definition. My mood is not helped by my murky understanding of my recovery timeline. Everyone heals differently and the surgeons have radically different approaches to rehabilitation. Can I start to run at 3 months out? 6? 9? Icelandic Hákarl cures for 4-5 months after fermentation. If rotten shark is ready after 120 days, why not my rotten tendon? I have challenged this process at every step, pushing to the edge of my limits. Early out of open splint, early out of cast, early into boot. With this much focused exertion I expect a sub 3:30 marathon. My best efforts, to date, have yielded me a time to my mailbox that I suspect puts me slightly ahead of my Grandmother. Unfortunately, at 83 she is not in my age bracket.

What, me worry?

Butter side up. My cast is past. I wore this  accoutrement for a mere 3 weeks, yet I soon hated it more than Häagen-Dazs hates vegetables. The persecution incited by accumulated skin cells, dried sweat, goat hair, and lost spatula pieces was finally soothed after a terrifying medical encounter performed with what I am sure was a Sawzall. The crazed mechanized saw wielder assured me that the razor sharp, titanium, diamond encrusted alternating blades were perfectly safe. They will apparently cut through fiberglass, sheet metal, and concrete, but remain safe for cheese cloth, wet Klenex, and human skin. The fiberglass shell was sawed off in L shaped cuts and discarded. Then the gauze and filler were scissored away with a straight center cut. Just like that, my desperate skin was reintroduced to fresh air. The nurse did not allow me to bring the steel wool and sandpaper I attempted to smuggle into the cast room. Otherwise, the following scratching was the height of pleasure. 

26.2% less muscle. With the muscle tone of an 11 year old girl, my left leg is no longer able to
attend rated R movies unchaperoned. 

Swelling was within parameters, but apparent. The wound itself looked a bit chunky to me, but its hard to tell what is under the scabbing. It is dry and shows no sign of infection or complication. The steri-strips are to remain on until they fall off. The Franken-boot has been replaced by a Robo-boot that is only to be removed while bathing. It turns out that sleeping with a cement block styled 8 lb rig on your leg is just as comfortable as orthodontia and slightly more convenient than changing your cable company. My calf is no where to be found and combined with the swollen ankle makes my leg look like a stick hangman drawing. The Hermes tattoo looks surprisingly good. Maybe a bit molted. My weight is stable. Lost 3/4 of an inch on the calf. Gained 1/2 in around the ankle measuring just above the malleolus. Blood sugars still controlled with core and upper body work in concert with low carb diet. Just had my physical and posted a 5.3 A1c.

If you peer closely you may be able to see the stink in this picture of a
four week unwashed ankle. Here the  iodine stain is still present
immediately following cast removal.

I am very excited to get back to some kind of cardio that does not involve sit-up, free weights, pull-up circuits. I am cleared for the bike, elliptical, and to a lesser extent hobbling as long as I wear the gear. The boot keeps the ankle anchored and completely immobile. I have already tried a stationary bike, but am experiencing some issues with atrophy (which I will dispatch with shortly) and clanging my size 16 E medical cowboy boot on the frame occasionally. I am still not cleared for work, but am remaining positive about a quick restoration. My next appointment is May 23 where I expect to be placed in a smaller, more mobile brace. I have airline tickets for a previous to surgery planned California road trip that my wife deems too dangerous. I have one week to prove myself not too wobbly. Successful completion of that adventure and rehabbing on the hotel exercise equipment should bolster my case and get my return to work release papers signed by the surgeon. Fingers Xd. I have abandoned all running magazines, blogs, races while condemned to the cast. I hope to catch up as I read through my upcoming bootcersizes. I miss the crazies. I miss all of you wonderful crazies.

4 weeks post surgery. Swelling and degeneration comparison.

diatribeEighteen

Ban-itch-ment

Violation of post op care. Exhibit A.

Tendon repair + 3 weeks. Pain continues to decrease. At this juncture my range of motion encompasses the full allowance of my rapidly decaying cast. I can now flex up and down about 1.5 inches. My wincibility factor still edges up to 7 whenever my peroneal's have a chance to fire. This usually happens when my balance is challenged and the muscle tightens in futile response. My mobility continues to improve in spite of my fiberglass cage. I have mastered der Scott's no arm crutches technique and am showing great promise as a fledgling hobbler sans crutches. Most mornings, cramps from the surrounding imprisoned muscles issue a rude reveille that last till taps.

Weapons of mass destruction.

The last 7 days widened the cracks in my sanity along with the gap between withered calf and cast. If the itching would take on a human aspect for just a brief moment, I would kick the cojones, tweek the nose, and apply liberal purple nurples with glee. I have renounced Benedryl in favor of more substantial remedies. The post surgical instructions insist that nothing be inserted into the cast. Sage advice that I strictly followed for over 96 hours. As the maddening itch increased, my adherence weakened. After careful rereading, I followed the instruction to the letter. I have never inserted nothing into the wretched boot. I may have inserted a 12 inch screwdriver, electric taped molding, 2 mixing spatulas, a paint stirrer, a belt, and maybe my hand up to the elbow.

New car goat smell.

A mixing spatula will gently massage the skin without ill effect if used delicately and with some reservation. I was very careful with my first exploration. My manic laughter and expletives did not bring the police, but I am sure I woke up more than half of the neighborhood wildlife when I plunged my spatula Excalibur into the heart of my calf's scaly dragon itch. I continued carefully scratching for a brief 2 or 3 hours. When my arm finally tired, I retracted my makeshift sword to discover my weapon significantly reduced. I managed to dig a 2 inch chunk out with the hilt, but found a nickel sized piece remained behind. The cast away piece laughed at my best efforts to dislodge it and hid within the layered mysteries of my cast. I slept and prepared my best excuses for an impromptu doctors visit. When I awoke I felt the wayward rubber embedded onto my heal. Ever seen a cat with tape on it's paws? 

Today's special. Really fresh goat cheese omelet.

Before surrendering to the white coats, my wife and I attempted a home extraction. As temptress and mastermind of the cake batter spatula caper, she was judged responsible. After valiant attempts with a leather belt, a wooden spoon, and telekinesis failed we escalated to the garage. After some close calls and no small amount of carnage we successfully dislodged the menace to the bottom of my foot. A few swift kicks to the kitchen chair and voila; shrapnel expelled, co-pay avoided.

Post-Impressionist. Still has both ears.

To protect the leg, pale the itch and preserve the marriage I accepted my sister's invitation to her relaxing mountain retreat. The 4 hour journey, a trial run to offer 1 proof of function to my doctor and my work's return requirements. I arrived, but barely, the trip proven to be at the outer arc of my limits. Presently I am not allowed to sweat, invert, evert, or get the fiberglass wet. Enter my niece, nephew, chocolate lab, cat, rooster, 3 goats, stairs, gravel drive, no central AC and sudden mountain rain showers, but NO spatulas. I don't know if this was very ambitious or a little stupid, but it turned out to be a great way to distract THE Itchies and blow some of the stink off of my attitude. I narrowly avoided animal pee of several species, goat grazing and the inadvertent crushing of any baby chicks in the living room with Frankenfoot. And had a great time visiting with my family.


In my two and a half day 1 leg odyssey I gorged on the delicious home cooked organic fare that my sister feeds her family. Her emphasis on natural proteins and vegetables nicely complimented my own diabetic diet. A welcome respite from the temptations of my carbohydrate crazed companion at home, as I no longer generate the cardio required to burn pizza, Lucky Charms, and popcorn. An unexplained hypo prevented me from an exciting trip to town for 4 new baby chicks. Need a little more research, but I believe the altitude knocked my insulin needs down by 30%. A 9 mph gator drive, complete with goat escort, left me longing for my trail shoes. There is a Grandfather Mountain Marathon reminiscent road right at the foot of my sisters mountain driveway that runs all the way into the next county. After several shellackings from close family (read vicious  competitors), I knew that Mario Cart practice would henceforth be replacing my daily General Hospital window. As a parting gift my cast was adorned with original works and signed by the artists, my niece and nephew. The most controversial piece, a daring modern take on racism, the environment, wealth distribution, and the waning of religion in a post-global economy by my nephew titled: Alligator in the bathtub. Wish I could get in a bath without a trashcan liner tied around my leg! Thanks for a great visit S. I had a blast.

Alligator in the bathtub. A sharpie sketch on fiberglass.

diatribeSeventeen

Report from the Funny Farm

"O snap"

Hate to have his co-pay. 

Day 16 post tendon repair. I thought I would recap the two week status. This is boring stuff, I've lost my staff photographer back to work and I am not above sprinkling in cute animal pictures. I had planned on my return to work yesterday at the onset of this adventure. The surgeon indicated 2 weeks or 3 on the outside for returning to the 


old grind. After the surgery my HR department forwarded me a return to work release. My job requires mobility and the ability to lift heavy machine parts while repairing broken behemoths. The work release is very specific on the criteria needed to return and, at the moment I don't measure up. I will not write towards specifics regarding my company on the internet without clearance, but suffice to say that the inability to get wet is a major strike against my return. Since the cast has to stay dry, rain is now a job hazard. I am weight lifting a lot, 2 days on 2 days off, upper body which I hope will help me overcome some of the mobility requirements. Of course, I am not allowed to sweat so the reps are 5 minutes apart. 

This whole experience has been bull *%#@

I hate being grounded

 I plan to pressure the doctor at my next appointment for the quickest return possible. I have been employed on and off since I was 12 and continuously since 15, excluding a brief year at college where I subsisted on college loans and Ramon Noodles. I am not cut out for this much slacking. If I could work in the yard or elliptical or even bike I would really enjoy this break. Just, please,  let me outside. Although, I imagine biking or kayaking probably negates your disability status. I had planned on making the dangerous trek to the grocery store today, but mother nature intervened with some showers so instead I shall dine on all of the mustard and jello left in the fridge. 

This cast is making me prickly.

Even an old goat can have trouble on trails.

Pain levels are great. Less than 3 winces per day now, usually when I first put my weight on the leg. Some cramping has started, mostly in the calf which I fear has all of the tone of a spaghetti noodle now. Angel Hair. A deep ache in 


the tendon area remains whenever I am out of the prone position. Fatigue levels are almost normal after 2 weeks. I am having trouble falling asleep, but I think that may be from the horrifying itching. Benedryl remains the only medication, other than insulin, I still need occasionally. Blood sugars are trending way better than I anticipated, but I continue maintaining a very low carb diet. My total daily dose of insulin is down 30%. Total daily carbohydrates under 75. That is less than 90 milliliters of Aunt Jemima syrup. I miss you most of all Aunt J. Some depression, but light. I think the loss of cardio and endorphins play an equal role with loss of mobility. So far, I think I remain ahead of the recovery timeline. I am looking most forward to a proper shower, clearance for the stationary bike and my return to work. Overall I am progressing well. I have no reason to complain, but will remain diligent in looking for one.

This is nothing but a big fat cat astrophe.

Every since I can't get my cast wet,  all I see are fire hydrants.

The medical bills are starting to roll in. I had estimated $2500 out of pocket on top of the lost wages and $1200 deductible. The insurance company is still processing my share, but I finally have the itemized bill from the doctor, hospital, anesthetist, hospital cafeteria, and MRI. Looks like a shade under $20,000. About $227.28 per minute for the 88 minute surgery. The anesthesia was almost $6000. I would highly recommend self anesthesia if you are trying to save money. Maker's Mark is only $20 per 750 mL. The hospital was also very pricey around $11,000. A clean garage, your wife's sewing kit, and a decent set of Craftsman tools could save you thousands.

diatribeSixteen

Can't Believe I Slept through this

Day 12. Today, my surgeon forwarded me the jpgs made during my tendon repair. I am usually not a huge fan of the health care system, but to date I have been really impressed by Dr. Nunley and his merry band of associates. And not just because he sent me these nasty pics. You really have to prepare yourself for appointments. He does not have a lot of time for formalities, but to date, he has answered all of my questions. I have a long way to go before I see the final product, but if you are in the market for peroneal longitudinal tear repair, at this point I would endorse Dr. Nunley & Associates at Duke. If you found this blog searching for information on peroneal repair, the most helpful site I found was a forum on Runner's World. 

My recovery ebbs and flows a lot. Two days ago, I announced myself fit for work. Yesterday, I tired myself out brushing my teeth. The incision pain has ceased for the most part. A throbbing emerged deep in the ankle. It shoots up the tendon occasionally, but stays isolated in the brevis area the majority of the time. A lot of weird sole pain began, which I think results from the new cast and the strange foot strike it produces. I have upped the walking around a lot and perhaps a too little quickly. My leg plans on elevation, insurance paperwork, job administration and a couple of paperbacks for the next two days. Just 12 days out from the pictures below, I think things are progressing a little ahead of schedule. 

The itch created by a fortnight's bath abstinence rivals water boarding torture interrogation techniques. I would confess the identity of D.B. Cooper and Coca Cola's secret formula for a reprieve. The benedryl tabs work wonders at relieving both the itch and consciousness, but both resume at the same time. 

Please finish digesting your breakfast before scrolling down.

This image shows the tear running longitudinally. Unfortunately, I had my eyes closed in this picture.

 A tad over 3cm. This may put me off chicken wings for awhile.

Trail running. Sometimes you reap what you sew.

The special today  is tough and a little stringy. I would recommend the sirloin instead. 

diatribeFifteen