Cathy Update

[Sandy]

Hey Cathy, how's it going?  How's the cast?  What are you doing about driving with your standard?  How was Longboat?  Did you chat with Bryan?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Cathy]

Cathy is frustrated that she is not self sufficient.  The cast is a partial and not worth the paper it is printed on.  The broken side of my ankle has the cast sitting right on the ankle and presses on it after long days of trying to be self sufficient.  That is the only time it hurts. 

I can't drive, need to be driven anywhere I have to go to.  I drove the week before when it was broken, so why won't they let me drive now???  This is a real bummer because I can't get to weights or for that matter anywhere. 

Longboat was a blast.  I hope I didn't slow the group down because I really faught with myself as to whether I should go or not.  Sure glad I was there to see the medals that were won.  Way to go girls.  You really cleaned up.

And lastly, I called Bryan and haven't heard from him yet.  I may just have to get my own taxi service working for my to get me to all my appointments.  I think that I am putting a cramp into the households schedules being so needy.  I do go to see the surgeon on Thursday and hopefully have this stupid thing off my leg and if needed something a bit more practical put on.  Something with wheels on it would be nice.  I am glad that I am in at least better shape than the last time I cracked the same ankle.  I have upper body muscles that I didn't know I had.  Ouch. 

Thank for thinking of me.  I certainly feel loved.  And the girls have said that they will take me to Sandbanks this coming weekend.  Anyone got a spare wagon they can use?

[Jane]

We won't need a wagon, Cathy!  Everything is centered around the one area!  Although we did mention on Sunday, Sandy, that maybe you would lend us Dot's doggy stroller and we could put Cathy in that.  We laughed because we said I could have done the Longboat race pushing her, but Cathy so wisely mentioned that then she would have won our age group as she would have been over the finish line first!!    

It sucks to have to be driven everywhere.  Really reminds you of how independent you are when you lose that. 

Bryan asked me how you were doing - that he had a message but hadn't had a chance to get back to you.  I know he is going to though.  Can he do anything for you with that contraption on your leg I wonder????

I hope you get better news on Thursday, Cathy.

[Sandy]

What's this about a surgeon? 

[Cathy]

The orthopedic surgeon.  No surgury is required. I already asked when they said that I had to go to see him.  The break is not bad.  I will be up and walking (just like last week) in no time flat.  Well, hopefully better than last week.  I just have to stop hitting those holes.

[spaff]

Hey Cathy,

I was just lurking and saw the bad news.  Sorry to hear.  Was it from trail running?  I broke my fibula from rolling my ankle a year and a half ago (they set it, but was still a 5mm gap.....decided against pins though).  Was in a cast 6 weeks, but bounced back very quickly and am running more now than I ever have in my life. 

A couple of quick suggestions if you're interested...
- If you don't have your permanent cast on yet, make sure that you ask for fibreglass with goretex liner.  They don't give you the option if you don't ask.  That way you can swim and pool run as much as you want.  It's much, much lighter too.  It will cost you $40, but so worth it.  Our health plan ended up paying for it anyhow.
- cross train as much as possible to stay sane.  I did more weights and body strength stuff than I ever have before.  I continued to do what I referred to as crutch running (see pic below) just to keep my running streak alive.  I would hop on my good leg twice, then double pole with my crutches.  Also got to the point of double hopping, then alternating crutches.  Got to be quite good at it...and even was able to get my heartrate up to tempo zone.  Did a one mile time trial on running snowshoes too.
- Atrophy.  I was very worried about my calf shrinking in size and strength while in the cast, so I continuously was doing isometric exercises (sets of flexing the calf).  I fully believe this is why I got out of my cast in only 6 weeks.  the doctors originally said probably 8-10wks.
- once the cast comes off, the rehab and strengthening exercises were so important to get the strength and mobility back, but you probably know that as it sounds like this might not be your first time.

Good luck and stay positive! 
Derrick

[SNOWRUNNER]

So sorry buddy!.
  hope you heal up fast. I broke my leg once..bummer..but i was only 3.Still act it on occasion..
 Send me a facebook hello and we can yak a bit..
                         Daveyboy.

[Cathy]

Thanks Derrick,  seems when I first met you at Sydenham you were wearing that cast.  Just did it I believe not that long before the race. 

I go see the surgeon tomorrow and am hoping that he will just take this half cast off and set me free but if he doesn't than I have lots of options to choose from.  Apparently, so I found out at TMH they do aircasts in Belleville so the fibreglass one just might be an option as well.  I just really want to be able to drive my car again.  This sucks not being able to just hop in and go.  Why do I always buy standards? 

I am not sure that I can keep up with the program that you were on but I would certainly like to keep busy.  After I broke it (and before the cast) I was biking.  Went for almost 40k the day of the cast.  So hopefully I can get a cast that will allow my some flexibility.  Or I will just have to improvise.  You up for giving lessons?  lol

[spaff]

Oh, that's great.  Hopefully the cast will come off tomorrow! 

Sounds like an aircast might be an option too.  The nice thing about an aircast is that it can be taken off to shower/bath.  I wanted to go with the fibreglass (with goretex liner) though, so that I could pool run too, and I wouldn't have been able to do that with an aircast and the force of the water probably would have been too much without it. The fibreglass/goretex casts also come in a lot of cool colours......red, bright blue and neon glow in the dark.  

I was lucky (if you can call it that) that I broke my left leg, so driving was ok.

I certainly have a greater appreciation for anyone I see dealing with crutches now.

Good luck!
Derrick

[Cathy]

I know, I am probably dreaming but oh well.  We will see what's up tomorrow.

[Cathy]

OK, so I went to the surgeon yesterday. I have no cast required and I am almost walking normally today.  Might be by the end of the weekend.  Yahoo

[Janet]

Great news Cathy!
  Wow, maybe I won't have a Krispy Kreme eating buddy at the Toad after all .  Guess that'll mean more for me

[ShoppinShannon]

Hey Janet,
I heard the news the other day.  I'm sorry to hear that you have an injury.   I'll sure miss doing the toad with you, but remember your health is much more important.  The fact that you are coming out and supporting everyone will feel just as good as running it yourself.  Really.  Remember me for ATB?   It was tough to see everyone go without me, but I felt the excitement of them crossing the line, just like I was crossing it myself.  I was so happy for them. 

[Cathy]

Janet,  I will still be with you and those donuts.  About the only thing that I might be doing is walking 12.5.  But that is just a maybe.  Donuts here we come.  I am sorry you aren't feeling better yet, but am thankful that I will have some company. 

[spaff]

Cathy,
That's great news.  You must be very pleased to be free again!  You kind of take it for granted until you are imobilized.  Maybe you'll be ready for a certain 8km in these parts?!         I'll even sweep the trail of loose rocks for you!!