Ahead of the Game!

March 20th finally arrived and I cannot get the grin off my face!  I was fearful that my appointment would get cancelled amid the COVID-19 shelter-in-place status.  But doctor appointments are considered essential, so up the hill I went on this beautiful day.  Having been at home most of the week, if felt good to take a drive into the mountains.  It was definitely the first time in my life that I have looked forward to a doctor's appointment.  And the results did not disappoint!

The ultra-sound showed the meniscus tear has closed up (though it may not be completely healed yet).  The knee is still remodeling and may take up to a year or more.  The pressure points on the knee did not act up when Dr. Richnak pressed on them (near the tear area and other arthritic spots).  He was surprised I was already doing the dynamic exercises (high knee running, butt kicks and other boot camp style stuff); and said I was ahead of the game.  The key now is patience and to not overdo it!  Fortunately the knee lets me know when I am doing too much; so, as long as I listen to my body I will be okay.

A lot of people have been asking if I have signed up for my next race.  I have a state picked out; but am waiting to register when life gets back to some sense of normalcy again.  The local 5k's that I have registered for have either been canceled or gone virtual.  So for now I will continue to focus on strengthening the knee, running/walking, hiking, cycling, and yoga; and allow the knee to continue to remodel before getting into double-digit mileage again.

So what does the future hold in the way of longevity for my knee?  If all continues to go well, the knee should hold up for 7 to 8 years.  (You know I am going to shoot for 10!)  Hopefully by then, stem cell therapy will be recognized by the insurance industry as a viable treatment and cover the cost of the therapy.  HA!  One can dream, right?!?

It was great to see Dr. Richnak and his team again; and I felt bad that I could not give them each a real hug.  So air hugs and fist bumps will have to do for now.  I do not have the words to express the gratitude I feel for the team at Mountain View Rehabilitation!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!