Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Walking? What's that?

I felt like asking the doctor that today. My cast is now fully removed, a week ahead of the initial schedule. I was supposed to wear the rear half of the cast until next week, but after another 4 x-rays today (man I think my doctor just loves looking at new ones) it turns out that my Fibula has healed quite quickly.

Apparently the bone has repaired enough for me to start putting some weight on in. I credit the calcium pills I have been taking every morning, and the yougurt that I have been trying to have daily. (Now on the same note, I am sure that not drinking milk contributed to my leg breaking...that and the tree I hit.) The doc looked at my leg and said she was pleased that the bone has done so well. So, yay! Fixed bone, and no more cast (just my leg brace 24/7).

That being said, the hard part is really starting. The doctor measured how much pressure I could put on my leg today, and I was able to get almost all my weight on it before it started hurting. At least my leg is still that strong...it really looks like a piece of spaghetti beside the other one...sad really. So I still have a fair ammount of strength in my leg. However, the range of motion is the killer.

The doctor says that if I am to get ACL surgery that I need to have full range of motion first...which for Japanese people is 150 degrees. Now I can sit "seiza" (sitting on your knees with your feet tucked flat, sole up) for a little while, but due to the size of my legs I am not able to really sink into it like most Japanese people can. I don't think my leg has ever been able to go 150 degrees, simply because my calf is kinda meaty. Anyways, there is no way my leg can go anywhere near that right now anyways. We did a range of motion test, and I pushed as hard as I could and I barely got to 70 degrees. Let me tell you, it hurt a lot. I pushed (or rather pulled) as hard as I could until it felt like I was going to tear things in my knee. It is probably just swelling, but still it felt like things were going to pop and tear (funny since my MCL is already torn and that's where the pain was.)

So, my homework for the week is to work on my range of motion. She wants me to try for 90 degrees for next week. I soalked my leg for a long time in a super hot bath tonight and started to work it out a little. I think I pushed a little farther than this afternoon, but I am now starting to realize exactly how laborious this rehab is going to be. I will make slow progress, but I am determined to get through it. This afternoon 20 degrees seemed like...if not a walk in the park, then just an easy little hike. This evening 20 degrees seems like a little more. I wouldn't call it Mt. Everest, maybe more like the Grouse Grind...possible, but not without effort.

All that being said, I can walk again. I still use the crutches, but really just for a little support. I am probably going to have them for a few weeks, but for the first time in a few weeks, I have actually used my leg. I have to keep looking at the path ahead and preparing for the rigours that it will bring, but I have to remember to look back and to be proud of getting to where I am.

The Japanese have a wonderful and horrible word all rolled into one. "Gambare" or sometimes "gambatte." Either way, it means "do you best" or "try as hard as you can." Those are direct translations though. They use it in many situations. I get told "gambare" when they see me struggling to put on my shoe, or when I am hoofing down the hall at work, or sometimes when people just see my crutches. I say it is both wonderful and horrible because of how often it is used. Sometimes I just think "of course I am trying my hardest, aren't you watching" but other times I really feel the support of the words. Gamabre is one of those words that even a description like this can't make clear. Ask someone who has lived in Japan what they think of Gambare, see how they take it.

Another phrase that brings both postitve and negative feelings is "kawaisoo." It translates to "pitty" or "poor." It's kinda like saying "poor you" or "what a shame." Most of the time people use it to show sympathy. I get it a lot when I tell people about my leg, or about difficulties in daily life. I even get it when people just see my leg. I don't know why, but "Kawaisoo" is really irritating at times. I just get sick of people saying "poor you." I know it is something that is lost in translation, both lingual and cultural. I appreciate the gesture that people are making when they say it, but I relly don't want their pitty.

Maybe the previous 2 paragraphs have sounded harsh. They are not designed to be. It's really just a little cultural insight I want to share, and at the sametime vent a little. Bless all the people here that are making things easy for me, and offering their support and sympathy. I really appreciate their comments, even when they irritate me






On another completely unrealated note: everything here is gritty. A fine layer of sand has been dusting most of Japan. I have been told the ski hill is turning a little yellow; I know that the skies in Kyoto are taking on a yellow tint; even my windshield has a little dusting of sand. The sand is being picked up by strong winds that are sweeping over China and then it is carried over the sea and starts to settle on Japan. It very strange. It is making the news daily, but so far it seems to be causing no more than minor difficulties. I don't know if anyone at home had seen this on TV or in the paper, but do a search on the internet for it...it's kinda interesting.

Well that's it for tonight. I feel like a cuppa joe and a good sit with my book. Even though I can walk around a bit, I have come to appreciate a good sit. Hope your all well, and please feel free to comment here or email me at aj22@shaw.ca! I love hearing from everyone, and thanks to those of you who have been keeping in touch, it has really helped keep me positive during this stressful time. And please pardon any spelling or other mistakes in this post, I haven't re-installed Office yet...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Adam:
What's your range of motion on your other leg?
Dumb JoKe: If girls who have big boobs work at Hooters, where do girls with one leg work? IHOP.
(groan)
Hey, what kind of clothing do we bring for dust???
See you soon. Love ya; Mum

Anonymous said...

hey chico -
glad things are looking so good.
And who knows maybe one day you'll be able to re-claim the title of Grand Master shit - the ultimate boarder.
In the mean time, rock out with your .... out.

smel

aj22 said...

Hey Mark, Tough Break indeed. I have to admit that one had me laughing for a few min. I cant believe I never thought of saying that before...oh well, now I have a new line!

sMel,
Good to hear from ya. Congrats on the gig you've been doin for a while. No fear I will claim my title again! I know I keep saying I'll call, then my lazy ass never does, but seiously I will sometime soon. Take care.


And to all you lurkers and trolls, dont be a stranger, say hello, or at least send me an email! If there is anything that you want to know about Japan, or my view of it, ask me...it will give me something good to write about, which will be helpful now that life here is 'normal' for me...(as normal as life in Japan can be I guess...)

Anonymous said...

hey adam
glad to hear the leg is getting better!
I don't know if Kenan told you but Ursula had kittens, and they are extremely cute. I would mail you one to keep you company with your cup a joe and book, but i don't think it would like the trip there. Also flames must win tomorrow to move on in the playoffs. I know they are your fave team so I thought I'd let you know!
S

Anonymous said...

Hey what happend to my comment? not good enough for your blog any more?
Sad,
K