With the doctor's follow up coming up on Tuesday, Catherine wrote up the doctor's note today. It's basically a PT rehab report card of sorts. Exercise-wise, I wasn't asked to do my regular routine. Instead, we focused on doing particular exercises, prior to some additional testing and some taking of measurements.
At incline level 8, I did single leg squats on both legs until fatigue to measure out the strength difference between the two. I got my left (normal) leg up to 40, and the right (repaired) leg up to 25.
After some more exercises, we did a big bend stretch (the two PT gal combo). Apparently I got a pretty good stretch on this one (I never watch while we do the bend, as I think I tend to fight it, when I can see what's happening...haha!). We did a measure and I was at 100 degrees on my own, and 108 with a helpful *push*.
I also got to do e-stim for the first time. Same concept as Russian, but instead of attaching on my quads, and doing an exercise at the same time, I got to lay back, and have ice on my knees with electrical current to my knee area.
Good times! (Says Wes-5-Months-From-Now)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2008 Anime: Year in Review Ramble (Part 1)
It is a bit late, but here's the long-awaited Anime: Year in Review Ramble for 2008. There is no set criteria, other than I started watching it in 2008. (I'm including links to Anime News Network's encyclopedia pages.)
Spice and Wolf
Genre(s):
drama, fantasy, trading/economics/bartering (is there such a genre?)
Synopsis:
Set in a European Middle Ages period, this is the story of a traveling merchant and a 250 year wolf-god/deity who appears in the form of a 15 year old girl. (13 episodes)
OP/ED impressions:
The ED is quite catchy (broken engrish and all), and the drawings during the ED are nice too. It took me awhile to warm up to the OP. I rarely skipped through either when I watched the episodes.
Ramble:
I wasn't sure what to expect of this series, but certainly the chemistry/banter between Lawrence and Horo was quite entertaining. There were elements of intrigue (the influence of the Church in society), and a mild dose of bartering, but it never went too deep. I really liked Horo's character design. A sequel is coming up.
Favorite character:
Horo
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes
True Tears
Genre(s):
slice of life, comedy, drama, romance
Synopsis:
Slice of life piece, centering on the life of Shinichiro, and his relationships with Hiromi, a girl living in his house, and a new strange girl, Noe who can't seem to cry.
OP/ED impressions:
The OP, Reflectia is definitely still a favorite of mine. I don't remember the ED too well.
Ramble:
I am quite a sucker for slice of life series, and this one did not disappoint at all. The characterizations were strong and consistent, and I was quite pleased with how the story ended. The animation quality was wonderful, including their computer generated stuff.
Favorite character:
No favorite in particular, since I did like most of the major characters, but if I had to choose I'd probably choose Noe.
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
No, but I'd probably watch this one from start to finish after some time away from it.
Itazura Na Kiss
Genre(s):
slice of life, comedy, drama, romance
Synopsis:
The story of 3rd-year high school student Kotoko, who finally tries to confess to fellow 3rd year student Irie Naoki (ultra-smart, ultra-athletic, ultra-handsome) only to get her confession letter soundly ignored and rejected. In a twist of fate, her home is destroyed by a small earthquake, and her dad moves them in with a close childhood friend...Irie's dad. (25 episodes)
OP/ED impressions:
The OP is lively and fun, much like the base tone of the series. The OP animation also adjusted as the series timeline moved forward. I didn't care so much for the first ED, but definitely liked the second ED a lot more.
Ramble:
The anime was based on a popular manga that started back in the 80s (hence the 80s character designs). The manga was close to completion when the mangaka passed away. The anime is supposed to incorporate her notes on how the series was supposed to end. Going into the series, and given the tone, to a certain degree you already figure to know how the series will play out. That being said, the series is quite hilarious and heartwarming, given the fact that Kotoko (despite her various character flaws) is a likeable kind character.
Favorite character:
Kotoko, of course. (And to a degree, Irie Naoki, because I've been similarly mean to girls I've liked when I was his age...haha!)
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes (and probably more than I should be!)
Special A
Genre(s):
comedy, drama, romance
Synopsis:
The story of two eternal childhood rivals, Takishima Kei and Hanazono Hikari, and their 5 friends in a special elite school group called Special A. Hikari is always trying to, but can never seem to beat Kei in any challenge, and hence is teased by Kei, being called Ni-san. (Miss Number Two).
OP/ED impressions:
I liked the OP, and the second EP. I generally watched through both since they're equally catchy.
Ramble:
A pretty light-hearted comedy of sorts, especially when it comes to the ridiculous nature of the contests between Hikari and Kei, or the over the top idea of a special elite class containing the top 7 students of the elite school, who don't seem to do anything more than sit in a garden conservatory eating snacks and drinking tea. Surprisingly, when some of the more dramatic/romance portions came up, they were done quite well. Also, when it comes to large casts, usually the supporting characters don't really get their stories or characters flushed out very well, but that wasn't the case here as we got decent back story, and solo stories as well.
Favorite character:
Hikari. I'm a sucker for the energetic, well-meaning, and sometimes clueless heroines.
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes
Kamen no Maid Guy
Genre(s):
comedy, ecchi
Synopsis:
Naeka is a granddaugther and heir to a large inheritance which she'll receive when she turns a particular age. For her protection, she is assigned a ultra-aggressive male maid, Kogarashi who despite Naeka's wishes will do anything for the well-being of his master. (12 episodes)
OP/ED impressions:
The OP is okay, but not catchy enough to listen outside of watching the series. I could do without the ED.
Ramble:
Comedic elements aside, most of this series is intended to generate major fanservice for its male viewers, since most of the moe/ecchi elements are represented by the various female characters. The comedy is quite over-the-top, but if you have watched enough action flicks, you may get a kick out of Kogarashi's antics to do the right thing for his master. Obviously, if you are a fan of ecchi, there's an ample amount for you to enjoy here.
Favorite character:
Kogarashi. Who knew that if you understood the language of computers/printers, you could stick a USB printer cable into your ear/head, and directly print out your memories?
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Not really. I haven't quite finished the series either, but the math tutoring episode is funny.
Spice and Wolf
Genre(s):
drama, fantasy, trading/economics/bartering (is there such a genre?)
Synopsis:
Set in a European Middle Ages period, this is the story of a traveling merchant and a 250 year wolf-god/deity who appears in the form of a 15 year old girl. (13 episodes)
OP/ED impressions:
The ED is quite catchy (broken engrish and all), and the drawings during the ED are nice too. It took me awhile to warm up to the OP. I rarely skipped through either when I watched the episodes.
Ramble:
I wasn't sure what to expect of this series, but certainly the chemistry/banter between Lawrence and Horo was quite entertaining. There were elements of intrigue (the influence of the Church in society), and a mild dose of bartering, but it never went too deep. I really liked Horo's character design. A sequel is coming up.
Favorite character:
Horo
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes
True Tears
Genre(s):
slice of life, comedy, drama, romance
Synopsis:
Slice of life piece, centering on the life of Shinichiro, and his relationships with Hiromi, a girl living in his house, and a new strange girl, Noe who can't seem to cry.
OP/ED impressions:
The OP, Reflectia is definitely still a favorite of mine. I don't remember the ED too well.
Ramble:
I am quite a sucker for slice of life series, and this one did not disappoint at all. The characterizations were strong and consistent, and I was quite pleased with how the story ended. The animation quality was wonderful, including their computer generated stuff.
Favorite character:
No favorite in particular, since I did like most of the major characters, but if I had to choose I'd probably choose Noe.
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
No, but I'd probably watch this one from start to finish after some time away from it.
Itazura Na Kiss
Genre(s):
slice of life, comedy, drama, romance
Synopsis:
The story of 3rd-year high school student Kotoko, who finally tries to confess to fellow 3rd year student Irie Naoki (ultra-smart, ultra-athletic, ultra-handsome) only to get her confession letter soundly ignored and rejected. In a twist of fate, her home is destroyed by a small earthquake, and her dad moves them in with a close childhood friend...Irie's dad. (25 episodes)
OP/ED impressions:
The OP is lively and fun, much like the base tone of the series. The OP animation also adjusted as the series timeline moved forward. I didn't care so much for the first ED, but definitely liked the second ED a lot more.
Ramble:
The anime was based on a popular manga that started back in the 80s (hence the 80s character designs). The manga was close to completion when the mangaka passed away. The anime is supposed to incorporate her notes on how the series was supposed to end. Going into the series, and given the tone, to a certain degree you already figure to know how the series will play out. That being said, the series is quite hilarious and heartwarming, given the fact that Kotoko (despite her various character flaws) is a likeable kind character.
Favorite character:
Kotoko, of course. (And to a degree, Irie Naoki, because I've been similarly mean to girls I've liked when I was his age...haha!)
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes (and probably more than I should be!)
Special A
Genre(s):
comedy, drama, romance
Synopsis:
The story of two eternal childhood rivals, Takishima Kei and Hanazono Hikari, and their 5 friends in a special elite school group called Special A. Hikari is always trying to, but can never seem to beat Kei in any challenge, and hence is teased by Kei, being called Ni-san. (Miss Number Two).
OP/ED impressions:
I liked the OP, and the second EP. I generally watched through both since they're equally catchy.
Ramble:
A pretty light-hearted comedy of sorts, especially when it comes to the ridiculous nature of the contests between Hikari and Kei, or the over the top idea of a special elite class containing the top 7 students of the elite school, who don't seem to do anything more than sit in a garden conservatory eating snacks and drinking tea. Surprisingly, when some of the more dramatic/romance portions came up, they were done quite well. Also, when it comes to large casts, usually the supporting characters don't really get their stories or characters flushed out very well, but that wasn't the case here as we got decent back story, and solo stories as well.
Favorite character:
Hikari. I'm a sucker for the energetic, well-meaning, and sometimes clueless heroines.
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes
Kamen no Maid Guy
Genre(s):
comedy, ecchi
Synopsis:
Naeka is a granddaugther and heir to a large inheritance which she'll receive when she turns a particular age. For her protection, she is assigned a ultra-aggressive male maid, Kogarashi who despite Naeka's wishes will do anything for the well-being of his master. (12 episodes)
OP/ED impressions:
The OP is okay, but not catchy enough to listen outside of watching the series. I could do without the ED.
Ramble:
Comedic elements aside, most of this series is intended to generate major fanservice for its male viewers, since most of the moe/ecchi elements are represented by the various female characters. The comedy is quite over-the-top, but if you have watched enough action flicks, you may get a kick out of Kogarashi's antics to do the right thing for his master. Obviously, if you are a fan of ecchi, there's an ample amount for you to enjoy here.
Favorite character:
Kogarashi. Who knew that if you understood the language of computers/printers, you could stick a USB printer cable into your ear/head, and directly print out your memories?
Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Not really. I haven't quite finished the series either, but the math tutoring episode is funny.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown Down!
So yesterday at physical therapy, the therapy gals had enough. They had tried to gradually get me to bend my knee on its own past a particular point, but I hadn't quite shown what they wanted to see.
Thus, the stage was set for a frightening experience (well, more for the next PT patient that happened to walk in during the process...haha!). So, while sitting up and leaning against the wall, surgical knee bent, Catherine held and pushed above the ankle area. Eventually Amy also came over to hold and bend my knee as well.
It was not very...comfortable at all. I can say that it was pretty close to crossing some type of pain threshold, either physically or psychologically, because the first couple of times we tried to cross my "bend" point, my body tried compensating by getting up. Not cool. So, as best as they could, we set up a very uncomfortable point of bending/stretching and held it for 30 seconds for 3 sets. I don't think I looked well at all during this process. In fact, I think I forgot to breathe out a number of times. I think when I try to break a new bend point, my body reacts adversely. It may be more of a psychological thing rather than a physical thing, since for all intents and purposes, the ACL is reconnected, and my patellar tendon is still intact. I definitely do feel my heart rate increase. The patient that happened to walk in on this, was a bit worried after seeing my display of facial contortions.
Anyway, Catherine and Amy pretty much gave notice that unless bending improves, Jordan is also going to get in on the action to do the "human seatbelt" action of holding me down, while they push for the bend. I do not want to get to this point. So I promised to ratchet up the flexionator-use this weekend, so that things aren't so crazy on Monday. (Last night I had it at under 9"...maybe 8.75" with my foot in the flat position.)
I know a number of people that have said that they've had sub-par physical therapy experiences where the therapists have just set them up for exercises, and just let them go off on their own. That has not been my experience at all, as the ladies have certainly ratcheted things up when they've had worries. I'm definitely going to have to get them something nice when all of this is over. For now, I might bring in some muffins from this place that just opened in the Loop: http://www.sugarblisscakes.com/.
Thus, the stage was set for a frightening experience (well, more for the next PT patient that happened to walk in during the process...haha!). So, while sitting up and leaning against the wall, surgical knee bent, Catherine held and pushed above the ankle area. Eventually Amy also came over to hold and bend my knee as well.
It was not very...comfortable at all. I can say that it was pretty close to crossing some type of pain threshold, either physically or psychologically, because the first couple of times we tried to cross my "bend" point, my body tried compensating by getting up. Not cool. So, as best as they could, we set up a very uncomfortable point of bending/stretching and held it for 30 seconds for 3 sets. I don't think I looked well at all during this process. In fact, I think I forgot to breathe out a number of times. I think when I try to break a new bend point, my body reacts adversely. It may be more of a psychological thing rather than a physical thing, since for all intents and purposes, the ACL is reconnected, and my patellar tendon is still intact. I definitely do feel my heart rate increase. The patient that happened to walk in on this, was a bit worried after seeing my display of facial contortions.
Anyway, Catherine and Amy pretty much gave notice that unless bending improves, Jordan is also going to get in on the action to do the "human seatbelt" action of holding me down, while they push for the bend. I do not want to get to this point. So I promised to ratchet up the flexionator-use this weekend, so that things aren't so crazy on Monday. (Last night I had it at under 9"...maybe 8.75" with my foot in the flat position.)
I know a number of people that have said that they've had sub-par physical therapy experiences where the therapists have just set them up for exercises, and just let them go off on their own. That has not been my experience at all, as the ladies have certainly ratcheted things up when they've had worries. I'm definitely going to have to get them something nice when all of this is over. For now, I might bring in some muffins from this place that just opened in the Loop: http://www.sugarblisscakes.com/.
Monday, January 19, 2009
New Exercises...and Weight Loss
It looks like I'm ready for new exercises and they were quite the challenge today.
Reach for the cone
A small cone is placed in front of you. Balancing on the surgical leg, with a bend in the knee, you bend down to reach the top of the cone, and slowly straighten back up. 3 sets of 10.
There's a lot of pressure on the leg with this one, but it looks like this one will build back general strength with balance and stability.
Band Stretch 1 - Hip
Using a rubber stretch band clipped to the wall, one leg is hooked to the band, and while facing towards the wall, away from the wall, and the two remaining 90 degree angles, pull your leg away from the wall in each position. This exercise is performed with both your strong leg, and the repaired leg.
There's also a lot of balancing involved here, and trying to make sure that you're balanced and upright while performing this exercise. Very tiring the first time.
Band Stretch 2
Using the same rubber stretch band, face the wall, with the band hooked behind your knee. Roll your foot towards your heel to raise your toes. This action should force your knee to stretch the band.
I don't really experience that much pain during or after physical therapy. (Unless we are talking about the straight knee hang stretch...which is still quite a challenge to make it through the 10 minutes with weight. They put 7.5 lbs today, which was not fun.) I do get extremely tired though, and my ankle has been acting up a little bit more than usual. It may be the fact that I've been walking a lot more.
One situation that I'm starting to monitor is the fact that I've lost more than 15 pounds since the injury. At one point, I think I was somewhere between 185 - 190. The first time I weighed myself after the surgery I weighed in at 172. These last couple of days, despite feeling like I've been eating more, I've been weighing in at 170. I know a lot of my weight loss is losing a lot of my muscle mass from my quad muscle area. I'll need to continue to keep an eye on my weight. Even though having a variable weight between 165 - 170 would probably be okay, I think a healthier weight during this period would be between 170 - 172.
p.s. I don't endorse/recommend soft tissue injuries as a way to lose weight. Haha!
Reach for the cone
A small cone is placed in front of you. Balancing on the surgical leg, with a bend in the knee, you bend down to reach the top of the cone, and slowly straighten back up. 3 sets of 10.
There's a lot of pressure on the leg with this one, but it looks like this one will build back general strength with balance and stability.
Band Stretch 1 - Hip
Using a rubber stretch band clipped to the wall, one leg is hooked to the band, and while facing towards the wall, away from the wall, and the two remaining 90 degree angles, pull your leg away from the wall in each position. This exercise is performed with both your strong leg, and the repaired leg.
There's also a lot of balancing involved here, and trying to make sure that you're balanced and upright while performing this exercise. Very tiring the first time.
Band Stretch 2
Using the same rubber stretch band, face the wall, with the band hooked behind your knee. Roll your foot towards your heel to raise your toes. This action should force your knee to stretch the band.
I don't really experience that much pain during or after physical therapy. (Unless we are talking about the straight knee hang stretch...which is still quite a challenge to make it through the 10 minutes with weight. They put 7.5 lbs today, which was not fun.) I do get extremely tired though, and my ankle has been acting up a little bit more than usual. It may be the fact that I've been walking a lot more.
One situation that I'm starting to monitor is the fact that I've lost more than 15 pounds since the injury. At one point, I think I was somewhere between 185 - 190. The first time I weighed myself after the surgery I weighed in at 172. These last couple of days, despite feeling like I've been eating more, I've been weighing in at 170. I know a lot of my weight loss is losing a lot of my muscle mass from my quad muscle area. I'll need to continue to keep an eye on my weight. Even though having a variable weight between 165 - 170 would probably be okay, I think a healthier weight during this period would be between 170 - 172.
p.s. I don't endorse/recommend soft tissue injuries as a way to lose weight. Haha!
Week 4 / Month 1
Four weeks later, and things are gradually returning to normal. The CPM machine went back, and got replaced by two new devices: the flexionator (knee flexing) and the extensionator (knee extension). The flexionator is basically a folding chair with an attachment that holds your leg in a bent position to give it a stretch for 10 minutes at a time. The extensionator is a brace which "gently" pushes the top of your leg into a straight position. Needless to say, I'm not very fond of the extensionator.
After a week of being off the crutches, I attempted a Sunday morning trip to the grocery store. Walking at a very deliberate pace, it took me about an hour to collect a bagful of items.
In the realm of physical therapy, things have gotten a lot more aggressive. Warmups begin with 10 minutes of stationary biking at 40 - 50 rpm. 3 calf stretches for 30 secs each. Leg squats, calf raises, then single leg raises. Walking raised leg marches, step ups (on 4"/6" box) and stand and sits (currently at 20"). For additional extension, they have had me walking backwards on the treadmill for 5 minutes at a time.
Now that it appears that my general leg circulation is doing okay, they have me doing e-stim while doing straight leg lifts and rotated leg lifts for 10 minutes.
An absolutely new stretch that they've done is what they excited called a "moob", a two therapist activity. Basically, they have one therapist lean on the thigh right above the knee pushing down (usually Jordan, affectionately known as the human seat belt.) The other therapist (usually Catherine or Amy) will grab the foot above the ankle, pulling out slightly, lifting up and rotating the foot inwards and outwards. It is just as uncomfortable as it sounds.
But things are improving day by day, so I'm looking forward to when I can look past this portion of the rehab, and get to the portion of the rehab that will get me ready to play sports again.
After a week of being off the crutches, I attempted a Sunday morning trip to the grocery store. Walking at a very deliberate pace, it took me about an hour to collect a bagful of items.
In the realm of physical therapy, things have gotten a lot more aggressive. Warmups begin with 10 minutes of stationary biking at 40 - 50 rpm. 3 calf stretches for 30 secs each. Leg squats, calf raises, then single leg raises. Walking raised leg marches, step ups (on 4"/6" box) and stand and sits (currently at 20"). For additional extension, they have had me walking backwards on the treadmill for 5 minutes at a time.
Now that it appears that my general leg circulation is doing okay, they have me doing e-stim while doing straight leg lifts and rotated leg lifts for 10 minutes.
An absolutely new stretch that they've done is what they excited called a "moob", a two therapist activity. Basically, they have one therapist lean on the thigh right above the knee pushing down (usually Jordan, affectionately known as the human seat belt.) The other therapist (usually Catherine or Amy) will grab the foot above the ankle, pulling out slightly, lifting up and rotating the foot inwards and outwards. It is just as uncomfortable as it sounds.
But things are improving day by day, so I'm looking forward to when I can look past this portion of the rehab, and get to the portion of the rehab that will get me ready to play sports again.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Off Crutches!
Yesterday was 21 days after the surgery, and after getting rid of one crutch on Friday, I was cleared to get rid of the other crutch. It certainly feels a lot better not having to lean on anything to get around.
My walking style takes one of two forms:
1) Baby Learning to Walk Style: tentative baby steps, followed by occasional or random arm flapping.
2) Wannabe Rapper Style: deliberate small steps, accompanied by coordinated but unnecessary arm thrusts
From a PT perspective, I have to focus on walking normally. This means I need to take smaller steps (larger steps right now will just lead to compensating movements, which is undesirable), I need to focus on bending my knee, leading with my heel and driving the motion all the way through pushing off the ball of my foot.
I could have sent back the CPM machine already, but my PT recommended continued usage until I could get a comfortable flex at full range. I'm at an uncomfortable 120 right now. Insurance will only pay 80% of my costs here after my deductible is satisfied, and at $35/day, I don't think I should keep it that much longer.
My walking style takes one of two forms:
1) Baby Learning to Walk Style: tentative baby steps, followed by occasional or random arm flapping.
2) Wannabe Rapper Style: deliberate small steps, accompanied by coordinated but unnecessary arm thrusts
From a PT perspective, I have to focus on walking normally. This means I need to take smaller steps (larger steps right now will just lead to compensating movements, which is undesirable), I need to focus on bending my knee, leading with my heel and driving the motion all the way through pushing off the ball of my foot.
I could have sent back the CPM machine already, but my PT recommended continued usage until I could get a comfortable flex at full range. I'm at an uncomfortable 120 right now. Insurance will only pay 80% of my costs here after my deductible is satisfied, and at $35/day, I don't think I should keep it that much longer.
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