Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

Thursday: rained so I took it easy inside. I was really bummed.....just sad at all of the physical changes with my body since 8/5/12, my last triathlon. I was what I consider at my peak! Again, I feel like my brain and body has turned to mush! I know it's the narcs..... Even such a low dose does it -oh well! I need it to heal as pain can delay healing!

Friday: I saw the ortho doc. While I'm not his typical patient, (I can have high expectations and be hard on myself!), my doc is great-so patient and encouraging! He emphasized the crappy condition of my patella and it's function in the joint- he said the pain is for real and not in my head! The pain will slowly get better! We have a plan!

He injected solumedrol/lidocaine solution intra-articulately.... Yes, it hurt!!! It should take a few days to kick in and I should get relief. How much? Only time will tell!! In the meantime, he cleared me to advance my activity as tolerated. I can do stationary bike progressing to elliptical. He said swimming was great too as well as I should focus on strengthening my quads. I have to do exercises without knee stress so knee extensions for example are out!! I'm starting physical therapy on tuesday to get a home program started! I need a routine and goals!! I'm so ready for this!

Today, I deep cleaned a full bathroom-I'm pooped! I'm weak-core especially! I've stretched with a resistance band focusing on legs. Also did a few planks then bike motion with legs while on my back- figured it would stretch my knee AND strengthen my core! I'm thinking baby steps since I've been virtually inactive for 45 days now!!

Here it is, the evening...... I'm going to watch football with my lovely hubby, who's been amazing and supportive! I'm blessed!

Sunday: great home workout focusing on legs(quads) and core..... 3 min on elliptical before my knee hurt (no resistance, short stride).
Monday: pool workout-750 M swim (250x3) aqua jogging 10 mins
Tuesday: exhausted! Rested and stretched legs
Wednesday: home workout 30 mins..... Knee is ok. I hesitate at doing too much to quick.
I did have lunch with a great friend today- I've missed her! Nice to catch up & I ate grilled artichokes-YUM!

Thursday: pool 800 total - 250x3 freestyle, 50 backstroke(slow!! Gotta get my form correct!); aqua jog/straight leg pool exercises 10mins (30 min total for cardio);

It's tough getting my strength cardiovascularly back.....my resting pulse is 10-15 beats higher than normal & I get out of breath quickly!! I'll get there.... Just a SLOW process. Today, my knee is extension is normal and pain free. Knee flexion only 90 degrees.... Too painful to do much further. I opted on Monday to forego PT and do my own exercises..... I'm pleased with my choice! I know my limits and I can push myself plenty!!
Food: trying to do more veggies..... I get stuck in a rut on convenient processed GF, vegan treats!! Ugh!

Friday: pool again today- 700 yds total (250x2, 100x2). Followed by 10 min leg work in water. Knee feels better and better each day! Only hurts with flexion and late in the day!
Ready for the weekend and then back to work part time on Monday!

Saturday: no exercise- just ran errands with kids and watched my Sooners get beat-ugh- not happy with their performance!
Sunday: did a flight of stairs (normal gait) at church...... Took elevator down(stairs down really hurt!) I walked the pooch, slowly, late afternoon..... Felt ok.
Monday: woke early for work.... Knee SORE to start with.... Glad to be back at work! I missed my co-workers and ultimately what I do! I do enjoy keeping my patients safe AND asleep for his/her surgery!

I'm frustrated yet once again; my knee hurts with stepping laterally, up and over things, quick steps to reach, move, touch etc. I didn't realize (actually took for granted) my excellent physical condition until I've lost it! Work hurts because I have to be so mobile!!
I'm thankful for my short workdays this week...... I came home today to ice and elevate. Still hurts to touch and with movement- I broke down, took a Percocet and just ate Happy Herbivore's single mug chocolate cake in which I added coconut flavoring and a few pecans for my version of Mississippi Mud Cake!! I'm good- tomorrow is a new day..... Will take my gym bag for possible pool time!

So here we start October..... It's been a week since I posted. My workouts consist of swimming every other day 500-750 yards, water walking & agua jogging. I'm getting a little burned out on the pool- its rough on my skin......I'll go tomorrow but then take rest of week off for a break. Swimming for me is the least painful.
I'm trying to remain upbeat despite the chronic knee discomfort. I'm still part time at work only because it's so uncomfortable to walk so much! The steroid shot gave me great relief for 8-10 days- not good that it's not working now! I'm waiting to hear back from my doc about next step.
Today's workout consisted of 7 mins of stationary bike-no resistance. Then I did walking front straight leg lifts 10x4 with 15 sec planks in between. I finished with crunches on ball and 15 mins of stretching.
It's a start....... On a bright side, we've adopted a 8 month old pup- she's part schnauzer-part rat terrier! It started out as a rescue/foster dog BUT she captured our hearts and fits right in the family!! We've missed our Duke but we still have lots o love to share! Nothing like a puppy to make you laugh and smile!!

Friday: 25 mins pool exercises.....included 15 mins suspended such as aqua jogging, cycling....lots of flutter and scissor kicks. Outdoor Pool now has bubble on top - still chilly inside since its only 48 degrees out! Fingers are crossed for it to warm up inside the bubble!

I took off the last 3 days from any exercises due to my knee being excessively sore from inflammation. I'm very frustrated since I'm over 7 weeks out from surgery. I see my doc next Thursdy for follow up. He has prescribed a compounded cream that should arrive tomorrow- hope for some relief to function-even just walk without pain!! I'm still thankful my work is allowing me to work part-time!

Zoey- the puppy- still makes me and RJ smile!!! Oh I did make a new GF Vegan chocolate PB cupcake recipe that someone posted on here- delicious!!!

Friday: another cortisone shot into the knee-8 weeks post-op..... Still painful after walking and no resting! Extremely frustrated! I was told now.... It's going to be 6-9 months to get it healed! Ugh!!
Swimming will be my friend! Along with remaining part-time at work!
Good news-my weight is stable-pleased with this.... I figured after 8 weeks of little to no exercise, I'd pack on the pounds! But NO, it's the healthy Vegan way of eating!

I know how much it stinks bring side lined. Glad to hear your weight is stable!

_________________
I do because I can. I can because I want to. I want to because you said I couldn't.

I don't make excuses... I make results

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you

LMN you have been so consistant with your journal entries. Thanks for sharing with us. Its been really beneficial for me to read through different peoples journals. See how others train and what they eat and how they progress. Definitely helps me stay motivated.

-Dylan

Hey-appreciated my local MO gal & Dylan saying hello- thanks for the words of encouragement!

No exercise for me other than straight leg lifts whole sitting-usually 2 sets of 10 twice a day for both legs!
My shot kicked in by this morning-minimal pain but knee joint is stiff, almost an awkward unstable feeling. I've managed to rest most of yesterday and today despite having company, kids & dogs around! I'm extremely thankful for each day and the memories we are making!
Tomorrow, I'm working-this week will be 6-7 hour days per docs orders.... My work environment consists of hard cement floors with constant activity and walking-I need to be fully functional! My plan will be to attempt to swim this week 3 times for cardio while doing pool exercises. I will follow with ice as needed. Must get this knee healed!
Diet: I'm a sucker for Oklahoma joes BBQ ribs, yes, I gave in this time!!.. Yes, total slacker when entertaining company. I do balance out that part of meat with fruit..... Tons of water. Taste great in the moment but then I start thinking of how/what it does inside my body (salt=water retention, inflammation, cruddy felting) Then I think WHY?? I'm weak at times.... Lots going on and I'm miss my exercise high!! Oh well, tomorrow is a new day.....

WE all have our weakness and mine is pizza... Waldo's is great and all but so darn expensive! Never had the pleasure of trying Oklahoma Joe's before going vegan. Have you tried FuD or Mud Pie yet??? FuD had a yummy Jack BBQ sammy and Mud Pie has awesome coffee and cupcakes!

_________________
I do because I can. I can because I want to. I want to because you said I couldn't.

I don't make excuses... I make results

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you

I've not tried either of those places though I've heard of them! I'd probably love the cupcakes seeing as I've got a serious sweet tooth!

Worked 6 hours today.... I walk a lot on hard surfaces (HARD operating/hospital floors!). I completely underestimated how these surfaces take a toll in my body until I'm limited and hurting! Still trying to stay positive!
I did do stretching and core work today-felt wonderful!! Oh how I miss being "in shape"! I must find my new normal for a fitness routine. Tomorrow, I'll go swim!

Hospitals are brutal on the body as are nursing homes....

Mud Pie is awesome! Pitch holds a contest for best in KC and they won best cupcake. They have also been featured in VegNews btw Saturday is cinnamon roll day and YUMMMMM

_________________
I do because I can. I can because I want to. I want to because you said I couldn't.

I don't make excuses... I make results

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you

Been almost a week since posting-
Knee is starting to feel better- hooray!
It started to turn around drastically feel better on Thursday. In fact, I did 10 mins of elliptical, level 1 slow pace. I was sore Friday BUT not bone pain sore..... More in the quads and patella tendons. I feel so much better-like night to day better!
Today, I also got in ten mins on elliptical same as above..... Also, I walk my furry babies around the block! We all enjoyed to great weather!

I've eliminated my prescription anti- inflammatory med since Wednesday. I battled severe reflux/heartburn Monday and Tuesday. (Mobic, the med is guilty of causing stomach lining damage!) I started in supplements called Boswallia and then turmeric. I've also added in systemic enzymes though these are hard to take b/c I need an empty stomach and I always forget! Still, I credit these pills with my improvement!

I'm going to increase my hours from 6 hrs per day to 7-8 as tolerated. I'm really excited to see how this week goes-
So thankful for my progress FINALLY!