The first few weeks following involved me teaching my knee basic function again. I attended countless physiotherapy sessions and four months later I was still fearful full function would not be regained. My doctor could offer no promises and advised me to take it easy on my knee and wait for the MRI in July.
For the 8 months stretching between last November and this June, I struggled with my knee and the shock over sudden inability to be as active as I had once been. I hopped (or more like hobbled wearing a knee brace) back and forth between reluctantly idle, due to recommendations to "take it easy", and over-exerting myself, due to restlessness and jealousy of those fully mobile. In the end, I fell back into the idleness called "rest" and my once-routine exercises fell to few and far between.
Then I returned to Hong Kong where I met up with my mom's brother, a 60-year-old passionate for running world marathons. He invited me to tag along with him on a weekly volunteer run with members of the Hong Kong Association for the Blind and Blind Sports Hong Kong. My knee had been less irritated lately, so I decided to join for a light 5K jog.
As a Guide Runner you use a lead rope and your voice to guide a runner who is anything from an avid exerciser to a training marathon athlete. I had an enriching experience that day, meeting new people, bonding with my uncle, and getting my knee going again. I realized that along with the need to rest for full recovery, it was important and possible to stay active in other ways.
Following my recent MRI assessment, I was notified that I had suffered a full PCL tear. While I wait for news regarding possible surgery, I foresee countless weeks I'll be spending inert in bed, the loss of knee function I'll be experiencing again, and the muscle atrophy that will be inevitably following. I dread the pain of immobility more than the pain of the surgery. The thought of the lack of an energy outlet is already mentally exhausting. Then I look back on my experience with those visually impaired runners - people who stay active despite their impairment. Post-surgery, it will important to rest the knee for months, but also to not lose hope by staying active in other ways. I have a plan to keep my upper body and left leg active with stationary exercises and weights. I have a goal to be diligent with my rehab exercises, without reaching physical strain. With an abundance of determination, a strength to face adversity, and a recognition of who I am at the inner core despite my outward impairment, I am going to stay patient, wait for full recovery, and finally one day achieve a half marathon. Shoot for the stars!
Photos courtesy of my Uncle Henry.
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| Post-run workout for the win! |
