Done and Done

The procedure went extremely well. Although it will take at least a few weeks for the swelling to subside and get my sinuses wholly mucked out, I can already breathe far better. My sense of smell has also improved, although that is clearly something of a double-edged sword. Regardless, both of my surgeons did a masterful job, as I have nothing in the way of discernible bruising and am virtually pain free (the Vicodin was once again not required).

Even though it'll be several months before I'd go so far as to declare myself fully healed, if present trends are any indication, I'll likely be feeling like a million bucks in relatively short order. I still have a few follow-up appointments to make good on, but I'm incredibly pleased to finally be done and able to bookend my surgical experiences on such a positive note.

Four-Year Anniversary

I've thought about resuming my digital prattling for a while now, and tonight seems like a particularly fitting time to do so. This progress report is something of a mixed bag, but I've clearly made positive net gains in all directions: My pectorals have both healed up reasonably well, but they've still got a ways to go in terms of general strengthening; my patellar tendon discomfort is now entirely confined to the "good sore" brought about by my eccentrically-focused rehabilitative/prehabilitative regimen (forevermore referred to as re/prehab), although at least a couple more months of "good behavior" will likely be required before I feel confident in resuming higher impact exercise; and even my rather tenacious tennis elbow is gradually succumbing to a combination of consistent forearm work, stretching, and myofascial release.

I'd be remiss in claiming complete victory over all my soft tissue injuries at this point, but persistence coupled with "all due discretion" in program design seems to be a winning formula, and keeping a consistent focus on active recovery, massage, and other restorative techniques in tandem with exercise is slowly but surely winning the day.

In other news, I'll be having my final corrective surgery later this month. In this case two tag-teaming ENTs (ear, nose and throat specialists) will be righting my almost laughably deviated septum and unblocking the sinuses above my right eye, which should vastly improve my ability to breathe and perhaps even allow for a semi-normal sense of smell. Realigning the septum is probably at least somewhat optional, although it may be playing a major role in my existing sinus blockage, but "unplugging" my sinuses is a definite must. (While I can't presently do the explanation any justice, it was made very clear to me that not having this structural correction would invariably cause major problems later in life.)

I'm hesitant to speculate about the expected discomfort level for this one, but if a recent eye procedure is any indication, I may be in for a rather un-fun time. Regardless, wrapping up any and all surgical necessities while I'm young and still insured under at least one of my parents seems prudent, and despite my tendency to procrastinate in certain areas, it would be foolish to waste the relative leeway that the "college life" affords me by putting anything off until later.

Otherwise, that'll be enough for today. I'll keep this updated in the aftermath of my upcoming surgery, but most of my postings from here on out will (hopefully) have a decidedly non-surgical spin to them.

Hiatus...

As is probably obvious, I'm taking something of a blogging break. I've been really buckling down and trying to bring my pectoral and patellar issues into line, so I'm sliding the blog to the back burner for now. The sense of perpetual entrapment that comes with unyielding injury is tiresome, but my situation will not be improved by my digital soapbox moments. As such, I'll leave off with this:

"If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self." - Napoleon Hill

Three-Year Anniversary

Last Friday was the three-year anniversary of my accident, and while I don't mean to belabor the obvious, I can't help but reflect on what I've found to be a very important truism: nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Although hardship may not be an equal opportunity employer, life will challenge us all in some way, and it is the act of rising to and then surmounting those difficulties that gives our lives meaningful shape.

Sound clichéd? Perhaps. But I prefer to think of it as one of those truths whose obviousness is essential to its widespread anonymity. Whenever any meaningful degree of frustration rears its ugly head, I find myself returning to that very maxim to shore up my typical stoicism.

However, don't mistake my ramblings as applying only to cases of severe injury or hardship. The realization that anything worth doing is going to require a very real and active investment of self is something that transcends the entire spectrum of potential difficulty; it is a powerful and perhaps daunting fact, but I honestly consider it to be one of the best and most realistic ways to prepare yourself for the thornier side of life.

If overcoming adversity in its many forms were easy, then what accomplishment could possibly be worthwhile? Honestly, I find great comfort in this reality, as it makes any personal victory--regardless of size--far sweeter. Ultimately, while I may have little choice, I prefer to earn my victories.

Knees, Pecs, and Bronchoscopies...

As a quick point of clarification, my PCL is loose by virtue of being partially torn; additionally, I mischaracterized the PCL's role to a certain extent, as it could more appropriately be described as preventing posterior femoral movement in relation to the tibia. I don't have the formal education necessary to really rattle my semantic physiological saber, but I still like to correct myself when and where possible.

My understanding of the injury was clarified by my new PT, who has served me with a license to abuse myself through various strengthening exercises and proprioceptive and balance work. Color me pleased, as it's incredibly enjoyable to be given a proverbial green light in at least part of my workout regimen.

Also, I've shed my somewhat ad hoc cross-tendon braces (ace bandages are amazingly versatile) far earlier than expected and started eccentrically loading my patellar tendons. That fits nicely into my present strengthening regimen, but it's especially satisfying to drop the "crutch" of constantly bracing myself.

Although it's certainly quite weak, my right pec seems to have finally healed up. I'm still babying it somewhat, as I'd like to avoid any relapses into injury, but I'm holding off on any direct strength work until the same can be said for my left side; I already have enough unilateral discrepancies, so I'll wait until I can recruit both sides without pain before starting on any pectoral rehab work.

I've also recently undergone yet another bronchoscopy to check my airway for signs of stenosis, and, as before, things are all clear. Because of my string of positive showings post-stint removal, I'll no longer need to get scoped yearly; instead, I can simply see the good doctor annually to have some (relatively) simple breathing tests done to check for any indicators of trouble.

Good news all around, so I'll wrap it at that.