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Focusing on the Positive

At the end of May I saw my surgeon for my last post-op appointment (following an episode of peroneal tendinitis, because of course).

Near the end of the appointment, he told me I could start dialing things back to normal, and that I was good to go (though I would get some pain at the ligament reconstruction site for awhile yet). I forget how it came up, but I remember him mentioning the athletes he works with and how, because I'm a dancer, he has placed me in that category. My response was, "I don't feel like an athlete!"

Then, you guys, I got a pep talk.

He told me to focus on the things I CAN do, not the things I can't. Everything will come back in time. Even little steps are steps. He reminded me that I'm not just recovering from surgery, I'm also recovering from all the stuff that came BEFORE.

When I thanked him for the pep talk at the end of the appointment, he said, "I give a few a day." Ha!

He's right, of course. I started taking barre again back in April, and now I can definitely feel and see a difference in my foot. Am I 100%? No, but we're getting closer. My range of motion is miles better, I'm able to do some releves on one foot (though I definitely need to keep doing my PT strengthening), and I just started taking full classes again this week (except for jumping). I'm also going to be doing some pointe strengthening (on a Pilates reformer so its not fully weight-bearing right away) at PT!

So, I'm getting there. My strength everywhere needs work, but the more I'm able to take class, the better that will get too (or so I hope).


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