Knee Recovery Update: Slow Progress Is Still Progress

Hi friends…

I thought I’d give everyone a quick update on my knee, as so many of you have been asking how things are going.
I had my second physiotherapy appointment today, and hopefully it’ll be my last. My physio has left my case open for another eight weeks just in case I need any further help, but she was really pleased with my progress.
She was happy with my full range of movement, the strength that’s returned to my knee, and the fact that I’ve been faithfully doing all the exercises she gave me. It was really encouraging to hear.
The really good news is that I’m now off all the painkillers. I only take the occasional tablet if my knee becomes particularly painful, which is a big improvement from where I was a few weeks ago.
That said, I’m not back to 100% yet. My knee still feels a little clunky at times and not quite as strong as it used to. Considering this acute meniscus tear first struck on 28th April, I know it’s going to take a bit more time and patience.
One thing that’s been especially hard is staying away from the trail that you all know and love. I haven’t been back since 27th April, which was also my last blog post from there. I genuinely miss being out among the trees, hearing the birds, and sharing those walks with you.
For now, I’m sticking to short walks on flat concrete, gradually increasing the distance as my knee allows. My hope is to get back onto the trail soon, even if it’s only for part of a lap to begin with.
The only thing holding me back at the moment is this relentless heat. As many of you know, the hot weather really knocks me about, so I’m waiting for the temperatures to settle down before attempting my first trail walk.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me, encouraging me, and checking in. Your support has meant a great deal during what has been a frustrating few months. I’m looking forward to the day I can finally post another update from the trail instead of talking about missing it.
Slow progress is still progress, and I’m grateful for every step forward.

Oh yes I forgot to mention…

A Little Taste of Madeira…

I’m still working my way through the hundreds of photos from our recent two week cruise, but I thought I’d share this one from Madeira.
To be honest, neither Sarah nor I knew if I’d even be well enough to go. As many of you know, my acute meniscus tear had left things very much touch and go. Walking was still difficult, and even getting around the house wasn’t always easy. There were moments when we genuinely wondered if we’d have to cancel.
But… you know me! This was The Blind Sightseers’ very first no-fly cruise, sailing from Southampton, England. During the two weeks we visited Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz (for Seville) and Lisbon, Portugal. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by how well my knee held up.
Up until then I hadn’t been walking very much at all, so simply getting around the enormous cruise ship was a challenge in itself. Add to that the seven shore excursions we booked and I honestly wasn’t sure how my knee would cope. Thankfully, it behaved far better than either of us expected.
This photo was taken in Madeira Natural Park, and standing there taking in those incredible mountain views made every bit of the effort worthwhile. I’m still a long way from being back on my beloved trail, but this trip reminded me that sometimes you can do more than you think you can. Recovery isn’t always about giant leaps. Sometimes it’s simply about putting one careful step in front of another. There are plenty more photos to come as I work through them all, so watch this space!