Thanksgiving 2011

I wasn't going to keep up this blog but I actually miss it. It's like my online diary in a way. The older I get, the more I forget and this is a good way to keep track.

A lot has happened since my last blog post...so I will try to give a run down while keeping it short.

My Knee:

* The MRI showed a Grade 4, full thickness cartilage defect of the lateral trochlear surface of my knee. There was also a large loose body in there. My options were: Arthroscopic surgery to remove the loose body and smooth out the cartilage or Microfracture.
* I had arthroscopic surgery on 10/28 and it was successful in as much as the loose body was removed (12mm) but the cartilage/chondral defect was larger than expected (15mm) and the adjacent surface of the patella was damaged also.
* Recovery from this surgery was pretty quick. I never did need crutches (I was so sick from the anesthesia that I couldn't get up and walk anyways). I was full weight bearing within 2 days and it has progressed well ever since with minimal pain or swelling.
* I am back on the bike and back in the pool. I am also walking pain free. Physical Therapy is going well and I feel that I am getting stronger, there was a lot of work to do as I had been limping for months!
* So where does that leave my knee and my future as a Triathlete? Well, I am essentially retired. And I am OK with that. This is not the type of injury that you come back from. It is almost impossible to completely repair a chondral defect. It's not like a meniscus type cartilage injury. Microfracture is the procedure that drills holes in the defect with the hope that the body will produce fibrocartilage (fake, squishy cartilage) and buy you a few more years. Other procedures include cartilage plugs or transplants from your own knee or a donor. I have an appointment with a cartilage repair specialist next month to go over options. In the mean time, I am focusing on getting healthy and strong, I am enjoying my life as a non-athlete and I am thankful that I do have other things that I enjoy.

What else have we been up to?

* We held the 5th annual Kid's Tri, we had our biggest turn out ever with over 150 kids racing. It was a bit stressful when we woke to rain on race day but it cleared up with 15 minutes to go. My boys both raced really well. Cam did the long course and took 2nd place male. We also raised $1000 for a local charity!
* JT is training for his 50k trail race in December.
* Cam is starting track again which will run through to the summer. Sean is gong to play Flag football.
* We spectated at Ironman Arizona last week and saw our friends become Ironmen. Spectating that race is so much fun. I was hoarse the next day!
* JT is building a motorcycle that belonged to our neighbor. We plan to sell it.
* Cam got his braces.
* We are spending Thanksgiving at the In-laws- always a good time!
* My parents are coming in a few weeks to spend Christmas with us.
* I'm skipping a lot of stuff but we are all happy, healthy and busy. Life is good!