Back on my feet

Well it's now been almost 6 months since my little ('er big) accident in Kamloops that shattered both of my heels. I thought it was about time that I post another update to let you all know how I'm doing. I'm doing really damn good, actually. I wasn't allowed to bear any weight until Christmas, and since then I've gone through some pretty incredible stages.

First one was trying to stand up for the first few times…Whoah! Kindy sketchy when you haven't been on your feet for 4 months, and your legs have shriveled to the size of your arms! Once I made it upright, I went through one of the strangest feelings, I actually felt like a giant! I felt sooo tall! Seriously, it was quite the trip to be looking at the top of the fridge. Walking up to the window to look outside, only to find you've got way too close, as you're used to looking upwards from being in the wheelchair for so long.

I eventually got myself on to crutches for very small periods of the day, with pretty aggressive physiotherapy. My ankles are so weak, they could barely support my body weight. Swimming is still the ticket to strengthening myself, and I actually went and cruised the Sea-Wall here in Vancouver last week, for the second time. Spinning is the best……way easier than walking, just can't do hills yet.

I'm still going to physio and the gym several times a week, and my leg strength is starting to come back really fast. It's been two months since I've been allowed to bear weight, and I just picked up canes this week, so I'm starting to walk small distances around the house now. I'm still really weak, but I can also feel my overall strength improving everyday. I still use the wheelchair for long walks on the beach and to rest after workouts. I think I'll keep it for another week, or so, but that's it.

Yep, I'm getting ready to ditch the wheelchair and throw a leg over my beautiful new 2003 Norco 4by. I won't be on any trails or anything like that, but I'll start close to the house, and start sneakin' a mellow flat trail here and there. Before long, I'll be back. Watchin' all the kids bustin' out at the Outdoor Show last weekend sure made me want to jump! Doctors say it could be up to year before full recovery, but I'm also about 3 months ahead of schedule, so we'll see what happens. The mountain bike community is so supportive, that I feel like I haven't really missed a beat. I mean, I've still got a long way to go, but I've also come a long way.

Thanks everyone, thanks for the love, thanks for the music, thanks for riding as well as y'all are and for lovin' it just as much as I do. You kids are on fire these days!!! We'll see ya soon!

Ride free, DarrenB