Kenny, Todd
It's funny. I certainly have not been "released" to tow behind a jet ski, but I am supposed to push things a wee bit in a controlled environment like physical therapy. If pain goes away and does not linger, I'm good to go, and in theory am making progress. If pain increases after activity, then I have gone too far, and if it hurts more the next day, then I know that I did something really stupid.
So far, I would like to think that all of my activities have produced a benefit for my range of motion. PT has been waaay more painful than climbing in the gym (no weight on left leg - 3 weeks after surgery #1) cycling (at 50% weight bearing 7 weeks after surgery #1) or boarding for 10 min behind a jet ski (at 10 weeks after full weight bearing for 10 days). The jet ski gave me an environment that was relatively controlled - no worry of gusts, no need to edge super hard to get upwind, and pretty flat water. Entry, as opposed to launching, was in liquid, and at a moments notice I could immediately flop off of the board into water.
I'm thinking back to when I was launching a few times at Deer Creek last summer, and the forward pull associated with a gust of wind while trying to keep the kite up. I remember being pulled forward about five steps a few times, and THAT, right now freaks me out more than actually kiting on the water. My doc associates kiteboarding with full recovery, assuming I think, that kiting means jumping and hard landings. He's super conservative, and probably afraid of lawsuits. So I think that's why he said November even without looking at my ankle or progress.
I don't really see myself on the water for at least another month, but I'm having a great time observing my progress. Which is hilarious, cause like you guys know, there are so many little victories that only the injured person notices, but I DO see them almost every day. Today has been a great day. I think I'll fly the trainer again tonight. When I do get out on the water, it will be strapless for a while no doubt. Until then, go get crazy for me!
