TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA…my Lucky #13
Whether influenced by Norse mythology, urban legend, or biblical stories, western culture has perennially been fascinated with triskaidekaphobia, a phenomenon more commonly known as the “fear of 13. Why do so many suffer from this often considered unfounded fear? As I conclude today’s activities and reflect, I am inclined to say that the number 13 should be associated more with that of good and positive effects. My healing surgically replaced ACL is the root of my conviction.
Today, January 19, 2007, marks 13 weeks post Reconstructive ACL surgery for me. 13 weeks of often failed attempts to discount any feelings that would reveal my endured anguish … both physically and mentally. 13 weeks embarked on a journey for which I preferred to never go. 13 weeks of being patient.
Best of all, it was NOT in vain. Today, 13 weeks post-op, I had a check up with my doctor who performed the surgery. After review of the X-rays, electronic measurements of my ACL, manual girth measurements of my legs, flexion assessments and muscle strength, etc., I received a most favorable medical release allowing me to unrestrictedly participate in cardiovascular activities. In other words, it is now medically acceptable to jog (not that I would … I never jog), get on the elliptical machine and even Stairmaster. This far exceeded my expectations as I was just in want of clearance for stationary bicycling:as my foot surgeon had finally (TODAY) gave me medical clearance to do just that.
And, I got the most wonderful inquiry from one of the doctors at the Orthopedic Sports Medicine facility, “So, WHEN is your next competition?! Wow! As if I wasn’t already psyched about my good news. Confirmed I have traveled 13 weeks on the €˜Road to Recovery’: 
January 19, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Let me be the first to congratulate you!!! Very exciting news. I will be following your progress!
January 20, 2007 at 12:56 am
Very very good I am glad good luck on the road ahead
January 20, 2007 at 3:20 am
Hey, great intro to this entry. I was just catching up on some of your previous entries. You have an infectiously positive attitude: I can see why you’re so successful.
January 20, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I always knew the number 13 was good for some reason! Congrats!!!
January 20, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Congratulations! im so happy for u…cant wait to see the damage your going to unleash!!
January 22, 2007 at 10:43 am
That’s great. I look forward to reading about your training.
January 22, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Hey All…Just to let you know, I made my way into the gym today. I had a pretty good entry training session of twp hours. Unlike most of my sessions, I speant 45 minutes engaged in cardio type activity - 30 mins. on the recumbent bicycle, weights (delts and biceps) and abs, then another 15 minutes on the stationary bicycle…that’s 38% of my time! No worry, my RPMs were for movement and ROM…I’m just getting a good, comfortable range of motion with the knee. Next week I get to wear shoes, not sandals and my Bunion Boot (post-op shoe)
January 22, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Praise God for your health, recovery and determination. You go girl!
January 24, 2007 at 4:58 am
Thats great news so glad ur makin your way back ..all the best !!one day at a time ..i’m following the same lead yesterday was told thurs. last day in therapy so excited !! i also had a great day got to do legs yeah ! lunges too n some extentions feels great ..so happy for ur progress .stay intouch ..all the best =)Gina
January 24, 2007 at 12:13 pm
YES! That’s awesome. With great health we can recover a lot quicker than the average joe. I KNOW you are relieved!
13 is my lucky number too!
January 24, 2007 at 6:07 pm
remind me to check your blog every time i think I am needing a break, or going too hard. a swift kick is how i think its described
January 25, 2007 at 7:05 am
Ok Monolithdigital. I’d be more than happy to give you a swift kick in the "Ya’ Know". I just gotta’ be sure that I do it with my "good" leg - lol.
January 26, 2007 at 12:43 am
Gentlemen…(or women) Start your engines!
I may not be able to pronounce "trikayteephobawhatza" but even this dumb trucker knows how good it feels to be back on track! Good deal.
January 27, 2007 at 8:33 pm
That’s a MADCRAZY comment. Thanks ‘Madfun’!!!
February 2, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Keep rockin’, girl!!! My husband had a reconstruction of his shoulder a couple of years ago, no phyiso follow-up…and he managed to rehab himself into a Provincial 1st place about 8 weeks later!!! No physiotherapist (unless also a b’builder) could have (or would have) coached him thru that; but being already well-trained, and able to adapt, and not afraid to be lifting light in the gym (lots of guys ARE)….he not only healed his shoulder, but filled our trophy cabinet!!!
Leigh
February 2, 2007 at 8:21 pm
P.S. Should also say that hubby has had more ACL and MCL procedures than I can count…both arthroscopic and open…..wish I had pic of him to post on here…you;d never know. L.
February 2, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Whoa - thanks for that blurb. I’m doing my own re-hab activity and it is so nice to ‘hear’ of another competitor getting back on stage after such an injury and ‘kickin’ butt’. I’m 16wks post op and plan to be back on stage in 7 months. And I am not embarrased that I can only manage quarter squats-with NO weight. Slowly but surely - 100% recovery!!! –Dawn Melanie
February 2, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Again Thank You. I thought his injury was "similar". He has actually gone through the same. I’m impressed and ask that you deliver to him a message from me, "Congratulations!!!" I hope to have my own stories of recovery and susbsequent competition success–Dawn Melanie