Here is Michelle’s next Diary Entry!

Pre Doctor Appointment

Post Appointment! Looking Good Michelle!!!

“I am walking with two of the same shoes on. Yippee!! Just yesterday (May 7th), I got the okay to slowly work away from the walking boot. It is in the car, but I haven’t put it on since that appointment. Walking is feeling stronger and smother. It is important to work through the foot as you walk. At first I was afraid and I was shuffling or dragging my foot. Working through the demi-pointe is good. It is nice to have the boot off too, because it was making my hips and back very unbalanced. I looked a little bit gangster when I had it, which definitely gave me some street cred.

PT leading up to that appointment consisted of a plethora of fun exercises. Moving a towel from side to side with my toes (working inversion and eversion). Picking up marbles one by one and putting them in a tiny hole. Bicycle and Elliptical. Rising and lowering off a step taking 20 seconds for each direction. Lots of theara band. Standing on a super wobbly, rubber thing (don’t know the technical name) and playing catch with a friend (on one leg, turned in and turned out). Shin burners (basically tap your toes really fast while sitting in a chair, and your shins will start to burn. It feels good!) Light stretching of the arch and lots of calf stretching. Plus much more.

The doctor gave me the okay to start taking class (too bad I already did the day before). He wasn’t upset. He just reminded me to take it easy and continue to be smart and listen to my body. So, I have only done the first few combinations at barre and I will just try to progress over the next couple of weeks. The hardest part for me is releve, because there is still swelling and scar tissue at the back of my ankle. It feels chunky as I try to rise up. That will just take time. Also, pointing the foot all the way and drawing my toes back as I close fifth. That will take a little bit more mobility work and strength work.

Today (May 8th) I began working in the pool at PT. We did a lot of walking, side stepping, tippy toe walks, heel walks, releve, leg lifts, using weights as I walked, pase in and out, squats, bicycles, and much more. Next time we will probably add some flippers into the mix as well as a little bit of jumping or at least more releve. Chris and Shannon are in communication with Dr. Dehne and they are watching my every move to make sure I don’t do too much or do anything improperly. They are very encouraging and extremely pleased with my progress. The incisions are healing nicely, and Dr. Dehne trimmed the long pieces of the stitches that were hanging out at his office. The stitches inside will dissolve eventually.

I am feeling good about my progress and I am excited to continue on my journey. I am very appreciative of all the friends and family sending me love and support. The time not dancing has opened my eyes to many things I want to work on not just in my dancing, but in my life. I hope this can be a fresh start and be the beginning of discovery and growth. ”