Tag: hammiversary

Back on 11/5/17 I tore all three hamstring tendons off my pelvis trying to cross a soccer ball to center field in a kids vs. parents game. I was 45.

• Tendon stumps were retracted 2.5-3cm.
• First consult with an orthopedic surgeon in Concord, MA, USA. Unlike so many doctors across the globe, she knew before the MRI & before any bruising appeared, that I needed surgery. I still sought a second opinion at the urging of my PT in order to find someone who had done the operation more than “5-10 times.” Excellent ortho, but more of a knee & shoulder doc.
• Surgery a month later on 12/5/17 in Boston with Mark Price, head physician for the New England Patriots.
• Hip brace for 7 weeks.
• PT for about 10 months.

Notes to my year-ago self, who was confined to the Christmas couch at two weeks PO:

It gets better. Really.

Wait.

Breathe.

Read.

Connect. Especially with Hamsters.

Do your PT. To music.

The pain will get better. Really. Pay attention to it. Your body communicates with it. If your body used actual words, you’d freak out.

Wait. Wait more. Beyond what you think is acceptable. You are appallingly impatient, sweetness.

Yes, you’ve lost things. You will gain better things. Trust me, love.

Distract yourself so waiting is easier. Write.

You’re going to live into your nineties; this will take about a year. Chill the f*#% out. The worst will be over in nine months. What new life can you give birth to in that time?

This is an opportunity to slow down and learn more about your body than you’ve ever known. You will need this information if you plan on living into your nineties and remaining that good looking.

You haven’t slowed down. Sitting in bed all day watching Netflix and being angry as f*#% is not “slowing down.”

Breathe instead. In through your nose for 4….hold for 7…….out your mouth, as though through a straw, for 8……..

“Your problem is how you are going to spend this one and precious life you have been issued; whether you’re going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.”

― Anne Lamott

I’ve been back at my job as a personal trainer for many months. I walk 1.5 miles every other day. My strength & endurance need work. I’m deadlifting & squatting & lunging really well, but body weight only. I do prone hamstring curls with a 5lb dumbbell between my feet, and I did about 12 minutes on the elliptical last week. Super sore the following two days, but nothing terrible. I can do jack planks, battle rope slams, a couple box jumps.

My core and single-leg balance strength are better than they’ve ever been in my life.

Healing happens. Hang in.