8 Month Update and FINALLY Prague Pics

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backbay38

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Well I haven't posted or read much in more than a month for which I apologize; Life sort of takes over and I've had to do some research and writing that with my daily exercise routine finds me asleep half the time over he computer at 9PM (after too many chocolate chip cookiesl; love that chocolate-induced seratonin).
To start - here are the long promised photos - a few anyhow - from my summer teaching and working in Prague. Hopefully I can do this :)
[Bonesmart.org] 8 Month Update and FINALLY Prague Pics

[Bonesmart.org] 8 Month Update and FINALLY Prague Pics

[Bonesmart.org] 8 Month Update and FINALLY Prague Pics

[Bonesmart.org] 8 Month Update and FINALLY Prague Pics


The first photo shows me (short, on far right) wih two Czech friends walking in our nearby park. Then my (new and typically European) apartment buidling in Prague 10-shot from our balcony; the Old Town section in Prague with the famous 16th century moving clock; and the Cesky Raj area in the northern mountains where I hiked for a day with my husband and friends; totally spectacular scenery and rocks.

As for me, back in New Jersey, I am spending as much time outdoors as possible, walking every morning as well as doing my normal weight workouts. A few weeks ago I started running a tiny bit again - maybe as much as a quarter of a mile at a time, then a long walk, then a repeat --and only on flat and only a couple of times a week. Very slow, careful running. But the knee feels fine. I am still in the "isn't it wonderful" stage and seldom forget the joy of being totally free again. My quad muscles are nearly as strong now on the operated leg as on the good leg and I can hike and climb almost anything. Is it perfect? No. But is the rest of me perfect at this stage of the game? Pick me up off the floor laughing hysterically! Oh - floor -- yes I can kneel with no problems and get up and down just fine. I have to invent walks with hills and uneven trails to try to approximate the everyday walking to get around in Prague which was so strength and confidence building this summer.
We are going back to Prague in November - just for 2 weeks to do some work and do a Spa Weekend in Austria I won... so I'll be back walking up my long hill to the apartment which will be great!
OK let's see if the photos work!
Stephani
 
I LOVED PRague, But as we all know... Europe wasn't made for disabled people!!! Loved your pix! Keep on doing great. Steph!!!! (:)0)
 
Wow beautiful pics really ............Almost looks like a castle in one pic and love the stone walkways.............Very nice !!!!!!!!!! Thanks for that..............)
 
Kim - Prague is full of castles and manor houses and the like. It's a truly fairy tale place in the old sections. And Judi I know too well how hard it is to get around if all of you isn't in top shape; I struggled for a couple of years with all the walking and climbing and cobblestones. But this summer I just felt like I was flying everywhere it was so easy...
 
Stephani, thanks so much for the photos....it's just a lovely place. What a lucky person you are to have a job that takes you there now and then. Post more photos when you can....you did great.

Once you post them, you can use the EDIT button and go back in to put captions near each photo if you want.

It makes me thrilled to hear how well you're doing....POSTER CHILD, you are!!!
 
My husband and I loved Prague--were there about three years ago. The cobblestones are something--that's when my knee first started to hurt a lot. Europe is very familiar to us--we've spent two sabbaticals in Germany (around Karlsruhe)--last sabbatical was 2000-2001 for 8 months--husband was a visiting engineering professor. We've been to Europe over the last 15 years 1-3x a year (unfortunately haven't been for the last two years.) Your pictures look familiar-love the old town!!
 
Congratulations on being able to run again....based on a comment you made to me in reference to my ability to run again I know that was a goal and important to you. Another example of how focus, determination and hard work in re-hab allows for a quick recovery and the return to physical activity.​

Steve
Spring, Tx.​
 
Stephani,
Thank you sharing the pictures. This is where my husband parent came from
Hub's Mom got on the last boat to leave Prague during the last of the war she would
not have made it but for a German soldier who was kind to her and got her off the
train and away from the others soldier's her paper's were out of date. Hub had one
Aunt that was put in a camp she was a wonderful cook so the head officer had her
as his cook. That is how she was able to stay alive in the camp. His father was put into
a private school in Austria during the war. Hubby's father spoke 5 languages. Somewhere
I too have picture of Prague but not like these beautiful pictures. Mine are more of how
people lived in the 40ty's
Sorry did not mean to go on and on. Do not want to get off the subject of how well
your knee is doing. I am so very happy for you!!! It looks like you are living your life to the fullest!!!
 
Wow -- cool comments! Calling -- I would love to see some of the 40's Prague pics! I only wish we'd gotten there before Communism fell to have comparisons. My husband's grandfather came from Tabor, about 60 km outside of Prague and grandmother from Vimperk (Sudentenland area). Your connection to Prague is much deeper (and more traumatic for your family). Nancy if I could I would live in Europe most of the year;' I just love it there (now that I can walk that is :)) And Steve -- I couldn't agree with you more about the focus and effort that must go into rehab. It becomes your job for awhile. Jamie thanks as always for the encouragement (photos too :)). It's nice to be back on line with all of you; it IS kinda like coming back to your hometown and visiting!!

I forgot to mention in terms of the knee that I continue to pull my leg back every morning and again (a different way) after each exercise session. I think I've reached whatever ROM I'll have but I want to be sure to keep it. It's about 2 or 3 inches less than my other leg which goes all the way back to my butt if I pull it. I use the rowing machine a couple of times a week for 5 min or so (so boring but so good for flexibility as well as arm strength). I have a feeling that I will always have to stretch and pull just to be sure I don't lose what I have. I think I asked Jamie this back at the beginning and I believe, Jamie, you said you still do it too.
 
Never mind Prague (though I loved the pics) lovely to see you, Steph! And what a winning smile!
 
Yes, I do continue to stretch and work my knee just to keep it as flexible as possible. Don't know if it's necessary or not, but it certainly can't hurt!
 
I wrote an entire comment last night and hit the wrong button on my tiny laptop and zoom! gone! Soooo---Jo -- thanks for the compliment! I think my smile is a lot more gleeful these days :) Jamie -- I basically think that keeping a replaced knee healthy is not much different from keeping a natural knee healthy. It's really about the muscles, ligaments and tendons the knee connects to and unless they are strengthened by use and stretched regularly -- they tighten and shorten and your ability to move is compromised. Runners who don't stretch get shortened, tight hamstrings which is why you will often see (usually a man) runners who are in great shape unable to bend over and touch much below their knees. Which is also why there are so many pulled hamstrings!! I think I will give my replaced knee extra attention - like you do Jamie - but my goal is to get it to the point where what I do is pretty much the same for both legs (and back and arms and shoulders). I'm a big believer in a lot of stretching!
 
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