NASCAR CANADA @ CALABOGIE MOTORSPORTS PARK
Had the privilege of watching a NASCAR Canada race at Calabogie Motorsports Park on Sunday. I’m a (casual) NASCAR fan yet had never been to a race or any kind of event at my local racetrack! It was LOADS of fun. My only regret is not being able to snag some merch (what I wanted was sold out; great for vendors but boo-urns for me).
Here are some pics I took from the event and a link to learn more about NASCAR Canada and Calabogie Motorsports Park.
3 Months Post Op: An Update
Tomorrow will make it three months since my third (!!!) joint replacement surgery. I also had some bone fragments removed from my ankle but if you’ve been following my blog, you’ve likely read all about it (with the technical terminology and graphic photos which we don’t need to revisit).
I’ve had a few physio sessions and have been progressing well. I am so excited to enjoy some upcoming vacation dates where I hope to NOT be in PAIN! Since experiencing injury last summer and living with foot deformity my whole life, this will be the first taste of time off work where I have a proper functioning leg/foot!
<cue the Foo Fighters - Learning to Walk>
While there is pain to work through, strength training (and advil) should get me back in good health.
I am getting there. Slowly but surely. Surgeon said it’d be at least August before I could fully return to sports and jogging, etc. which means I’m on the right path. During my most recent post-op check up, the doctor who saw me said I could try ice skating again, so I’ll be doing that this weekend in Barry’s Bay. Wish me luck!
MY BIRTHDAY WISH FOR CHEO
Celebrate my birthday with me by giving a gift to a child receiving in patient treatment at CHEO - the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, Canada. Since 2019, we have given over 600 gifts.
Every year around this time I start the big PUSH to celebrate my birthday with all the kids receiving in patient treatment at CHEO. I don’t need a present - my gift is what you are able to do for the kids who might be spending their birthdays in hospital.
Significantly disabled and receiving intensive treatments throughout my younger years has allowed me to become the person I am today.
If you know anyone who has been involved with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in any capacity, you’ll know that lengthy hospital stays (or even short ones) aren’t something that anyone, let alone kids, wants to do.
Make their stay brighter. Give them hope. Provide distraction.
Your gift goes directly (and completely) towards CHEO’s Child Life department who physically bring books, games, music, arts and crafts aka ‘light in times of darkness’ to all patients (aged 0-18 years) in hospital.
Rehab: Let the Physio Begin!
The road to recovery: physio rehab has begun! Stay tuned for progress reports as I get back to health following January’s MTP fusion and ankle debridement surgery at the Ottawa Hospital. To those who’re living with physical disabilities or deformity: know there are options and our doctors are THE BEST!
On Friday, February 28th, I began (the long and ouchie road) of physical recovery in the form of Physio. This was the catalyst that got me to peak physical form (for me) after having my hip replaced in 2023.
Since moving from downtown Ottawa to Almonte, I’ve taken on a new physiotherapist and clinic (but I’m very happy to give anyone in need recommendations for my old clinic and care provider because they RULE).
I have a lot of work to do and have been advised to ‘cool it’ on the amount of walking and weight bearing activities I’ve been doing.
My care providers said to not expect a full return to sports or more intensive activities until August, so my previous goal of being ‘back in shape by June’ have been shifted.
Moving goal posts is fine by me. I know by now that when you over-do it, you get injured. This surgery and recovery period have been exacerbated due to injury so I’m not looking to repeat any of this pain filled process!
Physio will be a bi-weekly thing til my gate improves and my muscles get back to strength. There is a lot of work to do and an equal if not greater amount of wins to look forward to once I cross the finish line. Until then: baby steps!
BEFORE
Rheumatoid Arthritis causes joint deformity; walking was too painful for me as a child, so I failed to form healthy feet.
NOTE: My left MTP was fused in 2003.
AFTER
On January 9, 2025 I had a bony growth (osteophyte) removed (ankle debridement) and big toe corrected (MTP fusion) in a 2-for-1 surgery at the Ottawa Hospital.