Recovery Update

It’s been three days now since the accident, which is known in recumbent cycling circles as ‘leg suck.’

The pain is tolerable now without painkillers, although periods of non-movement (such as sleeping) bring on lots of stiffness in the joints.

I’m gradually increasing activity, and actually have been outside the house in the garden yesterday and today, and even out to the shops briefly today.

The colour is really impressive now, and clearly shows the areas of damaged soft tissues: from the base of the calf muscle and all the way around the ankle, over the top of the foot and almost down to the sole on the inside. Photos attached for those of a visual disposition!

My croc-like lightweight sandals are my preferred footwear at the moment, as they give support by spreading my weight across the foot without adding pressure around the swollen ankle.

I’m still fairly hopeful for a return to activity and the trip. Iona is certainly on, and the main question is whether I can get back in the saddle before then, or travel up to that part by car.

There are moments, however, of pain and discomfort, and melancholy. The reduction of activity often leaves me very tired, and I have been napping. Naps however leave me feeling groggy and my ankle feeling stiff. I try not to think about where I would be on the West Highland Way now if I hadn’t had the accident. On the other hand, if I do recover enough to cycle by Friday, the alternative route to Oban I’ve selected looks very beautiful: either a ferry from Ardrossan to Arran, then over to the Kintyre Peninsula and north; or a shorter ferry from Gourock to Dunoon, and west across to Loch Fyne and another short ferry to Tarbert.

I’m sitting out in my brother’s garden now, enjoying the shade in what is another beautiful day.

Thanks to everyone for your care and kind thoughts, and I hope today finds you well.