September 22, 2009

I'm sorry for not having an entry in a while, I tried to do a video blog when I was down in Birmingham, post-surgery.  Unfortunately, I could not figure out how to send it off to the website and delayed it too much to put up.  If you all would like to see it, I could try to see if I still have it and re-post it, just let me know.

Anyway, it will be three weeks tomorrow that Kristin and I were in Birmingham, AL for my surgery. The recovery has been speedy and can be attributed to a couple of key factors, or really people.  First, having the best sports surgeon in the world you expect greatness, and that is exactly what I got.  It is no wonder why athletes fly in from all over the United States to get worked on by Dr. Andrews.  Secondly, having a loving wife take care of my ice machine, wraps and anything else that needed attending helped significantly.  I know at times she did not want to change my ice at 2 a.m., but it went a long way in the end.  Lastly, our training staff with the Lions has helped push me in rehab without having any negative effects afterwards.  

So with all that being said, and the clearance from Dr. Anderson (our team doctor), I have been allowed to return to the practice field on a limited basis.  Anytime you are away from the field it feels like an eternity, but it makes you appreciate it even more when you get to go back out there.

My plan is to go back out and focus on the basics, but most importantly be smart about it.  I'm going to try to do the simple things first and see how my knee responds.  After that, it is all based on swelling, which is why I have been working so hard to regain the little amount of strength I lost in it.  I feel good about it and will continue to rehab for a while longer.  Getting to the facility early has not been fun, but getting my knee healthy as fast as possible is what motivates me at 5:30 to get up.  

So tomorrow morning when you roll over and check the clock at 5:45, think of me driving to work and sleep a little longer for me...

Drew Stanton is a quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.drewstanton.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/drewstanton.