Terrace Diary: Episode Four – Second Jab Done (Two Weeks to Go)

Terrace Diary: Episode Four – Second Jab Done (Two Weeks to Go)

Hola Terrace Crew,

Pull up a lounger and grab something cold. It’s hot, it’s humid, and we had a fantastic storm that cooled everything down for an hour or two. The heat is back with a vengeance today, though more storms are forecast for next week. Tonight we’ve got a solar eclipse to look forward to (official glasses only, of course).

Yesterday was my second PRP injection. The first one worked a treat. I felt the difference almost overnight and started thinking we were finally winning. Then, after waiting the recommended two weeks, classic impatient me went swimming. The pain came straight back, and my leg was not impressed. The doctor confirmed this morning that the hip had become inflamed from the exercise.

His advice is simple: wait a few weeks after the third and final jab before trying anything active again. That third jab is in two weeks, so the countdown is on, and so are my quiet plans for a cooler autumn.

Today’s injection went into three different places in the hip to calm the inflammation. I felt this one with a definite wince, but after the week I’ve just had, it was manageable. Three little stabs, a careful walk back to the car, and here I am again: resting, elevated, and trying not to eye up the paintbrushes and DIY tools like they’re long-lost friends.

It’s high summer on the Costa Blanca. The sea is glittering, the ecological paths in Benissa are calling, and I’m stuck on the sofa moaning. Me, the one who normally can’t sit still for five minutes without finding something to paint, fix or wander off to. Right now the most energetic thing I’ve managed is rearranging the cushions, writing this, and sweeping up the pine needles the storm left behind.

I know rest is the sensible move. The first jab worked beautifully until I got over-enthusiastic with swimming. So this time I’ll behave… at least until that final jab in two weeks and the green light afterwards.

Would I recommend the treatment? A big yes. After the first injection, the pain in my leg felt like it had disappeared overnight. Even my daughter noticed a big improvement in my walking and daily movement. I wish I hadn’t gone swimming, but it’s a lesson learned: be patient and let the treatment do its thing.

Anyone else currently stuck in the “waiting for the body to catch up” club, or been through the PRP adventure yourselves? Drop a comment if you have any good tricks for keeping fit without risking a relapse — or just some good old-fashioned advice.

Two weeks to go. Then we try again — carefully this time.

Joanne