3,5 Months Post Latarjet Surgery
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3.5 Months Post-Latarjet: Still Healing, Still Learning, Still Moving Forward
About three and a half months ago, my life slowed down in a way I didn’t really choose. Surgery has a way of doing that.
Today, I wanted to give a real update.. not a highlight reel, not a complaint list.. just an honest look at where I’m at right now.
The short version?
I still have nerve damage.
But my situation has improved a lot. And that matters.
Physically: Far From Perfect, Miles From Where I Started
The nerve damage is still there. That hasn’t magically disappeared. But the difference between then and now is huge.
I can use my arm.
I can train.
I can move.
That alone already feels like a win.
My strength and range of motion are still limited, but the most important thing is this: no more surgery is needed. The way forward is clear.. and that gives a lot of peace of mind.
Training With Intention (Not Ego)
Because lifting heavy weights isn’t my main focus right now, I’ve shifted my energy into three areas:
🏃 Cardio
I recently did a running test (lactate + VO₂), mostly because I love numbers and benchmarks. I like knowing where I stand. Not to judge myself, but to give direction.
The plan is simple:
train smarter
improve my running efficiency
redo the test in 4–6 months and compare
No rush. Just progress.
🧘 Mobility & Stretching
This has become non-negotiable.
Mobility isn’t just something I “should” do. It’s something I need if I want to move well again. A flexible body really does create a flexible mind. The more I stretch, the more space I feel. Physically and mentally.
🤸 Calisthenics
“L-Sit”
Right now I’m working on a L-sit.
Eventually I want to be able to do V-sit.
This is where things get fun again.
Right now, I’m working on improving my L-sit, with the long-term goal of progressing toward a V-sit. That’s also exactly why mobility plays such a big role. Without it, that transition simply won’t happen.
Strength will come back.
Control will come back.
I just have to give it time.
The Mental Game: Probably the Hardest Part
If I’m honest, the mental side has been tougher than the physical pain.
You’re constantly confronted with your limitations. Things that used to feel automatic now require focus, patience, and sometimes acceptance.
Healing is not linear.
It’s ups and downs. Good weeks, frustrating days.
That’s just how it is.
Patience is really the name of the game here. Not passive patience, but the kind where you keep showing up, respecting the grind, even when progress feels slow.
And one important reminder I keep giving myself:
comparison is optional — and usually harmful.
Every body is different. Every surgery is different. Every recovery timeline is different. Comparing yourself to someone else only adds mental weight you don’t need to carry.
The Latarjet Diaries: An Unexpected Positive
My Youtube analytics
This is a picture of my youtube growth. I started a little less than 4 months ago..
Somewhere along this recovery journey, I started a YouTube channel:
The Latarjet Diaries.
At first, it was just a way to track my own healing. Something to do. Because let’s be honest. Life can get pretty boring when you’re not working.
But I ended up really enjoying it.
Filming, reflecting, sharing progress.. even when it’s messy. It has become something meaningful. And the fact that it seems to help others makes it even better.
A few months in:
~227 subscribers
people asking when the next video is coming
That still feels surreal.
My goal?
👉 1,000 subscribers & 4,000 watch hours by the end of the year.
No pressure — just curiosity about what’s possible.
The Financial Reality (Also Part of Recovery)
Recovery isn’t just physical and mental.. it’s financial too bro.
In Belgium, sick leave starts at around 65% of your income, but that drops pretty fast. I’m able to survive because I live with my partner, which I’m very grateful for.
Still, it’s one of the reasons I’m looking forward to going back to work.
Not rushing it though. Healing comes first.. but the motivation is there.
Rehab, Rehab, Rehab
Right now, my schedule looks something like this:
4 physio sessions per week
2 private
2 in the hospital
daily rehab exercises
4–5 gym sessions per week
The nerve damage increased the amount of physio, but honestly?
That extra work has helped a lot.
Everything combined; physio, gym, consistency. It has made a real difference.
One Last Tip (Seriously, Do This)
If you’ve had a Latarjet or any surgery: FILM YOURSELF!
You don’t have to post it.
You don’t have to share it.
Just keep it for yourself.
Being able to look back and see your progress is an incredible mental boost, especially on days where it feels like nothing is changing.
Final Thoughts
I’m not fully healed.
I’m not “back to normal.”
But I’m moving forward and that’s enough for now.
Thanks for reading.
And if you ever want to connect, talk, or share your own experience -> my messages and DMs are always open 🤍
Youtube Video: I’m not done yet
