Will be 6 months post op. Back to strength training, biking, swimming. Got my first shots up today and still feels like have a lot of calf strengthening to do!
I just upgraded to F Sport Exhaust and Intake on my 2009 GS350 AWD. My 17 year old exhaust system was pretty rusty and was due for an update.
I couldn’t be happier with the exhaust - it has a nice deep growl when you start the car, and it’s loud enough at just the right times. When cruising you can’t even hear it in the car, which is what I wanted. I wasn’t sure what to expect as many said it wasn’t much louder than stock but it’s definitely noticeable.
The intake I can’t really notice much sound difference, but that didn’t cost that much to replace so I’m fine with it.
After this installation along with some more maintenance (spark plugs, water pump, PCV valve, throttle cleaning) the car feels noticeably difference both in how it drives and how it sounds.
About to hit 135,000 miles on my next drive and it feels like I just gave this car a second life.
Pleasantly surprised that the cerakote headlight restore kit actually worked! My front right (left when looking at the image) had some UV damage.
Here are some before and after photos - it took about 30 minutes
That side was looking yellow and now basically matches the other side (had been replaced in an accident so newer)
Got the car nice and clean - have had it for a month and embarking on some maintenance projects:
spark plugs
all fluids
PCV valve
water pump
and some upgrades:
f sport intake and exhaust
GROM audio infotainment upgrade
had the front brakes and axles done and got new tires, put on seat covers and all weather mats
really enjoying restoring the car and giving it a second life at 135k miles
i know that I could have just gotten a newer GS for all that i’m spending but I really love this generation and was able to find one that was really well kept!
Still admiring the 2009 GS I got a few weeks ago. Really loving the color and slowly working on getting it in its best form! It’s become a daily meditation to find new places to clean - yesterday was the engine covers!
4 months post-op: Getting more calf and ankle function each week - really working on getting through my right ankle.
Just put in Caltrend seat covers in my 2009 GS and very happy with these. They are fitted for both front and back seats. Back seats had to be removed to get them on right and had to have them professionally installed.
I tried generic seat covers first and the fit was horrible. A few photos of the original seats at the end so you can see the difference - the seats are actually in pretty good shape and I got these to preserve them and hopefully have this car for years to come!
4 months post-op today. Able to walk bike and swim.
Working on getting single leg heel raise. Still having lots of tightness through achilles and gradually working on ankle flexion.
Hit my hardest assault bike ride yet! 4 min easy 4 min harder - 4 rounds and cool down!
Exactly 16 weeks post-op today and did my first single leg heel raises while holding on to a bar!
I still can’t believe it!!!
Working on transition to single leg heel raise. 2 up 1 down. Have my hands on a railing for support.
Doing this with wall sits as well. And keeping up with single leg heel raises in the pool - I can do them in waist high water.
Next stop - single leg heel raises on land!
I have a free vacoped boot to giveaway in NYC - size large. With two extra liners. So happy I dont need this anymore!
Working on getting single heel raise back. Using a straight bar in front of me for some help and fighting for every rep!
My first week of owning my new to me 2009 GS350 with 134k miles has been a whirlwind. I took it to lexus dealer where it had been serviced for 12 years to get records and for a checkup and it turns out the front brakes are shot and there is a front axle leak. Naturally lexus quoted me $4000 to fix. I had noticed some shaking when driving over 60mph on the highhway that I didn’t notice during test drive and that PPI didn’t detect.
The next day I took it to a mechanic that’s worked on the same car for last 7 years and he said definitely need to replace front brakes and that axle can wait a little and that should also replace tires after summer. Relieved that it will only be $700 of work for now.
Then when trying to register the car in NY discovered that a prior sale in PA wasn’t notarized and DMV will not let me register the car. Sent title back to where I got the car from and they are working on it - hopefully can get that sorted i next week or two.
Despite all that I still LOVE the car and can’t wait for it to be fixed up.
So far I’ve gotten all weather mats, installed yellow fog lights (one of them was out), fixed the vanity mirror bulbs, and gotten a cup holder adapter for large water bottles.
Waiting for my Grom audio infotainment upgrade and Caltrend fitted seat covers (i tried generic ones but they didn’t fit).
My dream after that would be to get F-sport exhaust and sway bar, and upgrade audio to JL audio speakers and amp (has the stock lexus stereo). I will wait on this to make sure there aren’t any other big issues.
This is turning into a huge project that I hope will turn into my dream car!
Just joined the GS350 club with a 2009 in great shape with 130k miles. Already ordered my Grom infotainment upgrade and considering swapping out the stock speakers.
Took it for an hour test drive and loved it. Checked every single button and everything still works!
Once I pick it up tomorrow will take it to Lexus dealer it had most of its service done to change transmission fluid which was only thing that came up on PPI. Paid extra for engine tests and it was in good shape.
What upgrades do you have on your GS350?
Have been working hard on my gait in the pool and on land. Just got back on the curved treadmill and my right calf still has a ways to go to feel like the left one!
In last 3 weeks I’ve went from still being in my boot to feeling pretty normal walking for short stretches. My heel still gets irritated when I’m on my feet too long and I have just taken out the last of my heel lift in my shoes this week.
I’m feeling a little more excited about how I’ll be feeling in a few months if I keep putting the work in.
I’m having heel pain / numbness in my medial heel after being on my feet for longer stretches of time. Have others had this issue around the point? It isn’t something I noticed before, and I’m wondering how long it may last for?
I am trying to schedule breaks to keep my foot elevated and I think some of the swelling from being on my feet is contributing.
I’m 3 months post-op and progressing well in my recovery.
Here’s what I’m doing this week for my rehab:
Sunday: upper body - chest/shoulders/triceps
pool: double leg / single leg heel raise, light plyo, isometric holds, side and diagonal
shuffles
Monday: upper body - back/bicels, abs, legs - leg press, isolated leg machine exercises
pool: swim
Tuesday: BFR exercises before work, after work BFR flush
Wednesday: upper body - chest/shoulders/triceps, legs : smith machine - squat, deadlift, hip thrust, calf raise, isolated leg machines
pool: swim
Thursday: In person PT focused calf work and manual work, followed by acupuncture/dry needling session
Friday: BFR before work, flush after
Saturday: Light air bike
does anyone need a knee scooter and shower chair?
i am giving them away as Im 3 months post up and dont need them anymore.
depending on where you are I may be able to drop off (just cleared to drive this week!)
Looking to sell my knee rover all terrain knee scooter that I used for first 6-8 weeks post op. I’m now 12 weeks post op and realizing I haven’t used it in a month.
Originally paid $250 for it and looking for $120 for it. Also includes an add-on seat cushion.
I just got cleared to drive today so depending on your location may be able to deliver it to you!
Finally able to get my right heel up and really engage. Pool work has been really helpful to get to this point.
I am starting single leg heel raises and small jumps in the pool in chest high water.
Starting to walk in shallower water in the pool as well.
Have been trying to get in the water 3-4x a week since I was cleared for pool work at 8 week mark.
How are you all using the pool?