Energy level: low to grouchy
Pain level: 2.5
It’s only 13 days post hardware removal surgery and the doc says the stitches can come out and I can even go swimming next weekend!
Woo hoo!
More good news – in two days I can wash my foot! A shower would be heaven ~ I’m done with the bubble baths.
He also says I can start walking. The only thing that keeps me from jumping for joy is that dang plantar fasciitis, which is back with a vengeance.
The stitches come out with out a hitch! Okay, there was on stubborn one to which I would say the pain likened a deep pinch – like someone pinching my underarm fat as hard as possible. Not pleasant, but it only lasts a second.
I test standing for a moment and have a strange pins and needles sensation. The nerves are not yet connected. There’s no sensation of cushioning. I never fully appreciated the muscles and tissue that distance my bone from my skin until experiencing this strange flat stabbing sensation.
There’s a low level of soreness in my tender heel for the rest of the day. Two Tylenol help, but let’s just say I’m not the most pleasant person to be around. Perhaps the difference was last time I had the stitches removed I got to go back to bed for the rest of the day, today I immediately hitched a taxi back to work. It puzzles me a bit because I have more than 100 stitches on my body (3 long stories – but let’s just say 2 were due to klutzy incidents and 1 was another surgery.) I never remember being so agitated from stitch removal before. Okay, well… there was an incident more than a decade ago when a drainage tube was removed rather abruptly that I screamed very loud and when I left people in the waiting area gave me funny looks. Again – that was a quick pain like ripping off a band aid. This pain that lasts all day is rather annoying. Perhaps this is my Achilles’ tendon? [pun intended] ;)
It’s been lovely being pain free for nearly two weeks, and I suppose that if I never walked again that would be pain free living. Pain is the price I have to pay to walk. It really sucks to have to pay for every step that I used to be able to take for free.
C'est la vie.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Post Op Day 190 - stitches
Energy level: Low
Pain level: 0
Today I braved a peak at the stitches. Nothing better to do on a lazy Sunday anyhow.
I’m amazed at Dr. D’s fine handiwork! I must say it’s a lot smoother this time around. The first surgery seemed to have had a snag and last I looked, there was a bump in the scar. This new scar is almost perfectly geometric. Here’s my sexy Hollywood glamor shots:
Another bonus: No swelling! Zero! Nadda! Zip! I swear that my body never liked those pesky screws. Some people can live the rest of their lives with pins and screws in their bodies, but not me. My particular picky body wants to be 100% natural!
Pain level: 0
Today I braved a peak at the stitches. Nothing better to do on a lazy Sunday anyhow.
I’m amazed at Dr. D’s fine handiwork! I must say it’s a lot smoother this time around. The first surgery seemed to have had a snag and last I looked, there was a bump in the scar. This new scar is almost perfectly geometric. Here’s my sexy Hollywood glamor shots:
Another bonus: No swelling! Zero! Nadda! Zip! I swear that my body never liked those pesky screws. Some people can live the rest of their lives with pins and screws in their bodies, but not me. My particular picky body wants to be 100% natural!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Post Op Day 181 - recovery
Energy level: low, low, low
Pain level: 0
Another day of sleep.
It’s amazing how tired I am in the aftermath of doing nothing for two days. I have to remind myself that my body has ordered all resources to my foot to fill in the bone and begin to close the incision. The doctor had told me that he was making the same incision that he originally made to fix the bone and that seemed a little overkill to me- but what do I know?
Here’s a photo of those three gnarly screws:
.
I am so glad to have these out of my body. I can’t explain it, but feel lighter without them.
Pain level: 0
Another day of sleep.
It’s amazing how tired I am in the aftermath of doing nothing for two days. I have to remind myself that my body has ordered all resources to my foot to fill in the bone and begin to close the incision. The doctor had told me that he was making the same incision that he originally made to fix the bone and that seemed a little overkill to me- but what do I know?
Here’s a photo of those three gnarly screws:
.
I am so glad to have these out of my body. I can’t explain it, but feel lighter without them.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Post Op Day 180 - no screws
Energy level: I can sleep all day!
Pain level: 0-3
Post hardware removal day 1
An unpleasant level 3 pain wakes me up at 3:30 am – about 3 hours since my last 7.5-325 mg of Oxycodone – the take one every 3-4 hours for pain. I just want to sleep so I take one 10-650 mg Oxycodone (prescribed after surgery #1) and I wake up at noon.
I naturally wake up, which is so welcomed after sleep interrupted by pain. I find it strange that I have zero pain today. Welcomed, but suspicious… this is not what I had expected and dreaded.
There is no burning sensation when I put my foot down and there doesn’t seem to be any swelling. I haven’t needed any ice and I have been comfortable sleeping with my foot stacked on high on pillows to be well above my heart level.
I am trilled that I can make it to the bathroom with crutches. The office chair was placed in close reach incase I needed to “wheel” myself around, but that isn’t necessary due to the wonderful lack of extreme pain and burning. I’m a little baffled by the lack of pain- there is only a mild soreness.
I take the low dose Oxycodone as a precaution. I had agreed to a conference call at 4:00, so it is important that most of the downiness effects wear off in a few hours.
In retrospect, it wasn’t the most brilliant idea to agree to participate in a meeting that required a fully functional brain the day after general anesthesia. My note from the doctor says not to operate any machinery for 24 hours after general anesthesia. Technically, the meeting is 26 hours after general anesthesia so I figure that I’m fine to operate a simple telephone.
I chit chat with the first participate just fine. However, when the fourth person joins the conversation I start to feel a little dizzy. I hear all the words, but my brain processes them in slow motion. I feel like I’m on drugs. Oh, wait… I am on drugs! It’s so interesting that I didn’t know that my brain would have trouble keeping up with complex functions until actually tested. Passively watching TV was not a good warm up to the challenge of interacting with three other people. Conclusion: just because I can talk does not mean that I can express ideas in a coherent manner. Fascinating!
Note to self: Next time… just rest for the full 72 hours as recommended by the good doctor.
Pain level: 0-3
Post hardware removal day 1
An unpleasant level 3 pain wakes me up at 3:30 am – about 3 hours since my last 7.5-325 mg of Oxycodone – the take one every 3-4 hours for pain. I just want to sleep so I take one 10-650 mg Oxycodone (prescribed after surgery #1) and I wake up at noon.
I naturally wake up, which is so welcomed after sleep interrupted by pain. I find it strange that I have zero pain today. Welcomed, but suspicious… this is not what I had expected and dreaded.
There is no burning sensation when I put my foot down and there doesn’t seem to be any swelling. I haven’t needed any ice and I have been comfortable sleeping with my foot stacked on high on pillows to be well above my heart level.
I am trilled that I can make it to the bathroom with crutches. The office chair was placed in close reach incase I needed to “wheel” myself around, but that isn’t necessary due to the wonderful lack of extreme pain and burning. I’m a little baffled by the lack of pain- there is only a mild soreness.
I take the low dose Oxycodone as a precaution. I had agreed to a conference call at 4:00, so it is important that most of the downiness effects wear off in a few hours.
In retrospect, it wasn’t the most brilliant idea to agree to participate in a meeting that required a fully functional brain the day after general anesthesia. My note from the doctor says not to operate any machinery for 24 hours after general anesthesia. Technically, the meeting is 26 hours after general anesthesia so I figure that I’m fine to operate a simple telephone.
I chit chat with the first participate just fine. However, when the fourth person joins the conversation I start to feel a little dizzy. I hear all the words, but my brain processes them in slow motion. I feel like I’m on drugs. Oh, wait… I am on drugs! It’s so interesting that I didn’t know that my brain would have trouble keeping up with complex functions until actually tested. Passively watching TV was not a good warm up to the challenge of interacting with three other people. Conclusion: just because I can talk does not mean that I can express ideas in a coherent manner. Fascinating!
Note to self: Next time… just rest for the full 72 hours as recommended by the good doctor.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Post Op Day 179 – HARDWARE REMOVAL
Energy level: Post-surgery general anesthesia cocoon
Pain level: 4
Going into surgery #2 is a bit of a mixed bag. There is a fear of reliving the pain of surgery #1 and there is the comfort of experience that tells me that I’ll get past the pain. I was told that this extraction will be much less painful than the surgery to fix the broken bone and that I should be able to walk out this time in my boot and be partial weight bearing on crutches.
I let the nurse know that last time coming out of general anesthesia I was a real grouch (or so my husband says) and that I was terribly nauseous. She assures me that they can put some additional medicine in my IV as I regain conscious to deal with the nausea.
There’s a lot less excitement this time around… sign this, sign that, been there, done that.
Dr. D stops by to write a giant purple “YES” on my left leg. He pauses to a moment to stay that they won’t even need to roll me over on my stomach today. I’m not sure why this is a good thing, I won’t care one way or the other, I’ll be out.
Today’s anesthesiologist is all business – there is no chit chat or counting back from 10. He simply states that I’ll be taking a little nap and places the mask over my nose….
Coming to is much more pleasant this time. No nausea! Hooray! I couldn’t be happier! (given the circumstances.) I’m not grumpy at all either! No overwhelming dizziness! I can eat saltine crackers and drink ginger ale right away!
The nurse give me some pills and after half an hour the pain has leveled out to an unpleasant 4. I ask the nurse what she gave me and she replies: Percodan. I ask if that is okay to take with Oxycodone and she asks why I want to know. I explain that my pain level is about a 4 and I can only assume that it will go up later and I just want to know if it is okay to take something stronger if I need it to sleep at night. I have plenty of Oxycodone left over from my first surgery. She tells me that I should only be a little sore right now, that I won’t be pain free today.
Why can’t I be pain free? Pain is so unnecessary. She gives me a prescription for a low dose of Oxycodone. (Later I find out that Percodan is half Oxycodone anyhow.)
I ask: “How do I get the boot over the splint that has been placed on my leg?” She shows me the note on my chart. The original note stating that I placed in a walking boot and partial weight bearing is crossed out with a note to be non-weight bearing for two weeks. Needless to say, I’m pretty disappointed to be non-weight bearing again. Crutches really suck when they have to bear all the weight - I might as well walk on my hands for two weeks.
Again, I am amazed at the comparatively low level of pain and dizziness I am experiencing and I practically hop into the back of the car. At home I zoom up the stairs. The nurse had advised that I go up on my rump using the backwards crab walk since I should be subject to dizzy spells for the next 48 hours. Again, I am amazed at the comparison - last time each individual step felt like a monumental task. This time I make it up all 39 steps without needing a break. Then I climb into my nest and curl up for a long summer’s nap.
Ah, glorious sleep!
Pain level: 4
Going into surgery #2 is a bit of a mixed bag. There is a fear of reliving the pain of surgery #1 and there is the comfort of experience that tells me that I’ll get past the pain. I was told that this extraction will be much less painful than the surgery to fix the broken bone and that I should be able to walk out this time in my boot and be partial weight bearing on crutches.
I let the nurse know that last time coming out of general anesthesia I was a real grouch (or so my husband says) and that I was terribly nauseous. She assures me that they can put some additional medicine in my IV as I regain conscious to deal with the nausea.
There’s a lot less excitement this time around… sign this, sign that, been there, done that.
Today’s anesthesiologist is all business – there is no chit chat or counting back from 10. He simply states that I’ll be taking a little nap and places the mask over my nose….
Coming to is much more pleasant this time. No nausea! Hooray! I couldn’t be happier! (given the circumstances.) I’m not grumpy at all either! No overwhelming dizziness! I can eat saltine crackers and drink ginger ale right away!
The nurse give me some pills and after half an hour the pain has leveled out to an unpleasant 4. I ask the nurse what she gave me and she replies: Percodan. I ask if that is okay to take with Oxycodone and she asks why I want to know. I explain that my pain level is about a 4 and I can only assume that it will go up later and I just want to know if it is okay to take something stronger if I need it to sleep at night. I have plenty of Oxycodone left over from my first surgery. She tells me that I should only be a little sore right now, that I won’t be pain free today.
Why can’t I be pain free? Pain is so unnecessary. She gives me a prescription for a low dose of Oxycodone. (Later I find out that Percodan is half Oxycodone anyhow.)
I ask: “How do I get the boot over the splint that has been placed on my leg?” She shows me the note on my chart. The original note stating that I placed in a walking boot and partial weight bearing is crossed out with a note to be non-weight bearing for two weeks. Needless to say, I’m pretty disappointed to be non-weight bearing again. Crutches really suck when they have to bear all the weight - I might as well walk on my hands for two weeks.
Again, I am amazed at the comparatively low level of pain and dizziness I am experiencing and I practically hop into the back of the car. At home I zoom up the stairs. The nurse had advised that I go up on my rump using the backwards crab walk since I should be subject to dizzy spells for the next 48 hours. Again, I am amazed at the comparison - last time each individual step felt like a monumental task. This time I make it up all 39 steps without needing a break. Then I climb into my nest and curl up for a long summer’s nap.
Ah, glorious sleep!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Post Op Day 174 - check list
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: .5
In my hardware removal pre-operation interview the nurse asked if I had ever had surgery before... hum... wonder how those screws got embedded in my heel?
She did laugh when I pointed out the obvious. Silly pre-op checklist! :)
I have to say, I am a little nervous about this surgery. I wouldn’t be so adamant about getting the screws out if I had been pain free. But the truth is that I walk with a limp and I feel a tiny bit of pain with every step.
Dr. D insists that many people live with screws embedded in their bones for the rest of their lives. This is not the life for me.
Those screws have got to go!
Pain level: .5
In my hardware removal pre-operation interview the nurse asked if I had ever had surgery before... hum... wonder how those screws got embedded in my heel?
She did laugh when I pointed out the obvious. Silly pre-op checklist! :)
I have to say, I am a little nervous about this surgery. I wouldn’t be so adamant about getting the screws out if I had been pain free. But the truth is that I walk with a limp and I feel a tiny bit of pain with every step.
Dr. D insists that many people live with screws embedded in their bones for the rest of their lives. This is not the life for me.
Those screws have got to go!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Post Op Day 156 - vacation
Energy level: Low
Pain level: 3
Vacation has meant a break from my normal shoes. It has been just too hot to think of compression socks so I have been “running” around in my Sketcher thongs. It has been heaven not to have an straps on the back of my heel. Things were going so great that I have been tempted to sleep without the splint....
I don’t know why today was any different than the past week, but a sudden fatigue took over my legs today. The odd part is that this fatigue is focused on the area below my calf and above my ankle. In the evening I resort to elevating the leg with as many pillows as I can gather and experience random electric shocks on the sides of the Achilles tendon and on the bottom of the foot. Tylenol brings a bit of relief, enough to sleep.
I really wish the plantar fasciitis would take a vacation.
Pain level: 3
Vacation has meant a break from my normal shoes. It has been just too hot to think of compression socks so I have been “running” around in my Sketcher thongs. It has been heaven not to have an straps on the back of my heel. Things were going so great that I have been tempted to sleep without the splint....
I don’t know why today was any different than the past week, but a sudden fatigue took over my legs today. The odd part is that this fatigue is focused on the area below my calf and above my ankle. In the evening I resort to elevating the leg with as many pillows as I can gather and experience random electric shocks on the sides of the Achilles tendon and on the bottom of the foot. Tylenol brings a bit of relief, enough to sleep.
I really wish the plantar fasciitis would take a vacation.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Post Op Day 149 - 4th of july
Happy 4th of July!
I am celebrating our Independence Day in the lovely country that gave the US our greatest icon - the Statue of Liberty. Now if only this lovely country could give me some drugs to help with the swelling.
: )
There is quite a heat wave here in the South of France and it looks like there is half a soft ball attached to my ankle, not pleasant at all. I am not sure if the stabbing pain along the Achilles tendon is related to the swelling or not. Sitting down for three hour leisurely French lunches doesn’t help either and I am in enough pain to warrant skipping the cheese course to go elevate and ice my swollen foot.
The good news is that the primary objective of this vacation is relaxation with plenty of elevation of the foot!
I am celebrating our Independence Day in the lovely country that gave the US our greatest icon - the Statue of Liberty. Now if only this lovely country could give me some drugs to help with the swelling.
: )
There is quite a heat wave here in the South of France and it looks like there is half a soft ball attached to my ankle, not pleasant at all. I am not sure if the stabbing pain along the Achilles tendon is related to the swelling or not. Sitting down for three hour leisurely French lunches doesn’t help either and I am in enough pain to warrant skipping the cheese course to go elevate and ice my swollen foot.
The good news is that the primary objective of this vacation is relaxation with plenty of elevation of the foot!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Post Op Day 148 – da plane
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1 – 2
Two layers of compression socks kept the swelling down for an 11 plane ride.
However, the South of France is having a heat wave so the socks had to go. After an hour of walking on cobble stone streets my ankle swelled to the size of a softball.
Ice and elevation to the rescue!
Pain level: 1 – 2
Two layers of compression socks kept the swelling down for an 11 plane ride.
However, the South of France is having a heat wave so the socks had to go. After an hour of walking on cobble stone streets my ankle swelled to the size of a softball.
Ice and elevation to the rescue!
WEEK 22 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1 - 3
Epiphany: If you feel silly walking in place on a plane, try dancing to your iTunes!
Milestone: First plane trip since surgery
Pain level: 1 - 3
Epiphany: If you feel silly walking in place on a plane, try dancing to your iTunes!
Milestone: First plane trip since surgery
Saturday, June 12, 2010
WEEK 19 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal
Stamina is not yet back to normal
Pain level: 1 for standing 1/2 an hour
3 for standing 1 1/2 hours
Epiphany: I love getting out of bed without assistance! This happy thought makes me smile every day ~ also increases the probability of getting up on the right side of the bed. :)
Milestone: Can stand on one leg for 60 seconds. Can stand on two legs for 1 ½ hours before the swelling becomes overwhelming.
Stamina is not yet back to normal
Pain level: 1 for standing 1/2 an hour
3 for standing 1 1/2 hours
Epiphany: I love getting out of bed without assistance! This happy thought makes me smile every day ~ also increases the probability of getting up on the right side of the bed. :)
Milestone: Can stand on one leg for 60 seconds. Can stand on two legs for 1 ½ hours before the swelling becomes overwhelming.
Friday, June 11, 2010
post op day 126 – city walk
Energy level: normal
Pain level: 0 start of the day
1 end of the day
One of the things that had held me back from starting yoga was the ½ mile walk to the studio after work. That’s not a concern anymore since I’ve ditched the cane. I’m now totaling about 2 – 3 miles a day. That’s ½ mile to work + ½ mile home, ½ mile to the yoga studio + ¼ a mile from the yoga studio to the subway and I try to wander for a mile during my lunch break.
I’m so lucky to work in city with so much public art and parks to
admire during these mini walking tours! All this walking is great for building confidence, especially since I have a slight limp.
An ice pack is needed after my lunch romp around the block and a cold water foot soak is needed in the evening. I know I should be doing those contrast baths, but I have to admit some days I’m just too lazy to draw up two fresh buckets of water.
I’m just so happy to be walking and exploring the city again! :)
Pain level: 0 start of the day
1 end of the day
One of the things that had held me back from starting yoga was the ½ mile walk to the studio after work. That’s not a concern anymore since I’ve ditched the cane. I’m now totaling about 2 – 3 miles a day. That’s ½ mile to work + ½ mile home, ½ mile to the yoga studio + ¼ a mile from the yoga studio to the subway and I try to wander for a mile during my lunch break.
I’m so lucky to work in city with so much public art and parks to
An ice pack is needed after my lunch romp around the block and a cold water foot soak is needed in the evening. I know I should be doing those contrast baths, but I have to admit some days I’m just too lazy to draw up two fresh buckets of water.
I’m just so happy to be walking and exploring the city again! :)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
post op day 125 – gentle yoga
Energy level: normal
Pain level: 0 start of the day – 1 after one mile walks - ice brings relief
Another glorious day, another chance to stretch and do yoga! It's funny how after yoga I have more of a limp then when I entered the room. I'll have to chalk that up to spending 90 minutes being focused on other parts of my body. This is so needed after favoring one side of my body for so long! The crutches really made me uneven. A little less so with the cane, but not by much. It's so wonderful to be free-standing nowadays. I smile every time I get a glass of water. Ah, to have both hands free to carry things - pure heaven!
I surprise myself today by getting into Shoulder Stand. It’s a lot easier that it looks.
Shoulder Stand Part 1:
Shoulder Stand Part 2:
Boat pose requires much more core strength than I have right now.
I tremble after just 2 seconds!
Good news for my toes - I can do plank pose for about 30 second!
Hooray!
Downward Dog? Sorta. My heels are nowhere close to the ground. 4 months ago they were about 1 inch from the ground, now it feels like 6 inches. You are not supposed to do downward dog in high heels!
I usually love Plough. It's so much fun. It's really the start of a summersault. All those weeks of being flat on my back are evident is how little I can flex my spine. My toes are about 18 inches from the ground!
At least there is plenty of room for improvement!
Practice, practice, practice!
Pain level: 0 start of the day – 1 after one mile walks - ice brings relief
Another glorious day, another chance to stretch and do yoga! It's funny how after yoga I have more of a limp then when I entered the room. I'll have to chalk that up to spending 90 minutes being focused on other parts of my body. This is so needed after favoring one side of my body for so long! The crutches really made me uneven. A little less so with the cane, but not by much. It's so wonderful to be free-standing nowadays. I smile every time I get a glass of water. Ah, to have both hands free to carry things - pure heaven!
I surprise myself today by getting into Shoulder Stand. It’s a lot easier that it looks.
Shoulder Stand Part 1:
Shoulder Stand Part 2:
Boat pose requires much more core strength than I have right now.
I tremble after just 2 seconds!
Good news for my toes - I can do plank pose for about 30 second!
Hooray!
Downward Dog? Sorta. My heels are nowhere close to the ground. 4 months ago they were about 1 inch from the ground, now it feels like 6 inches. You are not supposed to do downward dog in high heels!
I usually love Plough. It's so much fun. It's really the start of a summersault. All those weeks of being flat on my back are evident is how little I can flex my spine. My toes are about 18 inches from the ground!
At least there is plenty of room for improvement!
Practice, practice, practice!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
post op day 123 - mild yoga
Energy level: normal
Pain level: 0 during the day - 1 after an hour of wearing the sleeper-splint.
The sleeper-splint is doing its job to stretch out the fibers in my foot, but I need to take one Tylenol at bedtime to get to sleep because the stretching... well it just hurts so good!
It's great to be back in my Restorative Yoga class. I used to call this "nap" class because of all the floor work that we do. Some days we might be in a lying twist for 10 minutes at a time! It seems like lazy yoga, but wow, I'm really surprised at how difficult today's class is for me. I've lost an amazing amount of flexibility.
I can't even complete a 10 minute supported back bend! Geeze, all that is required of this pose is to lay on the floor with some blankets under my back. How easy is that? This is just the preparation for Fish. I start out with my usual amount of three blankets and quickly determine that I'll have to work up to that level in the weeks ahead. One blanket gives me enough stretching in the rib cage for now.
Twists are the best thing for me right now because my body still feels a little out of alignment after walking on one leg for four months.
I can do a great Seal Pose:
Pain level: 0 during the day - 1 after an hour of wearing the sleeper-splint.
The sleeper-splint is doing its job to stretch out the fibers in my foot, but I need to take one Tylenol at bedtime to get to sleep because the stretching... well it just hurts so good!
It's great to be back in my Restorative Yoga class. I used to call this "nap" class because of all the floor work that we do. Some days we might be in a lying twist for 10 minutes at a time! It seems like lazy yoga, but wow, I'm really surprised at how difficult today's class is for me. I've lost an amazing amount of flexibility.
I can't even complete a 10 minute supported back bend! Geeze, all that is required of this pose is to lay on the floor with some blankets under my back. How easy is that? This is just the preparation for Fish. I start out with my usual amount of three blankets and quickly determine that I'll have to work up to that level in the weeks ahead. One blanket gives me enough stretching in the rib cage for now.
Twists are the best thing for me right now because my body still feels a little out of alignment after walking on one leg for four months.
I can do a great Seal Pose:
Fish Pose is extremely difficult:
But I surprise myself with a decent Bridge:
It feels good to be back in the game!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
post op day 121 - hot, hot, hot!
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1
I'm feeling yesterday's workout today! Funny how such intense stretching can make me feel tight the next day.
I've restarted yoga enough to know this is only temporary and it acts as a reminder as to how important it is to practice yoga on a regular basis. Use it or loose it! One wise yoga instructor once said that it was a practice because yoga is something that one never completes. No one ever wakes up and says: "Okay, I've perfected yoga ... I'm done." There’s something very relaxing about doing something that has no end.
Today's challenge is: The heat. One of the great benefits of Bikram is 90 minutes of sweating - awesome for getting the heart rate up, expelling toxins and conditioning myself for traveling to warm sunny vacation spots!
I know it takes time for my body to regulate loosing that much water on a regular basis. I did not drink enough water in the past 24 hours to fly though this session. My bad. Now I just have to deal with the cause & effect. Eh, a little nausea never hurt anyone.
The only pose I do well today is Spinal Twist:
Warrior – a struggle to get into and out of this pose.
Didn’t realize this required so much foot muscle.
Bow used to be my favorite pose.
Today I can barely grab my feet.
So sad.
Camel … always a tough one but I’m just not willing to grab my sensitive heel today.
It’s almost comical how little I can get into Triangle.
Can’t decide if I should laugh or cry.
When in doubt, laugh!
Pain level: 1
I'm feeling yesterday's workout today! Funny how such intense stretching can make me feel tight the next day.
I've restarted yoga enough to know this is only temporary and it acts as a reminder as to how important it is to practice yoga on a regular basis. Use it or loose it! One wise yoga instructor once said that it was a practice because yoga is something that one never completes. No one ever wakes up and says: "Okay, I've perfected yoga ... I'm done." There’s something very relaxing about doing something that has no end.
Today's challenge is: The heat. One of the great benefits of Bikram is 90 minutes of sweating - awesome for getting the heart rate up, expelling toxins and conditioning myself for traveling to warm sunny vacation spots!
I know it takes time for my body to regulate loosing that much water on a regular basis. I did not drink enough water in the past 24 hours to fly though this session. My bad. Now I just have to deal with the cause & effect. Eh, a little nausea never hurt anyone.
The only pose I do well today is Spinal Twist:
Warrior – a struggle to get into and out of this pose.
Didn’t realize this required so much foot muscle.
Bow used to be my favorite pose.
Today I can barely grab my feet.
So sad.
Camel … always a tough one but I’m just not willing to grab my sensitive heel today.
It’s almost comical how little I can get into Triangle.
Can’t decide if I should laugh or cry.
When in doubt, laugh!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
post op day 120 - hot yoga
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 0 - 1
Bikram Yoga changed my life 7 years ago. I was lucky enough when a studio opened across the street from my office. I practiced 5 days a week for 3 years. I gained focus and flexibility and lost 50 pounds! Life was good. Then, sadly at the height of the housing bubble, the building's owner tripled the rent which forced the studio to shut down.
Since then, I've continued a yoga practice with a different studio - but it just isn't the same. The Restorative Yoga that I switched to does not have a strength or aerobic component and I gained 20 pounds back before I sought out another Bikram studio I could go to on the weekends. I had just finished a few weeks in my new Bikram studio before I broke my heel. Being inactive for 4 months has added another 10 pounds and I'm determined more than ever to get back in shape.
Step one is regaining the strength and flexibility needed to balance on one leg. My right leg leaps back into action just about where I left off 4 months ago. My recovering left leg… well… that’s another matter.
Today all I want to be is the best tree I can be!
Pain level: 0 - 1
Bikram Yoga changed my life 7 years ago. I was lucky enough when a studio opened across the street from my office. I practiced 5 days a week for 3 years. I gained focus and flexibility and lost 50 pounds! Life was good. Then, sadly at the height of the housing bubble, the building's owner tripled the rent which forced the studio to shut down.
Since then, I've continued a yoga practice with a different studio - but it just isn't the same. The Restorative Yoga that I switched to does not have a strength or aerobic component and I gained 20 pounds back before I sought out another Bikram studio I could go to on the weekends. I had just finished a few weeks in my new Bikram studio before I broke my heel. Being inactive for 4 months has added another 10 pounds and I'm determined more than ever to get back in shape.
Step one is regaining the strength and flexibility needed to balance on one leg. My right leg leaps back into action just about where I left off 4 months ago. My recovering left leg… well… that’s another matter.
Today all I want to be is the best tree I can be!
Toe stand will have to wait for another day.
Friday, June 4, 2010
WEEK 18 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1 after walking ½ mile
Epiphany: Ice is great for reducing the swelling, but it also stiffens the joints which makes me walk with a pronounced limp. It takes about 100 paces before the stiffness goes away.
Milestone: Ready to resume a regular yoga practice.
Pain level: 1 after walking ½ mile
Epiphany: Ice is great for reducing the swelling, but it also stiffens the joints which makes me walk with a pronounced limp. It takes about 100 paces before the stiffness goes away.
Milestone: Ready to resume a regular yoga practice.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
post op day 118 – cold turkey
Energy level: normal
Pain level: 0 for most of the day - 1.5 after a half mile walk
My physical therapist likes the way that I walk. I have a minor limp, but he thinks I should go cold turkey and tells me to ditch the cane. He also gives me a “clean bill of health” and sets me on my way.
Physical therapy has officially come to an end. Or, Rather there’s nothing more they can do for me; they have taught me all that they can.
I didn’t expect it to end like this. I thought there be a few more “let’s see you in three weeks”. I leave my pretty purple cane at their office to pass on to the next gimpy gal.
Without the cane I feel like I have lost my security blanket. Simultaneously, I feel awash with sense of freedom and loss.
The only thing holding me back now is that bloody plantar fasciitis. It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. His best guess is that I’ll recover from plantar fasciitis in 6 – 9 months.
I’m not going to wait around for that! Most of my physical therapy has consisted of strategic stretches to regain a normal range of motion. Hum... sounds just like yoga! I prescribe for myself a full yoga regiment.
Slow and steady stretching wins the race.
Pain level: 0 for most of the day - 1.5 after a half mile walk
My physical therapist likes the way that I walk. I have a minor limp, but he thinks I should go cold turkey and tells me to ditch the cane. He also gives me a “clean bill of health” and sets me on my way.
Physical therapy has officially come to an end. Or, Rather there’s nothing more they can do for me; they have taught me all that they can.
I didn’t expect it to end like this. I thought there be a few more “let’s see you in three weeks”. I leave my pretty purple cane at their office to pass on to the next gimpy gal.
Without the cane I feel like I have lost my security blanket. Simultaneously, I feel awash with sense of freedom and loss.
The only thing holding me back now is that bloody plantar fasciitis. It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. His best guess is that I’ll recover from plantar fasciitis in 6 – 9 months.
I’m not going to wait around for that! Most of my physical therapy has consisted of strategic stretches to regain a normal range of motion. Hum... sounds just like yoga! I prescribe for myself a full yoga regiment.
Slow and steady stretching wins the race.
Friday, May 28, 2010
WEEK 17 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1 for walking
Epiphany: Carrying things is my new favorite activity!
Milestone: Walking without a cane!!!! Woo hoo!
Pain level: 1 for walking
Epiphany: Carrying things is my new favorite activity!
Milestone: Walking without a cane!!!! Woo hoo!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
WEEK 16 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2 for walking
Epiphany: It’s amazing how quickly strength can be lost and gained.
Milestone: Can balance on one leg for about 10 seconds. Yippee!
Pain level: 2 for walking
Epiphany: It’s amazing how quickly strength can be lost and gained.
Milestone: Can balance on one leg for about 10 seconds. Yippee!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
post op day 100 - up stairs
Energy level: good
Pain level: 1
Wow! I can't believe it's been 100 days since surgery!
What can I do after 100 days? I can go up stairs like a normal person!
Left foot on one step, right foot on the next step.
Woo hoo!
On the downside, I still do the wedding march going down stairs. Funny how going up and down engages different element. Going down stairs takes more flexibility, but going up stairs takes more strength. My left calf is almost back to it’s normal size and ankle strength is double what it was last week, but half of normal strength. Fortunately I have a surplus of stairs to exercise my ankle to help regain its strength.
♫ Climb every mountain! Climb every step! ♫
Pain level: 1
Wow! I can't believe it's been 100 days since surgery!
What can I do after 100 days? I can go up stairs like a normal person!
Left foot on one step, right foot on the next step.
Woo hoo!
On the downside, I still do the wedding march going down stairs. Funny how going up and down engages different element. Going down stairs takes more flexibility, but going up stairs takes more strength. My left calf is almost back to it’s normal size and ankle strength is double what it was last week, but half of normal strength. Fortunately I have a surplus of stairs to exercise my ankle to help regain its strength.
♫ Climb every mountain! Climb every step! ♫
Saturday, May 15, 2010
post op day 99 - cookies
Energy level: ok
Pain level: 1
More progress! I can get out of bed and with minimal assistance from the cane AND I can do it barefoot. I really wish I had that electric blue night splint weeks ago!
It’s another chilly foggy day in San Francisco – a good day for baking.
Today’s cooking challenge in Kitchen Stadium: cookies!
Why is this a challenge? Well, this particular recipe makes 130 cookies, which means this will be a minimum of three hours on my feet in the kitchen. In preparation for this feat I do my stretching exercises and I’m able to get around the kitchen barefoot without a cane. Woo hoo!
The swelling in my foot gets a little uncomfortable around batch four, so I take to soaking my swollen foot in cool, 65 degree water between batches.
It’s great to be cooking again!
Seriously folks, if you haven’t tried the famous urban legend $250 Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, then you are missing out on the best cookies ever! The secret is in the oat flour and shredded milk chocolate bar. Also, be sure to use Guittard chocolate chips.
Enjoy the sweet life!
Pain level: 1
More progress! I can get out of bed and with minimal assistance from the cane AND I can do it barefoot. I really wish I had that electric blue night splint weeks ago!
It’s another chilly foggy day in San Francisco – a good day for baking.
Today’s cooking challenge in Kitchen Stadium: cookies!
Why is this a challenge? Well, this particular recipe makes 130 cookies, which means this will be a minimum of three hours on my feet in the kitchen. In preparation for this feat I do my stretching exercises and I’m able to get around the kitchen barefoot without a cane. Woo hoo!
The swelling in my foot gets a little uncomfortable around batch four, so I take to soaking my swollen foot in cool, 65 degree water between batches.
It’s great to be cooking again!
Seriously folks, if you haven’t tried the famous urban legend $250 Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, then you are missing out on the best cookies ever! The secret is in the oat flour and shredded milk chocolate bar. Also, be sure to use Guittard chocolate chips.
Enjoy the sweet life!
WEEK 15 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2 for walking
Epiphany: Old ties make great yoga straps! Keeping ties scattered around the house encourages stretching the foot throughout the day.
Milestone: Walking with a cane at almost a normal pace.
Pain level: 2 for walking
Epiphany: Old ties make great yoga straps! Keeping ties scattered around the house encourages stretching the foot throughout the day.
Milestone: Walking with a cane at almost a normal pace.
Friday, May 14, 2010
post op day 98 - pt & cane
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2
It’s not normal to have this much swelling. The Physical Therapist says that I ought to consult with a podiatrist.
The pain I have on the left top of my foot is due to walking off balance. I find this funny since my Sketchers Shape Ups shoes are *designed* to make me walk off-balance. The concept behind these shoes is that every off-balance step requires various muscles to engage to maintain balance, thus putting all those lazy muscles to use! Knowing that this soreness is due to engaging the muscles on the top of my foot is oddly comforting. Hum…. I never really considered having muscles on the top of my foot before. When I think of feet, I think of bones and ligaments …. the plantar fascia and…. Now: muscles! I find it fascinating that muscles that are so tiny compared to a meaty bicep do so much work.
I know that I walk funny, but the Physical Therapist likes my walk. He says it’s time to move on to the cane! Woo hoo!
I had been dreading the ugly dull gray cane, so I am pleasantly surprised when he pulls out a purple floral cane. It’s absolutely gaudy and I love it!
We’re talking about cycling and he tell me, in the nicest way possible, that I’m a bit of a whimp. (like I didn't already know!) After a vigorous workout on the stationary bike he suggested that I do the Ocean Beach Bike Path this weekend… but then quickly retracts that with: “well, mentally, you are not ready for that.” Indeed, after falling off the stationary bike and having a sprain that was just as painful as the break, I won't be taking the bike on the open road until I can fully trust my left foot again.
Today’s challenge: can I make it to work with only a cane? Yes I can! However, after just an 1/8 a mile I’m felling the swelling and dreaming of ice.
It's Friday night and it's high time to go out for diner and a movie. It's nice to end a long week with dragon rolls and training dragons. I'm sure that working with dragons will be a piece of cake with my new pretty sparkly cane.
Pain level: 2
It’s not normal to have this much swelling. The Physical Therapist says that I ought to consult with a podiatrist.
The pain I have on the left top of my foot is due to walking off balance. I find this funny since my Sketchers Shape Ups shoes are *designed* to make me walk off-balance. The concept behind these shoes is that every off-balance step requires various muscles to engage to maintain balance, thus putting all those lazy muscles to use! Knowing that this soreness is due to engaging the muscles on the top of my foot is oddly comforting. Hum…. I never really considered having muscles on the top of my foot before. When I think of feet, I think of bones and ligaments …. the plantar fascia and…. Now: muscles! I find it fascinating that muscles that are so tiny compared to a meaty bicep do so much work.
I know that I walk funny, but the Physical Therapist likes my walk. He says it’s time to move on to the cane! Woo hoo!I had been dreading the ugly dull gray cane, so I am pleasantly surprised when he pulls out a purple floral cane. It’s absolutely gaudy and I love it!
We’re talking about cycling and he tell me, in the nicest way possible, that I’m a bit of a whimp. (like I didn't already know!) After a vigorous workout on the stationary bike he suggested that I do the Ocean Beach Bike Path this weekend… but then quickly retracts that with: “well, mentally, you are not ready for that.” Indeed, after falling off the stationary bike and having a sprain that was just as painful as the break, I won't be taking the bike on the open road until I can fully trust my left foot again.
Today’s challenge: can I make it to work with only a cane? Yes I can! However, after just an 1/8 a mile I’m felling the swelling and dreaming of ice.
It's Friday night and it's high time to go out for diner and a movie. It's nice to end a long week with dragon rolls and training dragons. I'm sure that working with dragons will be a piece of cake with my new pretty sparkly cane.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
post op day 97 - h2o aerobics
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2
The night splint is a miracle! When I get out of bed I only need one crutch instead of two! Woo hoo! I didn’t win the lottery, but I can put on pants one leg at a time! Yippee! Progress!
Long gone are the days of coffee shop mornings. Today, it’s another ½ mile hobble to the office and an ice pack to start off my work day.
I look forward to an evening in the water with Coach C, Butt Kicks, High Knees and Frog Legs.
I’m feeling so confident today (thank you, night splint!) that I walk to the pools edge and get in like a normal person. However, at the end of the session, the pool’s edge is slippery wet and I don’t take any chances. Like a primordial goon, I crawl out of the pool on my hands and knees to get to my crutches and scuba shoes.
Most people wear flip flops to the pool, but given my klutzy condition I have found the booties I wear for scuba diving to be the perfect fit for hobbling to and from the pool area.
Who said scuba booties were just for scuba diving?
Pain level: 2
The night splint is a miracle! When I get out of bed I only need one crutch instead of two! Woo hoo! I didn’t win the lottery, but I can put on pants one leg at a time! Yippee! Progress!
Long gone are the days of coffee shop mornings. Today, it’s another ½ mile hobble to the office and an ice pack to start off my work day.
I look forward to an evening in the water with Coach C, Butt Kicks, High Knees and Frog Legs.
I’m feeling so confident today (thank you, night splint!) that I walk to the pools edge and get in like a normal person. However, at the end of the session, the pool’s edge is slippery wet and I don’t take any chances. Like a primordial goon, I crawl out of the pool on my hands and knees to get to my crutches and scuba shoes.
Most people wear flip flops to the pool, but given my klutzy condition I have found the booties I wear for scuba diving to be the perfect fit for hobbling to and from the pool area.
Who said scuba booties were just for scuba diving?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
post op day 96 - sleeping splint
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2
It is so great to be back using public transit! However, the ½ mile walk is causing some swelling. The ice packs in the lunchroom fridge give a little extra incentive to make it down that last block to work.
I have a lunch appointment with the creepy prosthesis shop for a night splint. It turns out that at night I’ve been undoing all my efforts to stretch the foot during the day. This night splint will prevent my foot going to its natural neutral sleeping position.
They call it plantar fasciitis, but I call it the hobbling effect. Apparently my foot fibers cramp up when the foot is in a neutral position. The fibers adapted this behavior due to being non-weight bearing. I suppose this is equivalent to the foot going into self preservation fetal position. The foot lives on, but without flexible plantar fascia fibers, it ceases to fully function.
The folks at the prosthesis shop are in a cheery mood, and that just adds to the feeling that I’ve stepped into the twilight zone. I guess I’m just used to doctor’s offices being so neat and sterile. I have to blink twice when the fitter tells me to have a seat on the padded table that is cluttered with children’s books, toys and a tiny pink prosthesis shoe insert. There is a mysterious clear liquid… water I hope... with tiny muddy foot prints.
My new night splint is eclectic blue which makes me think of Debbie Gibson.
It’s been years since I’ve lived in this part of time and I decide to take MUNI back to work. Oh, how I’ve missed the aroma and the colorful characters of the 38 Geary bus. I love that all the recorded messages are in English, then Mandarin, then Spanish and that the smiling, petite Chinese grandmother almost ends up sitting on my lap with every lurch of the bus. She seems to be enjoying the ride.
By the end of this excursion, ice and two Tylenol are needed to dull the irritation so I can focus on work.
Pain level: 2
It is so great to be back using public transit! However, the ½ mile walk is causing some swelling. The ice packs in the lunchroom fridge give a little extra incentive to make it down that last block to work.
I have a lunch appointment with the creepy prosthesis shop for a night splint. It turns out that at night I’ve been undoing all my efforts to stretch the foot during the day. This night splint will prevent my foot going to its natural neutral sleeping position.
They call it plantar fasciitis, but I call it the hobbling effect. Apparently my foot fibers cramp up when the foot is in a neutral position. The fibers adapted this behavior due to being non-weight bearing. I suppose this is equivalent to the foot going into self preservation fetal position. The foot lives on, but without flexible plantar fascia fibers, it ceases to fully function.
The folks at the prosthesis shop are in a cheery mood, and that just adds to the feeling that I’ve stepped into the twilight zone. I guess I’m just used to doctor’s offices being so neat and sterile. I have to blink twice when the fitter tells me to have a seat on the padded table that is cluttered with children’s books, toys and a tiny pink prosthesis shoe insert. There is a mysterious clear liquid… water I hope... with tiny muddy foot prints.
It’s been years since I’ve lived in this part of time and I decide to take MUNI back to work. Oh, how I’ve missed the aroma and the colorful characters of the 38 Geary bus. I love that all the recorded messages are in English, then Mandarin, then Spanish and that the smiling, petite Chinese grandmother almost ends up sitting on my lap with every lurch of the bus. She seems to be enjoying the ride.
By the end of this excursion, ice and two Tylenol are needed to dull the irritation so I can focus on work.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
post op day 95 - h2o aerobics
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1
Did I mention that water aerobics is THE perfect physical therapy?
One of the things that has bothered me most throughout this ordeal are the lopsided effects. It feels so good to do things equally with both sides of my body – for now that includes about 75% of the water aerobics exercises. I still can’t propel myself off the bottom of the pool with just my left foot, which means that I have to cheat at Jumping Jacks, Tick-Tocks and Moguls.
Coach C is fantastic! In addition to her teaching and enthusiasm, she reminds me of simple things like to keep my shoulders back. It is hard to think of other parts of the body when I’m so focused on my feet. Also, it has been gratifying to have a coach note my progress. Just 2 weeks ago I really struggled with coordinating left arm with right leg movements and now I’m the perfect Toy Soldier! Woo hoo!
I’ve never felt swimming was an aerobic activity, more evidence that I’m out of shape comes with actually feeling my heart pump as I swim. On the plus side, my left foot feels more like a propeller and less like a rubble ankle.
It’s good to have my swimming feet back again!
Pain level: 1
Did I mention that water aerobics is THE perfect physical therapy?
One of the things that has bothered me most throughout this ordeal are the lopsided effects. It feels so good to do things equally with both sides of my body – for now that includes about 75% of the water aerobics exercises. I still can’t propel myself off the bottom of the pool with just my left foot, which means that I have to cheat at Jumping Jacks, Tick-Tocks and Moguls.
Coach C is fantastic! In addition to her teaching and enthusiasm, she reminds me of simple things like to keep my shoulders back. It is hard to think of other parts of the body when I’m so focused on my feet. Also, it has been gratifying to have a coach note my progress. Just 2 weeks ago I really struggled with coordinating left arm with right leg movements and now I’m the perfect Toy Soldier! Woo hoo!
I’ve never felt swimming was an aerobic activity, more evidence that I’m out of shape comes with actually feeling my heart pump as I swim. On the plus side, my left foot feels more like a propeller and less like a rubble ankle.
It’s good to have my swimming feet back again!
Monday, May 10, 2010
post op day 94 - lottery
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 1 for walking with one crutch
Today is the day that the doctor pegged for me to be done with this ordeal. I’m “walking” but I still have a ways to go. It’s hard to say how much I was set back by the sprain from 3 weeks ago. On the other hand water aerobics has propelled my progress with just 4 sessions.
To commemorate 05/10/2010 I set out on one crutch to buy a lotto ticket. This outing is also my first lunch away from the office. I’m feeling pretty confident that I can manage a lunch tray in one hand and a crutch in the other. Ah! The freedom of losing one crutch!
Although I always wait for a fresh green light to cross the street I still don’t always make it across in time.
To the guy in the big black SUV with two normally functioning feet: Honking the horn isn’t going to make my feet go any faster- trust me, I wish I could go faster! I’m hobbling as fast as I can.
Could it be that one crutch is a safety hazard? When I have two crutches I can pick up the pace when necessary. But… the downside is temptation to use the extra crutch … well… as a crutch! (hee, hee – bad pun). Seriously, the point of being on one crutch is to get beyond the comfort zone and wean me from crutches all together.
San Francisco drivers: you will just have to be patient!
Pain level: 1 for walking with one crutch
Today is the day that the doctor pegged for me to be done with this ordeal. I’m “walking” but I still have a ways to go. It’s hard to say how much I was set back by the sprain from 3 weeks ago. On the other hand water aerobics has propelled my progress with just 4 sessions.
To commemorate 05/10/2010 I set out on one crutch to buy a lotto ticket. This outing is also my first lunch away from the office. I’m feeling pretty confident that I can manage a lunch tray in one hand and a crutch in the other. Ah! The freedom of losing one crutch!
Although I always wait for a fresh green light to cross the street I still don’t always make it across in time.
To the guy in the big black SUV with two normally functioning feet: Honking the horn isn’t going to make my feet go any faster- trust me, I wish I could go faster! I’m hobbling as fast as I can.
Could it be that one crutch is a safety hazard? When I have two crutches I can pick up the pace when necessary. But… the downside is temptation to use the extra crutch … well… as a crutch! (hee, hee – bad pun). Seriously, the point of being on one crutch is to get beyond the comfort zone and wean me from crutches all together.
San Francisco drivers: you will just have to be patient!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
post op day 93 - wii progress
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2 getting out of bed
1 for the rest of the day
Getting out of bed is always hard. While I can walk okay with the help of my super squishy shoes, I just can't do it bare foot. I have to use crutches for nature's first call of the morning. After a few stretches my feet warm up and I'm ready to go. However, all the week's walking is catching up and I'm a little sore all day long.
A surprise for this morning! I look down and for the first time in over a month, my feet are almost the same color! It’s been almost 6 weeks since I’ve had a healthy color in my recovering foot and I was just wondering if that Easter egg color was going to be permanent.
A Wii session shows that my balance is 43% / 57%. I succeed at skiing, but fail the hula hoop exercise.
I’m in need of a light ice session after about 10 minute of balance games. It’s great to have enough ankle and flexibility and left-foot-weight-bearing to attempt some of the games. I consistently fail at anychallenge that requires me to lean all the way to the left.
Failure and progress at the same time!
Pain level: 2 getting out of bed
1 for the rest of the day
Getting out of bed is always hard. While I can walk okay with the help of my super squishy shoes, I just can't do it bare foot. I have to use crutches for nature's first call of the morning. After a few stretches my feet warm up and I'm ready to go. However, all the week's walking is catching up and I'm a little sore all day long.
A surprise for this morning! I look down and for the first time in over a month, my feet are almost the same color! It’s been almost 6 weeks since I’ve had a healthy color in my recovering foot and I was just wondering if that Easter egg color was going to be permanent.
A Wii session shows that my balance is 43% / 57%. I succeed at skiing, but fail the hula hoop exercise.
I’m in need of a light ice session after about 10 minute of balance games. It’s great to have enough ankle and flexibility and left-foot-weight-bearing to attempt some of the games. I consistently fail at anychallenge that requires me to lean all the way to the left.
Failure and progress at the same time!
post op day 92 - wine & art
Energy level: Normal
Pain level: 2
I wake up and my right rib cage is sore. This pain is evidence that walking with one crutch is a lopsided experience.
Nonetheless, I am anxious to get outside and get back to some normal activities. There is an afternoon gallery opening in beautiful Orinda and I want to explore my new found ability to hold a glass of wine in one hand and walk and talk about art.
Sadly, I find my limit for standing is about half an hour before I feel the swelling put enough pressure on my foot to make me uncomfortable.
It’s great to be out amongst friends and art again!
Pain level: 2
I wake up and my right rib cage is sore. This pain is evidence that walking with one crutch is a lopsided experience.
Nonetheless, I am anxious to get outside and get back to some normal activities. There is an afternoon gallery opening in beautiful Orinda and I want to explore my new found ability to hold a glass of wine in one hand and walk and talk about art.
Sadly, I find my limit for standing is about half an hour before I feel the swelling put enough pressure on my foot to make me uncomfortable.
It’s great to be out amongst friends and art again!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
WEEK 14 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Normal! Yippee!
Pain level: 2 for walking on sunshine!
Epiphany: Keep icepacks at work - you never know when you might need an afternoon break
Milestone: Walking with a cane
Pain level: 2 for walking on sunshine!
Epiphany: Keep icepacks at work - you never know when you might need an afternoon break
Milestone: Walking with a cane
Friday, May 7, 2010
post op day 91 - clutch
Energy level: good
Pain level: 1 for 100% weight bearing
I just discovered another tool for physical therapy! The clutch!
If I had automatic, I would have been driving weeks ago. It is only now that I feel confident that I have the strength and flexibility to work the clutch without being a safety hazard on the road.
Last week’s taxi disaster left me feeling helpless and has driven me to take matters back into my hands and drive myself to physical therapy. I know that my ankle is weak, but I didn’t really know how weak it was until I attempt to push in the clutch peddle. It takes a little more effort than I expected.
Interestingly enough, one of my new exercises at the PT’s office is a very similar motion to working the clutch, except this time I have to pump my body weight on a sliding platform. My ankle trembles with weakness on even the smallest incline.
Wow! I never really thought of my ankles having muscles before! I think it is because the calves get all the attention.
Pain level: 1 for 100% weight bearing
I just discovered another tool for physical therapy! The clutch!
If I had automatic, I would have been driving weeks ago. It is only now that I feel confident that I have the strength and flexibility to work the clutch without being a safety hazard on the road.
Last week’s taxi disaster left me feeling helpless and has driven me to take matters back into my hands and drive myself to physical therapy. I know that my ankle is weak, but I didn’t really know how weak it was until I attempt to push in the clutch peddle. It takes a little more effort than I expected.
Interestingly enough, one of my new exercises at the PT’s office is a very similar motion to working the clutch, except this time I have to pump my body weight on a sliding platform. My ankle trembles with weakness on even the smallest incline.
Wow! I never really thought of my ankles having muscles before! I think it is because the calves get all the attention.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
post op day 90 - h2o aerobics
Energy level: great!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
3 for 100% weight bearing
Class was canceled so I take the opportunity to practice running in the pool at my own pace. I really focus on evenly engaging the bottom of the foot. The slow motion really exaggerates the flexing of the foot. This new range of motion spurs a strange pain on the top of the foot.
I never cease to be amazed at how all parts of the foot are necessary for walking. Even my middle toe is a tad sore.
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
3 for 100% weight bearing
Class was canceled so I take the opportunity to practice running in the pool at my own pace. I really focus on evenly engaging the bottom of the foot. The slow motion really exaggerates the flexing of the foot. This new range of motion spurs a strange pain on the top of the foot.
I never cease to be amazed at how all parts of the foot are necessary for walking. Even my middle toe is a tad sore.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
post op day 89 - i'm walking!
Energy level: good
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
3 for 100% weight bearing
Today’s challenge: Escalators!
It’s been heaven being driven to and from work last month, but alas it’s time to resume public transit and face my arch enemy: the escalator. Much has improved since March and I’m ready to overcome moving steps & vertigo. Given my klutzy history I have no business hopping onto any moving staircase with on leg. But the time has come to put my foot down and cross that bridge.
Great news! I can make it to BART without breaking a sweat. Woo hoo! Rewind to 6 weeks ago, the same quarter of a mile left me sweating and so exhausted that I couldn’t muster the coordination to hop onto the escalator. There’s a huge difference between being non weight bearing for a ¼ mile and being almost fully weight bearing for the same ¼ mile.
It’s a little unsettling getting onto the moving steps, but I make it! Vertigo – checkmate – you loose!
Being able to trust my weight on my recovering foot makes a huge difference. Later in the day, high on confidence, I am inspired to take a few steps forward and I do it! I walk!
Okay, it feels more like a waddle than baby steps, but the important thing is one foot goes in front of the other without any crutches! Yee haw! It’s a level 3 for pain – right at the cusp where the pain signals my brain not to cooperate.
Wow! It feels good to be on two feet again. The key here is getting all the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) to release its death grip. It has been stubbornly bunched up for months and I want my elasticity back!
Stretching helps, but the real gains are realized when every fiber of the foot is engaged with 100% weight bearing walking.
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
3 for 100% weight bearing
Today’s challenge: Escalators!
It’s been heaven being driven to and from work last month, but alas it’s time to resume public transit and face my arch enemy: the escalator. Much has improved since March and I’m ready to overcome moving steps & vertigo. Given my klutzy history I have no business hopping onto any moving staircase with on leg. But the time has come to put my foot down and cross that bridge.
Great news! I can make it to BART without breaking a sweat. Woo hoo! Rewind to 6 weeks ago, the same quarter of a mile left me sweating and so exhausted that I couldn’t muster the coordination to hop onto the escalator. There’s a huge difference between being non weight bearing for a ¼ mile and being almost fully weight bearing for the same ¼ mile.
It’s a little unsettling getting onto the moving steps, but I make it! Vertigo – checkmate – you loose!
Being able to trust my weight on my recovering foot makes a huge difference. Later in the day, high on confidence, I am inspired to take a few steps forward and I do it! I walk!
Okay, it feels more like a waddle than baby steps, but the important thing is one foot goes in front of the other without any crutches! Yee haw! It’s a level 3 for pain – right at the cusp where the pain signals my brain not to cooperate.
Wow! It feels good to be on two feet again. The key here is getting all the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) to release its death grip. It has been stubbornly bunched up for months and I want my elasticity back!
Stretching helps, but the real gains are realized when every fiber of the foot is engaged with 100% weight bearing walking.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
post op day 88 - h2o aerobics
Energy level: Great!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
1 for 50% weight bearing
I really look forward to the leaps and bounds of progress that are a result of my Water Aerobics class. There are several exercises where I still favor my leg, but I’m feeling real gains in flexibility which is the secret key to walking.
This ordeal constantly reminds me of my instructor’s observation of teaching at the old folks home where seniors shuffle around because they can no longer bend their ankles forward. In fact, I recall watching my grandmother trip and fall over a small rug because she was shuffling instead lifting her feet. That frightful fall resulted in a broken hip. Not flexing at the ankle is dangerous! I’m thankful that this water aerobics course gives me the opportunity to go though the full motion of walking while my leg slowly regains its strength.
After class I’m chatting with a girl about passions and hobbies. She asks if skiing is my motivation for getting better.
Well, actually, no.
My motivation is to be able to walk with free hands.
My dream, my goal is nothing more than to be able to carry a glass of water across the room.
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
1 for 50% weight bearing
I really look forward to the leaps and bounds of progress that are a result of my Water Aerobics class. There are several exercises where I still favor my leg, but I’m feeling real gains in flexibility which is the secret key to walking.
This ordeal constantly reminds me of my instructor’s observation of teaching at the old folks home where seniors shuffle around because they can no longer bend their ankles forward. In fact, I recall watching my grandmother trip and fall over a small rug because she was shuffling instead lifting her feet. That frightful fall resulted in a broken hip. Not flexing at the ankle is dangerous! I’m thankful that this water aerobics course gives me the opportunity to go though the full motion of walking while my leg slowly regains its strength.
After class I’m chatting with a girl about passions and hobbies. She asks if skiing is my motivation for getting better.
Well, actually, no.
My motivation is to be able to walk with free hands.
My dream, my goal is nothing more than to be able to carry a glass of water across the room.
Monday, May 3, 2010
post op day 87 - 1/2 mile fun
Energy level: Great!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
1 for 50% weight bearing
Today’s adventure: The dentist!
Technically I CAN use just one crutch, but today’s trip is going to involve several perils, so I’m not taking any chances and I’ll be using two crutches. Challenge number 1: Catching a bus and hoisting myself up the bus stairs. That is a challenge in the older buses were the first step is at the level of my knees, so I kneel on the first step and then stand and then kneel on the second step. The space is just too steep and narrow to use the crutches.
It's all downhill from the bus stop - two blocks makes for a lovely downhill walk. I’m glad to have my bike gloves on to help cushion my palms. I’m able to put a good amount of weight on my foot nowadays, which is also is a great relief to my palms.
After my teeth are pearly white clean I have the choice of going back two blocks UPHILL to the bus stop or I can walk 6 blocks downhill to get back to work. I’m feeling strong and energetic so I take the 6 block challenge. My energy fizzles out after four blocks and I progressively put more weight on the crutches and I feel my foot begin to swell.
Back in the day when I had two good legs this was an enjoyable 12 minute brisk walk. Today it takes 45 minutes to go from point A to point B. I chalk up quite a few extra minutes waiting for the walk signs to give me the green hand. I'm not taking chances and always wait for a fresh green light to give me maximum time to cross the street. I can go quickly if I'm not weight bearing and swing the recovering leg along, but the more I practice normal walking the faster I'll be on the path of walking without crutches at all!
I long for the days of darting though the crosswalk and making it to the other side a split second before the light turns red.
My reward for this journey is two ice packs that I keep in the break room fridge just for occasions like this.
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
1 for 50% weight bearing
Today’s adventure: The dentist!
Technically I CAN use just one crutch, but today’s trip is going to involve several perils, so I’m not taking any chances and I’ll be using two crutches. Challenge number 1: Catching a bus and hoisting myself up the bus stairs. That is a challenge in the older buses were the first step is at the level of my knees, so I kneel on the first step and then stand and then kneel on the second step. The space is just too steep and narrow to use the crutches.
It's all downhill from the bus stop - two blocks makes for a lovely downhill walk. I’m glad to have my bike gloves on to help cushion my palms. I’m able to put a good amount of weight on my foot nowadays, which is also is a great relief to my palms.
After my teeth are pearly white clean I have the choice of going back two blocks UPHILL to the bus stop or I can walk 6 blocks downhill to get back to work. I’m feeling strong and energetic so I take the 6 block challenge. My energy fizzles out after four blocks and I progressively put more weight on the crutches and I feel my foot begin to swell.
Back in the day when I had two good legs this was an enjoyable 12 minute brisk walk. Today it takes 45 minutes to go from point A to point B. I chalk up quite a few extra minutes waiting for the walk signs to give me the green hand. I'm not taking chances and always wait for a fresh green light to give me maximum time to cross the street. I can go quickly if I'm not weight bearing and swing the recovering leg along, but the more I practice normal walking the faster I'll be on the path of walking without crutches at all!
I long for the days of darting though the crosswalk and making it to the other side a split second before the light turns red.
My reward for this journey is two ice packs that I keep in the break room fridge just for occasions like this.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
post op day 86 - one crutch!
Energy level: good
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
1 for 50% weight bearing
I did it! I finally walked with one crutch! Turns out it wasn’t a coordination issue, it was only a pain issue! I’d like to thank the academy for it’s support, my physical therapist for explaining the need to stretch the plantar fascia, my husband for his patience and my squishy shoes – it would not have been possible without all of you! It’s a miracle! It's like a light of a new day, out of the blue, breaking me out of the spell I was in, making all of my wishes come true! Okay, I’m not the Greatest American Hero, but I feel like I’m walking on air!
I jump on theWii Fit and it confirms that I’m 49% weight bearing on the left foot and 51% weight bearing on the right foot.
Woo hoo! That’s progress I can believe in!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
1 for 50% weight bearing
I did it! I finally walked with one crutch! Turns out it wasn’t a coordination issue, it was only a pain issue! I’d like to thank the academy for it’s support, my physical therapist for explaining the need to stretch the plantar fascia, my husband for his patience and my squishy shoes – it would not have been possible without all of you! It’s a miracle! It's like a light of a new day, out of the blue, breaking me out of the spell I was in, making all of my wishes come true! Okay, I’m not the Greatest American Hero, but I feel like I’m walking on air!
I jump on the
Woo hoo! That’s progress I can believe in!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
post op day 85 - 1 foot, red foot
Energy level: Great!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
2 for 40% weight bearing
I’m feeling real progress every day now! I can do a mini 5 minute session on the bike with a bit of resistance. At the grocery store I hop around on crutches instead of going for the motorize cart and don't feel exhausted. Woo hoo!
My left foot is still a darker color than my right foot, but it is more reddish than blue. I’m hope that red means that oxygenated blood is swirling around in my foot.
Let's hear it for OXYGEN!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
2 for 40% weight bearing
I’m feeling real progress every day now! I can do a mini 5 minute session on the bike with a bit of resistance. At the grocery store I hop around on crutches instead of going for the motorize cart and don't feel exhausted. Woo hoo!
My left foot is still a darker color than my right foot, but it is more reddish than blue. I’m hope that red means that oxygenated blood is swirling around in my foot.
Let's hear it for OXYGEN!
WEEK 13 | POST OPERATION
Energy level: Good – almost back to normal
Pain level: able to tolerate a little more weight everyday now!
Epiphany: Water aerobics is a most awesome form of physical therapy!
Milestone: Walking with one crutch
Pain level: able to tolerate a little more weight everyday now!
Epiphany: Water aerobics is a most awesome form of physical therapy!
Milestone: Walking with one crutch
Friday, April 30, 2010
post op day 84 - in the saddle
Energy level: Great!
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
3 for 40% weight bearing
Big yellow taxi: You are on notice!
Advertising that you pick up in 10 to 15 minutes and then making me wait over an hour is not acceptable! Not to me and not to my doctor! Why is today any different that the other 10 times you have made good on your promise in the past three months?
Fortunately, after arriving an hour late and waiting yet another hour, my physical therapist was kind enough to squeeze me in just before his lunch break.
On the plus side, I take the extra hour to practice walking up and down the block.
As I walk with two crutches I feel that my left foot is not sinking into my soft sole shoes as much as the right foot. It is now comfortable to walk with 20% weight bearing on the recovering foot. I can push it to 30%, but the foot sends some very strong signals at about 40%.
It has been 12 days since the sprain and I am back to the level just prior to the sprain. I was able to do 10 minutes full speed (no resistance) on the stationary bike physical therapy session before the sprain and today I’m full steam ahead again! I even try level 1 resistance in the last two minutes on the bike.
I’m so close to walking with one crutch. Close, but no cigar. I lack the coordination and the ability to put 50% of my weight on the foot and the other 50% on the opposite crutch to make this technique work.
The physical therapist is convinced that I have plantar fasciitis. He shows me a diagram of soft connective tissue that runs along back of the calf and under the bottom of the foot. It is strange because the pain has nothing to do with the sport where surgeon accessed my heel bone. The pain is on the underside of the foot and the only explanation is: weakness by months of non-use.
'
"Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia may overstretch and swell. If your foot flattens too little, the fascia may ache from being pulled too tight."
I think I'm in the second camp and the ache is due to pulling these fibers that haven't been pulled on in months.
The best weapon to combat plantar fasciitis is stretching! He also recommends that I get a special splint to gently stretch my foot as I sleep.
More upsetting news… it can take up to 9 months to recover from plantar fasciitis.
Let’s hope this isn’t a permanent condition. I’ve already purchased next year’s season pass for Squaw with plans to go skiing every weekend.
Pain level: 0 for non weight bearing
3 for 40% weight bearing
Big yellow taxi: You are on notice!
Advertising that you pick up in 10 to 15 minutes and then making me wait over an hour is not acceptable! Not to me and not to my doctor! Why is today any different that the other 10 times you have made good on your promise in the past three months?
Fortunately, after arriving an hour late and waiting yet another hour, my physical therapist was kind enough to squeeze me in just before his lunch break.
On the plus side, I take the extra hour to practice walking up and down the block.
As I walk with two crutches I feel that my left foot is not sinking into my soft sole shoes as much as the right foot. It is now comfortable to walk with 20% weight bearing on the recovering foot. I can push it to 30%, but the foot sends some very strong signals at about 40%.
It has been 12 days since the sprain and I am back to the level just prior to the sprain. I was able to do 10 minutes full speed (no resistance) on the stationary bike physical therapy session before the sprain and today I’m full steam ahead again! I even try level 1 resistance in the last two minutes on the bike.
I’m so close to walking with one crutch. Close, but no cigar. I lack the coordination and the ability to put 50% of my weight on the foot and the other 50% on the opposite crutch to make this technique work.
'
"Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia may overstretch and swell. If your foot flattens too little, the fascia may ache from being pulled too tight."
I think I'm in the second camp and the ache is due to pulling these fibers that haven't been pulled on in months.
The best weapon to combat plantar fasciitis is stretching! He also recommends that I get a special splint to gently stretch my foot as I sleep.
More upsetting news… it can take up to 9 months to recover from plantar fasciitis.
Let’s hope this isn’t a permanent condition. I’ve already purchased next year’s season pass for Squaw with plans to go skiing every weekend.
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