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!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
