Well, I've been boot free, hardware free, and walking in my shoes for a month now!
I should be really excited. But, I'm kind of not today. Yesterday, I went in for another physical therapy appointment. Stephanie always asks about my pain levels and what I still feel is difficult for me. I started off by saying that I still have pain, or at least some degree of discomfort with every step, but that it was mostly manageable. I was pretty excited to hit some milestones, such as getting 10,000 steps and going back to the gym 5 days a week.
But, she was concerned about the pain, and not very excited to hear that I was having any, so we took a look at my foot. I've got a couple of issues going on. First, my big toe joint is super stiff, and is definitely the source of my pain on the left side of my foot. It hurts a lot in the "toe knuckle" (?) area and I can feel it all the way down into the arch of my foot. She said that I am only at about half the range of motion I should be in that toe, and that I need to get upwards of 70 % for a normal gait. So, lots of stretching needs to be done to help correct it, and I'm supposed to stretch my foot on a wall for 3 sets of 30 seconds, 3 times a day. I did the first set in the PT office and I could already feel the difference.
Then, the more concerning of the two, is that she says she believes I have the beginnings of a stress fracture on my 3rd metatarsal head. I was complaining about a pain spot that wasn't anywhere near my incisions, or where I even broke my foot. She pushed on the sore spot and could definitely see something going on, since it was swollen and she could see her fingerprint indent stick for a couple of seconds after she pushed on the area. She said that she did not like that at all, and that I would need to dial down my activity for a couple of weeks. Essentially, my little metatarsal bones cannot keep up with all of the activity I am doing, so they are screaming at me to slow down. I am also putting a lot of stress on them (~200% of my body weight) because of the issue with my big toe joint. It's a classic case of overcompensation. Instead of doing physical therapy exercises every day, I will now be doing half sets, every other day. And, I need to stop walking around so much. WHAT?? I thought I was doing good!! I thought trying to get 10,000 steps was a good thing. I still can do the bike, and the elliptical, since that is non-impacting, and any weightlifting should be done while I am seated. So, I'm kinda pissed, and angry, and frustrated. I don't feel like I am doing that much! I feel like it is such a set back. She even said that going back into the boot for a bit might be good. So I spent the entire car ride home, stewing in silence, with the worst case of resting bitch face you've ever seen! When we got home, Nate asked if I was done rampaging yet. Nope... savin' that for the blog.
I want to get better. I want to go hiking. I want to WALK WHEREVER, WHENEVER AND HOW MUCH I WANT. Is this so hard to ask for? It has been seven months now. SEVEN. I feel so deflated by my stupid foot. I could just cut it off, you know.
So, I have to take it easy. I've got to cool it with the walking around at work and walking in general, and it looks like my boot will be coming with me on vacation next week. Stellar. I want to figure how to work it into a costume somehow, like a pirate with a peg leg. I think I could pull that off! I also found that my pair of hiking boots feels so much better than wearing my tennis shoes. Hardly any pain, and the shoes are super sturdy and offer really good support. So, I may have to switch to that as my primary shoe if I am doing a lot of walking. They are purple, so, matching them is kind of a challenge, but IDGAF.
In other news, husband has committed to doing the Spartan Race in Phoenix next month. I of course am going with him, but will be siloed into supportive wife/water girl this time. It sucks that I can't do the race with him, but I'm not dumb and I know my foot isn't ready to even attempt something like that.
I have also asked husband to write a guest blog post. I think it would be great for the blog to get a spouse's perspective on the injury and what a spouse/significant other/close friend could expect with the whole injury process. Or just general thoughts and feelings. Maybe some tips to help you deal with a crazy emotionally raging wife? I don't know. I'm calling him out officially now though, so it's not an idea I am just kicking around anymore. It is decided. Stay tuned!
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
How to Work Out with a Lisfranc Injury!
Wondering how to work out with a broken foot? These are my experiences working out with a Lisfranc injury, but I'm sure it could be applied to any lower extremity injury that has you non weight bearing. I have been working on this post for a while.
Maybe I should have posted this a long time ago, but now that I've been through nearly 5 months of trying to keep my workouts interesting without putting weight on my foot, I thought I'd share how I got through the conundrum.
I've found that there are really two types of people who get Lisfranc injuries: random freak accidents (falling off a step or a car accident), and crazy athletic people. Now I know the two are not mutually exclusive and there are plenty in between, but I fall into the "insane gym rat" kind of people. Before my injury, I went to the gym every day (sometimes twice a day), and on the weekends I went hiking or snowshoeing or biking or running, anything outdoorsy. If I didn't time myself at the gym, there's a good chance I could be there for hours. Or all day. And now all of a sudden I was faced with an injury that completely flipped my world upside down and took away what I loved most. Instead of the pity party, I moved past it, and got creative with what I could do.
Three things: 1) Get comfortable with weight lifting (yes, girls!) and 2) Say goodbye to cardio for a while (more on that later..) 3) If you are going to a public gym (aka not your set of weights and a bench in your basement kind of gym), people will want to talk to you about your injury, whether it is about the scooter, or boot, or why you are crazy enough to come to the gym with a broken foot. Most of the time, I was more than happy to talk to people. Other times I wanted to get in my workout and be done!
If you're a seasoned gym rat (we can smell our own) you've probably already figured out these on your own. But if not, or you feel a bit lost, here are some ideas! I mainly stuck to dumbells (DB), resistance bands (RB), and body weight (BW). **Disclaimer: Obviously, I am not a doctor or a certified fitness trainer. Do these at your own risk and after you've consulted with your doc that it's OK.**
Shoulders (aka my "glamour" muscles - since I love showing them off in a tank top)
I either sat on the workout bench, or I stood up and rested my knee of my injured leg on the bench - whatever is more comfortable.
Shoulder Press with DB - 3 sets of 15 reps
Upright Row with DB - 3 sets of 10 reps
Shoulder Shrugs with DB - 3 X 20
Front Raise with DB - 3 X 10
Alternating One Arm Front Raise with DB - 3 X 20
Lateral Raise with DB - 3 X 10
Alternating One Arm Lateral Raise with DB - 3 X 20
Reverse Fly with DB - 3 X 10
One Arm Shoulder Press with DB - 3 X 10
Alternating One Arm Shoulder Press with DB - 3 X 10 (5 each arm)
Chest
Most of these were done just lying down on the bench.
Chest Press with DB or Bar - 3 X 12
Chest Fly with DB - 3 X 12
Close Grip Chest Press with DB or Bar - 3 X 12
Incline Chest Press with DB - 3 X 12
Incline Chest Fly with DB - 3 X 12
Incline Close Grip Chest Press with DB - 3 X 12
Knee push-ups (wide arm, close arm or diamond stance) - 3 X 15
Decline Push-ups (knees and good leg on the bench, hands on the floor) - 3 X 15
Incline push-ups (push-up off the bench with knees on the floor) - 3 X 15
Biceps
Not a ton of options here. I felt like trying to work my biceps was the most awkward of all the exercises; I couldn't get my stance in a good position for an effective curl. Mostly, I either sat on the bench or rested the knee of my injured leg on the bench.
Basic Bicep Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Hammer Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Angled Bicep Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Cross-body Bicep Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Bicep Holds with DB - Hold the curl at the halfway point (90 degree angle) for 20 seconds, repeat 3 times. (You can also hold at the top of your curl or towards the bottom for a more super awesome bicep burn)
Half Curls with DB - Start in a 90 degree/halfway curl position. Curl from halfway to the top for a set of 10. Then curl from halfway to the bottom of the curl for a set of 10.
21's with DB - Curl from halfway position to the top for 7. Curl from halfway to the bottom for 7. Then do 7 full curls. (7 + 7 + 7 = 21...I'm good at maths!). Repeat 3 times.
**Note you can do all of these with a resistance band too! Just stand on your good foot on the band with your other knee resting on the bench. Or you can hook the resistance band under the bench legs and sit.
Triceps
These were done either sitting on the bench, or on the floor. Or resting knee position.
Tricep Kickbacks - 3 X 10 with DB on each arm
Skullcrushers with DB or Barbell - 3 X 10 (Laying down on the bench - Be careful not to smash your face! Don't take the exercise too literally.)
Overhead Extension with DB or RB - 3 X 15
Dips off the bench - Extend your good leg as far out as you are comfortable; the more straight and farther away your foot is from your body the more you work the tricep. Rest your injured leg at a 90 degree angle on top of your good leg's thigh. Do 30 dips, or as many as you can!
Tricep Push-ups - 3 X 15 - Do these pushups on your knees with your arms close to your body in a narrow position. Bend at the elbow and engage your triceps as you push up and down.
Back
Superman Lifts (Body Weight - laying on your stomach) - 3 X 15. Hold in "Superman" position for 30 seconds in between each set. You can pulse or flutter kick with your legs for more super power.
Swimmer - 3 sets of 30 seconds - Like the Superman, but make a swimming motion with your arms and legs as you lift your chest off the ground.
One Arm Row with DB - 3 X 10
Laying Row with DB or Barbell - Lay on your stomach on the bench and lift the DBs or Barbell up like you were doing a standing upright row.
Lat Pull Downs with RB - 3 X 15
Rear Fly with DB - 3 X 10
Seated Rows with RB - 3 X 15 - Hook your resistance band to your good foot or to the legs of a bench and pull back like you were doing a standing row.
Core
Lots and lots and lots of options here! All of these pretty much are floor exercises. Add a resistance band, a dumbell, yoga ball, or Bosu ball for more awesome abs.
Plank on knees
Crunches, bicycles, side crunch, leg lifts/lowers, reverse crunch, Russian twists, toe reaches, v-ups, jack-knife crunch, scissor kicks, cross body crunch, "X" crunches, frog crunch, windshield wiper crunch, side heel taps, side bends, full sit-ups
Cardio
Like I mentioned, I really did struggle finding a good, consistent cardio option. My doctor didn't clear me for swimming, but that is a great no-impact cardio exercise to do if you are cleared for it. I did use the rowing machine, but only with my good leg. I kind of hung my injured leg off to the side and just pushed off with my good foot. I also loved to kickbox before injuring myself (think Billy Blanks/Taebo here, not MMA fighting) so I would sit on the bench and just do upperbody portions of the workout, like punches, speedbag work, etc. I'm sure I looked like a flailing maniac so I only did that at home! But, it did get my heart rate up.
The Good Leg
I wanted to do a few exercises to keep my good leg strong. There weren't a ton of options but here were a few basics:
One Legged Glute Bridges (I found it most effective to put my good foot on the gym bench, and press up from that position. I kept the injured leg at a 90 degree angle while my foot rested on my thigh)
One Legged Leg Press (on the leg press machine in most gyms)
Pilates - I did a lot of Pilates moves on both my legs, laying on each side. Clam shells, leg lifts, leg pulses.
One Legged Hamstring Curl (with a yoga ball or on the TRX) - I laid on the floor and put my good heel up on the yoga ball/in the TRX strap. I pressed up into a glute bridge and then would roll in and out on the good leg.
Firehydrants - Kneeling on all fours, I could work my hip flexors in both legs.
Quad Raises - I hooked a resistance band around my foot (or around my ankle) and straightened my leg. I would then bend it at the knee to a 90 degree angle, pushing through the heel to activate my quad muscles.
If you are working out a lot, try to stick to 1 or 2 muscle groups each day, and alternate different muscle groups during the week. If you aren't working out as much (like 1 or 2 times a week, focus on one or two exercises per muscle group, and try to get them all in for more of a total body workout.
I hope that this was helpful for you in some way, if you are looking to keep up your fitness while you are dealing with your foot or leg injury. I know I would have gone crazy if I stopped going to the gym. My cardio sure suffered, but I wasn't about to let my hard earned muscles waste away!
Now go get your iPod, flip on some tunes and bust out a good sweat!
Maybe I should have posted this a long time ago, but now that I've been through nearly 5 months of trying to keep my workouts interesting without putting weight on my foot, I thought I'd share how I got through the conundrum.
I've found that there are really two types of people who get Lisfranc injuries: random freak accidents (falling off a step or a car accident), and crazy athletic people. Now I know the two are not mutually exclusive and there are plenty in between, but I fall into the "insane gym rat" kind of people. Before my injury, I went to the gym every day (sometimes twice a day), and on the weekends I went hiking or snowshoeing or biking or running, anything outdoorsy. If I didn't time myself at the gym, there's a good chance I could be there for hours. Or all day. And now all of a sudden I was faced with an injury that completely flipped my world upside down and took away what I loved most. Instead of the pity party, I moved past it, and got creative with what I could do.
Three things: 1) Get comfortable with weight lifting (yes, girls!) and 2) Say goodbye to cardio for a while (more on that later..) 3) If you are going to a public gym (aka not your set of weights and a bench in your basement kind of gym), people will want to talk to you about your injury, whether it is about the scooter, or boot, or why you are crazy enough to come to the gym with a broken foot. Most of the time, I was more than happy to talk to people. Other times I wanted to get in my workout and be done!
If you're a seasoned gym rat (we can smell our own) you've probably already figured out these on your own. But if not, or you feel a bit lost, here are some ideas! I mainly stuck to dumbells (DB), resistance bands (RB), and body weight (BW). **Disclaimer: Obviously, I am not a doctor or a certified fitness trainer. Do these at your own risk and after you've consulted with your doc that it's OK.**
Shoulders (aka my "glamour" muscles - since I love showing them off in a tank top)
I either sat on the workout bench, or I stood up and rested my knee of my injured leg on the bench - whatever is more comfortable.
Shoulder Press with DB - 3 sets of 15 reps
Upright Row with DB - 3 sets of 10 reps
Shoulder Shrugs with DB - 3 X 20
Front Raise with DB - 3 X 10
Alternating One Arm Front Raise with DB - 3 X 20
Lateral Raise with DB - 3 X 10
Alternating One Arm Lateral Raise with DB - 3 X 20
Reverse Fly with DB - 3 X 10
One Arm Shoulder Press with DB - 3 X 10
Alternating One Arm Shoulder Press with DB - 3 X 10 (5 each arm)
Chest
Most of these were done just lying down on the bench.
Chest Press with DB or Bar - 3 X 12
Chest Fly with DB - 3 X 12
Close Grip Chest Press with DB or Bar - 3 X 12
Incline Chest Press with DB - 3 X 12
Incline Chest Fly with DB - 3 X 12
Incline Close Grip Chest Press with DB - 3 X 12
Knee push-ups (wide arm, close arm or diamond stance) - 3 X 15
Decline Push-ups (knees and good leg on the bench, hands on the floor) - 3 X 15
Incline push-ups (push-up off the bench with knees on the floor) - 3 X 15
Biceps
Not a ton of options here. I felt like trying to work my biceps was the most awkward of all the exercises; I couldn't get my stance in a good position for an effective curl. Mostly, I either sat on the bench or rested the knee of my injured leg on the bench.
Basic Bicep Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Hammer Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Angled Bicep Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Cross-body Bicep Curl with DB - 3 X 10
Bicep Holds with DB - Hold the curl at the halfway point (90 degree angle) for 20 seconds, repeat 3 times. (You can also hold at the top of your curl or towards the bottom for a more super awesome bicep burn)
Half Curls with DB - Start in a 90 degree/halfway curl position. Curl from halfway to the top for a set of 10. Then curl from halfway to the bottom of the curl for a set of 10.
21's with DB - Curl from halfway position to the top for 7. Curl from halfway to the bottom for 7. Then do 7 full curls. (7 + 7 + 7 = 21...I'm good at maths!). Repeat 3 times.
**Note you can do all of these with a resistance band too! Just stand on your good foot on the band with your other knee resting on the bench. Or you can hook the resistance band under the bench legs and sit.
Triceps
These were done either sitting on the bench, or on the floor. Or resting knee position.
Tricep Kickbacks - 3 X 10 with DB on each arm
Skullcrushers with DB or Barbell - 3 X 10 (Laying down on the bench - Be careful not to smash your face! Don't take the exercise too literally.)
Overhead Extension with DB or RB - 3 X 15
Dips off the bench - Extend your good leg as far out as you are comfortable; the more straight and farther away your foot is from your body the more you work the tricep. Rest your injured leg at a 90 degree angle on top of your good leg's thigh. Do 30 dips, or as many as you can!
Tricep Push-ups - 3 X 15 - Do these pushups on your knees with your arms close to your body in a narrow position. Bend at the elbow and engage your triceps as you push up and down.
Back
Superman Lifts (Body Weight - laying on your stomach) - 3 X 15. Hold in "Superman" position for 30 seconds in between each set. You can pulse or flutter kick with your legs for more super power.
Swimmer - 3 sets of 30 seconds - Like the Superman, but make a swimming motion with your arms and legs as you lift your chest off the ground.
One Arm Row with DB - 3 X 10
Laying Row with DB or Barbell - Lay on your stomach on the bench and lift the DBs or Barbell up like you were doing a standing upright row.
Lat Pull Downs with RB - 3 X 15
Rear Fly with DB - 3 X 10
Seated Rows with RB - 3 X 15 - Hook your resistance band to your good foot or to the legs of a bench and pull back like you were doing a standing row.
Core
Lots and lots and lots of options here! All of these pretty much are floor exercises. Add a resistance band, a dumbell, yoga ball, or Bosu ball for more awesome abs.
Plank on knees
Crunches, bicycles, side crunch, leg lifts/lowers, reverse crunch, Russian twists, toe reaches, v-ups, jack-knife crunch, scissor kicks, cross body crunch, "X" crunches, frog crunch, windshield wiper crunch, side heel taps, side bends, full sit-ups
Cardio
Like I mentioned, I really did struggle finding a good, consistent cardio option. My doctor didn't clear me for swimming, but that is a great no-impact cardio exercise to do if you are cleared for it. I did use the rowing machine, but only with my good leg. I kind of hung my injured leg off to the side and just pushed off with my good foot. I also loved to kickbox before injuring myself (think Billy Blanks/Taebo here, not MMA fighting) so I would sit on the bench and just do upperbody portions of the workout, like punches, speedbag work, etc. I'm sure I looked like a flailing maniac so I only did that at home! But, it did get my heart rate up.
The Good Leg
I wanted to do a few exercises to keep my good leg strong. There weren't a ton of options but here were a few basics:
One Legged Glute Bridges (I found it most effective to put my good foot on the gym bench, and press up from that position. I kept the injured leg at a 90 degree angle while my foot rested on my thigh)
One Legged Leg Press (on the leg press machine in most gyms)
Pilates - I did a lot of Pilates moves on both my legs, laying on each side. Clam shells, leg lifts, leg pulses.
One Legged Hamstring Curl (with a yoga ball or on the TRX) - I laid on the floor and put my good heel up on the yoga ball/in the TRX strap. I pressed up into a glute bridge and then would roll in and out on the good leg.
Firehydrants - Kneeling on all fours, I could work my hip flexors in both legs.
Quad Raises - I hooked a resistance band around my foot (or around my ankle) and straightened my leg. I would then bend it at the knee to a 90 degree angle, pushing through the heel to activate my quad muscles.
If you are working out a lot, try to stick to 1 or 2 muscle groups each day, and alternate different muscle groups during the week. If you aren't working out as much (like 1 or 2 times a week, focus on one or two exercises per muscle group, and try to get them all in for more of a total body workout.
I hope that this was helpful for you in some way, if you are looking to keep up your fitness while you are dealing with your foot or leg injury. I know I would have gone crazy if I stopped going to the gym. My cardio sure suffered, but I wasn't about to let my hard earned muscles waste away!
Now go get your iPod, flip on some tunes and bust out a good sweat!
Friday, January 15, 2016
10k
Good news, everyone!
This week was the first time I've hit my step goal since my injury! It only took six months. I have been slowly but surely working up to the goal, getting closer and closer each week, until finally it happened! I was pretty stoked, once I hit it. I had a day filled with walking, around the office, during my weight lifting session, a grocery trip, and cooking and cleaning at home. And surprisingly, I wasn't that sore the next day. I was a little, but nothing too noticeable. It did make me a little sad though, because 6 months ago, hitting 10,000 steps was nothing to me. That was mostly every day. If I were to hit 25k or 30k steps though, I would get super excited and felt like I'd accomplished something. Still, I'm just so thrilled to be physically able to walk that much in a day again without it ending in the fetal position.
I also had my first PT session on Wednesday with Stephanie since the hardware removal surgery. I wanted to address a couple of things with her, and check on my progress. In my last blog post, I described not really being able to come up on my toes, or push off the ball of my foot when walking. Basically, she said that I should get that back in time, but there's no guaranteed formula. I asked about stretches, or strengthening exercises that I could do to make it easier, and she was pretty against doing any of that, and wanted me to wait until my foot was ready naturally. There are still plenty of tendons in the midfoot that are healing, and she advised to just let that happen and not push through pain at all. I should do what I can do and what is comfortable, and no more. That was disappointing, because my mind is skipping ahead to hiking season and I'll need that functionality in my foot if I have any hope of doing some of the ascents I am planning.
Secondly, I asked about weight lifting for my lower body. Just basic stuff, like squats, deadlifts, lunges. She wasn't sure, so she called Dr. Van Boerum while I was at the office, and asked him about it. She said he was none too thrilled at me doing it, ever, but if I'm going to do it (which I AM...duh!) that I will need to wait until the 9 month mark post op (early April) to start doing any lifting. And, when I start, I need to start at a weight that I am capable of doing 3 sets of 20. So, what a bummer, I still have 3 more months to wait until I can start my lifting regimen again for my lower bod. I'm totally going to be the girl that skips her leg days for a while!
I also asked her about my limp. I hate my limp and I try really hard not to do it, but it does take some concentration and focus when I am walking. I was walking down the hall at work the other day, concentrating, and not thinking that I was limping. But, I ran into someone I hadn't seen in a long time, and he looked down at my leg and asked me what had happened and it looked like I was hurting. I guess I was limping and didn't even realize it! Stephanie said that the limp and my gait should start to correct it self the more time that passes. It is different for everyone. I could start seeing a difference in a few months, it may take a year, it may be 5 years and I still have it. Any thought of having a "normal" foot again is kind of out the window at this point, were kind of her words. I can deal with a limp around my family & close friends, but I feel like I am wearing a gigantic neon blinking disabled sign when I'm in public.
Something I've noticed since I've been completely out of the boot, is that have a tendency to hold my big toe up in a flexed position as a default. If I'm thinking about it, I'll correct it, and force my big toe down, but it's kind of how it naturally wants to be, especially when I'm barefoot. I was worried this would somehow cause a problem, so I asked Stephanie about this too. She said that it was a normal, compensation response because my extensor and tibial muscles are still weak in that foot. As they get stronger, my foot will do that less and less.
During my session, we worked on balance in the shoe and without. It still sucks, but getting better. I got a new set of exercises to do, most are focused on loading weight laterally (stepping side to side) and twisting my foot in a standing position. None of which are causing pain. As far as progress goes, she thinks I am ahead of where I should be, or where others are with a similar level of injury, so that was good at least! She thinks that I am doing so well that I can start seeing her every 2-3 weeks instead of every week.
I've been settling back into some of my old routines, going to the gym pretty regularly and working on nutrition to get my weight back under control. I have been doing the elliptical on some days even, despite how much I hate the machine.
I see Stephanie again in a couple of weeks, then it's off to Mardi Gras for a much needed travel vacation!
This week was the first time I've hit my step goal since my injury! It only took six months. I have been slowly but surely working up to the goal, getting closer and closer each week, until finally it happened! I was pretty stoked, once I hit it. I had a day filled with walking, around the office, during my weight lifting session, a grocery trip, and cooking and cleaning at home. And surprisingly, I wasn't that sore the next day. I was a little, but nothing too noticeable. It did make me a little sad though, because 6 months ago, hitting 10,000 steps was nothing to me. That was mostly every day. If I were to hit 25k or 30k steps though, I would get super excited and felt like I'd accomplished something. Still, I'm just so thrilled to be physically able to walk that much in a day again without it ending in the fetal position.
I also had my first PT session on Wednesday with Stephanie since the hardware removal surgery. I wanted to address a couple of things with her, and check on my progress. In my last blog post, I described not really being able to come up on my toes, or push off the ball of my foot when walking. Basically, she said that I should get that back in time, but there's no guaranteed formula. I asked about stretches, or strengthening exercises that I could do to make it easier, and she was pretty against doing any of that, and wanted me to wait until my foot was ready naturally. There are still plenty of tendons in the midfoot that are healing, and she advised to just let that happen and not push through pain at all. I should do what I can do and what is comfortable, and no more. That was disappointing, because my mind is skipping ahead to hiking season and I'll need that functionality in my foot if I have any hope of doing some of the ascents I am planning.
Secondly, I asked about weight lifting for my lower body. Just basic stuff, like squats, deadlifts, lunges. She wasn't sure, so she called Dr. Van Boerum while I was at the office, and asked him about it. She said he was none too thrilled at me doing it, ever, but if I'm going to do it (which I AM...duh!) that I will need to wait until the 9 month mark post op (early April) to start doing any lifting. And, when I start, I need to start at a weight that I am capable of doing 3 sets of 20. So, what a bummer, I still have 3 more months to wait until I can start my lifting regimen again for my lower bod. I'm totally going to be the girl that skips her leg days for a while!
I also asked her about my limp. I hate my limp and I try really hard not to do it, but it does take some concentration and focus when I am walking. I was walking down the hall at work the other day, concentrating, and not thinking that I was limping. But, I ran into someone I hadn't seen in a long time, and he looked down at my leg and asked me what had happened and it looked like I was hurting. I guess I was limping and didn't even realize it! Stephanie said that the limp and my gait should start to correct it self the more time that passes. It is different for everyone. I could start seeing a difference in a few months, it may take a year, it may be 5 years and I still have it. Any thought of having a "normal" foot again is kind of out the window at this point, were kind of her words. I can deal with a limp around my family & close friends, but I feel like I am wearing a gigantic neon blinking disabled sign when I'm in public.
Something I've noticed since I've been completely out of the boot, is that have a tendency to hold my big toe up in a flexed position as a default. If I'm thinking about it, I'll correct it, and force my big toe down, but it's kind of how it naturally wants to be, especially when I'm barefoot. I was worried this would somehow cause a problem, so I asked Stephanie about this too. She said that it was a normal, compensation response because my extensor and tibial muscles are still weak in that foot. As they get stronger, my foot will do that less and less.
During my session, we worked on balance in the shoe and without. It still sucks, but getting better. I got a new set of exercises to do, most are focused on loading weight laterally (stepping side to side) and twisting my foot in a standing position. None of which are causing pain. As far as progress goes, she thinks I am ahead of where I should be, or where others are with a similar level of injury, so that was good at least! She thinks that I am doing so well that I can start seeing her every 2-3 weeks instead of every week.
I've been settling back into some of my old routines, going to the gym pretty regularly and working on nutrition to get my weight back under control. I have been doing the elliptical on some days even, despite how much I hate the machine.
I see Stephanie again in a couple of weeks, then it's off to Mardi Gras for a much needed travel vacation!
Monday, January 4, 2016
6 Months
Happy New Year everyone!
It's officially been six months since my injury, and I'm just a couple days away from it being six months post-op from my original surgery.
I had my stitches removed from my third surgery a week ago. I've definitely had mixed emotions this past week, and spent quite a bit of time (in my husband's words) blubbering.
The most intense round of blubbering came while we were watching the Spartan World Championship. Amelia Boone was on there, blubbering about her own knee injury and how it knocked her out of the championship last year, how she had to avoid social media, and all that went along with her injury. It brought back some familiar feelings that I had when I first injured myself. So began my own blubbering. I just really, really, really miss the way I was before. I miss doing the things I love, like hiking and racing, being outdoors and being active. The past 6 months have been so hard, and I just want to have this behind me. But this lisfranc injury keeps nagging at me like a frustrated housewife! I know that I'll get there eventually, but I sure am running out of patience.
I also finally got to ditch the boot as of December 28th. My foot was still feeling pretty sore at that point, 2 weeks post-op. The doctor is hoping it is just residual pain from the hardware removal surgery or skin irritation from the incisions and sutures, but we can't know for sure yet. He also explained my prognosis, and that I may need another surgery in 8-10 years to fuse the joints once post-traumatic arthritis sets in. He advised me to go as long as possible with the pain as I could to put off that surgery as long as possible. I could need a surgery before then, I may make it 15 years, or I may never need another one. Really only time will tell. The more supportive of a shoe I wear, the better my foot will feel.
I've been cleared to do the stationary bike (which I've been doing a few times a week already), the rowing machine, and the elliptical. I absolutely detest the elliptical. I think it is the worst machine in the gym, is not an efficient way to work out or burn calories, and is not natural movement for your body. But, I'm happy to be able to do another machine other than the bike, so I'll suck it up. I can also do swimming, since it is a completely non-impact exercise. My next check-up is in 2 months, and my instructions until then are to continue wearing my Superfeet inserts for arch support, stick to non or low impact exercising, and listen to my foot for pain. He did say by early spring, I should be ready to do some hiking!
I'm still not as pain free as I would like to be. I have some degree of pain with every step, and I'm still limping, especially if I try to go too fast. So slow, small steps are the key if I want to walk limp free. I have a little more pain than I did pre-surgery, although it is a different kind of pain and in different areas. And my left hip has been really hurting. I still can't really come up on my toes - it is way too painful - so I can't roll from heel to toe properly yet. I'm sure that will come with time. It's just hard to reach stuff on the top shelf!
For Christmas, I got an awesome pair of slippers with built in arch support from the hubby! He is so thoughtful. It has really made things nice walking around the house. I don't have to be confined to my tennis shoes. They are super comfortable, and very supportive, although, not the cutest on the planet. They kind of look like if an Ugg and a Croc had a baby. But I've long sworn off cute shoes. I'd welcome any suggestions any of you have for a dressy orthopedic shoe!
I am traveling next month for the first time since my injury. I'm definitely anxious about that. We are going to New Orleans to see family, and for Mardi Gras. I know it will be such a fun time, but I know that there will be lots of walking and standing. I have 4 weeks for my foot to get stronger, but I'm not sure how much stamina I am going to have, and that's scary to me. I don't want to be worrying and thinking about my foot the whole time. Nate and I went to the mall for some post Christmas shopping, and I didn't last very long before I was limping significantly and needed plenty of rest stops. According to Nate's Polar M400 (I forgot my Jawbone on the charger) we did about 3 miles at the mall!
It was nice to be able to reassure and comfort my husband for a change. After our mall trip, I could tell he was frustrated/worried about my foot, and if I'd ever heal. I know I'm going to heal. It's going to take a while, but I assured him that I will get better, and we just have to be patient. And, if worst case scenario, this is as good as it gets, I will make it work!
It's officially been six months since my injury, and I'm just a couple days away from it being six months post-op from my original surgery.
I had my stitches removed from my third surgery a week ago. I've definitely had mixed emotions this past week, and spent quite a bit of time (in my husband's words) blubbering.
The most intense round of blubbering came while we were watching the Spartan World Championship. Amelia Boone was on there, blubbering about her own knee injury and how it knocked her out of the championship last year, how she had to avoid social media, and all that went along with her injury. It brought back some familiar feelings that I had when I first injured myself. So began my own blubbering. I just really, really, really miss the way I was before. I miss doing the things I love, like hiking and racing, being outdoors and being active. The past 6 months have been so hard, and I just want to have this behind me. But this lisfranc injury keeps nagging at me like a frustrated housewife! I know that I'll get there eventually, but I sure am running out of patience.
I also finally got to ditch the boot as of December 28th. My foot was still feeling pretty sore at that point, 2 weeks post-op. The doctor is hoping it is just residual pain from the hardware removal surgery or skin irritation from the incisions and sutures, but we can't know for sure yet. He also explained my prognosis, and that I may need another surgery in 8-10 years to fuse the joints once post-traumatic arthritis sets in. He advised me to go as long as possible with the pain as I could to put off that surgery as long as possible. I could need a surgery before then, I may make it 15 years, or I may never need another one. Really only time will tell. The more supportive of a shoe I wear, the better my foot will feel.
I've been cleared to do the stationary bike (which I've been doing a few times a week already), the rowing machine, and the elliptical. I absolutely detest the elliptical. I think it is the worst machine in the gym, is not an efficient way to work out or burn calories, and is not natural movement for your body. But, I'm happy to be able to do another machine other than the bike, so I'll suck it up. I can also do swimming, since it is a completely non-impact exercise. My next check-up is in 2 months, and my instructions until then are to continue wearing my Superfeet inserts for arch support, stick to non or low impact exercising, and listen to my foot for pain. He did say by early spring, I should be ready to do some hiking!
I'm still not as pain free as I would like to be. I have some degree of pain with every step, and I'm still limping, especially if I try to go too fast. So slow, small steps are the key if I want to walk limp free. I have a little more pain than I did pre-surgery, although it is a different kind of pain and in different areas. And my left hip has been really hurting. I still can't really come up on my toes - it is way too painful - so I can't roll from heel to toe properly yet. I'm sure that will come with time. It's just hard to reach stuff on the top shelf!
For Christmas, I got an awesome pair of slippers with built in arch support from the hubby! He is so thoughtful. It has really made things nice walking around the house. I don't have to be confined to my tennis shoes. They are super comfortable, and very supportive, although, not the cutest on the planet. They kind of look like if an Ugg and a Croc had a baby. But I've long sworn off cute shoes. I'd welcome any suggestions any of you have for a dressy orthopedic shoe!
I am traveling next month for the first time since my injury. I'm definitely anxious about that. We are going to New Orleans to see family, and for Mardi Gras. I know it will be such a fun time, but I know that there will be lots of walking and standing. I have 4 weeks for my foot to get stronger, but I'm not sure how much stamina I am going to have, and that's scary to me. I don't want to be worrying and thinking about my foot the whole time. Nate and I went to the mall for some post Christmas shopping, and I didn't last very long before I was limping significantly and needed plenty of rest stops. According to Nate's Polar M400 (I forgot my Jawbone on the charger) we did about 3 miles at the mall!
It was nice to be able to reassure and comfort my husband for a change. After our mall trip, I could tell he was frustrated/worried about my foot, and if I'd ever heal. I know I'm going to heal. It's going to take a while, but I assured him that I will get better, and we just have to be patient. And, if worst case scenario, this is as good as it gets, I will make it work!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
The FrankenFoot Strikes Back
I've been so busy with the holidays these past couple of weeks, I wasn't able to blog last week! But, all of the presents are wrapped, dinner is served, and the house is clean, and I found myself with some time to blog on Christmas Eve. Wahoo!
I had surgery 9 days ago, on December 15th, to remove the remainder of my temporary hardware, which ended up being two screws. I've done this surgery twice now, so it almost felt routine. I called and got my surgery time the day before, which was 1:00 again. The exact same time as the last surgery. I was disappointed because it was so late in the day, and I was pretty miserable last time, since I'm not allowed to eat past midnight. I asked the doctor's office, and they said that he liked to schedule the easier surgeries later in the day because he has a tendency to get behind on some of the harder surgeries. And even though I was coming in pretty late at 1:00, I wasn't the last surgery for the day That poor, poor soul behind me.
As I was getting ready the morning of surgery, at about 10:00, TOSH called me and wanted me to come in right away for surgery because there was an opening on the schedule. They asked how long I'd be, and I'd told them about a half hour, just long enough to drive to the surgical center. I scrambled to get dressed and get my stuff together. As we were walking out the door, my phone rang again and I saw it was the doctor's office. The nurse explained that there was a change and they would no longer need me to come in early, so I should just come at my regularly scheduled time of 1:00. Dammit! I'd had my hopes up of getting done early only to be smashed into little pieces.
So, I waited..and waited, and finally went to the hospital to check-in for surgery at 1. Same routine at always, as soon as I was taken back, the nurse took a set of vitals, I changed into my sexy hospital drape, and gave a urine sample to prove I wasn't pregnant and was OK for surgery. I met a flurry of nurses and doctors, had my IV started with liquid tylenol, and gave my name and birthdate about a dozen times. Luckily my admitting nurse, who went over my medication history with me, knew what a NuvaRing was so I was saved of that embarrassing conversation this time. I finally got to see Dr. Van Boerum right before surgery. He wrote a YES on my right foot, and then started explaining to me how he has a set of tools and all kinds of gadgets to get my screws removed. He totally creeped me out again....please just take my screws out; I don't need to know the details! They were also letting me take home my screws this time! The hospital didn't allow me to take home my pins from my last surgery because they were too sharp and were a liability. Whatever.
The last person I saw before surgery was my anesthesiologist a little after 3. Instead of being hauled in a wheelchair, I walked by myself back to the surgery room! It was cold. I hopped up on the table. They put a warm blanket on me. I heard someone say that in 10 or 15 seconds I would be sleepy. I was then waking up in the recovery room. When I woke up from the last surgery, I had zero pain, but lots of anxiety thanks to a huge shot of morphine. This time, when I woke up, no anxiety, but a pain level of about 4 - totally manageable. I also could immediately feel relief in my foot from where the screws had been, no more pinching or pressure. My recovery nurse gave me some ice water and honey graham crackers. They both tasted amazing. Shortly after, Nate and my mom joined me in the recovery room. I felt nice and relaxed, and was quickly cleared to go home. I laced up ye olde walking boot and started to get up and walk out. But, the nurse chased me down, made me get in the wheelchair and took me out to the parking lot.
There was a lot more pain and discomfort with this round of surgery than I expected with the next few days that followed. Removing the screws is a little more involved than removing the pins. My incisions are bigger, and my foot/tendons/bones were a lot sorer than last time. I needed to take more pain medication than I wanted to or thought that I would need. That led to the uncomfortable side effect of opioids on the digestive system. I finally started to feel better about 5 days after surgery.
One thing I didn't the surgery stop me from doing, was seeing Star Wars on opening night! I had all of these grand plans to dress up as a sith version of Ahsoka Tano. But, quite frankly, I felt miserable and taking a shower and getting myself ready completely exhausted me. The thought of trying to put on a costume and paint my face seemed too daunting. So, I didn't end up going in costume. I was disappointed about that, and wish I'd felt better that night for the movie. I still went though, and it was AWESOME and I am so glad that I went, even doped up on various pills, in a boot, and in some nagging pain. I actually have seen it 2 times since, when I was feeling better! And Rey. She. Is. Amazing. She is such a strong female character. She inspires me to be a bad ass. Cool girls don't look at explosions.
I will go back in to the doctor next week to get my stitches removed. I was told not to remove my dressing until I saw the doctor again, but, full disclosure, I took it off already. It was fraying, getting snagged on my boot, and there was no way that it was going to stay on for two weeks. I've been in the boot during my waking hours ever since surgery, mainly to protect my incisions. It's such a bummer since I've been used to walking in my tennis shoes for the last month. But, once I see the doctor, I can swear off the boot for good! Trumpy (my scooter) was placed in his final resting place this weekend. The basement. He was a good scooter and served me well.
As for the hardware, this is what was inside my foot for 5 months. Of what they let me take home anyway. Just touching it and feeling it makes it hard to believe that this piece of metal was actually inside of me. No wonder it was so painful. I'm glad to be rid of it!
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Getting Better
Last post, I was really frustrated with things.
This week, I feel a lot better.
I am definitely progressing and getting better at walking, and the pain is getting better as well. I'm still not walking as fast I'd like to, but I can go a lot farther distances before I get uncomfortable, and it doesn't seem quite as daunting. It still takes me a little bit to get going in the morning before my foot seems to "warm up" or after sitting for a long time. Walking is starting to feel a bit more natural, but I still have a limp and I still can't roll from heel to toe in one fluid motion quite yet. Balance is getting much better, especially after my last physical therapy session. I've been doing squats on uneven ground, which translates into a set of discs (or pancakes), or a bosu ball or even two pillows. I was really wobbly the first day but as each day goes by I am getting better at it, and sometimes I don't even need to hold on!
A couple of exciting (but little) things happened this week, too! First, I was able to stand up for the entire duration of my shower. I had a simple solution - I just moved my anti-slip mat into the shower stall and it gave me enough of the grip my right foot needed to feel steady. So now I shower, and shave, like a normal person again! There have also started to be moments where I am not actively thinking about my foot. I found myself making dinner, going back and forth from the island, to the stove, to the fridge and I stopped in the middle of it, realizing I'd completely forgotten about the old foot. It's almost like it was normal again. That made me really happy, because ever since my injury, every time I was up moving around, or even moving in general, or trying to get comfortable on the couch, I was thinking about my foot. Always conscious of it. To have moments where I'm not even thinking about it, is amazing.
As I'm getting more active, however, the pain in my left side is roaring up again. Most specifically in my hip and left thigh. Time will tell if this is really something to worry about, or just a side effect of starting to use my muscles normally again.
I am going in for surgery on Tuesday the 15th for my final procedure to remove hardware. I am pre-registered and ready to go! I'm looking forward to having those screws GONE! I called super early this time for surgery, hoping that it improves my chances of getting an earlier time. I'm not sure that it matters, but I gave it a shot. Not eating until 6PM the next day was not a pleasant experience and one I'd rather not have again. I'll know the night before what time I'm expected to arrive at TOSH.
Other than the surgery, I have a couple of things to look forward to next week! My last day working in 2015 is December 11th, then I am out on medical and paid time off until January. I will have a nice long vacation to recover, relax, and enjoy the holidays with family. Nate and I are going in for a delayed-anniversary couples massage on Sunday before my surgery, which I am very excited about. They need to get in there.... DEEP. Well, everywhere but my right foot of course!
And the thing I'm most looking forward to.....STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS! I am going at 1 AM to see it in 3D IMAX on opening night. I've been prepping with marathons of Episodes 1-6, all 6 seasons of The Clone Wars, the Star Wars Holiday Special, Fanboys, and the 2 new seasons of Star Wars Rebels. I have a costume planned, however, it might not pan out because of stricter costume policies for movie theaters due to all of the recent events. Which may or may not include face paint. So much for my imagining of Ahsoka Tano as a young Sith apprentice! I'll at least be able to pull off some leg bio-mechanics for a costume... since I'll be back in my boot (and most likely still doped up on pain meds) for the movie. The anesthesia makes me incredibly emotional... so misa don't wanna see important character peoples that are gonna die. Unless that includes Jar Jar.
This week, I feel a lot better.
I am definitely progressing and getting better at walking, and the pain is getting better as well. I'm still not walking as fast I'd like to, but I can go a lot farther distances before I get uncomfortable, and it doesn't seem quite as daunting. It still takes me a little bit to get going in the morning before my foot seems to "warm up" or after sitting for a long time. Walking is starting to feel a bit more natural, but I still have a limp and I still can't roll from heel to toe in one fluid motion quite yet. Balance is getting much better, especially after my last physical therapy session. I've been doing squats on uneven ground, which translates into a set of discs (or pancakes), or a bosu ball or even two pillows. I was really wobbly the first day but as each day goes by I am getting better at it, and sometimes I don't even need to hold on!
A couple of exciting (but little) things happened this week, too! First, I was able to stand up for the entire duration of my shower. I had a simple solution - I just moved my anti-slip mat into the shower stall and it gave me enough of the grip my right foot needed to feel steady. So now I shower, and shave, like a normal person again! There have also started to be moments where I am not actively thinking about my foot. I found myself making dinner, going back and forth from the island, to the stove, to the fridge and I stopped in the middle of it, realizing I'd completely forgotten about the old foot. It's almost like it was normal again. That made me really happy, because ever since my injury, every time I was up moving around, or even moving in general, or trying to get comfortable on the couch, I was thinking about my foot. Always conscious of it. To have moments where I'm not even thinking about it, is amazing.
As I'm getting more active, however, the pain in my left side is roaring up again. Most specifically in my hip and left thigh. Time will tell if this is really something to worry about, or just a side effect of starting to use my muscles normally again.
I am going in for surgery on Tuesday the 15th for my final procedure to remove hardware. I am pre-registered and ready to go! I'm looking forward to having those screws GONE! I called super early this time for surgery, hoping that it improves my chances of getting an earlier time. I'm not sure that it matters, but I gave it a shot. Not eating until 6PM the next day was not a pleasant experience and one I'd rather not have again. I'll know the night before what time I'm expected to arrive at TOSH.
Other than the surgery, I have a couple of things to look forward to next week! My last day working in 2015 is December 11th, then I am out on medical and paid time off until January. I will have a nice long vacation to recover, relax, and enjoy the holidays with family. Nate and I are going in for a delayed-anniversary couples massage on Sunday before my surgery, which I am very excited about. They need to get in there.... DEEP. Well, everywhere but my right foot of course!
And the thing I'm most looking forward to.....STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS! I am going at 1 AM to see it in 3D IMAX on opening night. I've been prepping with marathons of Episodes 1-6, all 6 seasons of The Clone Wars, the Star Wars Holiday Special, Fanboys, and the 2 new seasons of Star Wars Rebels. I have a costume planned, however, it might not pan out because of stricter costume policies for movie theaters due to all of the recent events. Which may or may not include face paint. So much for my imagining of Ahsoka Tano as a young Sith apprentice! I'll at least be able to pull off some leg bio-mechanics for a costume... since I'll be back in my boot (and most likely still doped up on pain meds) for the movie. The anesthesia makes me incredibly emotional... so misa don't wanna see important character peoples that are gonna die. Unless that includes Jar Jar.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Frustrations
K, so, always, ALWAYS when I post about how great my foot is feeling, I end up putting my foot in my mouth! That was a metaphor.
I'm feeling emotional and frustrated, so boom, blog post!
Monday was my first day back from holiday vacation and the first time I was walking around the office boot free. I work in a building that has 25 acres of property and is 395,000 square feet. It is a BIG jump from walking around the house, to walking around this gigantic building. The walk from the parking lot to my desk is at least a 10 minute hoof, and I no longer have my handicap pass. It was about 20 degrees on Monday morning walking in. I was trying to walk as fast as I could to get inside the building as quickly as possible, but my "fast" walk is a meager saunter by normal standards. So, that was really frustrating. My mind wanted to go faster, my body was trying to push me faster, but my foot wouldn't cooperate. People were passing me left and right, and going around me, and I just felt defeated. Then I make my way to the elevator, cram in with 8 different people, and I'm the only one going to the 2nd floor. I know people are thinking that I'm lazy and should just take the stairs, mostly by people's reaction when we have to make a stop at 2. So I do my littlewalk hobble of shame to my desk, exhausted. I finally get to start my work day! But everything seems so......far. Going to the bathroom, running back and forth between meetings, going to the gym, getting lunch and coffee from the cafeteria, then the walk back out to the car. I got about 7,000 steps according to my fitness tracker.
The foot felt fine yesterday, and last night, pain free. I was just mainly frustrated because it takes a long time to get from point A to point B, but Rome wasn't built in a day and neither are shattered navicular bones. Then, I woke up this morning. I usually have soreness and stiffness when I first wake up, but I was really sore. And it didn't really go away after I walked around and got ready for work. Nate told me that I should wear the boot to work, but, I'm viciously stubborn and there was no way that I was doing that. He was sweet, despite my stubbornness, and dropped me off at the front door of my office so I only had to walk part of the way. Despite the violent protesting that occurred inside our vehicle about him doing so.
I thought finally walking would be the cure for everything. It isn't. Yes, I'm walking around in shoes (well just the one pair that I can so it does offer some interesting fashion choices...whatever..) and I'm so so so so happy about that. But on the other hand, I'm still a long way off from being 100% again, or at least close enough. I injured myself over 5 months ago. I spent 115 days not walking at all. I started walking with 25% of my weight in October with a boot in crutches. I weaned to 1 crutch after 3 weeks, then just the boot for 3 more. I'm finally out of the boot, but how much longer is this recovery going to take? It feels so long. Never ending. There was always a milestone to look forward to: getting my splint off and into a cast, out of the cast and into the boot, removal of my pins, weight bearing with crutches, no crutches, weaning out of the boot, walking in shoes. Now, there's just one more milestone left and that is the surgery to remove my screws. Granted, they've been causing me a lot of pain, and I'm optimistic that my pain and walking will improve once they are gone. I also will be slapped back into the book for a few weeks after surgery, and that feels like a set back. But, after the screws are gone, then what? What's the next milestone to look forward to? When will my limp go away? When is it going to be as good as it gets?
I'm feeling emotional and frustrated, so boom, blog post!
Monday was my first day back from holiday vacation and the first time I was walking around the office boot free. I work in a building that has 25 acres of property and is 395,000 square feet. It is a BIG jump from walking around the house, to walking around this gigantic building. The walk from the parking lot to my desk is at least a 10 minute hoof, and I no longer have my handicap pass. It was about 20 degrees on Monday morning walking in. I was trying to walk as fast as I could to get inside the building as quickly as possible, but my "fast" walk is a meager saunter by normal standards. So, that was really frustrating. My mind wanted to go faster, my body was trying to push me faster, but my foot wouldn't cooperate. People were passing me left and right, and going around me, and I just felt defeated. Then I make my way to the elevator, cram in with 8 different people, and I'm the only one going to the 2nd floor. I know people are thinking that I'm lazy and should just take the stairs, mostly by people's reaction when we have to make a stop at 2. So I do my little
The foot felt fine yesterday, and last night, pain free. I was just mainly frustrated because it takes a long time to get from point A to point B, but Rome wasn't built in a day and neither are shattered navicular bones. Then, I woke up this morning. I usually have soreness and stiffness when I first wake up, but I was really sore. And it didn't really go away after I walked around and got ready for work. Nate told me that I should wear the boot to work, but, I'm viciously stubborn and there was no way that I was doing that. He was sweet, despite my stubbornness, and dropped me off at the front door of my office so I only had to walk part of the way. Despite the violent protesting that occurred inside our vehicle about him doing so.
I thought finally walking would be the cure for everything. It isn't. Yes, I'm walking around in shoes (well just the one pair that I can so it does offer some interesting fashion choices...whatever..) and I'm so so so so happy about that. But on the other hand, I'm still a long way off from being 100% again, or at least close enough. I injured myself over 5 months ago. I spent 115 days not walking at all. I started walking with 25% of my weight in October with a boot in crutches. I weaned to 1 crutch after 3 weeks, then just the boot for 3 more. I'm finally out of the boot, but how much longer is this recovery going to take? It feels so long. Never ending. There was always a milestone to look forward to: getting my splint off and into a cast, out of the cast and into the boot, removal of my pins, weight bearing with crutches, no crutches, weaning out of the boot, walking in shoes. Now, there's just one more milestone left and that is the surgery to remove my screws. Granted, they've been causing me a lot of pain, and I'm optimistic that my pain and walking will improve once they are gone. I also will be slapped back into the book for a few weeks after surgery, and that feels like a set back. But, after the screws are gone, then what? What's the next milestone to look forward to? When will my limp go away? When is it going to be as good as it gets?
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