Finally, I am up and about. Boy, it feels good to walk with just my cane, although I get worn out easily and need to build up my stamina. I've been walking non-stop since Sunday, and today I took my first walk up and down our block. Of course, I spent the entire walk looking at the sidewalk for branches, uneven concrete, stones, etc. and didn't see much of the neighborhood, but at least I got out. With it being about 42 degrees and breezy, it wasn't the best day for a stroll, but I needed to do more than simply walk around in circles on the first floor of the house.
Each new thing I attempt is scary, but eventually I get used to it. Being a pain weenie doesn't help, because I try to avoid anything that may hurt. My upper chest and upper back were really painful for several days because I was tensing up each time I took a step, anticipating pain. That has improved now that my foot has become used to the clumping around. Did I mention I'm not remotely graceful??
I owe all of my progress to Ed, my personal trainer. He's had me walk on the treadmill (I'm up to five minutes), work out on our weight machines, and walk up and down the stairs. Going up isn't too difficult, but I can't bend my left leg enough to walk down normally. If I'm still wearing this cast when I go back to work, that's going to mean a long trip, one stair at a time, down to the subway.
Monday afternoon is my follow up with Dr. Healey. Originally I hated this walking cast, but I've grown attached to it and can't imagine what it would be like if he took it away and replaced it with...nothing. I'll have to learn to walk all over again, because right now my foot doesn't move in the cast, and when I attempt to flex it when the cast is off (don't tell him I actually do take it off), it moves about half an inch up or down. Not exactly conducive to normal walking! I'll post an update here after the visit.
Our plans for a vacation have firmed up. We are going to take a trip to Florida, visit some cruise friends and spend a few days at the beach. After this ordeal, we could really use some time to simply relax, enjoy each other, and see other people. Each day at home seems to present a new challenge, and it certainly has not been a vacation! In the past six weeks, I've been out to restaurants four times and been in a friend or relative's home three times. I haven't been to a store, driven a car, seen a movie, or participated in an activity since I've been home. Thank goodness my mom has come to stay with us a few times. It gives Ed a break and gives me someone new to talk to face to face. On the other hand, I haven't cleaned or cooked a meal since my surgery, so there are a few positives!!
What has been great is keeping in touch with many of our friends via telephone and e-mail. It makes this retreat from the real world a little easier to take. Thanks for your continued support and for keeping in touch. I appreciate it more than you know.
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