For the most point I am a pretty optimistic guy so as I reach this first milepost how do I approach it? Am I one week down or just 5 weeks left on the non weight bearing part of this journey. That also led me to start thinking this becomes more of a psychological battle than just finding ways to avoid pain and be comfortable. One is very limited when it comes to activities after foot or ankle surgery. I have a therapist who comes twice a week to teach me how to deal with things and gives me some exercises to do to keep a little strength in my legs. I actually look forward to their visit because it's a break in the routine. But after exercise number two I quickly wonder why it was I looked forward to their visit.
I think it's the loss of independence that is creeping into my psyche and playing havoc. My days are based on when to get up to pee, when to take my meds, when do Courtney and Justin and the kids get home, then dreading going to bed and repeating it all tomorrow. I have started adding work to my schedule which is mostly watching sports productions and writing reviews for schools and announcers. That's helping to shorten the days, but I find myself thinking of all the things I want to do but can't. It's like eating Tofu instead of Ice Cream, its the right thing to do but then I still want Ice Cream. You just miss the things you can't do more so when you don't control the circumstances. Then I look down at my leg, where I swear they replaced my foot with a bowling ball, thinking one week down or is it 5 weeks to go.
What have I learned so far....avoid the news channels unless you thrive on a state of anger and depression. Also I am not a binge watcher so my monthly Netflix payment is going to waste except for those who I unknowingly share my account with. They are the ones who then tell me I should sit and watch a certain series, which I try, only to lose interest halfway through the 2nd episode. The knee scooter is the absolute perfect mode of transportation when needing to get around. Although it has a very loose turning radius so be careful not to tip it and all of the sudden your weight is on your foot and your hands are protecting your face from the wall in front of you and you think I have ruined everything and you scream which brings your care takers running and trying not to laugh at the situation you created....not that I have experienced this but can only imagine.
What's next? Formulating a plan for conquering the need to go up 5 steps, then get me upright so that I can get to my first follow up appointment in one week and a cast to replace the splint/bowling ball I am in now. Pain management is under control as I slowly switch from the Oxycontin to Tylenol. Normally it would be Ibuprofen but because I'm on a blood thinner to treat my AFib I need to avoid Ibuprofen. Pain that I have is mostly from not having my foot elevated lonmger than I should.
Most important is that you have the support of a family member or really really close and dedicated friend knowing what you will both be experiencing pushes the bounds of friendships and family support. In my case, as I have mentioned, it's my grown kids who have been there for me. I would like to say this is payback for those teenage years but guess what guys, this is just a first rehearsal, the main show should be quite an attraction.
No comments:
Post a Comment