4 Roller Coaster Ride days

Thursday was Thanksgiving and the first day of 100% boot.
The day was so glorious and Resident Teen and I went for a walk.
A 3/4 mile walk, in the boot.
There was a lot of stopping, admiring flowers and plain stalling.
We made it to the coffee shop, got coffee and turned around to go home.

As for the dinner,traditionally we have hosted the dinner at our house but 8 weeks ago I wasn't too sure about my abilities to cook and entertain.
Our friends offered their house.
We had a delightful dinner and no cleanup for me!

Friday was a mixed bag of hanging out at my favorite yarn store and shopping.
Yes, Black Friday got a hold of my daughter and we ended up at the mall.
Terrible idea, my brain was still post operation and willing to go-go-go! But my body, my leg mostly of-course, was no-no-NO!
In the end I swallowed my pride and we borrowed a wheelchair from the mall and I got wheeled around.

Saturday was a bit calmer, we went and saw the Nut Cracker and celebrated Resident Teen's 16th birthday by having her take her friends out to dinner and a movie.
We, parental units and brother, were in the same restaurant but way different area's.
The girls saw New Moon while we went to Planet 51.

Sunday we took my friends daughter to a Christmas display.
I walked a lot and needed a few slow-downs to catch up.

Tomorrow is my first Physical Therapy, I've done a few exercises daily so I'm hoping to not be in too much trouble.

Oh, and I go back to work on Monday. For 3.5 hours.
Still not driving so for now Monday might be my only day at work as I have a ride back home that day but no rides any other days.
It will be weird to be at work again, but the day will go by much faster!

Get on your feet!

7 weeks and 4 days have passed since surgery and today was a post-op visit.
Last week Dr. B. had told me to start walking in the boot without crutches.
Man what a work-out that is!

I thought I would get only kudo's from him and I was part right.
However on top of the praise he admonished me for not doing my range of motion exercises enough. I have to admit I've been a bit scared to do so, it brings on discomfort.
So today he told me I was showing signs of disuse and atrophy in the foot. And I was put on notice. Big time.
Whole new set of rules, do your exercises, alternating hot and cold baths and no more night splint as of Monday.
Physical Therapy starts Monday.
The progression as ordered will be no more boot in 2 weeks, shoes with heel lifts then.
See you in 4 weeks.

I'm counting down my final days as a lady of leisure, I go back to work on Monday for 3 hours.
Driving won't happen just yet, I'm aiming for it by Christmas as I need to go back to my part-time work for real in January

Up, up and away!

Week 7 and I'm getting used to walking in the boot.
Since this weekend my progress has been with big leaps and bounds.

Wednesday I ditched the scooter and relied solely on the crutches. I did take a few steps but not very well or gracefully.
Thursday I actually walked more without the crutches, I lost count how many steps I took. Very liberating but a bit painful for the back.
There is no pain in the foot besides a bruised feeling which might very well be the result of having a few inches of bone taken off.

I'm slogging along, week 8 is ahead and a visit with Dr. B. on Wednesday.

Progress, continued.

All of a sudden it seems my recovery is going with leaps and bounds.

Saturday was my first escape  outing since going to Ikea with a friend a week before.

 It was a 100% crutches experience and it at first was quite the chore. A newly renovated store had opened in town, just about the only proper retail store in our neighborhood.

The crowds were insane and the social graces matched that of the shoppers.
I don't know what is invisible about a 5'6 person on crutches with a few pounds of black boot but there I was, un-seen. Dude, that $3 towel trumps my foot?, get off it!

Sunday my cousin was in town again and we went shopping. 

This is the day I felt such a great progression had happened. I walked (thunk thunk thunk, here comes Mari) a few steps without crutches, deemed the 'exercise' too laboring and used the crutches all day.

I was less tired at night as well.

Monday I had a massage and my friend took care of my poor lower back that has not been agreeing with the lopsided gimping.

Today is Tuesday, I had given up the 'bed-rest' last week and today took care of myself and was mobile  before 8:15am.

I baked a cake, am pondering my 3rd cup of coffee and.....I got word I can ditch one crutch and start working to walking in the boot this week!

I'm having no pain, just a bit of tightness and the calf muscle is really non-existent.

It is a bit awkward to walk around like this (more thunk thunk thunk) but I can wean myself off the scooter this way.

It has served it's purpose and is going back Thursday.

Progress, I like it.

Week 6 since surgery.

Man, time flies when you are doing not much!
Six weeks have passed and the theme this week has been "one step at a time".
I still use the scooter but needed to get used to the crutches and partial weight bearing (PWB) because the scooter goes back on the 19th.
I detest the crutches, it's hot, it's awkward and downright hard!
After my meltdown Tuesday a week ago I have made progression though.
I'm moving more with the crutches, doing the heel-toe thing as directed.
Over the weekend I started 'standing' on two feet, at first all balanced to the left but gradually I've gotten to the point where I can almost stand on two feet equally.
Before surgery I would use the wii balance board and my center of gravity has always been a little to the left.
Over the last few days since I have made it a point to get up from the couch or bed using my two feet with the good foot leading.
It's been very satisfying to do so.

Friday was week six since surgery and the longest time I've spent in my boot.
The thing is heavy, hot and ungainly but it works.
Bolstered by a no pain wake-up I walked 4 steps in it with one crutch and later in the day pushing my scooter I made it across 6 feet towards the laundry room.
I feel so clutzy but it's a huge step forward.

  

Lovely, isn't it?

Thank you!

I just wanted to throw a quick post out there to say  Thank You to all my wonderful friends.
Without the many rides to stores, restaurants and the Dr's office from them I'd be stranded!
I still don't drive because we only have the one car and there is a certain 'disconnect' still on the bottom of my foot.
I'm working on getting back to work November 30th, it's been too long!

Time Elapsed Since Surgery

ABC's of Healing, continued...

H is for Hurt or "How did you do that"?

I know I covered this letter last but more and more I get people to ask me how I got injured. And I have no clear and short answer.

From what I understand I had two different injuries that over time got worse. First as far as I can see was the achilles injury when while training for San Diego in 2007 I stepped off a ladder and felt a 'pop' followed by inability to put weight on my right foot.

Ice, rest and sheer luck prevented a further tear in the achilles. I also wasn't a runner, but more in the beginning stages of my half marathon training so not as unforgiving to my feet as in later years.

Somewhere in late 2007/early 2008 the other injury came up. It was a gradual over time thing where at first I did not tolerate shoes on the back of my heel. There was little or no bone growth happening at that time.

Then by February of 2008 I would be in pain walking barefoot. I went to a podiatrist who saw me and didn't diagnose me. I had physical therapy for a month or two and it helped but the pain got worse and worse.

In hindsight had he diagnosed me then with what we now know is Haglunds deformity and achilles damage I would have had one year less pain.

It took until May of 2009 to get a proper diagnosis after I sought a second opinion.

Now I know what has caused the deformity I'm realizing how lucky I've been the last 3 years. Not only did I train for 5 half marathons, a 10k and a 12k, I also finished each of my races with faster times.

I never had any pain when I was walking, the pain came as soon as my running shoes came off.

The combo of high arches and tight calves all contributed to the deformity but the saving grace was that I was training and moving around. I also stretched like I was told keeping my muscles somewhat loose.

In a sense you could say being in training for these races it gave me an edge over your average person who might not be stretching as much.

I is for Independence 

As soon as I had surgery I was at the 'mercy' of whoever could take me places.

So far my friends have been ANGELS and have put up with my whining begging politely asking for rides.

I find it hard to ask, but yet they are willing. I need to stop feeling guilty for asking though.
Small steps.

My kids are another chapter in this saga, they do not feel they "owe" me anything. You want water Mother? Whatever for?

So what you were in labor for 2 weeks and 4 days with each of us, we do not need to cater to your needs. Even if you spent a million hours at the ER with either one of us.

Get up and get your own water!

I'm making this up of course because my sweet angels are not at all this heartless, slow yes, heartless not.
So what that one Saturday they not only closed the door to the bedroom but never checked on me until 11 am?
During the week they know the drill in the morning, mom gets her water bottle filled, the newspaper, the lap top and a kiss. Then husband adds a sandwich and coffee to the mix and they are off for the day. The whole day!
I've always been a very 'do it myself' kind of person, it's a curse at times because I do not delegate well. But that's fine, I'm working on it.
After my last surgery, two disk repair in 1996, I had a hard time with recovery.
My husband had not only my care but also the care of my daughter who was 3 at the time.
I detested being dependent on him for every little thing. He worked whole days and it was decided Grandma and Grandpa could come and "help out" 2 weeks after my surgery.
So here came the 'help' from the Netherlands. Grandpa did not drive or speak English, Grandma instead of letting me rest needed my opinion and help with every thing.
I SWEAR my rapid healing had to do with their visit.
Exit in-laws after 4 weeks and enter *my* parents. By now I was 6 weeks post-op so I didn't need much help, my dad drove me places and my mom cooked.
I'm pretty sure this experience clouded my view of what my limits were in asking for help.
The past 5 weeks I've been pretty self sufficient, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of things I could and now can do for myself.
I shower, get dressed and make my own lunch. The scooter has definitely made a big difference with mobility.
Now that I moved to boot and crutches there is a little bit of a learning curve. I have left the frustration of last week behind me however and am getting pretty good at the partial weight baring with crutches.

It's the weekend and I make some progress.

All day Friday I lounged, there was no boot and I hardly moved.
My throat hurt and I was sure by 100% that I was the next case of Swine Flu and I'd make the news for sure.
Never mind that I didn't leave the house and it was highly unlikely I caught anything beyond a cold.
I drank orange juice and my favorite tea, Gypsy Cold Remedy.
Saturday my cousin and her wife came from the Netherlands and we went shopping.
We brought the scooter as I wasn't too sure about the crutches, I am getting better with them and the partial weight baring but for a long time it scares me. I really need to work on trusting my legs.
Resident Teen needed shoes as did cousin and we drove(well her wife drove) to the shoe store. I was wobbly and almost fell over.
Then we went to a posh mall, had our picture taken in front of a rather premature christmas tree set-up. Cousin insisted I lean on her and not have my scooter only to step away and leave me to almost topple over. Luckily Resident Teen was there to catch me on the left.
Then we hit one more store and at this one I managed to stand on two feet supported!
After this victory I had a few more where two feet were involved with getting up and standing up!

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around putting one foot in front of the other but this was one giant leap today so I'm hopeful by next week when I need to turn in the scooter I'll be close to mastering walking on two feet.

What-cha doing?

Nothing, or close to nothing.

Despite having had the flu-shot I've had a sore throat for a day or two now.
My social contact is close to zero so it's anyone's guess where I got this bug.

I've noticed something this last week that is very unlike me. I don't feel like being social or being around people much.
I'll talk to people on the phone, I interact with my family and I do go see my friends at the store but most of the time I'd rather read my book or knit and be all by myself.
Everything I need is somewhat within my reach where I rest, my books, radio and knitting.
I'm totally content to do nothing that involves people.
Maybe this is part of the process?
I'm so used to my routine by now that new situations are not as welcome?

I did go out with my friend to the store yesterday and we did some groceries, also went and got a chair massage and chatted with my knitting friends.
It's not that I'm a total hermit after all.

On the healing front things are looking up somewhat, I can flex the foot to almost 90 degrees, took a shower the other day without a cast, walked more with aid of the crutches and the scar looks good.
5 weeks have passed.

Yesterday. Sucked.

I woke up at 3 am with a throbbing foot, the ace wrap combined with the brick like texture of the splint were not agreeing with me.
I took an Aleve and went back to what passed for sleep.
By 6 am I was so happy the alarm went off.
This sense of 'happiness' was short lived however as the day progressed.
Without having asked for clear instructions as to what "putting some weight on" meant I was left to my own interpretation. I'm a very creative person but obviously that doesn't mesh with healing an achilles.
I have used the orthopedic boot before for various injuries on the right foot and honestly do not remember it being this darn hard to walk.
I started out just by standing on two feet supported by my scooter.
That felt "okay" but not exactly as I remembered standing was like.
I wanted to put more weight on my left leg, this is my strongest side after all, and this left me wobbly when I transferred weight to the right side.
Mid day I needed to get lunch and I had decided I'd use the scooter until the kitchen, around 15 feet away from the bedroom.
Then I'd use the crutches around the kitchen.

4 steps into this exercise I was sweating, panting and in tears with frustration.
I also had pain, pain not felt before.
Right then and there the person formerly know as patient Mari turned into a blubbering mess as I had a pity party for one.
I got my lunch, scootered back to bed and walloped until family came home.
My mood did not improve at all until after dinner. Resident Teen made a lasagna and it was good.
With food in me, and a glass of wine, I went back to the bedroom with ice and no more boot.
I talked a little to my friend Gail and in searching for a picture of the torture apparatus aka Das Boot found a website dedicated to people just like me!
I joined the site Achilles Blog  and after reading around felt boosted with a bit more confidence that it will get better.

Today is day 33 post-op and I did take it down a lot, I called the clinic to get SPECIFIC instructions as to what "some weight" means and also called my old Physical Therapist to see if I can come in for some Boot help.
I'm resting in the night splint, icing and doing my stretching exercises.

The A.B.C's of Healing

A, for Adaptability, also see Achilles.

So you got your Achilles Tendon cut. Did you know it is the strongest tendon in a human body? Not when it is severed it isn't.

Which leads us to adaptability, the power to adapt to being dependent on the resources around you. You have only one foot and upper body strength, learn how to use the latter!
I strongly suggest if you ever find yourself in the position of having any lower body/leg/foot surgery to invest in some classes that strengthen your core and upper body.
Also, creativity is your friend. Did you know you can zip up your pants if you rest your forehead against the wall thus freeing both your hands? I'm all about the tricks at the moment.

B, is for Bed rest and Balance.

Bed rest (or lounging on the couch) is the main factor in recovery. You want at least 4 pillows for your back and if you have to elevate the injured leg after day 3 you get pretty good at what works.

Balance means to stay upright on one leg and not fall over while doing it. With only one working leg it's a must learn. Yoga never seemed so easy to me now, I might have to see if I can now hold that tree pose when I start going it again. I used to be more in a falling tree pose. Timber!

C, is for crazy.

I willingly let a podiatrist cut my Achilles, I must have been NUTS!

D, is for Depending on.

Up to week 2 my family had been pretty good in caring for me, payback for all the ER trips and the flu/ asthma middle of the night scares I've dealt with in the last 20 years with regards to various family members. However that bubble burst one weekend where not only my son closed the bedroom door ( a soundproofed door by the way) but my calling out wasn't heard.
At first I did a polite 'ahem, ahem' a few times. Then I randomly called some names out. Nothing happened.
It was 10 am and I was hungry!
Finally I called my teenager on her cell phone. Thank you Modern Technology!

E, is for Effort on my part.

Enough said.

F, is for Facebook

Who am I kidding. Farmville, Cafe World, Island Paradise, Farkle and Bejewelled Blitz have saved me from total and utter boredom. And kept my brain from being corrupted by daytime TV. Honestly, how much Judge Judy or talk shows should I watch?
So, YES, I'm coming out and admitting that I am a Facebook junkie!
Early on we bought me a MacBook Pro (insert hearts and smilies here) because I lost the battle over the "family" lap top gifted to the teenager last December. Now I can be online as much as I want.
To counteract Facebook I am blogging and watching back episodes of House Hunters and Food Network on Hulu.

G, is for Growth

I knitted a quite a few meters/yards during the last 4 weeks. I had great intentions to finish a project a week thinking it was do-able.
I assembled a basket, or two, full of unfinished items to sit next to the bed and all I did finish was a pair of fingerless mitts and the remainder of a sock.
I started on fingerless gloves for the Teenager called Knotty Gloves.
Years ago I started on a shrug, that has grown over the last weeks but is no where near to finishing.

H, is for Healing
 A chore that is the toughest, see Patience.

Who knew that by training for walking Half Marathons I'd develop a stronger level of patience? A much needed trait if you have no foot to stand on. Watching time go by slowly while resting is a lot like walking the mileage you need to train for 13.1 miles.

You can complain all you want, but ultimately it's time and no rushing that gets you where you need to be, healing is best done slowly as well.
At the start of this whole surgery/healing process it seemed unsurmountable to me but by taking it an hour/day/week at a time just like taking it a mile/hour at a time the last four weeks have gone by rather rapidly.

Coming soon, the rest of the Alphabet.

Two feet, I have two feet!

Four weeks, 3 days and no more cast.
We visited the Dr. again who is very pleased with the progress so far. The wound is healing nicely and supposedly I have a good range of motion if he manipulates the foot.
However, the "honeymoon" is over and now comes a preview of the real 'work' ahead.
Because I'm ahead of where he thought I'd be he decided to skip the next step, a walking cast and told me I now have to start walking with a orthopedic boot.
Little bits at a time and weaning my self off crutches and the scooter.
Two feet on the floor, why does that scare me?

I got fitted for the boot, heavy warm thing by the way, and a night splint so that the foot stays flexed and protected at night.
I was assigned very simple exercises to do as well.

Once home I took my painkillers and rested before attempting my first steps on two feet.
After 8 steps, somewhat assisted by the crutches I called it a day.
I was sweating and breathing hard with the effort of this exercise. My calf cramped up and sent signals to STOP!!

There's a whole new set of rules to learn, balance the biggest one.

3 weeks to go to the next visit, he thinks I'll be walking fully on my own in the boot by 2 weeks.
His parting words? "we see these kinds of fast recoveries in a lot of athletes"
I gave myself a mental high-five for that.

For now the happy dance will have to wait, I do the walking thing again in a hour or so.

Late night update, I went to my friends store. Cooked dinner for kids and right now am resting with night cast on.
I'm pooped.