I have some energy so I thought I'd come to this space and write a "one month" update on my progress since triple arthrodesis surgery.
What a hellacious month it has been!
Pain is front and center of each day. It wakes me up each morning and I fight it to sleep each night. There is always a dull ache from mid foot to heel with occasional shooting sharp pains through the inside of my foot. The numbness has worn off a bit and has been replaced with near constant "pins and needles." It's starting to feel like my foot is waking up and I know the pain is actually healing taking place and nerves re-routing.
I also had my stitches removed at my one month follow up. The incisions healed very nicely and I had no bruising. After a few X-rays, I was moved to a hard, fiberglass cast that feels much better and more stable than the surgical splint I had been in.
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| Yes, that's me shoving a pair of chop sticks down my cast to scratch an itch. NO REGRETS! It's divine! |
My mobility is getting better. I absolutely don't know what I would do without my knee scooter. Some days I'd like to scrap that scooter for a wheelchair, but I know I need to keep my strength up.
Some things that I've learned this past month:
I've learned I can compromise on cleanliness.
Never in a million years would I think that I wouldn't shower daily...even in the midst of this recovery! But let me tell you, I have gone days and days without bathing and I've been ok with that! Thank goodness for baby wipes and dry shampoo!
Little things mean a LOT!
A text from friends, a hot meal, get well cards...
all of these have blessed my heart so much.
As I have surrendered all control of my life,
and it seems as if everyone has survived!
Nobody died because I didn't cook dinner or clean the house.
I raised some pretty awesome human beings!
The kids have really stepped up and taken up the slack I created.
They didn't complain when they've had to miss activities and they've taken such great care of me.
I am truly blessed.
I am making progress day by day, but the progress is slow.
The recovery time on this procedure is about 10 months. There are good days and bad days. Today is a pretty good day and I'm thankful for it...and so very thankful that I can come here and vent it all to you!
Pray for me!
