One Month Update

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.

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!