Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Its Been 3 Months Since Lisfranc Struck

I thought October would never come.......
When I was first diagnosed with the Lisfranc ligament tear and was told I wouldn't be walking until late September, (that was in July) it sounded so far away.  I am happy to report that I am walking part time in the boot and part time in sneakers.  Exactly three months after the fall.

I can happily report that I am making lots of progress.  In just four weeks time I have gone from using two crutches and the orthopedic boot, to half sneakers half boot.  AMAZING!  I must attribute my success to my physical therapist; this guy is amazing and knows exactly what exercises my foot needs to become stronger with each visit.

I have great days, good days, and bad days.  Unfortunately I do have a good deal of pain on a daily basis but it isn't debilitating. Its annoying I will admit and some days, like today, I do get frustrated with the pain.  I try to remember that it is still very early on in my recovery and that it always could be worse, but really....who wants to feel pain everyday.  I do get scared wondering if this is the pain I will experience from now on, but its just to early to tell.  Hopefully as I get stronger and time goes by the pain will subside.

On Monday I was able to go the whole day with just sneakers, but then I paid for that on Tuesday.  Then today I was able to do just sneakers again, but was uncomfortable.  I am trying to push myself through the pain but I listen to my body and when it gets to a point that I feel tears coming on, I have surpassed my limit and I take it easy for awhile.  I do not want to use the boot as a "crutch" and give into the pain all the time, but I think there are some moments when I push myself too much.

I have just over two weeks left of physical therapy and then I will be on my own.  Total recovery is 8 to 12 months.  I move forward knowing I have made great progress and will continue to do all that I can to be healthy and strong in the future.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Finally Feeling Independent

Today was a big day for me that I celebrated quietly.  It was my first day with no crutches, just the orthopedic boot.  I was so thrilled on the inside that I couldn't do anything but smile today.  These little victories keep me going and keep me motivated.

So here I sit writing another blog post.  Its now been 9 weeks since my surgery and I am so thankful that the worst part of this injury is now over.  I feel as though the clouds are starting to disappear and I can see the sun again.

I am only using crutches in the morning when I am bare foot.  Otherwise I use the orthopedic boot when at work or out running errands and then use sneakers when I am at home.  I have a pretty bad limp, but the ortho said it is just going to take time for that to disappear   But walking, even with a limp, is so thrilling I don't even care if people stare or how awkward it looks.

First and foremost I want to make it clear that I am so thankful that my injury was not worse, I know things can always be worse.  But, at the same token I am also acknowledging that this whole situation has been incredibly frustrating.  I am blessed that it wasn't worse, that I had an amazing surgeon, a wonderful physical therapist  and a huge support system of my family (especially my hubby) and friends.  But let me tell you......two months non weight bearing was AWFUL!!!  Thank God this nightmare is almost over!

I have always heard people when they say, "I just had a flash back." But I never really has experienced one until this past Sunday morning.  I was just sitting on the couch when my mind jumped back to the day I fell.  My mind took me quickly through all the events leading up to surgery, then through all the changes I have dealt with as far as living a semi normal life.  I snapped out of it and was never more thankful for all the blessings in my life.  Its funny because I was beginning to feel frustrated again and it was like my mind was reminding me of what I overcame.  After the "flashback" all the frustration left my body and I was happy go lucky again.

This injury has been a physical struggle, but the biggest battle has been the emotional one.  I read that it was going to be but didn't believe it until now.  The mind is the strongest most influential part of our being.  I was recently feeling like everything was going wrong and that it couldn't get worse, then it did.  But through this injury I have never felt more thankful and happier.  What I thought was the worst thing that could have happened has turned out to be the greatest blessing.  I asked God for strength and he gave me the opportunity to be strong.