Foot surgery - lots of crutch-time

[ny biker]

Yikes. That sucks.

I was on crutches for months back in 1993-94 due to ankle surgery. I lived and worked in NYC at the time.

I lived alone, so for the first few weeks after the surgery I stayed at my parents' house. However they had planned a vacation before I scheduled the surgery, so they were not there the whole time. My sister came over to help out each day. I went out and got a fax machine so I could work from my parents' house.

Once I was back in NYC, I think I still worked from home several days a week. I honestly don't remember how I did laundry, though I think my laundry basket was on wheels so I guess that made it easier to get to the basement where the laundry room was. I do recall using only disposable plates, cups and utentils for eating, and since I don't cook anyway I'm sure I survived on easy meals that could be prepared with the microwave or toaster oven.

For carrying things, I used my backpack. I was even able to get takeout from McDonald's (including a drink!) back to my apartment with it. That backpack was a lifesaver.

The hardest thing for me was that I had no upper-body strength at the time, so getting around on crutches was hard at first. Fortunately that won't be a problem for you. (The other hard thing was that it was a very long and slow recovery from my surgery, and most of my "friends" thought I was faking it, even though the doctor felt my recovery was at a normal pace. I'm not friends with those people anymore.)

I never tried to shower with the cast on, although I think it might have been possible to cover with plastic to keep it dry. I just didn't want to take the chance of getting it wet. I got by with sponge baths and washing my hair in the sink -- I put a chair next to the sink to rest my leg on.

Since I wasn't going out in public initially, I stuck with clothes that were easy to get on and off -- loose t-shirts and shorts with an elastic waist --and didn't worry about how I looked.

I had several different casts during the recovery time. One was hot pink and one was red. I might have had a blue one, too. I remember being shocked the first time they removed the cast -- the muscles in my lower leg were completely gone. I also remember looking in the mirror one day after the cast was finally off for good and I was in physical therapy, and seeing that the muscles were coming back. That was a very good day!!

I also recall that my skin got really itchy inside the cast after a while. But I'm pretty sure I had one for 12 weeks, so hopefully yours will be off before that becomes a problem.

One good thing for you is the season. My initial surgery was in early July during a heat wave, and I had a follow-up procedure the following January. So I had to deal with both summer heat and humidity and winter snow (and cold toes!!). I would definitely have preferred spring weather.

Overall I'd say to take it one day at a time and let your body heal. It's no fun but you'll get through it. And at least you have the internet to help you pass the time -- I was stuck with reruns of "Behind the Music" on VH1 .

Good luck!!!!!!!