Foot surgery - lots of crutch-time

[GLC1968]

I'm actually wearing a Merrell Pace glove (the kids version) on my good foot right now! I don't want to wear my regular shoes (all of which are 'barefoot style') during this period as the left one will get more worn out looking than the right one that stays in the closet. I don't LOVE this particular pair for every day use, but they are comfy and secure on my foot for when I need to hop so I don't mind letting the left one get worn out.

At least I can keep my left foot nice and 'barefoot' strong!

[Selkie]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mishap and injury! Sending you lots of good wishes for a quick recovery.

[yellow]

Oh, GLC, so sorry to hear this. You are a tough cookie and will come through just fine. I don't have any words of wisdom about the crutches but I do know that surgery sucks. Be good to yourself; accept the help hubby gives you with grace and plan a nice way to say thank you. Do what you can to keep your upper body active in the first couple of weeks after surgery; my body shed muscle after my surgery 2 yrs ago. It was not what I expected. Lots of glutamine in the week or so following surgery (but someone probably already told you that)!

[bikerHen]

Feeling your pain in so many ways! I had a total hip replacement in January. I could hardly walk and couldn't swing my leg over my bike all last fall. I was right there where you are now, just without the crutches. After surgery I had to used a walker and I hung my biggest pack back over the handles for hauling stuff. Loved the in-home PT, it was a great help. I was back on the spin bike and using my Bowflex a week after surgery. It wasn't much at first but getting my muscles moving again felt sooooo good. And as much as I hate stretching it has become new my best friend.

Also I assume your doctor has issued you a disabled parking permit? Use it! I was a little embarressed to use mine but my total fear of slipping on the ice took care of that. It was wonderful for hubby to get me out when I started to go stir crazy at home. Also gotta say I LOVED the motorized carts at the grocery store. They really do make shopping possible and they're a lot of fun too! Just go when the store isn't too busy. We also rented a wheelchair for a couple of outings. I just didn't have the strength to walk or stand for very long.

For what it's worth, I spent the time before my surgery doing what I could at the gym to get myself in as good of shape as I could. It was a tremendous help post surgery. I'm sure prior to the accident you were working out as well. Like my doctor said, I was training for surgery! Two months later, other than a persistent limp I'm getting around pretty good. Back on the bike, weather permitting, back at the gym and in the pool, but can't run anymore so I've had to tossed my budding tri dreams to the wind.

It all sucks now but it does get better! I'll be spending more time doing stuff around the house and less time training this summer but that's not a bad thing either. Hang in there!

[SallyRides]

Wow - I know most of what you are going through. I had to have surgery on my left great toe - had it fused in Dec. '11. I was completely NWB for 8 wks. I had crutches, and the knee scooter. Hated the scooter, as it was not comfortable and bothered my back if used for long periods of time, but at least I could go back to work with it, and have my hands free. I wish I had read some of the suggestions you've gotten here! Would have been so helpful. Mostly, I found ways to get things done with only one operational leg/foot, but let me tell you, it was exhausting some days! So much more work than "normal" living. You CAN do it, tho', if you put your energy into making things work. Not the same as working out, but it does take energy and strength.

I also was amazed at just how much muscle atrophy can occur in a short time. When my 8 wks were up and my Pod ok'd me for no crutches, he also said I could try my bike, inside on a trainer. Yay! I was so excited. Then when on the bike, I was so discouraged by how my left calf felt. It was disgusting!! It literally flopped around as I pedaled. NO strength or conditioning at all. Such a weird feeling. That was mid January. I've kept working it. It is not at 100% yet, but maybe 75-80%. So much improved. More work ahead but it will happen.

You will get back to where you were. You need to give it the time needed. Unfortunately, it takes longer than we would wish. :-( Good luck! I hope your healing goes smoothly and you find a way to work around any present obstacle.

SR