Foot surgery - lots of crutch-time

[NadiaMac]

So sorry to hear about your accident. Crutches and casts are a pain! I had foot surgery several years ago and was on crutches for almost two months. Here's a few suggestions
-showers: I love my showers. I put a small wooden stool (20 bucks at target) in the tub and replaced my glass shower doors with temporary curtains. I transferred onto the stool by sitting in the edge of the tub, then scooting over onto the stool. Casted leg was left dangling out of the shower resting on the rim to stay dry. This was safe and kept the foot dry. You can also buy a shower bench on medical equipment websites that achieves the same goal. Another option is to cover the cast with a trash bag. This worked ok for me, but hanging my leg outside the shower was easier.

- eating. I either ate standing up in the kitchen (I was living alone and did not have help at dinner) or hopped between my kitchen and sofa where I was mostly hanging out. having food that is amenable to hopping is key (no soup). I did a lot of hopping on one foot during my recovery, which may not be for everyone

- backpacks are essential, as everyone else noted. My sister also got these little pockets that clould be installed on the crutches. Handy for carrying a water bottle or other little things. I didn't end up using them much

- stairs. Echo others' suggestions to set yourself up on the ground floor if you can. I live in a second floor flat up two flights of stairs. I went up and down the stairs at home on my rump. Safer and saved energy

- not sure if anyone mentioned this, but i found the disabled toilet stalls much easier- the toilet is higher and this makes getting up and down to the seat easier with one leg. The bars also help..

- get a disabeled placard for your car if you can (i had one for six weeks after my foot surgery and it was useful especially at work where there is a long walk from the regular parking). Crutching is exhausting. Minimize walking if you can.

- swimming is a good exercise option once you can put your leg into water. I used a pull buoy until I could kick again (took a while for me since I couldn't flex my foot for a while, but may be different for you)

Good luck!
Nm