I had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon a couple of days ago so I figured it was about time for a quick update.
There is not a whole lot to tell you that hasn't been said before. He says everything looks great and should be all healed up and ready to go. He also said I could get out of the compression socks whenever we (us and my PT) thinks we're ready. I also have the OK from him to start going back into work as I can tolerate it as long as my PT is OK with it. Same with driving. I can start trying to drive as I feel up to it. But putting pressure on pedals (especially quickly) is a bigger deal than one would think! Finally, he is sending me to get custom orthotic inserts for my shoes. I hope they help. Wearing shoes feels good, but it sure starts hurting and tiring the feet by the end of the day.
PT is pretty much routine. They've bumped me up to 12 lbs. on my leg weights and a bit more weight on my leg extension machine work. They've also added some stuff where I stand on a little inflated pillow-like disk...on one foot...without holding onto anything. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. I couldn't do that BEFORE the accident!
Since the last update I had a stretch of 4 or 5 days that felt really great! Then, last Sunday, I got hit with I don't know what and these dogs have been feelin' like they've been beaten ever since! They're starting to settle back down a little, but I have to watch what I do and not overtax them. On the other hand it looks like we have the swelling under control!
We got my lyrica prescription reduced (hand and foot swelling is a side effect), stepped up my activity, and started doing those brutal contrast baths, and my swelling dropped DRAMATICALLY! By the morning they look almost like normal feet again except right around the ankles. Of course they still feel all swollen, tingly, burning, and stuff from the nerve regeneration, but ya gotta have SOMETHING to look forward too, right?
Speaking of things dropping, my weight continues downward. I was 265-270 the day of my accident. After I could stand well enough I got on a scale and I was at 220. A few days ago I was down to 214. Pre-accident I wore XXL shirts and 48 trousers. Now it's XL's and 44's. Gotta look on the bright side of things. This accident may have saved me from a heart attack or diabetes!
So now my big issues are nerve pain and other sensations from regeneration, a little remaining swelling, and improving my balance, leg and ankle strength, and range of motion, particularly in my toes and ankles.
I've still got a LONG way to go, but with God, J, my PT crew and all you folks behind me, I'll get there!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Another milestone for ya.
As PT wrapped up I was expecting to go home and do my usual 30 minutes on the treadmill. J had other plans.
Instead, we headed over to the pavilion in the park where we had hosted our geocaching event. From there we went for a 20 minute walk along the hike and bike trail. This was my first time walking on a trail since the accident. Although this trail is paved, this section has several places that are in need of repair and are pretty rough. There are also some pretty good slopes that gave me a nice workout.
If that's not enough for ya, later in the day we also walked to our mailbox. It's in one of those pod things a few of blocks away. That was the first time for that, too. I had wheeled to it a few times in my chair, but this was the first time walking it.
In both cases I had a few wobbly moments and I wasn't breaking any land speed records, but overall I did alright. It sure was nice to get out and walk outside again. It beats the tar out of walking a treadmill! Hopefully there will be more trail walks in the near future.
Instead, we headed over to the pavilion in the park where we had hosted our geocaching event. From there we went for a 20 minute walk along the hike and bike trail. This was my first time walking on a trail since the accident. Although this trail is paved, this section has several places that are in need of repair and are pretty rough. There are also some pretty good slopes that gave me a nice workout.
If that's not enough for ya, later in the day we also walked to our mailbox. It's in one of those pod things a few of blocks away. That was the first time for that, too. I had wheeled to it a few times in my chair, but this was the first time walking it.
In both cases I had a few wobbly moments and I wasn't breaking any land speed records, but overall I did alright. It sure was nice to get out and walk outside again. It beats the tar out of walking a treadmill! Hopefully there will be more trail walks in the near future.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Wel, it's been a while.
Now that all the BIG milestones, or most of them, have been passed there's not as much to report. Progress is slow, but I have a few things for you all.
First, as some of you know, I'm wearing real shoes again. They're not real comfortable yet because I gotta get used to them, and I don't wear them all the time, but it's good to be back in them.
I started running into problems with my crocs and the equipment at PT, so I figured it was time to start looking for shoes again. We found some that fit, but they didn't feel right. Then J remembered her cousin's hubby works with orthotics and such so we gave him a call for recommendations. We took his advice and I'm now sporting some New Balance 1062's. They have a lot of features to provide heel cushion, support, and motion control. I'm having to get used to wearing shoes again, they threw my balance off at first, and my feet hurt from being bound up and being supported properly. But on the other hand, my feet are being supported properly, they work much better for PT and my exercises, and the shoes help control the swelling.
I haven't used my wheelchair or walker much at all during the past week or maybe a bit more. I get pretty tired and sore, but it's all coming along. I just have to be careful not to overdo and take a break now and then. My biggest troubles are stepping up and down on curbs and steps and going up and down ramps. But that will all get better as my range of motion and knee strength gets better.
This past week we started this fun little thing that my therapist suggested. It's called a contrast bath and it's a real hoot. Get a tub of very hot water and a tub of ice water. Stick your feet in the hot water for three minutes, then in the ice water for a minute. Do that three times. Holy carp! Talk about a unique form of torture! But when it's done the feet feel better and it has helped dramatically with the swelling. About the only significant swelling is now just around the ankles. That can still get to softball size by the end of the day and it is usually much better by morning.
In other PT news, there isn't much to report. We've added a few exercises and added weight and/or reps to others. It's becoming quite a test of willpower and motivation. The therapist assures me that I am improving, there is still room for more improvement, and I will make more progress over time. From my point of view, I sure don't see much happening and certainly not much on the positive side. New exercises cause new pains and it's hard not to believe I've come as far as I'm going to. But I'll keep working, hoping, and praying and we'll see where this road goes.
My pain management docs have had me dropping my meds and I'm on my last week of suboxone. I am also reducing my lyrica. That should help the swelling and should also help with my memory and concentration. On the other hand, my damaged and severed nerves are sparking like crazy as they mend themselves. The worst part is the top of my forefeet, my toes, and the balls of my feet. They feel swollen and it feels like they're burning and being poked with needles almost constantly. I sure hope this doesn't go on much longer!
Also this past week or so we went through my clothes to see what fit and what didn't. I ended up with only a few shirts and a couple of jackets. A few stores around here were having some good sales so we went out and got me resupplied. So now I have big boy clothes to wear when we go out of the house and when I go back to work.
Speaking of work, we haven't talked to the docs yet, but we're starting to work out how I can start going back to work a few hours a couple of days a week to start. Of course, J will have to drive me down and wait for me. I really hate that, but it can't be avoided unless my boss says not to bother with it until I can drive myself. But, as I said, we're looking at just starting off light and then building up as my physical condition and PT schedule allows. We don't have a starting date for that yet, but it won't be until early September at the earliest and we still have to talk to my docs about it and get their OKs.
Well, I think that about does it. I've pretty much gotten into a slow-moving routine and the progress is slow, but Scott assures me progress is being made so I'll keep plugging along!
First, as some of you know, I'm wearing real shoes again. They're not real comfortable yet because I gotta get used to them, and I don't wear them all the time, but it's good to be back in them.
I started running into problems with my crocs and the equipment at PT, so I figured it was time to start looking for shoes again. We found some that fit, but they didn't feel right. Then J remembered her cousin's hubby works with orthotics and such so we gave him a call for recommendations. We took his advice and I'm now sporting some New Balance 1062's. They have a lot of features to provide heel cushion, support, and motion control. I'm having to get used to wearing shoes again, they threw my balance off at first, and my feet hurt from being bound up and being supported properly. But on the other hand, my feet are being supported properly, they work much better for PT and my exercises, and the shoes help control the swelling.
I haven't used my wheelchair or walker much at all during the past week or maybe a bit more. I get pretty tired and sore, but it's all coming along. I just have to be careful not to overdo and take a break now and then. My biggest troubles are stepping up and down on curbs and steps and going up and down ramps. But that will all get better as my range of motion and knee strength gets better.
This past week we started this fun little thing that my therapist suggested. It's called a contrast bath and it's a real hoot. Get a tub of very hot water and a tub of ice water. Stick your feet in the hot water for three minutes, then in the ice water for a minute. Do that three times. Holy carp! Talk about a unique form of torture! But when it's done the feet feel better and it has helped dramatically with the swelling. About the only significant swelling is now just around the ankles. That can still get to softball size by the end of the day and it is usually much better by morning.
In other PT news, there isn't much to report. We've added a few exercises and added weight and/or reps to others. It's becoming quite a test of willpower and motivation. The therapist assures me that I am improving, there is still room for more improvement, and I will make more progress over time. From my point of view, I sure don't see much happening and certainly not much on the positive side. New exercises cause new pains and it's hard not to believe I've come as far as I'm going to. But I'll keep working, hoping, and praying and we'll see where this road goes.
My pain management docs have had me dropping my meds and I'm on my last week of suboxone. I am also reducing my lyrica. That should help the swelling and should also help with my memory and concentration. On the other hand, my damaged and severed nerves are sparking like crazy as they mend themselves. The worst part is the top of my forefeet, my toes, and the balls of my feet. They feel swollen and it feels like they're burning and being poked with needles almost constantly. I sure hope this doesn't go on much longer!
Also this past week or so we went through my clothes to see what fit and what didn't. I ended up with only a few shirts and a couple of jackets. A few stores around here were having some good sales so we went out and got me resupplied. So now I have big boy clothes to wear when we go out of the house and when I go back to work.
Speaking of work, we haven't talked to the docs yet, but we're starting to work out how I can start going back to work a few hours a couple of days a week to start. Of course, J will have to drive me down and wait for me. I really hate that, but it can't be avoided unless my boss says not to bother with it until I can drive myself. But, as I said, we're looking at just starting off light and then building up as my physical condition and PT schedule allows. We don't have a starting date for that yet, but it won't be until early September at the earliest and we still have to talk to my docs about it and get their OKs.
Well, I think that about does it. I've pretty much gotten into a slow-moving routine and the progress is slow, but Scott assures me progress is being made so I'll keep plugging along!
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