General Update

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!