September first was a big day in moving more toward being healthy. Since I broke my leg, almost two years ago, I've been pretty inactive. It didn't heal well. So, the joint was cleaned out and the hardware was removed. Yes it is hurting, but I can already tell a difference. I realized last week that my feet have felt SO MUCH better. I was constantly shoving my shoes off my feet. They were swollen and the pain & pressure would just get too overwhelming. Yesterday was the first time I've felt this way since the surgery. I'm so encouraged!!
I realize that pain came from a busy week. A friend had driven me to go in for the post op visit on Friday, the 11th. This was a three hour drive, one way. To the Seattle area. So, a long day. Saturday I took it easy. Sunday, we drove two hours to go to a BBQ that some friends were having. In Spokane. Monday, I rested again. Then Tuesday, I learned that there was a free "balance" class in town for older people. Since my balance has been off since I broke my leg, I decided to go. I did a bit too much. The next day I drove to Spokane again and got a massage. Then I drove another hour for an appointment. I was exhausted. But it is all good. I'm taking care of me. Something, I wasn't able to do for many years. Thursday was the Balance class again and I took it easier on myself. Friday, we went to Moses Lake (half an hour away) and did a bunch of things there. So, no wonder I hurt.
I've been pleased with the progress so far. The surgeon said I'd need the walker two to three weeks. I haven't used it much. I always take the cane when I go out. Most of the time at home, I can just walk around the house. I try to make sure I keep something in my system for pain and that helps me to move better.
So, what is next? A knee replacement that I had hoped to avoid. But, I won't get better if I don't. And the surgeon told my hubby to not expect me to get back to what I was. But, I AM ready to get to where I can function better. I gained a lot of weight after I broke my leg. I'm thinking about what I need to do to take care of that problem. I'm starting to do things to help my PTSD from the stress I've had in life. I'm excited to go into retirement mode when hubby retires. We don't just want to sit around. We want to travel, see grandkids more, and who knows what all else we will try. Life is good. I choose the good life!!!
