It looks like this Christmas is going to end up costing me a lot more than usual.
I started some of my shopping last week and before I even left for the mall I realised I'd only really be able to buy one or two presents/items at a time, depending on their size and weight. Not being able to carry bags in my hands definitely limits what I can buy. I could always get someone to come shopping with me and carry my stuff but I prefer to go during the week/day, when it's less busy, and all of my friends are at work then. So solo shopping it is. On the upside, it gives me a reason to get out / a destination to venture to more often.
Unfortunately, I have this bad habit of buying myself something whenever I go Christmas shopping. In the past this hasn't been a big deal. I usually try to get my shopping done all in one or two big trips, so a present or two for myself isn't all that bad. The problem this year is there will be many more trips needed to finish all my shopping. So far I've purchased two presents for others and what do you know, I've bought myself something each trip. If I continue in this fashion it's going to be pretty painful on my wallet.
I don't feel too bad about buying myself a couple things and have found it really easy to justify. For starters, I haven't done much, if any, shopping the last 13+ months. I didn't even do my own Christmas shopping last year. My aunt was nice enough to volunteer to take my shopping list / gift ideas and do all the shopping for me. Lets face it, I was in no shape to be walking around the malls last December. So it has been nice getting out and doing my own shopping this year. I enjoy buying gifts for others and love that feeling you get when you think you've found the perfect present for someone else.
Hopefully I can keep my personal spending to a minimum. If not, maybe I owe myself a gift or two anyway. At least that's what I'll end up telling myself.
Friday 25 November 2011
Tuesday 22 November 2011
One Year Since ...
I'm starting to think the worst part about this year will be all the 1 year "anniversaries" I have to go through. This year will be filled with days that are one year since so many life changing days, major events, and new experiences. Each one of these days will be filled with a million different emotions. I've always been one to remember dates, significant or sometimes rather mundane. I'm usually happy about this but I'm thinking this year I may wish I couldn't recall all the dates and specifics so easily.
My one year since being diagnosis with cancer was a confusing day. On one hand I was thankful for so many things and seeing how far I'd come in a year and that I was doing well now. On the other, there were so many moments that day when I was brought back to that same day a year ago and the events of the afternoon played out in my head over and over and over. I remembered every feeling and mixed emotion I went through that day. The moments of silence. The tears. The phone call I had to make to my parents. Speaking with my sister. Every detail of every moment is burned into my memory. This is how so many days will play out for me this year.
A couple weeks ago marked the day I sent an email out to all my friends and coworkers telling them what was going on. That really was one of the hardest days emotionally for me last year. I couldn't help but feel like I was ruining the day of each and every person I was sending that email to. And I know not one of them would think of it that way but it was the hardest thing I've ever had to write. I couldn't help but cry and when I hit send I completely broke down. I've realised that this is the day burned into the memory of so many of my friends. That is when this journey started for all of them. It's been interesting over the past couple weeks hearing their side of that day. What they did, where they went, who they talked to. It's humbling to hear just how much your own life can effect someone else.
Today is one year since my first chemo treatment. That day feels like it was so long ago. I found myself more upbeat about reaching this milestone than I thought I'd be. Remembering how much I've endured and overcome this year makes me feel pretty good. I know that I made it through that first treatment and round after round for months to follow. There was so much uncertainty one year ago today, I didn't even know what questions were the right ones to ask. I remember the sleepless night before. The fear of the unknown. Worrying about the possible side effects. The feeling of being at the beginning, so far away from the end, weighing on me. It does feel fantastic to be looking back on the day now though. The simple fact that I can look back on it is enough to make me smile.
I have many more "one year since ..." days to go this year, most of which will be the same kind of flip flop of emotions. But soon enough it'll be one year since ... my last day of chemo ... surgery ... standing up for the first time ... being discharged from the hospital and so many other positive moments/memories. Before I know it I'll be celebrating one year since taking my first unassisted steps (date yet to be determined). Looking forward to these positive milestones is what will keep me focused on the future rather than reliving the past.
My one year since being diagnosis with cancer was a confusing day. On one hand I was thankful for so many things and seeing how far I'd come in a year and that I was doing well now. On the other, there were so many moments that day when I was brought back to that same day a year ago and the events of the afternoon played out in my head over and over and over. I remembered every feeling and mixed emotion I went through that day. The moments of silence. The tears. The phone call I had to make to my parents. Speaking with my sister. Every detail of every moment is burned into my memory. This is how so many days will play out for me this year.
A couple weeks ago marked the day I sent an email out to all my friends and coworkers telling them what was going on. That really was one of the hardest days emotionally for me last year. I couldn't help but feel like I was ruining the day of each and every person I was sending that email to. And I know not one of them would think of it that way but it was the hardest thing I've ever had to write. I couldn't help but cry and when I hit send I completely broke down. I've realised that this is the day burned into the memory of so many of my friends. That is when this journey started for all of them. It's been interesting over the past couple weeks hearing their side of that day. What they did, where they went, who they talked to. It's humbling to hear just how much your own life can effect someone else.
Today is one year since my first chemo treatment. That day feels like it was so long ago. I found myself more upbeat about reaching this milestone than I thought I'd be. Remembering how much I've endured and overcome this year makes me feel pretty good. I know that I made it through that first treatment and round after round for months to follow. There was so much uncertainty one year ago today, I didn't even know what questions were the right ones to ask. I remember the sleepless night before. The fear of the unknown. Worrying about the possible side effects. The feeling of being at the beginning, so far away from the end, weighing on me. It does feel fantastic to be looking back on the day now though. The simple fact that I can look back on it is enough to make me smile.
I have many more "one year since ..." days to go this year, most of which will be the same kind of flip flop of emotions. But soon enough it'll be one year since ... my last day of chemo ... surgery ... standing up for the first time ... being discharged from the hospital and so many other positive moments/memories. Before I know it I'll be celebrating one year since taking my first unassisted steps (date yet to be determined). Looking forward to these positive milestones is what will keep me focused on the future rather than reliving the past.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Physio: Day 27
It was just over 5 weeks ago that I started going to physio and a little over 19 weeks since I went in for surgery to have a right internal hemipelvectomy. If you have been reading my blog since the beginning you know I have had a handful of accomplishments along the way with only a few set backs. It's hard to say what constitutes a big accomplishment rather than just a minor step in the right direction. This is primarily because everything I've accomplished are things I'm sure each and everyone one of you can do and probably don't even have to think about doing. Even some of the really small things I've tackled getting to this point were really huge at the time. Like sitting up on my own for the first time after surgery. Or taking my first step with a walker and then the next day, crutches. Each accomplishment, big or small, is a very necessary step in achieving my ultimate goal. Walking!
I think it's safe to say physio on Friday makes the list of big accomplishments. I took my first steps with just one crutch. I was also holding the hand of my physiotherapist, well actually just her one finger, for a little extra support/stability. I think part of my holding on to her is a mental obstacle rather than physical. More than anything I want to take that first step with 100% of my weight and without any kind of help but it's kind of scary. For months I had to make a conscious effort not to put any weight on the leg so it could heal properly. Then when I was given the go ahead for some light weight bearing, I had to get used to how it felt when I did so. It was pretty weird at first but is starting to feel more natural. Now I face the mental challenge of trusting that my leg can handle the weight and is stable enough to take that step. So although I needed that extra hand and took each step with a bit of a 'hop', I DID take several steps using just the one crutch. And that's a start!
We've been taking videos periodically at physio to record my progress. It has also been a great way to keep my parents/family from constantly checking up on me because with the videos they can see I'm doing well. We definitely documented these 'big' steps. I've re-watched this video several time over the past 3 days and I smile every time I get to the end and the me in the video has this proud look on her/my face. I also think watching the video is building the confidence I have in my right leg. Seeing myself take the steps, rather than just doing them, is somehow more convincing that the leg will hold my weight. I'm sure the fear will go away with time and practice.
It wasn't until I went to write this post that I realised Friday had been the 27th day of physio. 27 has always been my favourite number. It was even my jersey number on every team / sport I played. Maybe there really is something to lucky numbers.
I think it's safe to say physio on Friday makes the list of big accomplishments. I took my first steps with just one crutch. I was also holding the hand of my physiotherapist, well actually just her one finger, for a little extra support/stability. I think part of my holding on to her is a mental obstacle rather than physical. More than anything I want to take that first step with 100% of my weight and without any kind of help but it's kind of scary. For months I had to make a conscious effort not to put any weight on the leg so it could heal properly. Then when I was given the go ahead for some light weight bearing, I had to get used to how it felt when I did so. It was pretty weird at first but is starting to feel more natural. Now I face the mental challenge of trusting that my leg can handle the weight and is stable enough to take that step. So although I needed that extra hand and took each step with a bit of a 'hop', I DID take several steps using just the one crutch. And that's a start!
We've been taking videos periodically at physio to record my progress. It has also been a great way to keep my parents/family from constantly checking up on me because with the videos they can see I'm doing well. We definitely documented these 'big' steps. I've re-watched this video several time over the past 3 days and I smile every time I get to the end and the me in the video has this proud look on her/my face. I also think watching the video is building the confidence I have in my right leg. Seeing myself take the steps, rather than just doing them, is somehow more convincing that the leg will hold my weight. I'm sure the fear will go away with time and practice.
It wasn't until I went to write this post that I realised Friday had been the 27th day of physio. 27 has always been my favourite number. It was even my jersey number on every team / sport I played. Maybe there really is something to lucky numbers.
Wednesday 16 November 2011
5 Kilograms
I've always been tiny and likely always will be. Keeping weight on has always been a bit of a struggle for me but never as difficult as this past year. After my first round of chemo, which happened in November (2010), I actually got down to 77 lbs. Following this, my uncle challenged me to reach 100 lbs by Easter. He even gave me a plaque come Easter, declaring me "heavyweight" champion. Although I was a couple pounds shy when he gave it to me, I did reach the 100 lbs a couple weeks later.
Having surgery and being in the hospital for several weeks after, my weight had declined once again. At my last follow up appointment my oncologist asked me why I weighed so little. He even questioned me if I had been leaning on my crutches when I was weighed. I looked right at him and pointed out the fact that they had taken a pretty big bone out of me recently. I don't think he was expecting an answer from me so he was surprised. His face changed to a "damn, that's a good answer" kind of look. He got up immediately and walked the short distance to my surgeon's office a couple doors down. We could overhear him asking what everything had weighed that they had taken out. When he returned to my room he said that I was lucky, my surgeon had backed me up. At least 5 kg had been removed with all of the bone and muscle that was taken. That's 11 lbs. That's a pretty significant amount. Over 10% of my body weight.
Recently I started thinking, what else weighs 11 lbs? What can I compare it to? So I've compiled a list of other things that weigh 11 lbs.
Turns out everything on the list just makes the 11 lbs seem like an even bigger deal / amount though. To me anyway.
I'd say it doesn't matter and I don't answer to anyone about my weight but that's not true. There are several people periodically checking or asking me what I weigh. I've decided and think it's only fair that 89 lbs be my new 100 lbs (100 - 11 = 89). It has taken a couple month since surgery but I am finally hovering around 90 lbs on a regular day to day basis. I know physio is definitely helping me put on some weight as I start to build more muscle. I'm still hoping to gain another 10+ lbs but that could take some time.
Having surgery and being in the hospital for several weeks after, my weight had declined once again. At my last follow up appointment my oncologist asked me why I weighed so little. He even questioned me if I had been leaning on my crutches when I was weighed. I looked right at him and pointed out the fact that they had taken a pretty big bone out of me recently. I don't think he was expecting an answer from me so he was surprised. His face changed to a "damn, that's a good answer" kind of look. He got up immediately and walked the short distance to my surgeon's office a couple doors down. We could overhear him asking what everything had weighed that they had taken out. When he returned to my room he said that I was lucky, my surgeon had backed me up. At least 5 kg had been removed with all of the bone and muscle that was taken. That's 11 lbs. That's a pretty significant amount. Over 10% of my body weight.
Recently I started thinking, what else weighs 11 lbs? What can I compare it to? So I've compiled a list of other things that weigh 11 lbs.
- a turkey large enough to feed about 10 people
- 44 sticks of butter
- 5L of Pepsi
- a very large newborn (ouch)
- 44 cups of flour
- enough flour to make 70 dozen chocolate chip cookies, 840 individual cookies
- 1 tenth of an average 12 year old ... or me :(
- 22 large bricks of cheese or 528 individual cheese slices
- a medium 10 pin bowling ball
- The President's proposed budget (US 2006) which is a 2,400 page document
- and... it takes 11 lbs of force to strangle a human being (the things you learn when you google "11 lbs")
Turns out everything on the list just makes the 11 lbs seem like an even bigger deal / amount though. To me anyway.
I'd say it doesn't matter and I don't answer to anyone about my weight but that's not true. There are several people periodically checking or asking me what I weigh. I've decided and think it's only fair that 89 lbs be my new 100 lbs (100 - 11 = 89). It has taken a couple month since surgery but I am finally hovering around 90 lbs on a regular day to day basis. I know physio is definitely helping me put on some weight as I start to build more muscle. I'm still hoping to gain another 10+ lbs but that could take some time.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Life on Crutches
It's been a month now that I've been back in my own apartment. I couldn't be happier. I haven't needed to make any further modifications to my place other than those my Dad and I made when I first moved back. I've been able to cook, clean, do laundry and all other necessary tasks around my place. That is other than grocery shopping which my boyfriend does for me.
Being on my own for the past month I've been able to get a better feel for "life on crutches". I was already using crutches while at home for 2 month but there were few things I actually HAD to do on my own. There was usually someone around to cook my meal or carry it to the table. I didn't have to do my own laundry (thanks mom) or buy groceries. And I definitely didn't go anywhere alone, I had no way to get anywhere without someone else taking me. So over the past month I've experienced several challenges made difficult particularly because of the crutches but I've also found some pros to having crutches.
Some of the difficulties /cons I've experienced due to crutches include doing my laundry. I actually switch to using a walker, it's the only way I can accomplish this. I have one with a seat on it which I'm able to set my laundry basket on, then I can walk it to the washer/dryer. It takes a lot of energy to get the job done but it's been great knowing I can do it and don't have to ask someone else for help with such an everyday task. As I mentioned above, grocery shopping isn't really a possibility for me. Not being able to carry much of anything really limits the number of items I would be able to purchase. I've talked about the impossible task of carrying an umbrella before and how the world becomes a slippery place for me when it's wet out. I'm nervous for when the snow falls. I don't think walking outside in the snow will be that bad but I'm worried about the ice. The worst part will be that floors in public places seem to stay wet all winter as people track the snow/slush in from outside. Showering has definitely become a more difficult task. I have a shower bench which makes things a lot easier and without which it would be next to impossible. I no longer find the infomercials for those walk in shower tubs as ridiculous. This next con is not something I've tested and I've been good at limiting myself. Going out for drinks just seems like a bad idea. Even with perfect mobility it may be difficult to walk straight after a night out for drinks with the friends. So I think it's best if I don't temp fate. At least for a while.
Now for the oh so important positive side of being on crutches. For starters, getting a seat on the subway is much easier now. There are still those few people who have actually raced me to get a seat first but so far there has always been someone else who will give me theirs. I find that more often than normal, strangers will now hold doors for me. There are many, many, many who don't but it's really nice when someone does. It could be my imagination but I feel like I have received better customer service in many stores. It comes across more of kindness out of pity but they're extra nice non the less. Now if you've ever wanted to decline an invitation to something or leave a party early but didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, crutches can hep you with that. I honestly haven't used my crutches as an excuse to get out of going somewhere but I have had to declined some invitations because of them. The nice thing is, no one makes you feel guilty for saying no as they may have normally. An added bonus of having crutches, I generally have my choice of where to sit. It doesn't seem to matter where I am, people are always offering to let me choose my seat first, even giving up their own office/desk chair in some situations. I've mentioned this before as well, but getting to use those electric shopping carts in some stores has been pretty fun. I never feel guilty taking the elevator. Even if it is only to go up or down one floor. And last but most definitely not least, I can wear track pants anywhere, anytime and no one will judge me. At least I don't feel like anyone is judging me.
There are definitely some big set backs when it comes to using crutches. Some days it can be frustrating and hard to see past these obstacles but for the most part it's not the worst. Just getting a seat on the subway every time and having an excuse to wear track pants everywhere almost make it worth it. Almost.
Being on my own for the past month I've been able to get a better feel for "life on crutches". I was already using crutches while at home for 2 month but there were few things I actually HAD to do on my own. There was usually someone around to cook my meal or carry it to the table. I didn't have to do my own laundry (thanks mom) or buy groceries. And I definitely didn't go anywhere alone, I had no way to get anywhere without someone else taking me. So over the past month I've experienced several challenges made difficult particularly because of the crutches but I've also found some pros to having crutches.
Some of the difficulties /cons I've experienced due to crutches include doing my laundry. I actually switch to using a walker, it's the only way I can accomplish this. I have one with a seat on it which I'm able to set my laundry basket on, then I can walk it to the washer/dryer. It takes a lot of energy to get the job done but it's been great knowing I can do it and don't have to ask someone else for help with such an everyday task. As I mentioned above, grocery shopping isn't really a possibility for me. Not being able to carry much of anything really limits the number of items I would be able to purchase. I've talked about the impossible task of carrying an umbrella before and how the world becomes a slippery place for me when it's wet out. I'm nervous for when the snow falls. I don't think walking outside in the snow will be that bad but I'm worried about the ice. The worst part will be that floors in public places seem to stay wet all winter as people track the snow/slush in from outside. Showering has definitely become a more difficult task. I have a shower bench which makes things a lot easier and without which it would be next to impossible. I no longer find the infomercials for those walk in shower tubs as ridiculous. This next con is not something I've tested and I've been good at limiting myself. Going out for drinks just seems like a bad idea. Even with perfect mobility it may be difficult to walk straight after a night out for drinks with the friends. So I think it's best if I don't temp fate. At least for a while.
Now for the oh so important positive side of being on crutches. For starters, getting a seat on the subway is much easier now. There are still those few people who have actually raced me to get a seat first but so far there has always been someone else who will give me theirs. I find that more often than normal, strangers will now hold doors for me. There are many, many, many who don't but it's really nice when someone does. It could be my imagination but I feel like I have received better customer service in many stores. It comes across more of kindness out of pity but they're extra nice non the less. Now if you've ever wanted to decline an invitation to something or leave a party early but didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, crutches can hep you with that. I honestly haven't used my crutches as an excuse to get out of going somewhere but I have had to declined some invitations because of them. The nice thing is, no one makes you feel guilty for saying no as they may have normally. An added bonus of having crutches, I generally have my choice of where to sit. It doesn't seem to matter where I am, people are always offering to let me choose my seat first, even giving up their own office/desk chair in some situations. I've mentioned this before as well, but getting to use those electric shopping carts in some stores has been pretty fun. I never feel guilty taking the elevator. Even if it is only to go up or down one floor. And last but most definitely not least, I can wear track pants anywhere, anytime and no one will judge me. At least I don't feel like anyone is judging me.
There are definitely some big set backs when it comes to using crutches. Some days it can be frustrating and hard to see past these obstacles but for the most part it's not the worst. Just getting a seat on the subway every time and having an excuse to wear track pants everywhere almost make it worth it. Almost.
Saturday 5 November 2011
Ok, I Might Be Stubborn
My TV stand broke the day before my surgery. It was on wheels and the back two wheels basically broke off. So picture the stand tilted backwards and my TV looking very unstable in this position. I had nothing to use as a substitute other than my dehumidifier. I've been a little preoccupied the past 4 months and didn't have a chance to pick out / purchase a new stand until now. I had the stand delivered to my door because frankly, trying to carry it home from the store seemed like a ridiculous idea and not worth saving $12. It arrived today so I'm very happy. I've waited long enough, TV perched on the dehumidifier, I wanted to get it put together as soon as possible. I like to do things for myself or at least make an attempt and crutches or no crutches that's something that will never change.
I'd be lying if I said it was easy to assemble. But not because the instructions were complicated or anything like that. For starters, the product weighed 50lbs, so even the individual boards were a fair weight. It became an added challenge having to do everything from a seated position (mostly on the floor) and not being able to stand up to put any of the pieces together. It took me much longer than any furniture assembly should take but I did it.
Next problem, getting the stand into place and moving my TV. This seemed like a bit of a daunting task so I started with something easier. I moved all the little things from my old stand, like DVD player and game console, to the new one. Easy enough. I didn't have any great difficulty moving the stand into place either. The only thing left was to actually transfer the TV. It wouldn't have been so bad if the new stand and dehumidifier were the same height but the stand is about 6" taller. To visualize the challenge, just picture trying to lift your TV up and over while standing on just your left foot. Add to this the very strong desire not to drop the TV. When my first couple attempts to move the TV were clearly unsuccessful, I considered waiting until my boyfriend would be over later and asking him to move it, but I was ssooo close to completing the entire "project" on my own. A couple more failed attempts only made me even more determined. In the end, I did end up moving it. I don't even remember how I managed to do it, I definitely don't want to do it again but I've very happy I was able to do it.
The new TV stand is a little wider than my old one and much wider than the dehumidifier.For this reason, I'm thinking I need to move some of my other furniture around. I'll save that for another day though, I'm kind of tired out.
Dear Mom and Dad,
If you happen to read this post, you can yell at me later for "being stupid" ;)
I'd be lying if I said it was easy to assemble. But not because the instructions were complicated or anything like that. For starters, the product weighed 50lbs, so even the individual boards were a fair weight. It became an added challenge having to do everything from a seated position (mostly on the floor) and not being able to stand up to put any of the pieces together. It took me much longer than any furniture assembly should take but I did it.
Next problem, getting the stand into place and moving my TV. This seemed like a bit of a daunting task so I started with something easier. I moved all the little things from my old stand, like DVD player and game console, to the new one. Easy enough. I didn't have any great difficulty moving the stand into place either. The only thing left was to actually transfer the TV. It wouldn't have been so bad if the new stand and dehumidifier were the same height but the stand is about 6" taller. To visualize the challenge, just picture trying to lift your TV up and over while standing on just your left foot. Add to this the very strong desire not to drop the TV. When my first couple attempts to move the TV were clearly unsuccessful, I considered waiting until my boyfriend would be over later and asking him to move it, but I was ssooo close to completing the entire "project" on my own. A couple more failed attempts only made me even more determined. In the end, I did end up moving it. I don't even remember how I managed to do it, I definitely don't want to do it again but I've very happy I was able to do it.
The new TV stand is a little wider than my old one and much wider than the dehumidifier.For this reason, I'm thinking I need to move some of my other furniture around. I'll save that for another day though, I'm kind of tired out.
Dear Mom and Dad,
If you happen to read this post, you can yell at me later for "being stupid" ;)
Friday 4 November 2011
Physio: Day 17
Yes, today was already the 17th time I've gone to physio. The days add up pretty fast when you're going 5 days a week. Both my physiotherapist and I thought it would be quite some time before I had any significant accomplishments or made any noticeable progress, however, we've been pleasantly surprised with how things are going. I'm not ready to ditch my crutches just yet or anything as big as that but I'm on my way.
It was less than a week into physio when I tried riding the stationary bike. It was a bit of a challenge at first. I'd struggle to get the pedals all the way around on each rotation and my right knee/leg would fall over, either to the left or right, if it wasn't held up. With the help of my physiotherapist supporting the knee, often having to sit or squat in an awkward position, I was able to pedal successfully. After about a week I was able to pedal without her help but the leg still wasn't completely stable. It would occasionally fall over or I'd stabilize it a bit with my own hand. Now 3 weeks into physio, I'm able to ride the bike without the need for any support or guidance on the right side. If you were to see me using the bike now you may not even be aware I have any physical limitations. Potentially the most measurable success I've had on the bike has to do with turning it on. If you've ever used any cardio equipment with an electronic display, you know you have to pedal or run for a bit before the machine will turn on and you can make your program selections. At the beginning I would pedal but the bike would remain off. After roughly a week of using the bike I had the display light flickering on and off with about every other rotation. Yesterday I managed to make the display turn on! That was actually really exciting. And I was able to keep it on long enough that we could select a program.
At the beginning of this week we discovered I could use the Elliptical / cross-trainer. Because I'm still only partial weight bearing on the right side I have to support myself using my arms. Although, in order to get the foot pedals to go around, I do need to put a reasonable amount of weight into the leg. As an added bonus, the nature of the equipment helps my leg go through the motions of walking. At the moment I find it easier to "run" backwards than forward, but so far I've only used it 3 times. It can only get easier with more time and practice. I can barely make the display light flicker on and off, so like the bike, we'll know I've made progress when I get it to stay on.
The other noticeable improvement I've made is in controlling the placement of my foot. I spend a lot of time walking forward, backwards, sideways, and stepping over objects. I've had considerable improvement in my ability to place my right foot in a specific spot and control my foot and leg while doing it. I can now take much larger steps to the side, originally barely being able to move my leg at all to the left or right. When lifting my foot over objects, both forward/backward and side to side, we've increased the level of difficult but using objects that are taller. With all of these actions there is visible improvement in my control as well as spatial awareness of the leg/foot. Anything else I've done or have been working on would probably make very little sense if I tried to explain it in words. Definitely more of a visual explanation needed.
I'm not scheduled for a check up with my surgeon for another 10 weeks. This gives me approximately 50 more days at physio (if I continue to go daily) before he sees me. There's no way to predict how far along I'll be in my recovery at that time but if things continue to progress the way they have, I'm sure I'll have something impressive to show him. I'm not sure what he'll be expecting but I would love to surprise him by being further ahead than what he's anticipating.
It was less than a week into physio when I tried riding the stationary bike. It was a bit of a challenge at first. I'd struggle to get the pedals all the way around on each rotation and my right knee/leg would fall over, either to the left or right, if it wasn't held up. With the help of my physiotherapist supporting the knee, often having to sit or squat in an awkward position, I was able to pedal successfully. After about a week I was able to pedal without her help but the leg still wasn't completely stable. It would occasionally fall over or I'd stabilize it a bit with my own hand. Now 3 weeks into physio, I'm able to ride the bike without the need for any support or guidance on the right side. If you were to see me using the bike now you may not even be aware I have any physical limitations. Potentially the most measurable success I've had on the bike has to do with turning it on. If you've ever used any cardio equipment with an electronic display, you know you have to pedal or run for a bit before the machine will turn on and you can make your program selections. At the beginning I would pedal but the bike would remain off. After roughly a week of using the bike I had the display light flickering on and off with about every other rotation. Yesterday I managed to make the display turn on! That was actually really exciting. And I was able to keep it on long enough that we could select a program.
At the beginning of this week we discovered I could use the Elliptical / cross-trainer. Because I'm still only partial weight bearing on the right side I have to support myself using my arms. Although, in order to get the foot pedals to go around, I do need to put a reasonable amount of weight into the leg. As an added bonus, the nature of the equipment helps my leg go through the motions of walking. At the moment I find it easier to "run" backwards than forward, but so far I've only used it 3 times. It can only get easier with more time and practice. I can barely make the display light flicker on and off, so like the bike, we'll know I've made progress when I get it to stay on.
The other noticeable improvement I've made is in controlling the placement of my foot. I spend a lot of time walking forward, backwards, sideways, and stepping over objects. I've had considerable improvement in my ability to place my right foot in a specific spot and control my foot and leg while doing it. I can now take much larger steps to the side, originally barely being able to move my leg at all to the left or right. When lifting my foot over objects, both forward/backward and side to side, we've increased the level of difficult but using objects that are taller. With all of these actions there is visible improvement in my control as well as spatial awareness of the leg/foot. Anything else I've done or have been working on would probably make very little sense if I tried to explain it in words. Definitely more of a visual explanation needed.
I'm not scheduled for a check up with my surgeon for another 10 weeks. This gives me approximately 50 more days at physio (if I continue to go daily) before he sees me. There's no way to predict how far along I'll be in my recovery at that time but if things continue to progress the way they have, I'm sure I'll have something impressive to show him. I'm not sure what he'll be expecting but I would love to surprise him by being further ahead than what he's anticipating.
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