Slow but Steady

It is hard to believe that it has been seven weeks since I fell. I remember sitting in the emergency room hoping but not fully believing that I would be recovered in time for Christmas. We are now past the holidays and, much to my chagrin, I am still feeling the impact of my tumble.

My legs have definitely improved since the injury, but the damage that was incurred is going to take longer to heal than I anticipated. My residual limb remains tender especially when donning my prosthesis or fully extending my leg. The first few steps in the morning are excruciating as I work my way into the socket. Thankfully after my leg is on, the pain subsides and converts into a dull ache.

My ankle is now more troublesome than my residual limb. It constantly feels like it is stuck and needs to be cracked. It is a wonderful relief when I am able to pop it, but the discomfort always returns. Although I am able to walk and get around, I find myself constantly fretting about the ankle turning and my falling again. I'm not sure if my worries are simply fear because of the initial injury or if they stem from my sensing that the ankle is weaker.  In either case, I am definitely more cautious when I'm walking!

Everyday I am feeling an improvement, but it is slower than I had hoped. I'm not particularly good at being patient. I want to resume my normal routine which includes going to the gym and working out. I can't return to my work-outs until I can walk up the stairs leg over leg and, right now, that's not comfortable.  Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be bouncing up and down the stairs again.

Perhaps a mixed blessing but the leg injuries have forced me to slow down. Instead of feeling compelled to bake, clean and craft, I have been spending more time reading, writing and playing board games with Robby. The switch in paces has been difficult and frustrating for me, but I'm learning that I don't have to be in constant motion. Hopefully when I recover I'll be able to strike a comfortable balance.