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Resigned to the fact I will not walk for months

Posted , 10 users are following.

Suzie03
Suzie03

I have concluded from reading everyones posts that this will not be a quick process. I am a doer not a whiner, and I have all of you with experience to share, I am now organizing my world around me to make life easier. Could you share some "short cuts" on getting things done?

0 likes, 20 replies

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  • Chestnut17
    Chestnut17 Suzie03

    Posted

    First should ask which part are you getting ready for? Are you scheduled for surgery?
    • Suzie03
      Suzie03 Chestnut17

      Posted

      I have had surgery, so this is unplanned....I am 6 days out from surgery. So far I feel pretty good pain finally subsided. I am just looking for advice on how to make my every day life easier.
  • janness_43536
    janness_43536 Suzie03

    Posted

    Definitely get a scooter.  That was a life saver. Elevate and ice - a lot.  Let people help you.  Do not get discouraged, this too shall pass! Have patience-was not easy for me but helped me in the end.  

    Keep the faith. 

    Things could be so much worse.

    There IS light at the end of the tunnel! 

    • Suzie03
      Suzie03 janness_43536

      Posted

      Thanks, I know things could be worse. My oldest son at 20 had cancer with only 3% chance of survival. With the grace of God he is now considered cured. I think that helps, me accept and deal with what would normally defeat others.
  • becky7624
    becky7624 Suzie03

    Posted

    Yes, if at all possible get a scooter - one that steers. Also, go ahead and order an Even Up (or similar product) to help when you start bearing weight. They aren't pretty, but having one will help prevent knee and hip problems. I also had a special elevation pillow with a "well" built into it that kept my leg from moving off of the pillow. I was able to borrow a shower stool and that helped me a lot. I didn't have to cover my leg I just let it hang out of the tub.

    Beyond the physical, I suggest that you stay as busy as possible to avoid depression. Since most of my job is online, I was able to keep working. If you can't work or don't work, find books to read. If you don't knit, crochet, or do any kind of hand work, you might want to try it. From what I've read, the boredom that sets in when you can't do anything is one of the biggest battles people face after ankle/foot surgery.

    Good luck with your recovery!

     

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen becky7624

      Posted

      Dear Becky

      I've invested in an iWalk 2.0 so that I can walk and be hands free as soon as I'm released to go home. If interested a search on Amazon will bring up reviews, user experiences and videos. It is not for everyone but I'm 76 and managing it well.

      Cheers Richard

    • Suzie03
      Suzie03 RichardKen

      Posted

      I was looking at this product, my concern is how long can I wear it at a time? Do I need to remove it to sit down, that seems like it would be a pain to take on and off.
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Suzie03

      Posted

      Dear Suzie

      I have worn it for an hour or two when practicing out of doors in a public place.   In the house I've worn it for perhaps an hour but that's only because I was just jetting used to using it but if I had to longer periods should not be an issue.

      When I had my primary TAR five years ago the thing that I found really difficult to deal with as I was living on my own was doing those tasks where the use of both hands was essential.   Even trying to carry a cup of tea or a plate of food was impossible with crutches so I was dreading having to face the same all over again when I get my revision.   That's when I started to look at options and that is how I stumbled on the iWalk 2.0    With this special crutch I can even Hoover the floors or strip the garden.

      A good point of using it is that the muscles in your leg, calves etc are being used so when you are able to again start weight bearing your recovery is faster.

      One can sit down with it , I've just done it and the best way is to put your bad leg across the good one to support the crutch leg.   Taking it off took me ten seconds but putting it on takes about a minute.

      If you would like to take to me on the phone about it just message me if you want.

      Cheers

      Richard

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen

      Posted

      Err, typo it should have been strim the garden!  

      Cheers

      Richard

  • janness_43536
    janness_43536 Suzie03

    Posted

    I agree about the depression. Some days are worse than others. I just told myself today is a bad day; tomorrow will be better and it always was. Look for little graces.  My faith got me through.  I also read some books I never would have been able to! I got back to my knitting after 10 years being too busy.  

    And ... you may be walking sooner than you think! 

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen Suzie03

    Posted

    Dear Suzie

    I've no idea how old or fit you are but it may help you to watch a short video I made to help others about to have a TAR. The video shows me walking on various surfaces, going up and down slopes and running up and down stairs at twenty weeks at age 71. Google Yogesh total ankle replacement. You will also see my lovely working red Welsh Sheepdogs keeping me company!

    Cheers Richard

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen

      Posted

      PS. I only posted about my video to give members a positive message that it does not have to be too bad but there is no getting away from it that the recovery is tough and far harder than a hip replacement!

      Cheers Richard

    • jenni_24876
      jenni_24876 RichardKen

      Posted

      Hi. My sister had right hip replaced 3 days after my surgery to plate and screw my break. 6 weeks later she had left hip replaced. She was back at work 4 weeks later. So 10 weeks hips. I'm back at work after 19 weeks. Lots of swelling and more bruising very red shins. Sisters fine no pain. Her dr told her more about my injury than my surgeon did.  

  • jenni_24876
    jenni_24876 Suzie03

    Posted

    Get family to put things at your level. Hubby put microwave cups water coffee tea spoons all on a coffee table. He used my craft trolley and put all my wearable clothes face washers towels bandages on it. I'm an independent so and so. Need as much independence as possible. He bought me a Reacher. (Nab grabber my grandson called it ) gave easy reach for everything. Even assists in dressing.  Commodes shower chairs. 

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