Week Three Post-Op

The beginning of week 3 felt pretty similar to last week.  I still couldn't walk, I still couldn't put on my own socks/shoes, and I was still spending most of my time in the recliner on the laptop or watching Netflix.  I could, however, crutch walk.  So crutch walk I did.

Monday: 1.3 miles
Tuesday: 1.5 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 1.8 miles

Friday: 2.1 miles
Saturday: 1.3 miles

Sunday: 1.3 miles

Apparently it's a little weird to most people that I was going for "walks" on crutches.  A FedEx truck honked at me, lots of people initiated conversations from their yards, kids stopped and stared, and one guy in a car even slowed down to tell me that I was "ambitious."  But I am happiest when I am outside, so I was glad to be out there.  My wrists did get a little sore toward the end of the week though.  And I was building up plenty of arm muscle!

I don't remember any big accomplishments this week, but every day I still felt a little stronger, moved a little easier, and had less trouble doing every day things.  I read that a lot of people seem to hit the doldrums during this phase in recovery, but I felt okay.  I just kept getting outside and trying to keep myself occupied.  With my dad's help, I baked cookies one night.  Toward the end of the week, I remember cheating on my crutches a little and taking a step or two in the kitchen without them.  I was feeling ready to be off them, especially since at PT I was able to comfortably balance on my op leg.  PT exercises that week included the same as the previous week, but adding in more weight shifting plus bridges.