Preps and Props

So, today was a day of prepping! I found out this afternoon that I had additional lab work that was necessary..and it was 'urgent' bc there are only a couple of days left til my surgery. So I left work early. After being sent to the wrong lab for my insurance, I ended up at a lab that was a regular 'mandatory drug testing' site...needless to say, I wasn't filled with calm and bliss, my anxiety was sky high. Couple that with me getting last minute frames at Lenscrafters (because I need new glasses immediately, not enough time to wait for my optician).. I felt frantic today! I ran errands early on the way to work gathering supplies and on the way from my lab appt. I am trying to 'nest' my home as well by stocking up on extras (from paper towels to a full freezer) so I am not sending Jeremy to the store 24/7.

Anyways...here is a little list of my 'props' for my NWB (non weight bearing) status for the next 6-8 weeks. These are suggestions from my doctor, and other information I've gathered from different websites and support groups.

Wheelchair
Knee Scooter (see ridiculous pic below)
Crutches
Bath seat
2 in 1 shower head
Waterproof cast cover
Paper products (less dishes for Jeremy and the boys to take care of)
New pillows for back sleeping and propping my leg
Body pillow
Dry shampoo, face and body wipes (for those days a shower may not be possible - gross, I know)
Plastic Caddy - filled with things I need within reach (kleenex, meds, headbands, phone, remotes, snacks, pen, paper, etc)

I'll talk about 'books, movies, entertainment' in another post. But those are also necessary for sanity!!

I'll leave you all with a pic Jeremy took of me the other night while I was trying out my knee scooter.. it's RED and has hand brakes. Which makes it all the more obnoxious, but I've been told by my dr it's so much easier on your body than crutches!! Swallowing my pride...

So it begins...

HERE WE GO!!! First blog post. On this coming Thursday, February 2nd, I am going to have reconstructive foot surgery. (see blog description for the procedures). I will be NWB (non-weight bearing) for at least 6 weeks following surgery. This includes about 10 days in a soft cast/splint, and a hard cast after that.. not even my toes are allowed to touch the floor. Then, I will transition into a 'walking boot' for 3-6 months, followed by 6 more months of physical therapy and strengthening. I should be at 100% in 12 months. WOW.

For so many, the idea of a 12 month recovery is overwhelming. For me, yes, it is overwhelming.. but.. I have been living with this chronic issue for 6 years; the last 5 years I have been living in daily pain and restricted activity. I am ready to tackle this whole mess once and for all and to live a whole life once again!

I decided to start this blog to document my recovery period. I read a few other blogs out there regarding similar surgeries and it was really helpful for me. Not only do I hope to keep my family and friends informed, but maybe even help others who have struggled with similar issues. I will attempt to give an honest account of my recovery, will warn of any graphic descriptives and pics, and hope to one day share of my first pain free run around the Rose Bowl! (my dream since I first moved to Pasadena in 2005).

Over the next couple of days, I will post some 'before pics', talk about what I've done to prepare myself for the surgery, and will share what measures have been 'tried' in the past 5 years, but have failed.

Thanks for reading and following my journey! ~ Jen