Yesterday marked my re-entry into the world. I was given the go ahead by my doctor to both bear weight (with protective boot) and drive once I felt comfortable at the 8 week post-surgery mark (which was 8.5 weeks post-break). Weight bearing went alright, but I quickly learned that after not using a leg/ankle/foot for so long it just doesn't want to do the things it used to do. I really thought that I'd be driving the minute I was given the go ahead, but unfortunately my ankle/foot didn't want to do that. I went out to the car one day to just see how it would feel to sit in the driver's seat and get a feel for the gas/brake pedals. Sadly, my foot couldn't even press down on the brakes...AT ALL. :( I cried and cried. But then I decided to suck it up and do the work necessary to get back at it. I upped my daily exercises which consist of writing the alphabet in the air with my foot (and I even added picking up marbles with my toes after a little research) and I knew that eventually I'd feel comfortable driving but until then I just needed to suck it up and enjoy my time tolerate being chauffeured around (MUCH easier said than done). The boys had a dental appointment yesterday and I knew it was time to give driving a go. It scared me to death! I honestly thought about canceling, but I knew it was time....it had been 10 weeks since I had last driven outside the neighborhood (I did take three test drives IN the 'hood just to build up confidence ahead of time). I was nervous to drive my boys outside the confines of the neighborhood, but deep down I knew that I was ready. I drove my boys to the dentist and it felt so good. In fact, it felt so good that we spent much of the day away from home...after the dentist we just ran several boring errands but it was so nice to be able to even do that. Last night I paid the price with a very swollen and sore ankle but it was worth it. Being stuck at home for 2.5 months without being able to leave unless someone could take me was really depressing. Most days I didn't even get out of sweats, fix my hair or put on make-up...what was the point I would tell myself!?! So it was nice to get out with the boys by myself again and I think the boys loved it too! Yesterday I felt myself slowly come back to life.
Another first happened today. I went shopping ALONE (at Sam's Club). It was the first time in ten and a half weeks since I have been anywhere by myself. It was so nice and I think I must've had a smile on my face the entire time I was shopping. People probably thought I was a little weird but I didn't care! I felt so free and normal (well, minus the large boot covering half of my right leg!).
Now I have to say that driving is a bit of a pain because I have to wear the big protective black boot (BPBB) out to the car, change into a regular shoe once in the car (can't drive with the boot, but can't walk without it), get to destination and put the BPBB on once again...and on and on. But, it's SO totally worth it!!! I'm just thankful to be walking and driving again. Independence is SO nice!!!
Next up....I'm looking forward to losing the BPBB! Hopefully I'll get the go ahead in a few weeks. I'm learning that there's always something to look forward to. :)
