Update:
Another very positive week!
This Friday (10/28), I will be five weeks post-op.
I was given approval to begin ‘standing end-bearing’ exercises by my
surgeon. It’s the next step in preparing
for using a prosthesis following my ERTL revision surgery. I stand up and put my residual limb down on a
bath scale and then push down.
Eventually I’ll be able to bear my entire weight on the end of my limb,
but right now I’m supposed to start small and gradually increase pressure. This is something someone with a standard
amputation cannot do, but the ERTL bone bridge which I have allows it. On the recommendation of my prosthetist (the
guy who will build my leg), I started out doing this exercise sitting
down. I have more control and less
chance of overdoing it in the beginning.
This morning I pushed 15-20 lbs. five times. I felt that I could have done more; but I was
warned not to push it because it takes a while to recover from a set-back.
I also had a great appointment with my physiatrist (physical medicine
and rehabilitation doctor) today. Dr.
Schmidt has been with me since I first became an amputee almost three years ago
now (12/3/2013). She was very happy that
it appears that I found a solution to my pain and I’m on the road to
recovery.
My pain continues to be a zero or a one. I’m not taking ANY pain med (prescription or
over the counter), occasionally I do ice a sore spot. Not only is my leg pain free; but currently
my sciatic and lower back pain are also gone.
Post-op swelling in the leg is almost non-existent. I’m feeling more energetic and able to do
more things.
I’m scheduled to see my surgeon face-to-face in a couple of weeks (Nov.
9). I’ll also do a face-to-face
appointment with my prosthetist, Rob, and continue my participation in a
research study, while I’m in the area.
I’m not necessarily looking forward to the long drive to Indianapolis,
but it won’t be too bad if my sciatic/back pain doesn’t return.
It may be a cloudy, wet day outside; but I’m all sunshine on the
inside!!!
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