Physical Therapy Begins!

Yesterday turned out to be an even busier day than reported in my last blog post. I watched the race, went to lunch, went grocery shopping... and then at night Andy and I headed to Anna and Bipul's to celebrate their half marathon.

Anna, Lisa, Bipul, Lydia, Ben, and Andy

After scooting up a flight of stairs on my butt, Bipul had a rolling desk chair waiting for me! It was a good way to get around!! We had a lot of fun eating Mexican Food (it was an early Cinco de Mayo celebration as well). I had a lot of fun, and was so glad I was able to be included in the festivities, but my foot/leg sure paid for it... even after a night's sleep my foot was still super swollen. For some reason it really grosses me out to see all of my fat little toes all mushed together. Yuck!

This morning started bright and early with my first trip to physical therapy. I was nervous for it and had no problem telling my physical therapist that I was scared and that I got queasy very quickly. First he had me take the wrap off my knee. I've seen it enough times now that it doesn't gross me out quite as much as it did at first, which is good. Then he had me stand and try to put my foot flat on the ground - which I was able to do, but only by sticking my butt out behind me, haha. Eventually I was standing up "straight" (or as close as I could) with my fat swollen foot on the ground.

Next I had to walk down the hall and back practicing putting my foot flat on the ground while using the crutches. It was tough - I got very sweaty! Thankfully by the time I got back to where I started he had me lay on the table, which was veeery good because I was starting to feel nauseous. Then he showed me the exercises I am supposed to do this week and had me practice them.

Ankle Pumps - this one is my favorite

Quad Sets - I don't like this one

Heel slides - this is my least favorite

He had me do one more exercise that involved tightening my quad muscle and then lifting my leg in the air. I couldn't lift it on my own, so he helped me... and then I started crying because it hurt. Thankfully he didn't try to push it, and said we'd save that for another time. And that was the appointment! He thanked me for not throwing up on him, and had me schedule another appointment to see him at the end of the week. Phew!

It's amazing how much you can accomplish in 30 minutes, even if it actually doesn't seem like you're doing a whole lot. Even though I'm told I won't be getting off crutches this week, I feel a lot better about the progress I'll make by putting my foot on the ground. I must be putting more weight on my foot this way because I feel a little less pressure on my hands - which is excellent because my hands really hurt from using the crutches.

That's all for now! I still haven't gone back to work - and apparently the only entrance that is handicapped friendly is going to be blocked off because Spiderman decided to film their movie right outside of my office. Hopefully I can figure out a way to work from home!