Milestones, Lessons and Wows!

Yesterday I went to work - and left the crutch in the car! Mega milestone! In February I went from two crutches to one crutch with the aim of no crutch by end February (did not happen), okay then end March (not ready) so then ...

The thing about crutches in one's life (literally or metaphorically) is that one starts to depend on them even though, in essence, they are a hindrance, a nuisance and often uncomfortable. But it keeps you in that comfort zone, gives you the illusion of security - even if you occasionally nearly trip over the darn thing.  The problem with comfort zones is that they create invisible barriers that restrict you.

When I got into the office I announced to all and sundry - Look Ma no crutch (then my boss quipped - Look Ma no teeth!  Nice!). I grinned all day and felt so free I positively strode down the passages (at least in my head).

This got me thinking about other things I can now do since my TKR - sometimes silly things that one takes for granted, e.g.:

• I can stand on one leg to put on underwear and pants - in the past I always had to sit;
• I can walk in a shopping centre - in the past I only went to shops on the periphery;
• I can wander through large shops and markets - small convenience stores were my limit in the past and Expos were a form of torture;
• I can stand for longer than 5 minutes - gets a little uncomfortable, but nothing like it used to!
• I can climb stairs - slowly - but without agonising pain;
• People tell me I look younger and more alive - that's definitely because there is no longer constant, draining, energy-sapping pain and harsh medication;
• I can swim and kick my legs at the same time - the past year or two my legs just floated, lifeless apendages, whilst I swam.  I now grab the noodle and enthusiastically kick my way the full length of the pool - no kid could have half as much fun!
• I can park on the other side of the parking lot!
• I can walk to buildings on the far side of our large office complex;
• I no longer walk like an arthritic ancient pug!
• I can sit and bend my knees comfortably to paint my toes;
• I'm more comfortable pottering in the garden.

Four months after the op and I have freedom!! Freedom to do things I never even realised I was no longer able to do.  How awesome is that!!!

Is the pain gone?  Most of the time - and when I feel it, usually after a day of a little more exertion than usual, I pop two painkillers before I go to sleep and next day it usually is tolerable, often pain-free. Still not yet dancing up and down stairs - in fact, still not yet dancing.  Stairs and chairs still a challenge - but considering where I was four months ago? Wow, Wow, Wow!!!