Deployment Update, Week 23
Comments: 0 - Date: October 26th, 2008 - Categories: Deployment
In a nice change of pace from the slow progress of the past two months, I began physical therapy almost immediately after having my cast removed last week. This is what I’ve been waiting for: some manner of task for me to actively perform rather than simply laying around convalescing. There’s only so much of that one can do before one starts wondering if it’s not time to take matters into their own hands. Or feet, as the case may be.
(Note: the astute will notice how I refrained from making the pun: “things were taking too long. It was time to put my foot down.”)
The PT I’m doing is non-weight bearing due to the continued presence of the syndesmodic screw. That is supposed to stay in there for a full twelve weeks, and I have a follow-up appointment right before Thanksgiving break to check my progress and schedule the removal surgery. Until then, I’m allowed to work on range-of-motion and ankle strengthening without standing on the leg.
I have twice weekly appointments at the physical therapy office. It’s located on base, which is quite convenient—doubly so with the use of my car. Aside from the appointments, I’ve also been told to continue PT daily on my own—something which I am more than happy to do. They didn’t give me a limit on how often I’m to exercise the leg, so I’ve been trying to do it twice daily, although sometimes I only get in one round. The exercising leaves my leg a bit sore, but it’s muscle soreness rather than the type of pain I was getting from the injury.
I’m also surprised at how much of a difference it makes. I’ve only been exercising the leg for five days, but I’ve already seen some slight improvement in the definition of my ankle. It’s nowhere near my other leg, and won’t be for some time, but its completely flaccid look has improved.
And that’s all I really have to put out this week. Like the old adage, no news is evidently good news, if for no other reason than I have nothing to complain about right now. (Or at least nothing I haven’t already spent time complaining about.) I’m getting around on the crutches quite well at this point. I’m getting around the base without any problems. And of course, I have things I can do to aid my own recovery.
Like I told my case manager last week: I may not be able to leave med hold by Christmas, but it certainly won’t be due to a lack of effort on my part.
-Ted