mjjenner
07-27-2008, 07:58 PM
I had surgery six weeks ago. Been partial weightbearing x 2 weeks tomorrow. One week ago started using one crutch at times and at PT a little on the treadmill (with boot, of course) and bike, too. This whole weekend I have been SO blue. Right now, I can't stop crying. It's so hard to do things around the house. I did some laundry, tried cooking a little (used the knee walker). It's just so frustrating to have everything be so hard, not to be able to just jump in the car and go. My husband has to take me places. It seems no one calls and there's no one to talk to. I am very fortunate in that my husband didn't have to go away for 10-14 days (he is on a forest fire management team and usually goes away a lot during the summer) so I have him here. I'm tired of this 7 pound boot and know I have a long rehab ahead of me. I don't know if I am overdoing it. I'm so tired. I have had two episodes of extreme fatigue, dizziness, even confusion, and am wondering if I have low blood sugar. I have lost a lot of weight and am trying to eat more. I read books to keep busy, watch a little TV (not a big TV girl), play a few games on the computer, look at a few things on the internet. I am going to work 3-4 hours a day and have PT for 2 hours 3 times a week. I am just exhausted. We went out for dinner with some friends and even though my foot is on an extra chair, I can't stand to be there more than an hour or so. Same on Friday night when we went out again. We passed up a great dinner out with some friends because I knew it would be 2 hours at the restaurant and I just couldn't do it yesterday. And now I can't stop crying.
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dncergrl53
07-27-2008, 08:24 PM
mjjenner. I am so sorry you are down. Remember this is temporary... It is true that people start forgetting about us when we are out of commission, but there are things you can do. Can you invite some friends over for dinner, but get take out instead of cooking? Most of our favorite restaurants have take out, esp if you tell them you are housebound this summer. We did and it was fun. Can you start a new hobby like knitting? Could you organize your photos or even start your Christmas cards? Don't bother with housework or cooking unless you enjoy it. Get instant-y types of meals. I also found it useful to do situps until my heart rate went up and I got sweaty. It feels so good to exercise. You might be anemic so maybe you should see your doctor. And if you get moody at certain time, it stands to reason it would also happen when you are recuperating. I got to the point of calling my friends and out and out telling them I needed some company and they would be depositing in the Bank of Karma if they came over. I also found it helpful to watch comedies. Hang in there...
forevergimpy
07-27-2008, 08:44 PM
Sorry to hear times are so tough right now. I know when I initially hurt my foot I was 30 weeks pregnant and the injury and pain messed with my blood pressure. I've always had low blood pressure to begin with, but the injury and inactivity didn't help and I experienced most of the same symptoms you've described. I remember I couldn't even take a shower without having to lay down afterwards! And it stinks to feel so housebound and lonely to only have to turn down invites because you know that you won't be able to tolerate it. :( I totally agree with calling some close buddies to come over for a visit or carry out would be a great start. You could be super comfy in your own home, and still enjoy the company of others. Don't know if you like cards but there's a great card game called Phase Ten that's pretty easy to play but takes a while. Several of my friends have come over for a visit and played cards here in the living room while I stayed in my recliner. It was a major boost to the psyche!
Hang in there, remember that each day home is another day of recovery behind you and one day closer to being up and independent (and pain free) again!!! :D
Hang in there, remember that each day home is another day of recovery behind you and one day closer to being up and independent (and pain free) again!!! :D
mjjenner
07-27-2008, 09:39 PM
Thanks for the replies. I know that some days are good and others bad. I just really need to sit down, but there are things that need to be done. I did fix myself supper and my husband will just have to face the dishes when he returns tonight. I can't do any more. I haven't sat down long enough to even do my stretching exercises today. I know that tomorrow is going to be a super busy day -- I have to spend at least 4-5 hours at work (instead of 3) because I have to do payroll, then go to PT for two more hours. Also, I am worried about what I think are the hypoglycemic episodes and will go to the doc for that on Tuesday, I hope. Geez - I feel like I am falling apart and complaining.
Tracie1204
07-27-2008, 10:58 PM
Hey there,
I am so sorry you are feeling so down-----I have had a very "down" weekend myself----and I really don't know why. I completely understand the lack of friends thing----I have had one friend who constantly remained in contact with me----I have been out of commission for 11 weeks ----but even the one person who claims to have the title of "best friend" has seemingly fell off the face of the Earth for the last, oh, 9 weeks!!
This may sound weird, but I think I do better during the week---I don't mind watching TV and playing on the computer---but for some reason, on the weekend, I don't really have a "routine" and I just feel all out of sorts! LOL
I had to buy a new car, b/c I drive a straight, and I no longer can do that---so we are in the process of selling that car----so I just now,in the last two weeks have had the capability of leaving the house on my own.
I think we are all entitled to our "down" times----and I just have to keep telling myself that it HAS to get better-----right??
I hope you feel better tomorrow----and just keep posting---we will all listen and try to support each other as best as we can!
I am so sorry you are feeling so down-----I have had a very "down" weekend myself----and I really don't know why. I completely understand the lack of friends thing----I have had one friend who constantly remained in contact with me----I have been out of commission for 11 weeks ----but even the one person who claims to have the title of "best friend" has seemingly fell off the face of the Earth for the last, oh, 9 weeks!!
This may sound weird, but I think I do better during the week---I don't mind watching TV and playing on the computer---but for some reason, on the weekend, I don't really have a "routine" and I just feel all out of sorts! LOL
I had to buy a new car, b/c I drive a straight, and I no longer can do that---so we are in the process of selling that car----so I just now,in the last two weeks have had the capability of leaving the house on my own.
I think we are all entitled to our "down" times----and I just have to keep telling myself that it HAS to get better-----right??
I hope you feel better tomorrow----and just keep posting---we will all listen and try to support each other as best as we can!
mjjenner
07-27-2008, 11:35 PM
I know what you mean about the weekend and not having a routine. I think that is true. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Our two vehicles are both manual transmission. We were looking at buying a used car or something when I was offered a truck to borrow! It was a true godsend. I've only put about 60 miles on it on 2-1/2 months (I work 2 miles from home). But at least I am able to drive.
I know I did too much today. I get overwhelmed when I have done too much. And I know I am worried about these hypoglycemic symptoms. I'll be glad to see the doctor later this week.
Our two vehicles are both manual transmission. We were looking at buying a used car or something when I was offered a truck to borrow! It was a true godsend. I've only put about 60 miles on it on 2-1/2 months (I work 2 miles from home). But at least I am able to drive.
I know I did too much today. I get overwhelmed when I have done too much. And I know I am worried about these hypoglycemic symptoms. I'll be glad to see the doctor later this week.
Ninarbo
07-28-2008, 12:03 AM
wow it is comforting to know i am not alone. I am 2 wks going on 3 from my surgery. This weekend was so bad for me. I guess i am just feeling sorry for myself, I cried all weekend. I was feeling ok today so i did some laundry. But now that the day has ended my foot hurt so bad it made me cry. I cant explain this but i get through the week ok but the weekend just really makes me sad. I guess i will just have to leave the laundry for my husband and kids. My kids are all old enough to help my youngest is 17. Well thanks for understanding how i feel and we have to remind ourself it will get better we all just have to give it time.
music47
07-28-2008, 12:39 AM
MJ
I am sorry you are dealing with depression. I know what you are going through. Four years ago, I fell and fractured my ankle in three places. Over the next several months I had five surgeries on my ankle. I was in a wheelchair for over six months. I tried to stay busy painting,watching tv,etc. I rarely saw anyone except for my husband. Once in awhile he would take me out to eat or on a drive. I tried to think positive. I knew that one day my ankle would heal and I could once again drive and do things. Hang in there MJ.
Take care, Nadine:)
I am sorry you are dealing with depression. I know what you are going through. Four years ago, I fell and fractured my ankle in three places. Over the next several months I had five surgeries on my ankle. I was in a wheelchair for over six months. I tried to stay busy painting,watching tv,etc. I rarely saw anyone except for my husband. Once in awhile he would take me out to eat or on a drive. I tried to think positive. I knew that one day my ankle would heal and I could once again drive and do things. Hang in there MJ.
Take care, Nadine:)
emmie54
07-28-2008, 01:25 AM
mj, healing takes a LOT of energy. Perhaps you are trying to do too much? There is no way I could have gone out to dinner at six weeks. I was still needing to keep it elevated a lot at that point and straight out in front of you is not really elevating. And 3 hours working may not sound like much but at this point in your recovery I think it's a lot. You have had a major surgery and it really takes it's toll on the body - physically and mentally. give yourself a break. You've been through hell in the last 6 weeks and you are entitled to some down times. I think it's important to listen to our bodies and I think yours is trying to tell you something. Hang in there and vent all you want to. That's what we're here for!
debbie g
07-28-2008, 03:03 PM
its ok to feel blue. its natural for a long recovery. you sound like you are doing too much. hopefully your dr appt goes well. you have to stop feeling guilty and think positive. i know its hard. you should concentrate on having a full recovery so you dont ever have to think about another surgery! take care of you.
patw27
07-28-2008, 05:26 PM
Hi,
Don't worry about crying we have all been there. I broke my heel 5 months ago and felt like you when I could only go out if my husband took me in a wheelchair.
He still has to take me everywhere but I can now use elbow crutches and have ditched the wheelchair and when I did this it was such a wonderful thing and I felt elated but the foot has been aching this week so one step forward and 2 steps back but we will all get there.
Early in my recovery my husband was away and my friend asked me to lunch, as we have several entrance steps and I was only able to get up them by resting on my husband's knee and pulling myself up one step at a time, I didn't know what she meant.She came up to me with the lunch ingredients that she prepared and we spent a lovely afternoon together.
You are doing so well even working part time, I am not back at work yet so give yourself a well deserved pat on the back.
Take care, things will get better.;)
Don't worry about crying we have all been there. I broke my heel 5 months ago and felt like you when I could only go out if my husband took me in a wheelchair.
He still has to take me everywhere but I can now use elbow crutches and have ditched the wheelchair and when I did this it was such a wonderful thing and I felt elated but the foot has been aching this week so one step forward and 2 steps back but we will all get there.
Early in my recovery my husband was away and my friend asked me to lunch, as we have several entrance steps and I was only able to get up them by resting on my husband's knee and pulling myself up one step at a time, I didn't know what she meant.She came up to me with the lunch ingredients that she prepared and we spent a lovely afternoon together.
You are doing so well even working part time, I am not back at work yet so give yourself a well deserved pat on the back.
Take care, things will get better.;)
mjjenner
07-28-2008, 10:45 PM
Today, I went to the office because it is a payroll processing day. I need to total time cards, do some spreadsheets, and then my boss reviews it all. The payroll processing company calls at 2:15. I went in at 9 and knew I'd have to stay until 2:30. At 2:00, I asked the boss if he was ready (because he always waits until the last minute, and he said "no - we should do it in the morning" (They will also give us leeway until the next morning). I was furious. I had stayed 5 hours when I didn't want to or feel like it. The reason he wasn't ready was because he, our ADMINISTRATOR, was working our switchboard because the front office manager gets too stressed when she fills in for the receptionist. Man, I was irritated.
I left the office to go to 2-1/2 hours of PT. Now I am really tired. I will go in tomorrow to do the payroll at 9:15, stay an hour, and go home.
PT is OK. I can now pretty much walk with only one crutch. She had me working on not using crutches (while having a bar next to me). PT exhausts me, though. You all are very helpful reminding me that I am probably doing too much. I will try to take it easier.
I left the office to go to 2-1/2 hours of PT. Now I am really tired. I will go in tomorrow to do the payroll at 9:15, stay an hour, and go home.
PT is OK. I can now pretty much walk with only one crutch. She had me working on not using crutches (while having a bar next to me). PT exhausts me, though. You all are very helpful reminding me that I am probably doing too much. I will try to take it easier.
patw27
07-29-2008, 04:14 PM
Well done with PT, are you walking with or without boot? I am asking because noone has spoken to me about using a boot and I am having trouble at the moment using 1 crutch without pain.
mjjenner
07-29-2008, 11:30 PM
I am in a boot. I have to wear it from 6 weeks post-op through 12 weeks post-op, then I can have it off, I think, during the day with the right shoe but have to sleep with it for 14 weeks! I hate sleeping with the boot. Thanks for the encouragement about PT. Today was my first day going out with 1 crutch and I did well. In fact, at times, like in the bathroom, I found myself moving from one place to another without the crutch at all. I was so excited when I got to work and could open the door easily (with only one crutch). The little things, huh?
patw27
07-30-2008, 07:52 AM
Yes the little things do mean a lot, I am not aching so much today but not as good as last week, sometimes you do not want to get out of bed because you don't know how foot is going to be but each day is different so must hang in there.
I think I am aching more because I have been trying to use 1 crutch and no boot, I will learn to take it slower, my husband is very good at reminding me of things that I can do now that I couldn't do 5 months ago.
All the best and look after yourself
Pat
I think I am aching more because I have been trying to use 1 crutch and no boot, I will learn to take it slower, my husband is very good at reminding me of things that I can do now that I couldn't do 5 months ago.
All the best and look after yourself
Pat