No more crutches – walking in my own shoes again!

I finally let go of my crutches and boot. I am walking on my both legs once again after a period of nearly 7 weeks. For those who haven’t been tuned into my summer – I managed to fracture my foot in early June. It was not a big deal, but I had to undergo a minor foot surgery to insert a screw. I was resigned to sitting on my comfy couch for weeks before I could start walking again. Being injured on right leg means you can’t drive. I was initially stunned when doc said I couldn’t walk or drive for 6-7 weeks and an additional 6-8 weeks before I can even think of any activity ! I mean I am pretty restless by nature and usually go out of my house at least couple of times any given day. Also, starting spring this year, I had managed to get back into a good fitness routine, jogging up to 2 miles 3-4 times a week. For the first time since I moved from Minneapolis to Bay Area 3 years ago, I felt healthy and energetic.

Walking with the support of only crutches and my left leg was painful initially, and I used every ounce of my muscle on my left leg to lift myself up from my chair or bed. Bathing needed acrobatics of sorts – standing on the left leg while using a chair to support and dangle my right leg, which was wrapped in a couple of garbage bags to make sure it was water proof. My kitchen became my dining area, as transporting food/drinks to dining area was impossible with two hands busy with crutches. Anyhow, with time I was able to come up with workarounds for all of these tasks. Its amazing how we will adapt to our surrounding.

I guess everything happens for a reason. Prior to breaking my foot, I was in the habit of drinking a latte along with freshly made grilled breakfast sandwich from Panera everyday – I just had to have it any given day. I highly recommend their breakfast sandwich if you have never tried then

(you can ask for egg and cheese if you want to skip meat). So, now that I haven’t made a trip to the deli in more than 2 months, I think I can finally live without a cup of latte for some time (or until I pick up the habit again!).

And now, no more boots and walking aids… its feels great be mobile once again! There is a considerable difference strength wise between the two legs – the left calf is toned up with the extra weight it had to bear for a long time while the right leg seems half the size. It felt funny when I first started walking – it was like I was learning to walk all over again. I still can’t do any aerobics. But for now I will be contended with having the ability to walk and drive myself around.

I think we appreciate what we have only when we no longer have them.