The sound alone sent shivers up my spine!
Today, Sergio removed my cast!
“Don’t worry; it doesn’t cut skin.” Well, how does it know? Seriously!? My skin turned into leather, so how would it detect my humanity!?
So, upon much drama on my part, he patiently cut open the cast.
And what the heck? What is that!? Is that my leg underneath all that fuzz and scales?
And the muscle is WHERE exactly? Oh. Gone. Hmmmph.
Dr. Wasluski enters, and says it looks great. (what part looks great!? my nasty toes? my hairy leg? my scaly pale skin!?) Apparently, I’m healing well. The boot goes on for two weeks.
My directive: Take off the boot 1000 (yes he stressed 1000) times per day, and write the alphabet (cursive capital!) each time. Walk in the boot. Use the crutches as necessary.
He calmed my fears about re-rupture and perhaps tearing the other one. He mentioned that with tendons, one must use the bands to strengthen. They need to be continuously moving in that motion, and most come back to 150% after surgery and therapy. The key is working BOTH sides so it is equal in strength. Not that I’ll be running soon, but he did say to wait about 4 months. I prefer swimming anyway, so no worries there.
In one week, I return to his office and learn some home exercises from the PT. Then in one more week (so two weeks from today) I get to wear REAL SHOES!!!. Also, I start serious PT.
When I stood up (in the boot), my confidence left my body. I had to lean on Cheryl. Once I got to school, I was crutching around until I felt I could walk. Now, it’s about 8 hours later, and I’m in PAIN. I have removed my boot often to alphabetize, and to my chagrin, it’s not easy! However, I will not be beaten by this feeling! I shall overcome (but with caution of course). Swelling is inevitable. Again, it’s to be expected as he told me.
Cheryl recommended OLIVE OIL on the leg to lubricate and un-scale my skin. First thing? A shave! (but in the tub so I don’t slip and break my other one)
I think I will air-write this word with my foot:
P E D I C U R E!!!