Six Weeks Post-Surgery

I started back to work 2 weeks ago with restrictions for light duty only. No climbing, extended periods of walking, extended time standing, or lifting over 15 pounds. It's nice to be back to work and see all my wonderful co-workers, but it has been harder on my legs than I had hoped. I'm getting very frustrated at my continued limitations. I'm ready for the pain to go away and get back to my regular life.

My legs are tender to the touch and bolts of pain shoot through my legs anytime my legs get close enough to something that puts any kind of real pressure on them. Even stubbing my toe causes pain in my calves (not to mention what happens if I put my foot down with any kind of authority at all). Walking and standing the small amount that I do at work does tend to make my calves sore, especially walking the next day.

My next follow-up appointment with my doctor isn't until June 10. I'm interested in finding out if what I'm experiencing is considered normal. I'm losing patience with my recovery (or lack of it).

My Second Post-Surgery Follow-Up

Almost 4 weeks post surgery and and I went in for a checkup today. The doc thinks things are looking good and wants me to continue with non-weightbearing exercise (the stationary bike) for another 4 weeks. I've been released to go back to work for light duty and my boss has been accommodating enough to allow me to do some desk work for the next three weeks. I go back to work on Monday, May 16 for a short shift. I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends and to getting back into a regular day to day schedule. My legs are still tender to the touch and there are still certain movements that are more difficult than others, but I think getting out and moving a bit more will be helpful. I'll post current photos of my legs soon, but they are getting better and looking much less gross.

First Post-Surgery Trip to the Gym

I finally got my rear in gear and made it to the gym today. I was nervous that I would knock into someone or something or otherwise hurt my legs, but luckily, I was accident free. I did a mostly typical chest and triceps workout, though wasn't able to do dips. Stretching was more difficult since the majority focuses on my legs. Finally I made it to the stationary bike. I did the full 20 minutes the doctor allowed without any trouble. Tomorrow will be a better indication of how my body actually responds.

Two Weeks Post Surgery

I'm a few days late for an actual 2 week post-surgery update, but it's close enough. The bruising on my legs is finally starting to disappear and my incisions are healing nicely, though my legs are still quite tender. I'm walking well, but if I need to bend over to get something, I'm forced to bend at my midsection instead of my knees. I'm able to walk upstairs without much trouble, but coming down is more problematic. The numbness does seem to be subsiding, so that's good news.

I've been given the go ahead from the surgeon to begin exercising on a stationary bike, but I haven't tried it yet. I hope to make it to the gym tomorrow to do some upper body work and then give the bike a try.

The newest pics are from Tuesday (exactly two weeks after surgery) and can be found on
My Progress page.