Exercise, Walking, & Driving

I e-mailed my Chicago orthopod an update on Monday and she sent me a note back today. I shared with her that it is like I have a new lease on life now with the ability to wear a shoe and walk better .... she continues to be really happy for me! She thought that I likely wouldn't get any additional motion back in my forefoot, but said that the pt will help with strength and getting back to a more normal gait. She thought I was working really hard w/pt and exercise and cautioned against burn out.

Today I did a bit much at the gym, so I will back off a bit. I know what I did too much of, so I'll stop .... it becomes a pain issue, so it won't happen again (believe me). I was watching the presidential events on TV and exercising at the same time, which time wise proved to go on longer than normal.

I got a really good (comfy) pair of new shoes over the weekend. They are made in Hungry and were pretty pricey, but worth it for the comfort. Someone had given me a Visa gift card and I had been saving it for new shoes someday. This is only the second pair that I've bought and I'm done now for awhile. Some shoes that I had previously work and some don't .... still sorting that all out.

One of the individuals that called me for a foot doctor referral (several weeks ago)had surgery today by my STL surgeon. She had surgery done incorrectly by a podiatrist, too. If you learn anything from my surgery saga, it should be to not let any podiatrist do surgery! If it involves putting you to sleep for an operation, go the orthopedic route. I felt good about helping this gal find a new, good doctor.

For almost the past five years, I have driven with my left foot. Not ideal by any stretch, but it was the only way to continue driving. I am an expert at it now and you'd never know if I had not told you. So, I'm trying to switch to driving with the correct foot and get used to using my operative foot. I can do it, but it feels far from "normal." Switching back and forth between gas and brake is slow for me - I'm going to continue to try it for little trips at the beginning here.

I've walked 8,666 steps today (4.10 miles), so I'm headed to bed. Still sleeping really well, which is grand ... I had great doubts that I'd ever get back to a normal/natural sleep pattern.

Sweet dreams!
je