Delusions of Quick Recovery
I am frustrated with the speed of my recovery, and I have to admit that I brought this on myself. My surgeon told me flat out that most of her patients are not even happy they had the surgery until 6-9 months post op. She also told me of one patient (only one), a marine, who was back to full duty in three weeks. She was very clear with me that he was by far the exception. So what expectation did I set for myself? What I'm realizing is that deep down, I figured that if he could do it in three, I could do it in six. Weeks. Not months. I was hoping I'd be able to rejoin my dance team for the June and July performances. Nope. Not even close. I'm unhappy to report that 6 - 9 months is probably a more reasonable expectation. Perhaps I need to stop dwelling on all the things I still cannot do and focus on evidence of progress.
I can walk, with pain, at a pokey 3 mph pace. I can ride my stationary bicycle at a calorie-burning pace. My toe, foot, and leg strength seem to be improving; the PT toe raises are less painful and easier to do. My range of motion has certainly increased.
No quick recovery for me, but I am making steady progress and have cause for gratitude.
