Road to Recovery

6 weeks post op…. and I thought this day would never come.  It definitely has seemed like a long time ago since the fateful “pop” but this day is a real milestone.  Fortunately (for me) the weather here in NYC has been pretty bad and, while misery loves company, I was actually thankful for the fact that nobody else would be enjoying the sun basking in Central Park.  Right around the corner from my apartment, crowds did gather for the opening of the High Line (overground Park remade from a disused railroad).  As a certified invalid, I however did not need to wait in line and was allowed special access at the 16th street handicapped elevator entrance!

Other notable perks that I have enjoyed over the last couple of weeks — special seating at a Broadway show and avoiding will-call lines, seats being offered to be at crowded meatpacking district bars (a rare feat indeed in this town), and people even offering me their cabs (an even rarer feat!).  Strangely enough I was at a gallery opening where the artist (photographer) himself  insisted on taking a picture of me for his archive — while somewhat offended, I think he wanted to highlight the “diversity” of his viewership.  Very strange indeed.

So I feel it’s about time I wean off these (very undeserved) perks and get back on my feet.  Unfortunately, my first steps after given my PT prescription and “WBAT” (weight bearing as tolerated) status were highly uneventful.  I saw the doc for a grand minute and was given the prescription and told to start PT…  I began my physical therapy yesterday and was excited to get started.  My amazing physio (who I have used before if anyone needs a midtown Manhattan recommendation) looked at the prescription and told me to start walking.  As I noted before, my left leg basically collapsed on me. 

I wish had been more vigilant doing leg lifts and movement to keep my thigh muscles strong.  Sadly, my whole leg had weakened enough that I could barely hobble along.  This was even stranger as my last injury (when I was 8 years younger), I recall having no issues walking and was immediately up and about again.  With greater age and perhaps a more sedentary lifestyle, I note that my body now doesn’t react quite the same way!

Well, it’s day 2 of physio now and I’m already feeling stronger and gingerly walking around (even if supported by crutches still).  I am doing a stringent PT regime — 4x this week and 3x each week subsequently for the next 4 weeks.  I had a trip to China that was planned for now that I had to cancel, and I have now postponed it to week 10 post-surgery.  The surgeon has ok’d my trip as long as I’m in the boot.  Fair enough!   It’s definitely something to look forward to and a goal to keep the physio on track.

Given my China trip though I succumbed and purchased a Vacoped boot.  My CAM boot, after only 3 weeks of use, has already started falling apart (and honestly doesn’t smell great).  I couldn’t imagine another 6 weeks with the CAM, let alone a trip to China in it.  Anyway, I just got the Vaco so will report later how it’s working.  So far it feels great — solid, safe, and with a bean bag type support system that feels very stable.  Through all my sports injuries, I’ve now sadly used all three types of boot - CAM, Aircast and (starting) the Vacoped.  I’ll report back with my reviews or ping me if you need any advise on comparing them.

To fellow NYC’ers, thanks for the help and camaraderie through all of this.  If you see a guy peddling around town in a strange looking ski-boot, stop me and ask me if I’ve had any new perks lately (maybe a ski pass for Kilington next season?!).

Safe recovery to all.

The joys ... Epsom salt foot bath and "transformer" Vacoped