The Long and Winding Road

After nearly seven weeks in the cast I went back to the fracture clinic last Friday, for my foot to be casted into the neutral position.  Again, I wasn’t seen by the doctor, so I still have some concerns about whether the achilles has healed well, but I do see the doctor in two weeks time, so will no doubt find out then.

Anyway, once the new cast was fitted, the nurse gave me a slipper-type shoe to wear over the cast and told me I was now clear to walk, without the crutches.  This was a surprise to me, as I had understood I would be beginning to bear weight, but continuing to use the crutches while doing so. 

I was actually really nervous about putting weight back on the leg initially, fearful of damaging it again.  At first, I literally couldn’t get over the mental block at all.  Even when I did begin to use the leg, I was doing everything to avoid weight bearing:hopping, pushing off the toes of the damaged leg, using the crutches, you name it, I was doing it!   Anyway, gradually the confidence did come back and I began to walk again, without the crutches - obviously, once you do so for a few minutes you grow in confidence and soon forget all those initial nerves! 

So the past few days have been great.  I have pretty much ditched the crutches most of the time and can limp around pretty well.  It is only painful if I try to walk for a considerable distance, just moving around the house is fine and it is great to be able to generally live more normally again. 

Since the cast is doing the supporting, I guess the achilles could still be damaged, but obviously, I hope not.  One question I did have, is am I PWB’ing at this stage, or have I skipped to FWB?

Now less than two weeks left in the cast.