Crippie (Tries to) Walk The Line

Hola!

I hope all my crippled comrades had a fabulous Friday. I got home from work at a decent hour so I got in more practice with my "polio crutches". Building up the strength in my arms a verrrryyyyy wise decision to make. If I wasn't doing this I would definitely be struggling post-op. It feels like it takes the rest of all eternity to get from point A to B currently, I don't even want to think about how much that would suck struggling to walk while dealing with post-op pain 0.o 

I do have some tippies for y'all who might have to practice using a new mobility aid. Play music, preferably something with a beat so you can move with the music and get a steady pace going. "We Will Rock You" makes for an excellent pace setter. Of course pump up music like "Eye of the Tiger" could also do splendidly. At the moment I'm doing laps up and down my driveway so I can get used to walking for an extended period of time. As the surgery draws nearer I'll practice more in my house so I can master navigating it. Also, don't be surprised if practice tires you out... it's basically a work out. And as always, stop if it's really painful to practice. If you have no clue what you are doing or what do expect, see a physical therapist, they'll help show you how to move and all that jazz. 

In other pre-surgery prep news I've scheduled my pre-op appointment, and I'm still not nervous about this surgery. I know the first week will suck a lot, but I'd rather deal with a week of hell than a lifetime of Fanny. 

Well, that's about it for tonight folks, I guess I really tired myself out practicing. I'll make it up to y'all with piggie and puppy pictures tomorrow... I SWEAR.

Crippie's Tippie - The Eye of the Tiger is the greatest pump up song EVER

Surgery Pre-Gaming

Greetings!

I hope all my readers had a fabulous Friday. Mine went pretty well, I went to work and I managed to get home before another massive rainstorm. Luckily I was able to just lie down with my heat pack before and during the storm so the pain was rather manageable.

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but in one month and one day I'll be having Fanny removed. While I am beyond happy about this event, I have to remember that I am having hip surgery, and I need to prepare for that. What do I have to do? The first thing I have to do is practice walking with two crutches. Me thinks I won't be able to put weight down on my leg for two weeks or so, so I need to make sure that my arms are prepared for the task at hand. I usually use a forearm crutch on my right arm, so that arm is pretty strong, now I just have to make sure my other arm is ready for task. If you're gonna be having a surgery that involves using a new mobility aid afterwords I totally recommend practicing walking with those aids BEFORE your surgery. It's not a great idea to try out those new crutches when you are in pain and higher than a kite. Also, walk around your house to make sure that you can. I hate using my walker in the house because my house is just not built for walkers, lots of tighter corners. I have to walk sideways when going into my bathroom, not fun.

We're also making sure that we have all the other little things that I will probably need while recovering, at least for a few days. These things include a toilet seat lift, one of those nifty breakfast trays so you can eat in bed, etc. We figured out where I'll be situated in my house for those first three days of hell after surgery. I'll be living in my room because of it's location to the bathroom, height of the bed, proximity to others, and comfort. I try to see that there are several trash cans in the rooms for those first few days of recovery... cause that's when I tend to get sick.

Since Fanny is located right around where a waistband would be, I had to take into consideration that I will probably be wearing a crap ton of dresses and high waisted skirts during the first few weeks of recovery. As far as undergarments go... well... I found some high waisted things that will suffice.

Yeah, I know I might seem very giddy about this whole thing, but I'm realistic about the whole surgery process. I know how much the first few days are gonna suck and I'm ready for it. I've got 10 prior surgeries worth of experience and know-how to help me get through this one.

Crippie's Tippie - I cannot stress the trashcan tip enough, have one trash can for trash, but have another for... ya know... not trash.