day 113

I am getting to the point where I think the cast is doing more harm than good to my body. My back continues to scream in spite of massage, chiropractic and being careful to try to not make it shriek. It is because one leg is shorter than the other and I have yet to find a left shoe that matches the height of the cast. My PT said to start going longer without the cast (like 15 + minutes at a time) and in my head I knew the thing would not touch my foot when I am home. I just can't. Ok, I guess if the foot starts hurting more than the back, I'll wear the cast more, but I hope that does not have to happen. I think the leg is ready. I know it will be a challenge. I can do it (: The leg does feel a bit stressed, but I figure that's part of making it stronger.

Walking normally is still a struggle. I tried to do it yesterday for my PT, and it was a dismal failure. I keep wanting to roll out (but not as much as before), the length of my steps is uneven, I want to walk like the Hunchback of Notre Dame with a shuffling, lurching gait. It's all very ugly. He gave me a "modified duck walk" to do in the evening for 5 to whatever minutes. I imagine it's designed to retrain the brain more than the foot. I have to slightly bend my knees and walk so I will bend at the junction of the foot and the leg. It was hard to do, but most things get easier with practice, so.................

My toes hurt today, especially the tip of the 4th one. They're not used to walking in shoes. My only thought is they better suck it up and deal with it.

I'm swimming and weight-lifting again. I started all over from ground zero and have been adding laps or reps more slowly than I want, but it is working. My arms are stronger especially. The legs seem to be slower, but I did notice what I think is a teeny bit of definition in the right calf. Pretty exciting. I need to measure it so I know for sure if it is getting stronger or if it is just wishful thinking.

Pain 1 in the toes, swelling 1.