9 weeks post PAO

Last Thursday was the 9 week mark after my LPAO. I marked it by going back to work. My job as a pharmacist requires me to be on my feet and walk around the pharmacy with quick movements from computer to fax to computer to the counter to verify and anywhere else in between. The first 2 hours went very well, but then my legs felt so tired and a little shaky. I kept going though, but by the end of four hours I was ready to go home and my limp got progressively worse. The good news is that after I got home and sat for a few hours I was feeling pretty good and was able to make dinner and be back on my feet. On Friday at physical therapy the exercises seemed a little easier, the therapist even added a 2lb weight. I think the standing helped. This weekend I have been taking care of my son on my own. It is the first time since my surgery. It feels really good to be getting back to normal. I have even been able to do laundry today and carry the baskets up and down the stairs.
This next week I have 3 more physical therapy visits and I am going to work 3 days. My goal is to last a full 8 hours. I know I will have to make myself sit in order to do it, but I think I should be able to accomplish my goal.
I don't know why I have been able to get back to normal so fast. I worked out before but was never very athletic. I think my stubbornness has helped a lot. When I have my mind set on something, I usually can make it happen. I guess it is true, attitude is everything!

Walking Again!

I have been very busy since my last post. Last Friday we went back to IA City and took new X-Rays. Everything looked great so I was given the "all clear" to put weight on my left. I was told there were no restrictions on my movements. If I can tolerate it, I can do it. I was also cleared to drive again, which has been so nice!
Friday evening after my appointment we drove to my friend's cabin at Lake Okoboji. I used the crutches Friday evening but gradually became more confident so that my Saturday afternoon I had ditched the crutches. I have a very pronounced limp that I am working on. It is amazing how easy it is to forget the whole "heel, toe, and bend the knee." My muscles hurt very bad. Mostly in the back of my legs, in the hamstrings. Did I mention how weak my leg is? I can barely lift it upward when lying on my back. I have a lot of work to do, but I am excited to be working towards the end of this story. My mood has improved a lot now that I am able to help with the laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping.
Yesterday I had my first physical therapy appointment. OUCH! I think the most painful part was the massage on my scar. I was given some exercises to do at home and have another appointment on Thursday. I could tell that afterwards I was sooo tired. I took some ibuprofen and felt much better by the evening after I rested for a bit. I am so amazed at how quickly I can get tired and worn out. The other thing I could tell right away was some of the strength was coming back and it made walking without a limp a little bit easier. It is so nice to start to get back to normal!