Baby steps to recovery

Weeks 6-7 I have started reintegrating myself into my active life again. I have learned that it's not always easy.  Someday's are better than others.  In my early adventures on my own, outside of the house without the assistance of crutches were scary and eye-opening.  I ventured out for a massage and a pedicure.  The massage is part of my recovery and my massage therapist was a saving grace in treating my chronic pain in the years before surgery.  The pedicure was also out of necessity as I had trouble reaching my toes to manicure them myself.  But let's be serious - the indulgence was nice!

Anyways, on my travels I took to using the city-bus as my mode of transportation.  Prior to getting on the bus however, I had to prepare for the trek (albeit, a short distance for my healthy self), from my house to the bus stop.  I practiced this walk several times in the days leading up to my appointment.
Once I was on the bus I realized how invisible my injury was.  I had to ask for the bus to be lower (so that I didn't have to climb up as far) and negotiate a seat in the front usually reserved for elderly, moms-to-be and individuals in wheelchairs or walkers.  I found it very eye-opening to have the experience of having a disability that all can't necessarily see.

As I started to continue to feel better (less pain) and feeling generally stronger I felt well enough to head back to work part-time.  I worked three days my first week and I was exhausted!  In my travels back to work it was interesting to hear peoples surprise that I even needed surgery in the first place.  Then I realized that my reality of living with an invisible disability has been a reality for many years, because many people didn't know the full extent of my chronic pain.

I am currently in week 7 and I finished my 3rd day of work.  Today I was very happy to have worked my full day and was able to remain mindful of giving myself the opportunity to stand and walk around.  I am a school-based counsellor, so often I can spend an hour sitting in a session with a client.
Anyways at the end of the work day today I felt awesome.  My pain was one on a scale of one to ten, with one being the lowest!

The past two weeks I have gone to two pool therapy sessions per week.  This has been wonderful.  If you can find a warm pool that offers aqua-therapy and/or chronic pain classes in your area I strongly suggest you go as it's a wonderful addition to your physical therapy.

I am looking forward to weeks 8 & 9.

My own recovery space at home.