Boot's Off Bitches!!

Just returned home from my 7 week appointment. I went there with my left shoe in my hand, in hopes that I would be walking out with it on. Victory!! My x-rays looked great, and being the skin care specialist I am... I had not touched my scab. He took the liberty of pulling it off to reveal pink skin underneath and clean healing. This means I can start rubbing arnica on it and hopefully avoiding or minimizing any scarring.

Dr. C instructed me to start doing 50/50 boot and shoe. Nothing felt better than shoving my swollen club into that running shoe. He was surprised that I had gotten to this point in just 7 weeks, but I listened and followed his direction... and didn't push it. I could not be happier. From here I will start PT twice a week for four weeks. I have clearance to exercise on machines at the gym, as well as swimming. Slowly easing into walking and more rigorous activity.

I will see him again in four weeks, and most likely get my second surgery on the schedule for late Summer. As awful as this recovery was, today made it all worth while.

lipstick on my piggies...

As if being unable to walk isn't enough, healing has rendered my foot so gross. Not only do I have a crusty incision scab, but because of all the trauma to the foot and skin by the surgery, what skin I do have is either bruised or peeling off. It's pretty.

In an attempt to make myself and those around me less appalled, I decided to paint my toenails today. I used my favorite Butter polish and sat on the patio for a moment of pampering. I have to say that even though this may not be the best shade (skin colored stuff is apparently in style), it does make a difference in how I feel about my current foot situation. 

At this point I have little to no pain, hate my boot and am scared to death to put weight on my foot. I have spent hours on my main blog, groomed my eyebrows to perfection and mastered hopping on one foot... all which are very important in their own ways - but I am counting the days until I can put these walking contraptions on the shelf and get back to my somewhat normal life.

For any of you reading this that are planning your surgery, here are some good things to put on your "to do" list...

xo

bree mercer james

• Invest in a hands free crutch
• Make sure you have a great basket next to your area of rest (couch or bed) to fill with all you may need.
• face wipes
• body wipes
• deodorant
• magnifying mirror
• tweezers
• cuticle nippers and cuticle oil
• lip gloss or lip moisturizer
• any and all medications
• magazines/books/kindle
• writing pad
• various serums and moisturizers
• aquaphor
• qtips and kleenex
• phone/laptop and chargers
• if you knit or make jewelry, have a stash
• hair brush
• dry shampoo
• patience...