Day 21 - Three Weeks completed. [1.386 Centimeters Taller] Good day LLer's
Three weeks are officially behind me and I'm over 1/2 inch taller and it makes a difference; it really does. Tomorrow will be my 3 week check-up and initial x-rays so I'm hoping to hear good things. I expect all should go just fine. Today, was my best day. My left leg felt a lot better; not yet at the level of my right leg; but a steady improvement. I walked a good bit and performed my stretches just about the entire day.
Here is what I able able to do so far at my 3rd Week w/ Stryde Nail Procedure.
1) I can stand straight up and down on both legs at the same time for many minutes at a time with no assistance, walker, or anything.
2) I am 100% Walker with little to no pain. I do not walk normal by any means yet nor can I walk unassisted yet. I do not have my balance quite at this point. Muscles through out my quad, hamstrings, hips, and gluts still need plenty of work; but they are coming back nicely. I honestly don't expect to walk 100% normal until the 5 or 6 month point. This process takes time; but I do anticipate getting better EVERY DAY. At least I am up and about on a walker with little pain to worry about (so far).
3) I am able to shower on my own and do all the needed daily prep on my own such as shaving, brushing my teeth etc.
4) Can prepare my own meals
5) Can reach for most things needed, and things out of my reach; I can just use an extend grabber
6) I'm working a full work day at home remotely, and expect to go back to work in a few weeks at least a couple a days per week.
7) Can safety sit down on my bow-flex machine and get a pretty decent upper body work out daily
Pain level during the day is at about a 3, it peaks at a 4 or 5 only in rare situations where I, by accident, sting a joint or surgery area. Pain at night is still a bit cumbersome and usually only for one leg at a time. I'm working on it; and expect that to subside soon. Honestly, by end of week 3; pain isn't a big issue at the moment. I hope it continues to get easier.
9) Can safely transfer to car, bed, toilet, couch, etc.
10) Favorite pain medicines so far are Tramadol and Tylenol PM combination.
11) Fun Fact: Yes; you will lose your flexibility (You feel tight and stiff in your upper legs) and most muscle strength in your legs after surgery; but with physical therapy performed by both you and your therapist; these things will come back each day. Literally, each day; you feel better. So far; I have had a positive progress point each day...which makes this process much more bearable when you can see improvement.
12) I have the tininess little scabs you have ever seen as far as the incisions are concerned. When they heal up totally; I doubt they will be noticeable at all, esp when hair grows over the light scaring.
Overall I'm feeling good. I'm going to keep stretching, keep standing up straight and as tall as I can and practice my walking. I know that I'll begin to feel that tightness once i hit the 2cm+ range; but I won't think about that too much. Just keep going strong because I have a goal.
I hope you guys are doing well and I'll check back in tomorrow evening and let you know how my 3 week check up went. X - Rays coming soon. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Best Regards,