Recovering from foot surgery can be challenging. Here are 10 things to remember to help you through your recovery.
- When your doctor says no weight can be placed on the operated foot, he means exactly that -NO weight. Putting weight on your foot could result in slower recovery, improper healing/setting of bones, and may even cause you to re-do the surgery. Be smart, follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Keep your house clear of clutter and store things you need where you can easily access them. If you haven’t had the operation yet, take some time to plan and think through the changes that you can make in your house to make it easier for you to get around, and get to the things you need. Try walking around the house and picture how you would move about on a single foot, or on crutches. If you already had the surgery, ask a family member or a friend to help you re-arrange the furnitures and move your personal items. Consider moving to the downstairs bedroom, if that means that it will save you the effort of going up and down the stairs.
- Crutches may become uncomfortable with extensive use. If you need to get up and about to particpate, then consider looking into other options that are far more comfortable to use. You can check on hands free crutches, knee walkers, seated scooters or wheelchairs and see which alternatives would fit you best.
- Ask for help. Don’t try to do everything on your own. No man is an island, and if you push yourself, you may be doing more harm than good.
- Watch your diet and exercise. Balance is key. Eat healthy foods in proper portions and get regular exercise that does not put a strain on your foot.
- Don’t be a know it all. Follow your doctor and honor your loved ones by taking care of yourself as best as you can.
- Stay positive. Pain, solitude, and the lack of mobility may affect you negatively. To avoid being grouchy , bitter, or deppressed, practice actively shooting down negative thoughts and replacing them with a positive ones. Staying happy will help you recover faster.
- Appreciate the people around you. Try to be kind in thsi trying time when you are are bored, frustrated and easily irritated. Your doctors, freinds and family are concerned about your well being andg doing their best to help make you feel better. Make it easy for them to take care of you by being predictably pleasant and kind.
- Make the most of your downtime. Focusing on what you are missing while recovering will not help. Instead, focus your attention on what you can do. Is there a book you bought, but were too busy to read? Or a hobby you discarded because you just had no extra time. It’s the perfect time to pick them up again. Time flies fast when you are enjoying it and looking forward to every moment of your day.
- Be purposely grateful. When you feel down and gloomy, make it a point to think of things you are grateful. As you make this into a habbit, you will soon discover that your time is better spent enjoying what you have in life.
