Physical therapy has begin in earnest on my big toe.
I showed up last week for my first appointment with Joe, who looked me straight in the eye and said, “Every minute we spend together is going to put you in pain.”
I said, “OH, sort of like marriage counseling?”
He smiled.
I told him I will do everything he tells me to do. He told me I may never regain full range of motion, it may swollen for months, if not forever, and that I may have permanent pain.
Well then. He’s a bit more direct than my doctor who simply said, “You won’t drive for three weeks.”
I mean, it didn’t hurt this bad before the surgery. In fact, not even remotely so.
In any case, I decided it was time to lace up and get moving again, pain or no pain. So I picked up a new fitness gadet in the form of a Fitbit Flex. I’m a huge fan of Fitbit. My only problem is that I was tending to accidentally wash them. They only like to be washed once, apparently. This new wrist style FitBit might be the perfect fit, no pun intended. It’ll be hard to throw that down the laundry chute. (The clip-on models were always on my bra, ergo, accidental washings galore.)
I set a modest step goal of 5,000 to start. It’s crazy how little I was moving and yet how easy it was to hit that mark in one day of simply trying.
My present goal is back to 10,000. I have a number to aim for and every step is good for my rehab efforts.
I realized how gadget-oriented I am. I love the idea of tracking steps. Every little bit adds up, especially when you’ve been in any sort of forced inactivity.
That, and I love hot pink. And $10 from the sale of each hot pink Fitbit Flex goes to the American Cancer Society.
I know we are heading straight for holiday season central—Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas—but right now, I’m just feeling really grateful for the opportunity to get this middle-aged bod moving again.
Now I’m off to see Joe for my bi-weekly dose of pain. Wish me luck.
Maureen says
I wish you luck with Joe and with the Flex. I love what the flex does but the bands keep splitting on me. Bad glue I’d say.
Glad you are setting realistic goals with those steps. You’ve learned a lot!
Samantha says
I love my FitBit. I started wearing it about two months ago and it’s been very eye opening. It tells me on a regular basis I don’t walk enough or sleep enough. 😉
Good luck on your rehab!
kybarb says
I had to smile just reading the title for your blog post today! And of course I am still singing the song. Thanks for the smiles Cathy!
Karen G says
good luck with moving more, hopefully not too much pain. I love my fitbit. I always take it off first before anything else to prevent washing it. It is tiny.
Oh and I am reading a book called “The Exceptional Seven Percent: The Nine Secrets of the World’s Happiest Couples” by Gregory K Popcak, MSW. You might enjoy the read since you are working on your marriage (aren’t we all?) Great ideas to strive for.
Karen
Jodee says
I just wanted to comment and say I love the photo at the beginning of your post! Absolutely beautiful!
Are your leaves that colorful this year? Here is northern Iowa, things are a bit more brown and rust, not as much bright orange, yellow, or red. Still lovely though.
cathy says
Jodee, those leaves are from the sugar maples. I wish we had MORE of them on our block!
cathy says
Ill have to check that book out, because yep, its always a work in progress.
Michelle Palmquist says
I have a Jawbone Up that is similar to the Fitbit flex. Although I don’t think I can upload it to my computer. I LOVE it. Inspired by you & few others I have lost 50lbs!!! And I have set a “timer” on mine that vibrates when I have sat for 30 min. LOVE THAT!!! I regularly get over 10,000 steps. Thanks for all you do on this blog.
Chrisy@GoodNorthCoastLife says
Gosh Cathy, you’re on quite the journey with that foot of yours. Keep up the good work on the road to recovery and know that we’re all here cheering you on. 🙂
Abby P. says
Ditto what Jodee said — I’ve never seen leaves such vibrant colors. Re “Joe” — my sister’s a RPT and won’t take any family members as patients because PT is often painful, and she doesn’t want to hear us beeotch about it!
Barbara says
Good Luck Cathy! I love my fitbit and just purchased the pink one for my daughter.
cathy says
I really looked at that one too. In fact, I think theyre a little cooler looking! Who knows, maybe I can get one too and write it off as a research expense? LOL!
Amy says
I am sitting here reading this aloud to my husband after all his orthopedic surgeries and we are having a good laugh! This is so true about PT. Good luck!
dawn says
Good luck Cathy!! I know you can do it!! Enjoy those walks in the fall leaves, that alone is motivating and beautiful!
Ann Kearns says
Ack.
I’m so sorry about all this trouble you are having with your foot.
Have they told you when you might be able to run again? I think your hot pink Newtons must be missing you.
cathy says
My PT said I will run again. And he told me to get OUT of the Newtons. : )
Linda says
So Cathy do you wear your fitbit all of the time or just when you work out? I have been wondering if it would incourage me, been a little lax lately
cathy says
Every minute of the day, even when I sleep! It tracks your sleep too. : )
I do take it off to shower, even though they say the Fitbit Flex can be worn in the shower.
Scribler says
Cathy, I have had the Fitbit Flex for over a month. I knew with any other Fitbit it would get lost. And I love it! Although it does make me obsessed with 10,000 steps. lol
Good luck with your physical therapy. I hope it works out well for you.
Cindy
http://scribler.us
Bec Kilgore says
I broke a bone in my hand in July. It is called a Boxer’s fracture. I didn’t punch anyone. It happened in an auto collision. Ugh! Did the therapy and I am still doing exercises at home. I am sympathetic. Not sure my hand will ever be the same.
Pat says
I have been known to march around the bedroom if I’m close to 10,000 at bedtime! 🙂