As of the end of the day, today, I have had my new legs a little over two full days. Wow. You know, it is strange, I had legs for thirty seven years, but after only three months without, it is weird having feet down at the ends of my legs.
First and foremost, my brain is tripping out. It has spent three months trying to send nerve signals to feet that were not there. That is what causes phantom sensations. Well, my brain had finally calmed down, but when my eyes told my brain there were shoes down there, the brain said “I knew they had to be there!”
Now my brain is trying to talk to carbon fiber feet. If my brain is an idiot, does that make me one, as well? Rhetorical question, BTW. 😉
So, dealing with itches I can’t scratch again. No biggie. All in all, so far I am well pleased. The sockets fit well, the left being a bit big, but spacer socks make it ok. I have these cool liners that go on my legs, they are like socks, but made of urethane. When they go on, they stick like glue. They protect my skin from rubbing and irritation.
The simple act of walking pumps air out of the system when the legs are fully on, increasing circulation, and holding the leg in place. The circulation makes my legs feel almost normal, and keeps the constant buzzing feeling I have to a minimum. Of course, walking is still a challenge.
Today I walked about six feet with the help of a walker. The important thing is, I got up without any help from anyone. I am getting stronger! I hope to be well ahead of the game before a bed opens up at my rehab place in Louisville.
Getting around is a challenge in my chair, now. I had to put one of the foot rests back on my chair, and that extra length out front makes it a bit hard to navigate! Getting from my chair to other places, though, is a lot easier. I can lift myself much higher because I can plant my feet and use my legs.
Those suckers feel like they weigh a ton sometimes! They are only about ten pounds each, but when you haven’t had calves and feet for a while, the thigh muscles protest! Oh well, they can picket and carry signs all they want, I think the legs are gonna stay!
Sorry, I know this a bit of a shorter blog than normal, but I am wore out!
G’nite, y’all!