Whole Again

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

~ Lao Tzu

Well, look who's walking now!

    I picked up my prosthesis this morning after 3 and 1/2 months of waiting for the right time. I had little sleep last night because of the anticipation. Although I'm getting comfortable with the wheelchair, I have to move on to my "new normal". We left at 11am and 20 minutes later, I am back on two feet. 

    I saw the prosthesis as soon as we entered the SGG Orthocare office. My first thought was, ang taba naman. Kuya Raffy explained that this is just a preliminary socket as my stump will still change in the next few weeks. All the excess fat and endema will be gone when my calf muscles rebuild. He also placed a foam liner inside for my comfort, as I mentioned that there's a painful pressure area where the bone ends. And because I have fat thighs. His words, not mine. 

I can't explain the feeling as I walk with two feet again. I have gotten used to the hop-hop system I do when using a walker. The first few steps I took, I forgot I already have another leg and dragged my right leg a bit. I still have to hold on the railings because my balance is shot. My left leg is also still unstable because if the IM nail but nevertheless, I know that I will be walking normally soon. 

As soon as we got home, I was greeted by my and my landlady's family. Now on to the next hurdle: the steps. I live on the 3rd floor of the apartment building and I have to be carried in a chair, princess-style, whenever I have to go down. Good thing my physical therapist is there to guide me up the steps. 

Here is basically how I  climbed 2 flights of stairs:

1. Grab the railing with my left hand and position the crutch on the first step with my right hand. 

2. Put left foot up the first step. 

3. Heave the whole 150 pounds (approximately) of me with my two hands and one leg. 

4. Put right foot up the first step. 

5. Wash, rinse and repeat. 

I didn't mention that I have 4 people behind me waiting to catch me in case I fall down. I have to stop in the landing on the second floor to rest and then grunt my way up on the last flight. All worth it, as I have cake and ice cream waiting for me at home :-)

There's still a long road ahead of me. I still feel wobbly when using my new legn and I have to get used to the feeling that my stump is being choked by the socket. I am more comfortable using a four-legged walker, which is cumbersome, instead of crutches as an assistive device. I have to remove my prosthesis after walking for some time as I feel pain in the stump, which is like a thousand electric currents running up and down my leg. Still more challenges to overcome, but I was never the kind of girl who gives up easily.