August 26, 2013: Walking - again!

Walking is definitely my favorite form of exercise.  Back in my college days I would walk the loop around the campus of SUNY Albany.  That was back in the olden days before walking and jogging became popular.  I'd be pretty much alone the whole time - no other walkers.  Drivers always wanted to give me a ride - of course, I was pretty cute back then.

I've walked between 1 and 2 miles three times in the last 5 days.  I am ecstatic!  It has been years since I could indulge myself.

First, I had the left knee problem - no cartilage, but I kept walking.  The torn achilles tendon finally did me in.  I had that repaired in 2010 along with a knee replacement.  All I had to do was wait until I healed and I'd be able to walk again.  Then 2 toes on my right foot decided to buckle under - I couldn't wear anything but sandals.

I would have just walked in sandals but then the ex' accident happened in November 2010.  My only walking was up and down the hospital hallways.

Now I'm free- AT LAST!  I had my toes fixed in May 2013.  They are all healed and I bought a pair of walking shoes.

It was raining earlier this morning so I thought I would have to just use my indoor bicycle.  Then I saw on the news that it was in the 70's.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to walk in relatively cool weather (for Houston).

My varicose veins are still acting up but I think the walking will settle them down soon.  Yesterday I spoke to my brother.  He has the same problem.  He had a vascular ultrasound last week, too.  This is old hat to me.  But, John isn't familiar with the vein thing.  Mine started when I was pregnant with my second baby.  Mostly they don't bother me at all - just look ugly.  My brother is a professional golfer.  He exercises all the time.  I guess I'm lucky that my problem isn't worse since I'm female, pleasantly plump and was relatively sedentary for the last few years.

HURRAY FOR ME!!!!

May 16, 2013

I took a taxi to Texas Orthopedic Hospital at 5 AM.  I was supposed to arrive at 6 so I had to wait around.

I was taken back to the pre surgery area.  I think there was only one RN on duty so it  I laid on the bed and read a magazine.  The nurse had trouble putting in my iv.  It's always difficult to find a vein in my hands.

The doctor came by and drew on my foot so he'd be sure to work on the correct toes.  Dr Bloome is the same doctor who fixed my torn achilles in 2010 so I trust him.

I don't even remember being taken to the operating room.  My next memory is the recovery room.

The nurse called Andy to come get me at 10 AM.

So now I have to sit around with my foot elevated.  The pain is not too bad.  My foot throbs when I put it down and walk.

I can't drive for a couple of weeks.  Today is May 18th and I'm already bored of movies.

I'm going to start making yoyos and flowers to keep occupied.  When I get tired of that there is always knitting.

Here are photos I took of my toes in the waiting room that morning.  The second toe is a hammer toe - it bends down from the second joint.  The third toe is a mallot toe and it bends down from the first joint.  After my knee replacement in July 2010 these toes on my right foot started to go beserk.  The doctors don't know why.