Update

I continue to attend physio, currently I am using the weight machines and the exercise bike. It is going well. I didn't take my crutches with me today which is an achievement for me. I did struggle with the slopes but I will try again.
Still getting the odd comments that make me what to scream! The ones today was .......look at her and what a big leg she's got!

I asked about driving this week but I am not ready to drive my automatic campervan. I will be patient and take each day at a time. The weather is not kind at present, after school clubs are a challenge for us at present. My girls are very supportive and understanding, we have agreed that we will have quality home time instead of struggling to get somewhere in the pouring rain.
I am getting much stronger on my trauma leg. I feel that my step is much more controlled however I am still finding it uncomfortable in my hip due to the imbalance.

It is a good feeling when you can walk about without crutches and to be able to carry things is a good feeling. Oh how we take things for granted.

Hmmm Going Outside Without Crutches

So I am very happy going about my day to day jobs without crutches. However going outside is a different matter.
The pavements and driveways are so uneven it's not safe. There is a lot of acorns and debris on the pavements which are proving to be challenging.  I have decided that I will have at least one crutch to keep me safe at the moment.
I am getting stronger without crutches indoors. Just keep going and be positive.

I received my outpatients appointment for December, it's not until 15th December. That's 10 weeks away! Oh well I'm prepared to go the extra mile to make sure it's fixed! I am doing just fine.

Clinic Appointment

The good new is my X-rays are all fine. There's definitely bone healing. My next appointment is in 8 weeks, the Consultant thinks we will be thinking of removing the frame around that time. It will be five months so I am very pleased with that. That's if all goes well. I was hoping to be without it before December when the cold sets in but I will just have to manage.

So I am going to ditch the crutches and progress with the walking. I am a little nervous going out without crutches so I will build on that.  I am really focused on working on my walking and gaining that bone density.

I am going to have to look at adjusting some trousers to wear over the cold period. Let's just hope it stays dry over the next couple of months.

So It Has Been Three Months

I am so pleased I have reached the three month mark. It has been a very tough ride, I think I am coming out of the very long tunnel and can see some light!

I am back on antibiotics, not for my trauma leg but my right leg! I caught it on my frame and then I think I received a nasty insect bite. It's very red and painful. I guess that leg is missing out on the action.

I have been slightly low recently, feeling frustrated and feeling the cold in my foot. I am so limited in what to wear that I am sick of the sight of my skirts. Oh listen to me, stop feeling sorry for yourself girl I am doing alright. Things could be far worse!

So I have been looking at my food intake to help aid bone healing. My calcium intake is great. I drink milk at every meal. I get through plenty of dairy with cheese and yogurt. I have been having lots of tinned fish such as Sardines I am getting a little fed up with them but keep on as I know they are very nutritious. Ready brek is great as it has plenty of fortified calcium and vitamins.  My consultant suggested I take calcium and vitamin D supplement making up to 2400mg daily. I did have a blood test to check my calcium levels, I guess they are ok as I haven't heard anything. I try and get outside in the sun to gain some vitamin D. We are very lucky at the moment with the sunshine for Autumn.

I have a clinic appointment Tuesday to have an X-ray and see the consultant so I should know more next week. Let's hope it's great progress.

Update

I have now finished my course of antibiotics. I am due to see the nurse at the clinic tomorrow to check my pinsites. I am still dressing them every other day at the moment just to be on the safe side. It is not so tender as it has been but I still feel bruised at the front of the shin.

I saw the Physio last week, I was a little emotional as I explained I am not taking any risks or unnecessary exercises until I have had the frame removed. I do not want to do further damage to my muscle and explained (emotionally) I am a mum and need to be able to walk my children to school and all the other things that come with being a mum. When my pinsite was at its most painfulness I had to rely on other people and my children found it quite distressing. I think they have been though enough so the physio will have to wait. No more seeing what position I can get into!

Having said that I am doing gentle exercises that are necessary and focusing on my walking and applying weight into my leg. I am doing alright.

This Friday I will have done 3 months, there is light at the end of the very long tunnel.
Half the battle has been a positive mind, I have found that if I give myself a challenge for the day it helps. I do feel very isolated but I am very reluctant to go out to the places I normally go. I hate been stared at and don't like constantly being asked to explain what happened. People don't understand the feeling of flashbacks. I tend to make a joke that I wish I could say I was skiing or skateboard and laugh about it. I am sure it will get easier after time.  I have discovered a support network on Facebook for External Fixators, it is good to see you are not the only one.

Well my challenge for the day was to get the washing on the line of which I have done. I think I may treat myself. I certainly deserve it!

Another week of antibiotics

So I am now taking the second week of antibiotics. The redness is settling but the tenderness remains. I don't feel flu type symptoms anymore my temperature has settled. Hopefully things will improve. I can move my leg about without feeling to much discomfort.
Still keeping my leg well raised when resting. Back to walking with one crutch, my main focus reduce risk of injury and gradually increase my walking putting my weight into my injuried leg.

So the count down has begun

So according to my daughters the count down has begun. They have decided that they will use the Mr Men stories as they have worked out it will be 46 days to reach the four month milestone.
Today they have completed Mr Good book number 46!
It's great how little people deal with things they are so excited about their countdown.

My leg is still tender, I continue to keep it up and keep the swelling down. I have cancelled the Physio appointment this week as the GP surgery suggested. It is such a disappointment but I don't want to end up tearing the muscle again. It has had a heavy impact on managing the day to day stuff. From now on I am playing it safe, I certainly will not be doing the exercises that require me to get in to uncomfortable positions like kneeling.
The pinsite is still oozing so I am cleaning it daily and dressing it. Hopefully it will dry up soon and reduce the further risk of infection. The GP surgery has given me another week of antibiotic if needed. I have two more days left of the first lot. I plan to drop into the clinic tomorrow and hopefully check with the nurses to make sure I am doing all the right things with the infected pinsite.