I went this morning to the Visiting Nurse Service (VSN). They let me try out wheeled and unwheeled walkers and crutches. I felt much more stable on the walker but can't decide which one - wheeled or unwheeled! When I return the one I don't want on Monday, I'll give the crutches another try. I found while on the crutches that I was putting the bad foot down to catch myself when I started to lose balance. I can definitely how convenient walkers are for indoor use. They are lots better than the office chair with wheels that I was scooting around on yesterday! I'm totally surprised at how much moving around a person does in the course of an ordinary day! My upper body is getting quite a workout and my wrists too. So far, I'm too utterly embarrassed to be seen in public using a walker. Crutches would look a lot cooler!! I called Walgreens to tell them that for the meantime, I had a walker and that I wouldn't be coming in to pick up the crutches this afternoon and I thanked them for telling me about the VSN. The VSN loans out, for free, the crutches or walkers if they have them available. Spouse will give to them through United Way.
Today, Dr. Richard Miller's triage nurse, Carla, called me. I asked her about how my right calf muscle gets so swollen compared to the left. Dr. Garcia said that was because of how I was limping around but I really wonder about that. I haven't been on my foot very much except to go out to the VSN and the library and yet, it's swelling up. Carla said that as long as it wasn't red and hot that it's OK. The swelling goes down overnight. The calf feels tight from the swelling.
I also asked Carla about the recumbent cardio machines at the LA Fitness Center and she felt that they would put too much pressure on my foot. Carla said that using the weight machines for upper body work would be all right. Later I called back and asked another triage nurse, Maggie, about deep water aerobics with zero impact but she felt that it would be too dangerous to be non-weightbearing around and getting into the pool. I don't know what my plan B is to get some exercise. I must point out, though, that it's hellishly hard on my wrists and my left foot using the walker - maybe torture counts for exercise. Here's hoping I don't get any new injuries from using the walker!!