A month later

So, it's been a month since returning from Haiti. While I can't believe that an entire month has passed, it also seems like it's been an eternity. I went in two weeks ago to have my post-op plaster cast removed fully expecting to be placed in a walking cast and was shocked to find out that I had to put in another 4 weeks non-weight bearing. Needless to say, it was not a proud moment for me and I am now sporting a bubble gum pink fibreglass cast which is much more comfortable and less heavy. Mom arrived 3 days ago to help me out and already we were able to get out and get all of my Christmas shopping completed. It felt so good to get this accomplished and I am noticing that I am getting stronger and can go much further on my crutches.
Mom went into a few stores for me that had too many stairs, but I ventured into a few and even learned how to go up a curb with crutches which was a big deal for me. I called in advance, and found out that Walmart has complimentary wheelchairs and despite it not always being my preferred place to shop, I was appreciative of this service. It felt really good to be out and about for 3 hours and being able to navigate around on my own. A taste of freedom I haven't experienced in 3 weeks. That said, I also felt very guilty watching mom make 5 trips from the car into the house bringing in all of the gifts and groceries we purchased.
Daily activities are getting less exhausting and I can be on my crutches for a while now. I feel much more safe leaving the house with crutches. My foot doesn't like being down and regularly goes quite purple and swells badly before I can get it elevated enough to see my regular skin tone return. My shoulders still ache alot but I am starting to feel like if I can just make it through next week, I'll have turned a corner and the end will be in sight.
I'll keep in touch and let you know how the cast removal went on Jan 7/11. Mom and I leave for Hawaii the next day, so hopefully I will be feeling the sand between all 10 toes!!

Bon bagay!