Modified Brostrom Recovery Blog – Getting Around

I’ve never broken a bone or been on crutches.  When they said “non-weight bearing”, I really had no idea what to expect.  To be sure, it’s a pain.  But some planning and the right attitude can make it a lot better.   Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Everything takes longer.  Every trip off the couch is like a project.  You need to plan it in advance.
• Crutches suck.  They’re pretty good if you need to travel on flat surfaces.  If you have decent arm strength, you can cruise pretty fast.  If you need to do anything else – hills, stairs, uneven ground, or anything requiring hands – they suck.
• Get a knee scooter.  It frees up your hands so you can do things like cook.  We have a pool table and the scooter allows me to shoot a game.  Recovery is boring, so that’s a big deal.
• Sleep. In the first week, I’ve slept really well.  I have not been elevating the leg while sleeping and all seems fine.  I’m tired – not sure if it’s the healing or the work of getting around on one leg, but the sleep has been deep and rejuvenating.
• Get a cast bag for the shower.   They gave me one that works great.  The best way to describe it is a condom that goes over your leg.
• Be careful. For me, the the two big daredevil acts are going upstairs on crutches and getting in the shower.  Those are high risk maneuvers – take it slow and have a plan.  A seat in the shower is mandatory.
• Find things to do.  Find things to do that  involve other people, chairs, flat surfaces and easy access.  Get outside – it’s good for you.