Morning Struggles: The Slow Start to the Day
This morning started slow. After spending another night on the couch, I got up around 10:30 AM. Even the simplest tasks have become time-consuming; what takes most people five seconds to do—like stepping into the shower—takes me about four to five minutes. My leg is so sensitive to every small movement that it feels like it’s hanging by a thread, with a knife poking at it with each motion.
In the shower, I found myself singing a song to my leg: “Some hot water running on my leg, I’m so sorry you’re having to feel all this pain, I wish we could just go and run through the rain.”
Getting out of the shower was another challenge. It took me 20 minutes to dry off, get dressed, grab my medication, and make it to the kitchen table. Each movement required thought and caution, and every subtle shift in my leg’s position seemed to invite a new kind of discomfort. It’s strange how something as simple as sitting has become so complicated. I have to carefully think through every step: Should I sit slowly or quickly? Should I sit on my whole leg or just my buttocks? Even sitting wrong can lead to nerve pain.
A Meaningful Visit and a Physical Breakthrough
Once I was dressed and had taken my medications—Aspirin, Meloxicam, and Tylenol—I waited for my friends George and Kelly to arrive. They came over at 12:30, and I was eager for some meaningful connection.
The day turned out to be much better than expected. After catching up for a bit, we headed to my favorite local coffee shop, Small Town Coffee Roasters in Rutherfordton, NC. We sat outside, talking and connecting, and it was during this time that I noticed something significant. While sitting in a stable position, pain-free, I realized I could fully extend my leg—a movement I had struggled with during physical therapy due to the pain. It felt like a small but powerful breakthrough in my recovery.
Back home, we continued chatting until about 5:30 PM. While they were here, I decided to remove my stitches and open a sinus tract at the bottom of my incision for drainage. It was the second semi-major fluid discharge in a few days, the first having occurred Friday night. The drainage continued through the night, but it felt like my body was finally releasing what it needed to.
Evening Physical Therapy and a Moment of Calm
Later that evening, around 9 PM, I focused on physical therapy. I’d noticed earlier that if I shifted into a semi-squatted position, I could start to bear weight on my right leg and hip. I used this discovery to work on mini squats—starting with my crutches and eventually transitioning to my walker. This was a huge milestone for me, as it felt like a new way to build strength without overwhelming my body.
I did an hour of PT, using my Pilates ball and stretch bands, followed by 10 minutes on my Sadhu boards. The therapy left me feeling surprisingly good. Maybe it was the earlier visit with friends, the coffee or kratom, or even the release of fluid from my leg. Whatever it was, I felt lighter—both physically and emotionally.
Sadhu boards are wooden boards covered with evenly spaced metal nails, traditionally used in yoga and meditation practices. Standing on the nails helps improve balance, increase mental focus, and promote physical endurance by stimulating pressure points on the feet. Though it can be challenging, practicing on Sadhu boards is believed to enhance mindfulness, resilience, and overall well-being.
Closing Out the Day
Afterward, I found a comfortable spot in the living room recliner, where I spent a few hours lost in Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation by Andreas Moritz. The book’s insights into holistic health and healing really resonated with me, given everything my body is going through right now. For the first time in a while, I felt zero pain while sitting completely still, which was a welcome relief.
By 2 AM, I was ready to settle into bed, my mind busy processing all that I’ve been learning about my body and recovery. Despite the challenges, small signs of progress—like being able to extend my leg pain-free—felt like significant victories. As I drifted off to sleep, I held onto the sense of hope the day had brought.
Tomorrows Appointments: WoundCare Doctor and Physical Therapy
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Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu