Holding steady

The good news is that my bruises are healing, and I have not gotten "intimate" with the floor in the past week.  I never cease to impress myself!  I have been walking more slowly, and concentrating on lifting that left big toe with every step.  It seems to be working. 

My generic AFO arrived on Thursday.  It is the rigid plastic foot brace that keeps the toes from catching when you take a step.  I tried it on and it is not very comfortable.  I saw my PT that afternoon, and she tried to make some improvements for me.  I still haven't put it back on.  But now it is officially in my bag of tricks, and here if I really need it.  It is always better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

I am still able to walk pretty far, although I am using the cane more for support than decoration again.  No big deal.


The most consistent problem that I can't ignore is my deteriorating balance.  The walls of my house now feel my touch more often.  My gait is a little wider.  It's manageable but keenly on my radar.

My legs are definitely getting weaker.  I am having difficulty raising my thighs to ninety degrees while marching place.  It takes great effort, and honestly they don't make it as high as they used to.  I can't do nearly as many repetitions as I once could either.  Interestingly, I am still able to lift my legs out to the side using my hip muscles without difficulty.  However, when I try to bend down to get something in a low cabinet or on the floor, I am having much more difficulty getting back up.  I thought that was a quad problem.  My PT tells me that this maneuver is dependent on those hip muscles, so what do I know? 

My fatigue is feeling worse, but it probably has less to do with restenosis than the crazy life I'm living at the moment. I know that I promised myself I'd rest, but I'm having trouble finding the time.  Thanks to the .5mg of klonopin I still have to take for night foot cramps, I am sleeping like a baby, so that is good!

In summary all is still good, just very slowly on the decline.  If I hadn't been here before, I would be doubting and justifying my symptoms as anything other than restenosis.  With experience comes knowledge.  I know.


I have an ultrasound this week, and my 3 month appointment with Dr. Haskal next week.  I know that I am in good hands, and that those hands will hopefully be back in business in November.