The 4 a.m. Circulation Game
Nineteen days in, and I’m officially a professional at the 4 a.m. “is my foot still attached?” game. Every night it’s the same — pins, needles, panic, and then relief when the numbness fades. Who needs Netflix when your own leg provides this much drama?
The Art of Getting Dressed Horizontally
Getting dressed in bed is now a full-body workout. Rolling, twisting, grunting — it’s basically CrossFit for the injured. I’m still living in my uniform of sports shorts and T-shirts. High fashion? No. High comfort? Absolutely.
Ten Toe Wiggles to Glory
Every day I complete my sacred ritual: ten toe wiggles. Sometimes slow and dramatic, sometimes fast and panicked — depending on whether I’ve had coffee yet. It’s ridiculous how proud I am of those ten tiny movements. Still, they’re proof I’m going forward, one wiggle at a time.
Tiny Weights, Big Victory
Today’s big moment? Picking up my 2kg dumbbells and actually using them. My arms remembered what it feels like to move with purpose. For the first time in a while, I felt strong — not just sore, tired, and frustrated.
Mental Wobbles Are Part of the Plan
Recovery isn’t just physical — it’s a head game. Some days feel endless. You start missing the chaos of normal life: running, walking, or even just making tea without a tactical plan. But I’m learning to celebrate the tiniest wins and accept that some days, wiggling your toes is enough.
Birthday Party or Hallway Olympics?
Day 20 brought a turning point — and an invitation I couldn’t refuse: my nephew’s 11th birthday. The choice was stay home or face the world. I chose chaos. Shorts on, leg up, car seat adjusted… and I was out the door like a woman on a mission.
Cast Chic and Accidental Entertainment
At the party, things got lively. My cast became the main attraction — kids signing it, decorating it, even giving it a “makeover.” Before I knew it, I was leading a toe exercise class on the hall floor. Who needs physio when you’ve got six kids cheering on your flexes?
Whiteboard Wipeout — Resetting Recovery Mode
When I got home, something clicked. I wiped my whiteboard clean — no more pain charts or medication lists. Instead, new goals: water intake, stretching, gentle movement. It felt symbolic, like clearing out the fog in my own head.
Cousin Wisdom Strikes Again
Then came my cousin Pat with the quote of the day:
Pat: “How’s your leg?”
Me: “Sick of it. I’m chopping it off.”
Pat: “No Marie, don’t. You look cool with two legs.”
Perspective. Delivered with perfect timing.
End of Day Epiphany
By nightfall, I felt something shift. The laughter, the kids, the fresh air — it worked like medicine. I wasn’t just surviving the day; I was back to being part of it.
Takeaways from Days 19 & 20
- Boredom is part of recovery – Embrace it, wiggle your toes, and count those tiny wins.
- Routine is your friend – 10 toe wiggles, a few minutes of weights, a sip of water… it all counts.
- Step outside for your mental health – Even if it’s just lying on a hall floor, the change of scene helps.
- Being present looks different now – You don’t need to bounce on the bouncy castle to join the fun.
- Humour heals – Sharpies, banter, and toe bootcamps are more powerful than paracetamol.
- Focus on what you CAN do – Tiny exercises and small routines matter more than perfection.
- Reset and reframe – Clear the board, clear the head, start fresh.
- Unexpected wisdom is gold – “You look cool with two legs” should be everyone’s new motto.
