As a PT, my main objective is to get people to move more and better. Coming out of surgery on 2/6 and not being allowed to lift more than 10lbs has proved to be one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. I was told I can walk for exercise but I took it upon myself to walk almost 20 miles a week. (Note: I don't recommend this) Walking is all I really had to cope with my hands tied. But all the walking I've done has also given me a chance to think a lot. Bodies are resilient. Was I down for the count for almost 2 weeks? Yup. Did it take a around 10 days to be able to walk 6k steps? Yes. Was it one of the more frustrating things I've had to deal with considering I was taking ballet once a week before my surgery? Absolutely. Walking became boring at times but it also got me to remember that this is just a bump in the road. You don't have to take this as sage words of wisdom, but remember, most things are transient and change isn't always comfortable.
So, was my frustration motivating? Yes. I started crocheting like a mad woman. (Coffee kozy or granny square anyone?) Like I said above, I walked A LOT. Walking is underrated as an exercise. Is it the same as running or lifting weights? No, but it still counts as weightbearing exercise and coming back from surgery it counts for a lot. Sitting around after surgery can increase your risk of blood clots which can become a PE or a CVA. Sitting on my butt was not worth the risk. Every few days I increased my step count and I have to say, the frustration of not being able to take ballet class or swing my kettlebells turned into feeling better about everything when I walked almost 5 miles everyday. It might not sound like a lot or a big deal, but from my frustration came a small amount of motivation.
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