It has been a while since I last updated you all on my healing journey. I am now 18 weeks post surgery, and I can honestly say that the research about Achilles recovery is very accurate. Months four and five are hard. Stretching the Achilles and trying to return to everyday walking feels like one step forward, two steps back, then a few steps forward again. It is not a straight line, and that can be discouraging.
I have had many good days, many hard days, and many days where my faith has been stretched just as much as my tendon. There are days I am asking the Lord to remove the pain. I used to think I had a high pain tolerance, but walking through this season has humbled that belief. Pain has a way of teaching you what you really can and cannot carry on your own.
Over the past month I have moved from wearing the boot full time, to part boot and part shoe, to no boot with a crutch, and now to no boot and no crutches at all. Even without the boot or crutches, there are still moments of pain and frustration and I walk with a limp most of the time. Healing does not mean the struggle instantly disappears.
One of the most challenging areas has been stairs. The first time I tried them in physical therapy, I failed. My knee simply would not bend. My therapist reminded me that this is also a brain issue. My body has to relearn how to move and trust again. Over the last couple of weeks, I have seen progress. It feels slow in the moment, but when I look back over the last four months, I can clearly see how far I have come.
There have still been tears. Stretching hurts. Some days I have to remind myself that the pain from stretching is temporary and purposeful. In those moments, I find myself asking the Lord if I have learned what He wants me to learn. I do not know all the details of His plan yet, but I do know this. He sees me. He comforts me. He is increasing my hope and my trust in Him even when the answers are not clear.
One of the biggest highlights recently has been wearing both shoes. It may seem small, but it feels normal. And normal feels like progress. Sometimes the smallest signs of restoration carry the greatest encouragement.
I have had many good days, many hard days, and many days where my faith has been stretched just as much as my tendon. There are days I am asking the Lord to remove the pain. I used to think I had a high pain tolerance, but walking through this season has humbled that belief. Pain has a way of teaching you what you really can and cannot carry on your own.
Over the past month I have moved from wearing the boot full time, to part boot and part shoe, to no boot with a crutch, and now to no boot and no crutches at all. Even without the boot or crutches, there are still moments of pain and frustration and I walk with a limp most of the time. Healing does not mean the struggle instantly disappears.
One of the most challenging areas has been stairs. The first time I tried them in physical therapy, I failed. My knee simply would not bend. My therapist reminded me that this is also a brain issue. My body has to relearn how to move and trust again. Over the last couple of weeks, I have seen progress. It feels slow in the moment, but when I look back over the last four months, I can clearly see how far I have come.
There have still been tears. Stretching hurts. Some days I have to remind myself that the pain from stretching is temporary and purposeful. In those moments, I find myself asking the Lord if I have learned what He wants me to learn. I do not know all the details of His plan yet, but I do know this. He sees me. He comforts me. He is increasing my hope and my trust in Him even when the answers are not clear.
One of the biggest highlights recently has been wearing both shoes. It may seem small, but it feels normal. And normal feels like progress. Sometimes the smallest signs of restoration carry the greatest encouragement.
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