Hi Joe,

I agree with Bio on finding balance. It is important to push - just not too much. Rehabbing with this is different and keeping your flares to a minimum will benefit you in the long run. In the beginning I rehabbed in 5 minute increments. I had to pull back and start again many times from overdoing, but eventually it paid off. So do keep hanging on as you are, that bulldog attitude will get you through.

Cavus reconstruction is major surgery and 5 months out is not very long, really! I know it feels like forever but take the long view on your recovery. You have the most improvement in the first 2 years from trauma according to a study with 10,000 people that my PM recently told me about. When I was 5 months out from my last foot operation, the one that caused the CRPS, I was in my surgeon's office crying because I couldn't stand longer than 5 minutes without my foot stinging and burning. Another 13 months has passed and many, many improvements have come. I am not as I used to be and I do have pain and limitations; but I walk, swim, shop, do yoga, drive distance, make dinner, do yard work and even built a loft bed for my son. A loft bed! I am 5'4" and tiny so don't give up on those physical projects. It just may be a longer wait to do them than you want. Right now, you don't know where you will be, but healing is possible.

Like you I had to elevate to get relief. I still elevate throughout the day, taking short breaks so my foot doesn't get overwhelmed. This strategy is a big help. Give your foot time and try not to get too discouraged. I am 18 months out now and so glad I didn't give up a year ago. I've learned to be more patient than ever.

If your doc doesn't want you weightbearing because of bone deposition around any hardware, I would honor that. You bone stimulator comment flagged my concern. Don't make things worse being tough. Weightbearing does help signal bone deposition but sometimes it needs to be partial for a while so hardware can get "cemented" in without wiggling loose. I used just one crutch for a while which was a nice, happy medium. Don't be afraid to make concessions. It may make you more comfortable and allow your body to do some repair.

Keep up the good work. I hope the finance issues get worked out, I know that is a stressor you don't need.