Mommin’ is a serious job. It requires the skills of a ninja, acrobat, weightlifter, chef, nurse, maid, and entertainer among countless other things. Not to mention the part where your heart is bursting with love and joy while your brain is running as fast as it can to try to maintain some level of sanity. Add being non weight bearing (NWB) and in a cast to the mix is as challenging as herding cats! Moms are on their feet all the time. It’s like a job requirement.

About two weeks before my little man’s 18mo birthday I went under the knife to repair my left foot after several injuries and breaks left me in constant pain. Being that I was expected to be in a cast and NWB for 12 weeks, I figured I would get it over with during the fall/winter. This way spring and summer would hopefully be cast free and pain free. I had done hours of research to figure out the best way to be as mobile as possible for the 12 week recovery period. During my research I came across the iWalk which has been a total life saver!! Some serious planning has also been involved to help myself, and my family survive the next 12 weeks in a cast.

Survival Tips:

-Friends and family are a life saver for errands, food, and a break
-Look into grocery store delivery (we use Instacart for Publix and Whole Foods) this is especially helpful when you’re the primary grocery shopper and the cook… my husband has a hard time getting exactly what I need sometimes
-As always Amazon Prime is a must have
-Prep lunches and clothes the night before… mornings can be tough
-Plan super easy one pot meals
-Rest, ice, and elevate as much as a mom possibly can
-Non narcotic pain management like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are key when those serious pain pills can not be taken
-Hydrate hydrate hydrate
-Limit sugar as sugar is a food for bacteria
-Yoga pants and maternity pants are your friends because they fit perfectly around that bulky cast
-Baby wipes qualify as an impromptu bath right!?
-The bend over the tub or sink to wash your hair trick will unfortunately be back in your life
-Extra pillows for the bed and the couch to prop your cast
-Temporary cleaning services are a great help while you are down for the count
-Group tasks together if you can…getting up and down can be challenging

Reality Checks

-The whole not being allowed in the shower because of your cast SUCKS
-I want to walk and run more than I’ve ever wanted anything ever
-No it’s not a welcomed break… because moms don’t get breaks
-Anxiety and even Panic Attacks are bound to creep up on you especially if you have any baseline claustrophobia *discuss this with your doctor if it is becoming very bothersome
-Irritability and frustration are a struggle sometimes, over silly things, but it will pass
-Your internal voice of get up off your *ss and help me will be there everyday no matter how much help you get and no matter how much you don’t really want help … this will pass too
-People will stare …. the iWalk makes you look like a pirate 🙂
-I actually miss skinny jeans
-I appreciate wearing two shoes for the first time ever
-Sleeping with your leg and cast propped up is not necessarily comfortable
-I can’t wait to shower and shave!!!!!

As with anything, you never appreciate something more until it’s gone. Not being able to walk has been a challenge thus far, but it has made me thankful for things that I have taken for granted without even realizing it. I am 4 weeks in and have 8 more to go. I can do this and if you ever find yourself in this place… you can too!

Thanks to the iwalk this journey has been much easier. I would recommend it for anyone that truly does not have the ability to be down for the count. I am able to carry my son, cook, do things around the house, and it’s easy to take on and off for driving.

Original Post Date December 7th, 2017