Hi all-
I just wanted to update on my progress. I saw my doctor today, and she was very pleased. I had my stitches removed from my foot and the staples removed from my hip. I had a bone graft from the hip. I was put into another non-weight bearing cast. I was also told that I would be out of work for another 4 weeks. I am a 4th grade teacher, so it is difficult to sit with my foot elevated during the day.
My disappointment was that I can' take a bath yet. I was planning on a long hot bubble bath, but they don't want me soaking where the incision at the hip was. Oh well. I guess I can endure another couple weeks of sponge baths. :(
The best news was that I can now drive! :cool: I don't plan on driving the freeways yet, but at least I can do short quick trips if needed. Besides living in So. California, our freeways can be hazardous to your health even without a cast.
Hope that you are all doing well with your recoveries.
Jennie

Glad to hear you are doing well. One week until my fusion, the anxiety of having another surgery is starting to set in. You get to drive - which foot did you have done? After my last surgery, it was true freedom to be able to drive again. Out of curiosity, how has the pain and swelling been? Anyway, glad to hear you are doing well - you'll get that bubble bath soon, and it will feel so good! Take care - Ellen

Ellen,
I had my left foot done, therefore I am able to drive. I understand your anxiety since this was my third surgery on the same foot. Mine set in about a week before too. My pain and swelling has been very minimal, in fact it has been less then when I had the implant. My advice is to take then pain meds fairly regularly for the first few days. I took my pain meds around the clock (every 4-6 hours) for the first three days. I also kept my foot elevated alot. I was very good about it. Are you having general anethesia? My anethesiologist gave me an ankle block right before they brought me out of surgery. This was great! My surgery was on a Monday morning, and I really did not feel my foot until Tuesday night. Most of my pain was from my hip where they did the bone graft.
Good luck with your surgery! I will be anxious to hear how everything went for you.
Jennie

Jennie,

I think that I will be opting for a local with IV sedation instead of the general anethesia. I do okay under general, but since he is working just on my toe, I should be okay. My doctor also gives an ankle block at the end of surgery, the longer I don't feel it, the better off I will be.

I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks much for you info! Have a great day!
-Ellen