Finally, my appointment is here. I'm scared of the results and what the recommendations will be, but I can handle it. I just got to enjoy a great holiday weekend on a houseboat, waterskiing and just having a wonderful time so I at least go to do something fun. Waterskiing was probably a dumb thing to do. It really hurt skiing and my ankle is really sore now, but I'm okay with it. One more day of being strong... Well, there might be many more after this, but I won't think about that until after tomorrow.

Good luck with your appointment! Let us know how it goes.

good luck and keep us posted

First, this doctor is so much better than the last. He went over the MRI and pointed out some possible old injuries that were not previously seen which could be a source of pain. He said the PTT looked fine other than some fluid around it. I am going for CT scan because some of the abnormalities will show better on CT. After that, the two scans will be reviewed and probably injections into very specific areas to see which is causing the problem. I am okay with the plan, but I just wonder about how the MRI findings said one thing and the doctor didn't see it. Everyone's eye is different and MRI can be interpreted differently so I decided to hold off saying anything until after the CT since that was the first time he looked at the MRI. Right now I have the obvious talar beak (osteophyte), possibly problems with the grooves the PTT and peroneal tendons run, and the subtalar joint has possible coalition. So, I'm off to wait for the CT referal to process.

He also talked of putting me in a boot to give it some protection until I see him next. After some discussion we decided against that because I would lose ROM and tone, both of which I work hard to keep up.

I ended up going to DisneyLand and walking all day yesterday. After being on my feet all day I could definitely tell what hurt the most. So I took a Sharpie marker when we got back to the car at 11:30pm and circled the areas that hurt. Then I took pictures of my foot/ankle with all the circles so I can show the doctor exactly.

I taped my ankle in DisneyLand. It helped for a while, but after 14 hours on your feet... well, I'm sure you can relate. Today, it just hurts. I'll be wearing my Cryo/Cuff most of the day :-) Love that thing. It's helps so much with the swelling and pain and is way less messy than ice.

After CT scan on Thursday, I went back to see the doctor today. The good news is that there is no talocalcaneal coalition which was suspected from the MRI. Hurray! The bad news is that on top of the talar osteophyte, I have multiple bone fragments that are sitting in tendons and scar tissue. The recovery to remove the talar beak and the other fragments conflicts with one another.

I must say I really like this doctor because he thinks beyond "just fix everything". He recognizes my age and also my activity level. He also wants to do as little as possible because the more you do, the more that can go wrong. Since it is really the talar beak that I am having problems with, he recommended just excising the talar beak and seeing what happens from there and I agreed. Unfortunately, due to the size of this osteophyte they have to do it open vs. arthroscopically. Recovery is NWB until stitches are removed then boot until I am comfortable wearing a real shoe. Most are about 2 weeks in the boot.

Anyone have this done? I've had arthroscopic debridement before. Even without a date set yet, I am nervous. I keep having to remind myself that if I want my life back I have to do it. Bone doesn't get out of the way on its own . :-)

I just heard from the surgery scheduler today. I am scheduled for August 2nd. It will still allow me to go on vacation with my family the end of July. The craziest part is that I am moving from one apartment to another on August 1st. Things will be a bit hectic and unpacked, but the best part is the new apartment is on the 1st floor!! Only 3 stairs on crutches when drugged up!. PreOp is Tuesday (July 10) and then I have to do labs the week before. Not too bad so far.

The funniest part is going to be having my mom drive the 35 miles from the surgery center to my home since she doesn't live in the area. Luckily its simple directions :-)