Mary51493
10-28-2007, 12:34 PM
:jester: Just had surgery for bunion, hammertoe and back of leg (can't remembe what you call what he did) on right foot. Have had bunion for 30 some years, which eventually led to the hammertoe and my decision to go through this process.
Surgery was on October 24, 2007 by a orthopaedic surgeon. In hospital overnight, just to be sure I elevated properly, etc. It is now 4 days after surgery. I have been on the couch with foot elevated all that time. I use my crutches and walker to get to the bathroom and to bed. My husband gets me meals, etc. I take pain meds when needed. They held me sleep at night because my body and head get sore from just laying around.
I am an active 61 year old female and I had started a workout program at the gym in April. The most difficult part of this is being inactive and the fear of getting out of shape during the healing/recovery process. I am currently in a splint and on Nov 8 will move to a cast for 6 weeks. At 12 weeks I will get a boot. These time frames could be shorter depending upon how I progress. He also said that there is healing and recovery. You can heal in 6 months but recovery could take longer. Those who have the most problems are those who "do too little" and those who "do too much."
I am hoping to do what the doc says to ensure that my healing/recovery progress as they should. It won't be easy I know, but I definitely do not want a "do over!
I thought it might be useful to others to chronicle my journey, but I also have questions as I move along tha I hope others taking this journey can answer as well.
1) When is it practical to return to work? My husband and I own our mfg business and it is important that I be there. I am at my desk a lot. I need to be able to work and keep the foot elevated.
2) How do you shower and put on makeup, etc.?
3) How can you maintain your body's integrity while being immobile for possibly 12 weeks?
I decided against the knee scooter because it didn't appear to be as stable as the crutches and walker. Any input on these modes of mobility? Which works best at work?
I do plan on doing pool therapy when I get my cast off. The doc recommended it as a way to keep the body moving. I am also hoping that at some point I can start some type of exercise - upper body, etc. to keep as active as possible. Any input on how you have been able to keep active throughout this process?
Looking forward to hearing how everyday life and work is managed during this long healing/recovery process. I hope my experience will help others going through this process as well.
Upward and onward!
Mary51493
Surgery was on October 24, 2007 by a orthopaedic surgeon. In hospital overnight, just to be sure I elevated properly, etc. It is now 4 days after surgery. I have been on the couch with foot elevated all that time. I use my crutches and walker to get to the bathroom and to bed. My husband gets me meals, etc. I take pain meds when needed. They held me sleep at night because my body and head get sore from just laying around.
I am an active 61 year old female and I had started a workout program at the gym in April. The most difficult part of this is being inactive and the fear of getting out of shape during the healing/recovery process. I am currently in a splint and on Nov 8 will move to a cast for 6 weeks. At 12 weeks I will get a boot. These time frames could be shorter depending upon how I progress. He also said that there is healing and recovery. You can heal in 6 months but recovery could take longer. Those who have the most problems are those who "do too little" and those who "do too much."
I am hoping to do what the doc says to ensure that my healing/recovery progress as they should. It won't be easy I know, but I definitely do not want a "do over!
I thought it might be useful to others to chronicle my journey, but I also have questions as I move along tha I hope others taking this journey can answer as well.
1) When is it practical to return to work? My husband and I own our mfg business and it is important that I be there. I am at my desk a lot. I need to be able to work and keep the foot elevated.
2) How do you shower and put on makeup, etc.?
3) How can you maintain your body's integrity while being immobile for possibly 12 weeks?
I decided against the knee scooter because it didn't appear to be as stable as the crutches and walker. Any input on these modes of mobility? Which works best at work?
I do plan on doing pool therapy when I get my cast off. The doc recommended it as a way to keep the body moving. I am also hoping that at some point I can start some type of exercise - upper body, etc. to keep as active as possible. Any input on how you have been able to keep active throughout this process?
Looking forward to hearing how everyday life and work is managed during this long healing/recovery process. I hope my experience will help others going through this process as well.
Upward and onward!
Mary51493
Sponsor
relteach
10-28-2007, 01:50 PM
Hi Mary,
Though I have no idea what your recovery will look like (I did not have any surgical procedures), I can speak of my experience with a cast, long term, and a boot. I broke my 5th metatarsal last March and was in a cast for 15 weeks, so I understand your questions about showering, working, and the effects of extended immobility.
The day I broke it, my husband went and bought a shower stool. He found one at our local dept. store in the pharmacy section. I was able to get in and out of the shower/tub with some help and my crutches. At first, I used a garbage bag over my cast and kept my cast out of the water as best I could. We looked online for anything that could help make the process easier and found something called a Drycast cast protector for bathing. It worked great!!! We ordered it online and it arrived in 2 days!!!
As for makeup and hair, I had my husband put a chair in front of my mirror every day before I needed it. You learn to get real creative about these things! ;)
I, too, opted for the crutches instead of the scooter. They worked out well, because I got some good exercise using them. Since I spent most of those weeks sitting with my foot elevated, any exercise was important. I'll tell you my arms, shoulders and left leg (it was my right foot) became really strong. I did, however, gain weight due to inactivity. I knew right off that watching what I ate was essential, but it really did not matter. I gained anyway due to the total lack of movement. I am now working to get rid of that weight. My 48 yr old body does not respond solely to fewer calories to maintain weight, but activity too. I also discovered that I needed to add lots of fiber to my diet--sitting slows the digestive system and made me not feel well at all. I did upper body stretches and isometric moves for my arms, though I have a YMCA membership, my doc would not allow me to work out there until he cleared me. Your gym may have some machines that work the upper body--ask, but get your doc's approval first and then the gym's.
I am a teacher and I went back to work with a wheelchair (I kept it at school) with a foot rest that elevated my foot and kept it elevated. It worked well for me. If I had had to stay home I would have gone CRAZY all those weeks!!
I was then in a boot for another 9 weeks with gradual wieght bearing permitted very slowly. Once you get in the boot, it may still be awhile before you can be totally weight bearing. I understand the healing and recovery--two different processes. My doc's view is that with feet, because of notoriously poor circulation in many parts of the feet, healing can be prolonged. Once the injury or correction has healed, it will still take quite awhile before the person can be back to where they were phyically BEFORE the surgery or injury. I am healed at this point, but he anticipates me not being recovered until March--one year from injury. He says that is normal and, from his perspective, totally expected. I was warned early on this was going to be a LONG recovery.
Each person heals and recovers their own way. Listen to your body, to your doc and don't be afraid to ask any and all questions you have to him/her.
Best of luck in your healing and recovery. Keep us updated on your progress. I wish I had found this forum last March when I was beginning the journey.
Lisa
Though I have no idea what your recovery will look like (I did not have any surgical procedures), I can speak of my experience with a cast, long term, and a boot. I broke my 5th metatarsal last March and was in a cast for 15 weeks, so I understand your questions about showering, working, and the effects of extended immobility.
The day I broke it, my husband went and bought a shower stool. He found one at our local dept. store in the pharmacy section. I was able to get in and out of the shower/tub with some help and my crutches. At first, I used a garbage bag over my cast and kept my cast out of the water as best I could. We looked online for anything that could help make the process easier and found something called a Drycast cast protector for bathing. It worked great!!! We ordered it online and it arrived in 2 days!!!
As for makeup and hair, I had my husband put a chair in front of my mirror every day before I needed it. You learn to get real creative about these things! ;)
I, too, opted for the crutches instead of the scooter. They worked out well, because I got some good exercise using them. Since I spent most of those weeks sitting with my foot elevated, any exercise was important. I'll tell you my arms, shoulders and left leg (it was my right foot) became really strong. I did, however, gain weight due to inactivity. I knew right off that watching what I ate was essential, but it really did not matter. I gained anyway due to the total lack of movement. I am now working to get rid of that weight. My 48 yr old body does not respond solely to fewer calories to maintain weight, but activity too. I also discovered that I needed to add lots of fiber to my diet--sitting slows the digestive system and made me not feel well at all. I did upper body stretches and isometric moves for my arms, though I have a YMCA membership, my doc would not allow me to work out there until he cleared me. Your gym may have some machines that work the upper body--ask, but get your doc's approval first and then the gym's.
I am a teacher and I went back to work with a wheelchair (I kept it at school) with a foot rest that elevated my foot and kept it elevated. It worked well for me. If I had had to stay home I would have gone CRAZY all those weeks!!
I was then in a boot for another 9 weeks with gradual wieght bearing permitted very slowly. Once you get in the boot, it may still be awhile before you can be totally weight bearing. I understand the healing and recovery--two different processes. My doc's view is that with feet, because of notoriously poor circulation in many parts of the feet, healing can be prolonged. Once the injury or correction has healed, it will still take quite awhile before the person can be back to where they were phyically BEFORE the surgery or injury. I am healed at this point, but he anticipates me not being recovered until March--one year from injury. He says that is normal and, from his perspective, totally expected. I was warned early on this was going to be a LONG recovery.
Each person heals and recovers their own way. Listen to your body, to your doc and don't be afraid to ask any and all questions you have to him/her.
Best of luck in your healing and recovery. Keep us updated on your progress. I wish I had found this forum last March when I was beginning the journey.
Lisa
debbie g
10-28-2007, 03:01 PM
hi mary, you sound like such a wonderful person. i was in a cast for toe fusion for 11 weeks. i did not gain weight for some strange reason. the cruthes are a great workout! it has not been a long time for you so healing and recovery are the most important. i also used a chair on wheels to get around. i was able to use my other foot to push off. i did not eat as much because i wasnt able to snack like i used to. i am 51 and a totally active person so i was so depresses, but i wanted to heal so badly. i lost muscle which made my weight drop. upper body exercise will help and isometric. listen to your dr and listen to your body.
Mary51493
10-28-2007, 03:11 PM
Thanks Debbie for replying. Keeping active within the limits of recovery are what I want to do. After these first few days will check with my doc to see when and what I can start incorporating. This was as good a time as any to get this done, but I hate to see the work I've done at the gym since April be reversed.
Mary51493
10-28-2007, 03:29 PM
Hi Lisa,
Thanks so much for your reply. You confirmed what I have mulling around. Your healing/recovery sounds much like mine. Up to a year for total recovery but in my case 6 weeks in cast and 6 weeks in boot. I thought about a shower stool because I didn't see how I could keep weight off without something like that. A chair in front of mirror was the only solution I could think of as well. We planned on using a plastic garbage bag with masking tape, but I will look into that Drycast. What about the Drycast made it better? My doc also said that I should increase fiber. How did you do that?
I don't think I can lay around here much longer, but I was concerned how effective I would be at work. I thought about a wheelchair because I could keep the foot elevated. Not sure it will fit under my desk. Other option was putting some boxes with pillows under my desk. My trainer at the gym said there were lots of upper body exercises we could do and other things that wouldn't involve the foot. Will have to find out when I can start that. But I should be able to do upper body stretches and isometric stuff now. Probably find some on the web.
Congrats on your recovery and thanks again for the reply. It helped!
Mary
Thanks so much for your reply. You confirmed what I have mulling around. Your healing/recovery sounds much like mine. Up to a year for total recovery but in my case 6 weeks in cast and 6 weeks in boot. I thought about a shower stool because I didn't see how I could keep weight off without something like that. A chair in front of mirror was the only solution I could think of as well. We planned on using a plastic garbage bag with masking tape, but I will look into that Drycast. What about the Drycast made it better? My doc also said that I should increase fiber. How did you do that?
I don't think I can lay around here much longer, but I was concerned how effective I would be at work. I thought about a wheelchair because I could keep the foot elevated. Not sure it will fit under my desk. Other option was putting some boxes with pillows under my desk. My trainer at the gym said there were lots of upper body exercises we could do and other things that wouldn't involve the foot. Will have to find out when I can start that. But I should be able to do upper body stretches and isometric stuff now. Probably find some on the web.
Congrats on your recovery and thanks again for the reply. It helped!
Mary
relteach
10-28-2007, 04:26 PM
The Drycast cast cover has a thick plastic vinyl "sock" with a hard plastic ring that keeps the "sock's" shape. The neat thing is that there is a rubber gasket that hugs the leg and keeps water from penetrating. You just put it on like a boot over the cast, slide the ring up near the knee and make sure the gasket is flush with the skin. Instant waterproofing! Thousands times better than a plastic bag. I forgot to mention that my husband installed a hand held shower head--one that could be brought down so I could sit and rinse, etc. I know I could NOT have survived the ordeal if I could not shower somewhat normally!
As for fiber, I took a fiber dietary supplement and added lots of green leafy veggies, oatmeal and apples. I ate at least two apples a day.j
Boredom may be unavoidable at times, but I became addicted to Su***u puzzles and caught up on some great movies and books. Keep up your spirits and know that there are people here who understand and will commiserate with you!!! :wave:
As for fiber, I took a fiber dietary supplement and added lots of green leafy veggies, oatmeal and apples. I ate at least two apples a day.j
Boredom may be unavoidable at times, but I became addicted to Su***u puzzles and caught up on some great movies and books. Keep up your spirits and know that there are people here who understand and will commiserate with you!!! :wave:
Mary51493
10-28-2007, 04:35 PM
Thanks again. I didn't think of the hand shower. Have one upstairs but I've set myself up downstairs in guest bedroom and no hand shower. I looked up the Drycast and it looks pretty slick. As a teacher, were you at your desk much with your wheelchair - or moving about?
Mary
Mary
lynn40
10-28-2007, 06:08 PM
Mary-
Enjoyed you sharing your story. It is hard to believe how much it takes to heal our bodies. Keep us posted. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
lynn
Enjoyed you sharing your story. It is hard to believe how much it takes to heal our bodies. Keep us posted. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
lynn
tessnyc
10-28-2007, 08:44 PM
Hi Mary. I know how you feel. I am 11 weeks post-lapidus procedure, which involved a mid-foot fusion (permanent pins inserted) and re-aligning the bunion joint. I was non-weightbearing for 8 weeks (2 weeks plaster cast, then cam boot). Am finally using a surgical shoe and beginning to walk again, only using crutches for distance or steps. Non-weightbearing was very very difficult, but worth it in the end.
As for your questions:
1)When is it practical to return to work?
Everyone is different. I waited 6 weeks. I have a commute to work in NYC and have a long distance to walk, even with cabs. Since you own your own business, you might find it comfortable to go back part time after 3, but I would really wait and see how you feel. At 3-5 weeks I still had extreme pain when I spent more than an hour or so not lying down with the foot elevated. Go with your body.
To elevate my foot at work, I took some wastepaper baskets and turned them upside down, tied packing tape around them to keep them stable and together, then put a pillow over them . . . voila! instant ottoman.
I also keep a couple of ace ice packs in the freezer at work to ice my foot when it gets hot or swells.
2) How do you shower and put on makeup, etc.?
At the outset, shower chair, washcloths, large gladware container (think about how little kids bathe). Regretted not getting a handheld shower attachment. Also, baby wipes came in handy to refresh if I didn't have the energy to get to the bath. I was just too paranoid about getting the cast and eventual foot wrap wet to attempt a regular shower, even with those cast protectors.
I bought a big box of the Ponds face cleansing towelettes at Costco (also Olay Daily Facials will do the trick) for taking off my makeup and cleansing my face. It saved me from having to stand in front of the sink for any longer than I had to.
Got a Tablemate at bed, bath and Beyond so I could put on makeup with a makeup mirror while still in bed.
3) How can you maintain your body's integrity while being immobile for possibly 12 weeks?
I did get the rollabout. I really needed it because I just couldn't hold my leg up over long distances which I had to travel in the city. It was a lifesaver for me, except it doesn't go over curbs or steps. Then again I couldn't use crutches for steps anyway. I did lose a lot of muscle tone, but I am now working to get it back, and it comes back quickly. If you are strong and fit and have no problem with crutches, stay with them. If they are hurting you, or if your hamstring just can't keep the foot up, try a rollabout.
best of wishes for your recovery!
As for your questions:
1)When is it practical to return to work?
Everyone is different. I waited 6 weeks. I have a commute to work in NYC and have a long distance to walk, even with cabs. Since you own your own business, you might find it comfortable to go back part time after 3, but I would really wait and see how you feel. At 3-5 weeks I still had extreme pain when I spent more than an hour or so not lying down with the foot elevated. Go with your body.
To elevate my foot at work, I took some wastepaper baskets and turned them upside down, tied packing tape around them to keep them stable and together, then put a pillow over them . . . voila! instant ottoman.
I also keep a couple of ace ice packs in the freezer at work to ice my foot when it gets hot or swells.
2) How do you shower and put on makeup, etc.?
At the outset, shower chair, washcloths, large gladware container (think about how little kids bathe). Regretted not getting a handheld shower attachment. Also, baby wipes came in handy to refresh if I didn't have the energy to get to the bath. I was just too paranoid about getting the cast and eventual foot wrap wet to attempt a regular shower, even with those cast protectors.
I bought a big box of the Ponds face cleansing towelettes at Costco (also Olay Daily Facials will do the trick) for taking off my makeup and cleansing my face. It saved me from having to stand in front of the sink for any longer than I had to.
Got a Tablemate at bed, bath and Beyond so I could put on makeup with a makeup mirror while still in bed.
3) How can you maintain your body's integrity while being immobile for possibly 12 weeks?
I did get the rollabout. I really needed it because I just couldn't hold my leg up over long distances which I had to travel in the city. It was a lifesaver for me, except it doesn't go over curbs or steps. Then again I couldn't use crutches for steps anyway. I did lose a lot of muscle tone, but I am now working to get it back, and it comes back quickly. If you are strong and fit and have no problem with crutches, stay with them. If they are hurting you, or if your hamstring just can't keep the foot up, try a rollabout.
best of wishes for your recovery!
relteach
10-28-2007, 08:54 PM
I used the chair to get from place to place in the hallways, etc. I was concerned about the traffic of class change, etc. (high school) and manuevering with crutches, so as a safety matter, we chose the wheelchair. I was able to fit it at my desk nicely. I used my crutches in the classroom at times and in exiting our building. It really was the only way I could actively keep my foot elevated for as long as needed everyday.
Mary51493
10-29-2007, 11:41 PM
Lisa,
After my first day today, I had second thoughts. I propped my foot under my desk on box with pillows but it was still sorta angled down. A wheelchair would be lower than my chair I would think and then I couldn't use the computer. Tomorrow I'm going to try not so soft pillows and getting my foot up so it's more level. Going to call the med equip place and ask about wheelchairs.
Also thinking that for Day 5 after surgery maybe it's too soon and I need to do 1/2 days so I can come home, lay down and get that foot up. My post op appt with my doc is Nov 8. How long after surgery did you go back to school?
Boy, the crutches (which I used at work) and the walker (which I use at home) are really painful. Feels like I'm dislocating my shoulder. I'm not especially strong there even after my workout sessions since April.
Jeez, I feel like a weenie, but I'm trying to figure out how to "be" during this long process and trying to be patient (which I'm having to work at).
I ordered the Dynacast from the web site. Hoping to have Tues. Did the plastic bag thing this morning (first shower since surgery; ugh) and it worked fine but made me nervous that water would sneak in! Got a shower chair and hand shower too yesterday. Thanks for your suggestions.
Where did you find upper body and isometric exercises that worked? Do you need something to do these? My doc said after 6 weeks (when I start weight bearing hopefully) before I can be active as far as exercise. But I think I can do whatever doesn't involve my foot before then.
I'm hanging in there.
After my first day today, I had second thoughts. I propped my foot under my desk on box with pillows but it was still sorta angled down. A wheelchair would be lower than my chair I would think and then I couldn't use the computer. Tomorrow I'm going to try not so soft pillows and getting my foot up so it's more level. Going to call the med equip place and ask about wheelchairs.
Also thinking that for Day 5 after surgery maybe it's too soon and I need to do 1/2 days so I can come home, lay down and get that foot up. My post op appt with my doc is Nov 8. How long after surgery did you go back to school?
Boy, the crutches (which I used at work) and the walker (which I use at home) are really painful. Feels like I'm dislocating my shoulder. I'm not especially strong there even after my workout sessions since April.
Jeez, I feel like a weenie, but I'm trying to figure out how to "be" during this long process and trying to be patient (which I'm having to work at).
I ordered the Dynacast from the web site. Hoping to have Tues. Did the plastic bag thing this morning (first shower since surgery; ugh) and it worked fine but made me nervous that water would sneak in! Got a shower chair and hand shower too yesterday. Thanks for your suggestions.
Where did you find upper body and isometric exercises that worked? Do you need something to do these? My doc said after 6 weeks (when I start weight bearing hopefully) before I can be active as far as exercise. But I think I can do whatever doesn't involve my foot before then.
I'm hanging in there.
Mary51493
10-29-2007, 11:57 PM
tessnyc,
Thanks for your reply and all of the information.
You really had a challenge returning to work in NYC. We have our mfg business in a resort, I hobble to the car and my hubbie drives me to work at our office - so I only have to walk from house to car to office and around the office.
I did the shower thing this morning and was nervous with the plastic bag. I ordered one of those Dynacast cast covers online that was suggested and should get it Tues. They're supposed to be great. I got a shower chair and hand shower. Put a chair in front of the mirro and works pretty good to sit there and get ready.
I wasn't comfortable at work today so either I get a wheelchair that will work at my desk and keep my foot elevated or I figure out another method with my boxes/pillows that will keep my leg more elevated or I just do 1/2 days until my post op doc appt on Nov 8. I'm 5 days past surgery so maybe it's a little early. My foot hurt worse tonight than it has since the first/second day.
The crutches and walker do hurt buta rollabout wouldn't work too well either. Guess I have to get stronger or something.
Thanks again.
Mary
Thanks for your reply and all of the information.
You really had a challenge returning to work in NYC. We have our mfg business in a resort, I hobble to the car and my hubbie drives me to work at our office - so I only have to walk from house to car to office and around the office.
I did the shower thing this morning and was nervous with the plastic bag. I ordered one of those Dynacast cast covers online that was suggested and should get it Tues. They're supposed to be great. I got a shower chair and hand shower. Put a chair in front of the mirro and works pretty good to sit there and get ready.
I wasn't comfortable at work today so either I get a wheelchair that will work at my desk and keep my foot elevated or I figure out another method with my boxes/pillows that will keep my leg more elevated or I just do 1/2 days until my post op doc appt on Nov 8. I'm 5 days past surgery so maybe it's a little early. My foot hurt worse tonight than it has since the first/second day.
The crutches and walker do hurt buta rollabout wouldn't work too well either. Guess I have to get stronger or something.
Thanks again.
Mary
debbie g
10-30-2007, 06:12 PM
just remember the arm exercises you did before and do them sitting down of course. maybe use light weights.
tess50
11-01-2007, 03:50 PM
The Drycast cast cover has a thick plastic vinyl "sock" with a hard plastic ring that keeps the "sock's" shape. The neat thing is that there is a rubber gasket that hugs the leg and keeps water from penetrating. You just put it on like a boot over the cast, slide the ring up near the knee and make sure the gasket is flush with the skin. Instant waterproofing! Thousands times better than a plastic bag. I forgot to mention that my husband installed a hand held shower head--one that could be brought down so I could sit and rinse, etc. I know I could NOT have survived the ordeal if I could not shower somewhat normally!
As for fiber, I took a fiber dietary supplement and added lots of green leafy veggies, oatmeal and apples. I ate at least two apples a day.j
Boredom may be unavoidable at times, but I became addicted to Su***u puzzles and caught up on some great movies and books. Keep up your spirits and know that there are people here who understand and will commiserate with you!!! :wave:
As for fiber, I took a fiber dietary supplement and added lots of green leafy veggies, oatmeal and apples. I ate at least two apples a day.j
Boredom may be unavoidable at times, but I became addicted to Su***u puzzles and caught up on some great movies and books. Keep up your spirits and know that there are people here who understand and will commiserate with you!!! :wave:
tess50
11-01-2007, 03:56 PM
THanks for shaing your experience its helped me a lot,Im having ankle replacement surgery on monday,and i am terrified just 50 but i have got severe arthritis so something has to be done.I have bought books too and want to get myself stuck into a good book,puzzles etc,i love the internet so the hospital has that on their mod patientline.so il keep you all posted.Its been a journey too,i got a second opinion but it does say the same,fusion wont last for me they say so pray for me please.My husband has done the low shower like you said as we live in a flat,with 18 stairs to,but they may keep me in for 6 weeks they have said,i have been in so much pain and havent been out for a while,i need a stick so i hope this makes my walking better without the limp.thanks.teresa
Mary51493
11-01-2007, 04:27 PM
Teresa,
I'll keep you in my prayers. Ankle replacement sounds like a notch above bunionectomy - at least. Staying in the hospital for as long as you need to is a good thing -along with healing, recovery and physical therapy I would think. Hey, I am a volunteer caring clown at my hospital and I took clown noses for my docs and nurses. Took one for myself and had my husband take a pic of me. Laughter is healing. Keep me posted and be well!
Mary
I'll keep you in my prayers. Ankle replacement sounds like a notch above bunionectomy - at least. Staying in the hospital for as long as you need to is a good thing -along with healing, recovery and physical therapy I would think. Hey, I am a volunteer caring clown at my hospital and I took clown noses for my docs and nurses. Took one for myself and had my husband take a pic of me. Laughter is healing. Keep me posted and be well!
Mary
music47
11-02-2007, 11:41 PM
Hi Tess
I've never had an ankle replacement but I've had an ankle fusion which now I have severe arthritis in the ankle. Praying that your surgery will go well on Monday. Please stay in touch.
Mus
I've never had an ankle replacement but I've had an ankle fusion which now I have severe arthritis in the ankle. Praying that your surgery will go well on Monday. Please stay in touch.
Mus