Ninarbo
07-25-2008, 01:37 AM
I had bunion surgery on july 11 and i am going out of my mind. I am very active and workout everyday on my treadmill and now i a confined to a couch with my laptop and tv. You dont realize how depressing surgery can be. Iam really praying when my pin comes out of my toe on monday my recovery moves faster. I have a wonderful husband but i feel so bad that all i do is complain about the pain and going house crazy. wow what a bad time to not be able to go for a walk or even drive to the store after being in all winter long. I was just wondering if anyone feels depressed after your surgey and if so do you have any suggestions to get past this?
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OnTheGoodFoot
07-25-2008, 02:36 AM
I share your depression after surgery. I, too, am extremely active. And I'm addicted to golf. The one thing saving me is that I practiced driving with my left foot a couple of weeks before surgery. So I am able to drive, take myself out to lunch, or do a quick grocery store trip. I just joined. But what made me reply is that I had my surgery on July 10th!!!! And I cried more that first weekend than I have in a very long time.
Having said that, hang in there. As the pain dissipates and you are able to get out more, you will feel better. Also, talking on the phone with friends is really helping too. I keep telling myself how thankful I am that I do not have a permanent disability. Lots of self talk and lots of time sleeping, surprisingly.
What doesn't kill me will make me stronger (lol)
Having said that, hang in there. As the pain dissipates and you are able to get out more, you will feel better. Also, talking on the phone with friends is really helping too. I keep telling myself how thankful I am that I do not have a permanent disability. Lots of self talk and lots of time sleeping, surprisingly.
What doesn't kill me will make me stronger (lol)
eileen1215
07-25-2008, 02:44 AM
Hi there. I had surgery (bunion, joint implant and pins in 2 toes) on 7/9 and have sat in the recliner w/my laptop and watched tv for the last week (didn't care about doing anything for the first week post-op). I am also struggling w/depression from the same kind of issues you mentioned. This is a normal part of recovery, though. It's that stage between "I'm totally reliant on others" and "now I can get around a little and do some things for myself". The fact that it's summer is also a bummer. But, foot surgery seems to be a whole different process than other surgeries. It takes a good deal of time, but as I understand, it's well worth it in the end. Thank you for sharing. It helped reinforce that my experience is typical of this kind of surgery. Take heart and take care. In a few more weeks you'll feel so much better and can enjoy some sunshine.
Janesfoot
07-25-2008, 07:15 AM
I'm eleven wks post-op double bunionectomy on the right foot with osteotomies and pins. I want you to know it will get better. What helped me when I was feeling down was to put things in perspective. I knew I had a right to be miserable, but then I would compare my situation to those who were suffering elsewhere (the earthquake in China had just occured). This really helped give me a dose of reality that my problems were temporary, and I had so many good things in my life to be grateful for. As I mentioned in a different thread, once the pins came out, recovery went into overdrive.
Stitcher317
07-25-2008, 09:47 AM
Hi Everyone,
Boy, it's so good to listen to everyone's story.
I had a Keller Bunionectomy on Jne 23rd. Bandages totally removed Tues and I am now 4 weeks out. My foot is till quite sore when walking. I was asked to try to start transitioning out of the surgical shoe this week. That isn't happening. I am still quite swollen. I am hoping I didn't overdo it in the beginning and that's what is causing the delay in getting out of the surgical shoe and into a wide sneaker. Maybe I am expecting too much at 4 weeks?
I've known for over a year that I had to get the surgery done and planned to have it this summer while we are in our summer home up in the mountains. I am extremely active and busy in the winter months in Fla. so I thought this would be a relaxing time! I collected movies, books and needlepoint to keep me occupied and of course the news is always on in the background! Maybe that is why I get depressed! I do have permission to drive now.
Where were all of you at 4 weeks? Still uncomfortable? It seems I haven't made any progress in that department for the past 2 weeks. I didn't have any pins. One of my friends who is a retired physician teased me yesterday and said, "You aren't as young as you used to be so healing will take longer"...
WOW - I thought 66 was the new 46! At least I felt that way a month ago! ;)
.
Boy, it's so good to listen to everyone's story.
I had a Keller Bunionectomy on Jne 23rd. Bandages totally removed Tues and I am now 4 weeks out. My foot is till quite sore when walking. I was asked to try to start transitioning out of the surgical shoe this week. That isn't happening. I am still quite swollen. I am hoping I didn't overdo it in the beginning and that's what is causing the delay in getting out of the surgical shoe and into a wide sneaker. Maybe I am expecting too much at 4 weeks?
I've known for over a year that I had to get the surgery done and planned to have it this summer while we are in our summer home up in the mountains. I am extremely active and busy in the winter months in Fla. so I thought this would be a relaxing time! I collected movies, books and needlepoint to keep me occupied and of course the news is always on in the background! Maybe that is why I get depressed! I do have permission to drive now.
Where were all of you at 4 weeks? Still uncomfortable? It seems I haven't made any progress in that department for the past 2 weeks. I didn't have any pins. One of my friends who is a retired physician teased me yesterday and said, "You aren't as young as you used to be so healing will take longer"...
WOW - I thought 66 was the new 46! At least I felt that way a month ago! ;)
.
Janesfoot
07-25-2008, 10:00 AM
I had my pins removed at 4 wks, but told to not try a shoe until the 5th wk. Even then the stitch site was tender. My foot is smaller than it was because my bunions on either side of the foot were huge. Walking was not comfortable at four wks. I think you are perfectly normal. I was pretty antsy after the first month, and my mind thought I should be doing more than my body wanted. I'm 48. Is that the new 28?
dncergrl53
07-25-2008, 11:39 AM
I'm not sure this will help, but in the last 5 years I have heard of 3 teenagers who have become permanently paralyzed through sports accidents. One is paralyzed from the neck down. I have a friend who died of cancer at 47. I have other friends who died in sport related injuries. So, to me, my foot surgery is small potatoes. I am just thrilled that it is possible to have a condition that is relatively "fixable". Sitting on the couch with the full use of my arms, my bladder and my mind is a gift.
emmie54
07-25-2008, 09:29 PM
I had bunion surgery on july 11 and i am going out of my mind. I am very active and workout everyday on my treadmill and now i a confined to a couch with my laptop and tv. You dont realize how depressing surgery can be. Iam really praying when my pin comes out of my toe on monday my recovery moves faster. I have a wonderful husband but i feel so bad that all i do is complain about the pain and going house crazy. wow what a bad time to not be able to go for a walk or even drive to the store after being in all winter long. I was just wondering if anyone feels depressed after your surgey and if so do you have any suggestions to get past this?
Having had three foot surgeries in two and a half years with two stress fractures thrown in for good measure yes, I can relate.
you just have to know that the down times will pass and are a normal part of recovery. Recovery from PTT surgery is a year, so many times I had to just force myself to get out of the house even if it just meant driving around. A positive that came from it is I became much more grateful for family and friends and I will never take walking for granted again. I am much more attuned to the trials of the disabled and what they face on a daily basis. So I am grateful for the blessings that came from the pain as they really are there. You just have to look for them. hang in there.
Having had three foot surgeries in two and a half years with two stress fractures thrown in for good measure yes, I can relate.
you just have to know that the down times will pass and are a normal part of recovery. Recovery from PTT surgery is a year, so many times I had to just force myself to get out of the house even if it just meant driving around. A positive that came from it is I became much more grateful for family and friends and I will never take walking for granted again. I am much more attuned to the trials of the disabled and what they face on a daily basis. So I am grateful for the blessings that came from the pain as they really are there. You just have to look for them. hang in there.
debbie g
07-25-2008, 10:41 PM
if you read past posts then you will find everyone has or had a major depression problem after surgery. i was an avid tennis player, skiier and exerciser. i have had 7 surgeries in almost 4 years. if your recovery is going well for you then relax and keep a positive attitude. you will be so thankful when it is all over. just follow the drs orders so you never have to have surgery again.
footsiedee
07-26-2008, 05:25 AM
ninarbo, as you can see you are not alone. i picked summer on purpose, as it would be too hot to be at work anyway. what depresses me most is reading from all the seniors who are normally playing tennis , joggin etc.LOL! i have lost 10 pounds in last couple weeks, but my job makes it easy to pack on the pounds, sitting driving a car all day. i gained 20 pounds when i returned to that job a few years ago. so i hope you are able to count your blessings and enjoy letting your hubbie do nice things for you. because sooner than you realize you will be back on your feet being busy and active again. if you are blessed with all that energy i know it must be hard to sit still for so long. good luck and good healing.
walleye77
07-26-2008, 08:12 PM
Good books, labtops, tv, (for me a WII and games that are mind challenging)coming out to these message boards because the people that are here are the most wonderful, understanding, helpful people I have ever been lucky enough to converse with. I have had 2 shoulder surgeries, one frozen shoulder, 1 foot surgery and now a stress fracture in the same foot, all in the last 1yr. Ya its hard to be remanded to the couch or recliner, having to depend on others to help you, yes husbands are pretty good at doing some things, but its just not how you would do it. You can do it later, right now just lay back suck in the attention, and recover, recover, recover. I can say this now cuz a couple of wonderful people on this board helped me, Debbie g, janewhite1, emmie54, plus a few others. Listen to them. A speedy recovery.;)
dncergrl53
07-26-2008, 09:33 PM
Debbie, A major depression is a serious illness. I think it misleads newcomers to think that is inevitable after surgery. I was not depressed or even sad after my surgery. If anything, I was exhilarated that it went well and that I have a brighter future with my new foot. I was prepared to be stuck on the couch and so I organized my life to have things to do (and eat!) while I recuperate. But it is also true that I know people in much more dire straights than me so I don't feel so hard done by. I put off surgery in part because of all the horror stories. I should have done this years ago, instead. I followed orders 100% and I could not have had a better outcome. I am very happy with my new and improved foot.
janewhite1
07-26-2008, 09:54 PM
Good point, dncergrl53. Not everyone experiences real depression, but, some emotional low points are not uncommon, especially if you have setbacks. For me, the path leading up to surgery had been very difficult, including several periods of anger, grief and frustration. After, my recovery seemed so easy in comparison to what had gone before that I couldn't possibly be unhappy!
Ninarbo
07-26-2008, 10:41 PM
Iam sorry if i offended anyone by saying depression after surgery. The words i should have used should have been going house crazy. Depression is very serious and should not be taken lightly. There are much worse things that i could be going through. Therefore if i did offended anyone i am sorry. I should just ask if anyone has any suggestions on passing the time.
catldyfromnpt
07-27-2008, 12:40 AM
I'm just over 6 weeks post op. I had triple athrodesis, my ankle repaired and my foot realigned. I'll be in a cast for at least another 6 weeks and right now.. my tv, computer and books are the only things keeping me sane. I"ve had days where I was depressed, being stuck in the house.. but its passes.. like everyone else here has said.. its part of recovery. each day gets easier.
dncergrl53
07-27-2008, 12:50 AM
Nina, I sure you didn't offend anyone, but it is important to be clear, esp to newbies about passing on potentially scary information. Everyone would agree being housebound is a drag, though.
emmie54
07-27-2008, 02:26 AM
It's okay to say you are depressed. There is clinical depression which can be very serious and there is "situational" depression which will usually improve when the situation changes. Foot surgery is a typically a long recovery and it does indeed play on your emotions. And even though everyone can find someone else that has it worse than they do, this is still affecting you and you have a right to be sad that your life has changed, even if temporarily. It doesn't make your feelings any less valid just because it could be worse. Just know that it does get better where some people don't ever get better. For that, be grateful. But it's okay to feel bad, too. Also, pain medication can wreak havoc on the emotions. That's what this board is for... support through the tough times.
footsiedee
07-27-2008, 04:59 AM
ninarbo hope you are feeling less frustrated. i for one wish i had a laptop, because i found reading this board very helpful, except my foot would swell so i couldnt stay on computer for long sitting at the desk. i had not given thought to the fact that since being off the foot for a month or more, the bones may be a little weak. i read it here, so am going to go slow until i see doc in 3 days. since you have some time, perhaps reading some other posts would be eyeopening for you. it is so cool to have all this experience at our fingertips. i have found this helpful, and a place to vent my unfounded (so far) worries, and benefit from others experiences. r u still elevating the foot and icing? i think that is what has made these last few weeks go so well is that i stayed off the foot and iced it up to 3 weeks. but first 3 days was crucial. and i intend to 'ease' back into the weight bearing slowly. i vacuumed the whole apt friday, but then read some horror stories, so i am now in no hurry to do chores that can wait. good luck.
Tracie1204
07-27-2008, 12:11 PM
I have been reading this thread but chose not to say anything----but Emmie, well said, my friend. You said exactly what I was thinking, but I just was having trouble putting it into words!
debbie g
07-27-2008, 03:22 PM
thank you emmie, also. i think we we all refering to situational depression. clinical depression is a horrible disease. i think we tend to use that word too loosely. going crazy and feeling sad are probably better terms to use. i am sorry for what i said-just trying to empathize. we are here on this board to vent our own stories and try to help others. we should be truthful and positive with eachother and not negative.
nifty fifty
07-27-2008, 07:01 PM
It is so good to hear other people are having the same problem of depression. I have readed, watched movies till I am sick of it. I to am a active person. I am only 2 weeks out since my bone fusion on right big toe. Had stitches out Friday and said all looks good, and after 2 more weeks to start putting some weight on the toe. It is only 50% weight bearing on my heel now. I finally got a old desk chair with rollers on to move around in, my walker has really mad me sore.Two more weeks of sitting around before I can drive. I go back in 4 weeks and he said he hoped to have me in a shoe. I was really getting depressed, but after reading your posts I feel better. Keep writing posts because it does help us new ones to understand we are not alone...:):):angel:
forevergimpy
07-27-2008, 08:30 PM
It certainly is hard to feel trapped in the house while recovering. Do you have any stationary hobbies you could enjoy (scrapbooking, sudoku, cross stitch, etc)? That may break up the boredom a bit. I know for me I have been able to do some of the bill organization and digital picture sorting since it's a seated task. They are both jobs I'd been putting off because they were tedious and now at least they help me to feel like I've accomplished something! I'm also pretty lucky in that I'm a teacher and am still able to tutor this summer (the kids are coming here to me). Keep looking and I'm sure you'll find something to keep you occupied as you heal.
badfeet51
07-27-2008, 10:29 PM
I was actually house bound for nearly 12 weeks. Complications from my fusions and still have to have another surgical re-do on the same fusion on August 27th. So, the first fusion was 3/21, did not fuse and a re-do on 4/22 and several weeks after that found out it was not appearing to fuse. Have 3rd surgery scheduled as I said for Aug. I have learned to be patient b/c this is dragging on and on. Still, i got house bound crazy or whatever.......What I did to help with that was lots of tv, reading, laptop surfing, and telephone calls to lots of people. First week, did nothing but moan and groan and feel sorry for myself. on this healthboard i went to all sorts of different problems and read through lots of them. That was interesting. I can also lose myself in a book if it is good. oh, i also had my hubby keep lots of easy things for me to eat. nothing will really make up for not being able to get up and do the things you want to, but you should be able to find a few things to make time pass quicker. Good luck.
catldyfromnpt
07-28-2008, 01:16 AM
I've found that near the end of the day, using the walker makes my entire body ache.. i started switching off and using crutches sometimes and that made a difference. they're alot less wear and tear on your body.. i feel more secure with the walker though.. so use whats most comfortable.
oh and i've seen just about ever movie on HBO and Cinemax and all the food network shows. that and books and the computer.. they really do make the time go by fast.. but some days drag no matter what.
oh and i've seen just about ever movie on HBO and Cinemax and all the food network shows. that and books and the computer.. they really do make the time go by fast.. but some days drag no matter what.
nifty fifty
07-28-2008, 12:39 PM
Today is a better day. Had a bad weekend, but I guess we are entitled to a few bad days. I am getting around better in my rolling chair, than my walker. Did anyone use their heel and walk, after bone fusion on the big toe? I use it to balance, but that is all. Also is there any excerise to help with the muscles in the calf of you leg. My muscles have fallen in my leg of the surgery foot. On my other leg I have muscles that like great from using it so much. The Dr. said to lay in bed and do some sit-ups and leg lifts, maybe that will help. If you dangle your foot down to much , all the blood rushes back and it starts to tingle and turn blue, but I have to do is elvate and it looks good again. Have a good day.
dncergrl53
07-28-2008, 01:23 PM
Hi Nifty, I used a knee scooter for 5 weeks and it alllowed me to go out a bit and be in a different position at home than the rolling chair, which I also used. I also had a shower chair. I don't think there is anything you can do about your calf until you are able to move your foot unless you know how to fire it isometrically. I am 8 weeks out and my calf is weaker on my affected side, but it is coming back rapidly. I found I just have to be careful doing things like cycling now because the muscle imbalance in my leg (weak calf- strong qua) causes twinges in my knee. If I go slowly and carefully, I am ok. You can do ab work and get killer abs while your calf goes to pot.
Hankster13
07-28-2008, 01:44 PM
I was NWB for 5 month with a sress fracture that wouldn't heal. I can relate to the emotional rollercoaster you go throuh. I am a VERY active person, and went from fill tilt to full halt. I suffered. My husband suffered. I thought it would be only a matter of 6 weeks and then i would be back in action. But each checkup produced more waiting til i finally had surgery in Feb. and went through the recovery from that.
I definatly had situational depression. My husband had to drive me everywhere, he referd to himself as a "soccor mom". I wasn't participating in any of my usual activities, and was missing the friends that are associated with those as well.
After 6 weeks i joined a gym. It was night and day how much better i felt. I was able to do upper body weights, and lots of core work. The trainers the the gym were great, helping me figure out how to adapt excersises for NWB, and schleping dumbells to benches and back for me. I was also given permission to swim, (you can get a waterproof cast cover) but never qiute got around to that. It seemed a bit daunting to face all the showers and wet surfaces at a pool with crutches. Crutches in the winter are trial enough.
I can honestly say that joining the gym kept me sane. I am still going about 5days a week. As i am still non-impact, i can get all the cardio i want on the great varity of non-impact machines there. And i had all the equipment in the world to do my PT excersises on between PT appointments.
I definatly had situational depression. My husband had to drive me everywhere, he referd to himself as a "soccor mom". I wasn't participating in any of my usual activities, and was missing the friends that are associated with those as well.
After 6 weeks i joined a gym. It was night and day how much better i felt. I was able to do upper body weights, and lots of core work. The trainers the the gym were great, helping me figure out how to adapt excersises for NWB, and schleping dumbells to benches and back for me. I was also given permission to swim, (you can get a waterproof cast cover) but never qiute got around to that. It seemed a bit daunting to face all the showers and wet surfaces at a pool with crutches. Crutches in the winter are trial enough.
I can honestly say that joining the gym kept me sane. I am still going about 5days a week. As i am still non-impact, i can get all the cardio i want on the great varity of non-impact machines there. And i had all the equipment in the world to do my PT excersises on between PT appointments.
debbie g
07-28-2008, 02:27 PM
i have some gym equipment in my house. it really does help. thats a great idea to join a gym while nwb!