scribytoo
09-12-2008, 02:11 AM
I have one question for others who have gone through this - did you ever have a brief slip where you put your foot down with a little weight on it? I've had a couple occasions where I lost balance briefly and it was down before I knew it. Never to stand on but know that one time there was a little weight applied. I'm so scared of this I'm afraid to try getting around more. I hope to never have to go through this again. My surgeon said I could rest the foot on the floor without putting weight on it (like sitting on the toilet,etc.) In fact, the splint is so heavy, I'm afraid if I turned a little funny in bed, it would roll right off the pillows:)
The rest of what follows is my "story" for the last week.
It's been 1 week and two days since my surgery. My orthopod said he was able to somewhat rebuild my arch and otherwise straighten out the foot. The first two days were far more difficult - painful - than either of my Total Knees. Even with the nerve block and PPA. But the anesthesiologist who did the nerve block seemed to be having some trouble and the same thing happened when I had the knee done on the same leg. Who knows? I struggled with spasms until they gave me some Valium. Once we got on the Vicodin on a regular around the clock schedule, it got much better.
I was in the hospital two nights rather than overnight. The Pt in the hospital was absolutely insistent I use a walker rather than crutches. I find it very difficult. PT wouldn't clear me to go home until I could prove I could get up 4 steps because that's what it takes to get in my house. We finally had to convince them that we were getting help to get up the steps in a wheelchair. Especially due to the size of my wrapped, splinted foot, the lifting is terrible. I can't be sure but having done a lot of leg lifts with weights in knee rehab, I swear this gear weighs between 10 to 15 pounds. I can barely lift it onto my bed much less the pillows. Looking very forward to getting it off next week when my staples come out. At that time I'm supposed to get a regular cast.
Once I arrived home, I had to go up 4 outside steps and simply couldn't do it. Not enough strength in my hop. So my husband and a friend got me up the steps in a wheelchair. Though we'd done a lot of setting up, nothing prepared me for how difficult it was going to be to get around. I can't use the knee roller because my TkR on that knee is only 3 mos. old. I can use the walker sometimes to get to the bathroom which is about 15 steps away. We did get a commode for easy access, especially at night. It is a great invention, even though I was very resistant at first. Once I was home, the pain stopped being bad and has only been discomfort most of the time. I'm working at spacing out the Vicodin more, taking only one, etc. But I won't let the pain come on and have come to recognize the limits on that after first taking it around the clock.
Then there was the issue of the wheelchair rental and my lovely 1950's door sizes. The only chair the rental place could offer will not go through anything but the archway to my hall. And it weighed 56 lbs. Finally a friend got me a more reasonably sized chair through the local VFW. It still won't go through the kitchen arch or the bathroom door unless we take the door off. That's certainly an option since it's just me and my husband. Because my husband works nights, my church has signed up people to come by and help me get my dog and cats fed and taken care of as well as seeing to it I get some dinner. They are such good friends!
I'm spending a lot of time in bed, reading and watching TV. I feel so inept with the walker and so afraid of hurting my "good" leg/foot. I'd like to go hang out on the couch in the livingroom but I'm afraid I couldn't get up. I really like getting up from taller surfaces...much easier. But like most people here, I've always worked up to 10 or more hours a day on foot and it's already getting kind of ...boring. Oh well, at least I'll get to watch the season change this year.
And since there's no way to go but forward one day at a time, I think I'm doing ok right now.
Thanks for listening to anyone who got through this whole thing. Oh, one more question,
Did anyone else working with a walker...or even crutches, get occasional burning muscle pain in the abdomen? It feels like muscle pull and usually happens when I first stand up.
Enough for tonight!
Blessings to all,
Linda
The rest of what follows is my "story" for the last week.
It's been 1 week and two days since my surgery. My orthopod said he was able to somewhat rebuild my arch and otherwise straighten out the foot. The first two days were far more difficult - painful - than either of my Total Knees. Even with the nerve block and PPA. But the anesthesiologist who did the nerve block seemed to be having some trouble and the same thing happened when I had the knee done on the same leg. Who knows? I struggled with spasms until they gave me some Valium. Once we got on the Vicodin on a regular around the clock schedule, it got much better.
I was in the hospital two nights rather than overnight. The Pt in the hospital was absolutely insistent I use a walker rather than crutches. I find it very difficult. PT wouldn't clear me to go home until I could prove I could get up 4 steps because that's what it takes to get in my house. We finally had to convince them that we were getting help to get up the steps in a wheelchair. Especially due to the size of my wrapped, splinted foot, the lifting is terrible. I can't be sure but having done a lot of leg lifts with weights in knee rehab, I swear this gear weighs between 10 to 15 pounds. I can barely lift it onto my bed much less the pillows. Looking very forward to getting it off next week when my staples come out. At that time I'm supposed to get a regular cast.
Once I arrived home, I had to go up 4 outside steps and simply couldn't do it. Not enough strength in my hop. So my husband and a friend got me up the steps in a wheelchair. Though we'd done a lot of setting up, nothing prepared me for how difficult it was going to be to get around. I can't use the knee roller because my TkR on that knee is only 3 mos. old. I can use the walker sometimes to get to the bathroom which is about 15 steps away. We did get a commode for easy access, especially at night. It is a great invention, even though I was very resistant at first. Once I was home, the pain stopped being bad and has only been discomfort most of the time. I'm working at spacing out the Vicodin more, taking only one, etc. But I won't let the pain come on and have come to recognize the limits on that after first taking it around the clock.
Then there was the issue of the wheelchair rental and my lovely 1950's door sizes. The only chair the rental place could offer will not go through anything but the archway to my hall. And it weighed 56 lbs. Finally a friend got me a more reasonably sized chair through the local VFW. It still won't go through the kitchen arch or the bathroom door unless we take the door off. That's certainly an option since it's just me and my husband. Because my husband works nights, my church has signed up people to come by and help me get my dog and cats fed and taken care of as well as seeing to it I get some dinner. They are such good friends!
I'm spending a lot of time in bed, reading and watching TV. I feel so inept with the walker and so afraid of hurting my "good" leg/foot. I'd like to go hang out on the couch in the livingroom but I'm afraid I couldn't get up. I really like getting up from taller surfaces...much easier. But like most people here, I've always worked up to 10 or more hours a day on foot and it's already getting kind of ...boring. Oh well, at least I'll get to watch the season change this year.
And since there's no way to go but forward one day at a time, I think I'm doing ok right now.
Thanks for listening to anyone who got through this whole thing. Oh, one more question,
Did anyone else working with a walker...or even crutches, get occasional burning muscle pain in the abdomen? It feels like muscle pull and usually happens when I first stand up.
Enough for tonight!
Blessings to all,
Linda
Sponsor
taape
09-12-2008, 03:02 AM
I haven't had surgery but my husband had surgery for a shattered ankle 2 weeks ago. I can relate to your frustration with all the pain and the architectural barriers. We've had to do some adjusting around our house. Using crutches isn't easy. My guess is that if your lifting your leg with an extra 10-15 lbs with the cast and all maybe you did pull an abdominal muscle. I hope it gets better soon. My husband wasn't complaining of abdominal pain as much as knee pain from lifting the leg up getting into bed and elevating it but in a position that puts stress on the knee. I hope you heal fast.
shelleybutn
09-12-2008, 10:55 AM
linda, glad your surgery went well. don't worry too much about accidentally putting your foot down. the cast is there to protect you. i took a big digger off my crutches 3 weeks after surgery and HIT my foot down on the ground, so hard. the doc said not too worry, unless a new pain develops. he said that is what the cast is for.
i find crutches much easier. and yes you probably did pull an ab muscle. you are using muscles that you never have used before. it will get better and your body will adjust. make sure you are getting enough protein, it helps rebuild body tissue (muscles, etc.) and helps with the soreness.
shelley
i find crutches much easier. and yes you probably did pull an ab muscle. you are using muscles that you never have used before. it will get better and your body will adjust. make sure you are getting enough protein, it helps rebuild body tissue (muscles, etc.) and helps with the soreness.
shelley
scribytoo
09-12-2008, 03:56 PM
Thanks for the encouragement. I was hoping someone else had dealt with the "foot down" issue. I'm working at trying to lift more with my arms but we're going to work with crutches when my husband is home this weekend.
I was off-line for a few days and knew that if I could get on this group, it would put some of my fears to rest.
Linda
I was off-line for a few days and knew that if I could get on this group, it would put some of my fears to rest.
Linda
mimi2945
09-12-2008, 04:32 PM
Hi Linda,
Glad your surgery is over and that you're home. I too had the accidentally put down foot and it scared me too...it's so hard not to put your bad foot down no matter how hard you try. I find if I put my heel down when I stand that it gives me just enough leverage that I have better balance. In fact when they took off my first cast, the heel was the dirtiest part...now I'm in my second cast and hopefully the third one will be something lighter than this one. It's tough to move around, but I have the knee scooter and love it. I have a bad shoulder and couldn't use crutches or the walker so the scooter was my only choice...I couldn't use it for about two weeks because the incision was in my knee and it was super tender but now it's okay.
The boredom is the most difficult thing to deal with but you can read or spend time on the pc...I've never been a big television fan but there are some good programs on that I have gotten hooked on.
I too have some great friends and neighbors that have brought us food and still come by to see how I'm doing. My husband has done an incredible job taking care of me...a real surprise....he said now he realizes how much I did to keep our house running.(about time,huh?)
Anyway, hang in there with the rest of us...thank goodness for this site.
God Bless,
Paula
Glad your surgery is over and that you're home. I too had the accidentally put down foot and it scared me too...it's so hard not to put your bad foot down no matter how hard you try. I find if I put my heel down when I stand that it gives me just enough leverage that I have better balance. In fact when they took off my first cast, the heel was the dirtiest part...now I'm in my second cast and hopefully the third one will be something lighter than this one. It's tough to move around, but I have the knee scooter and love it. I have a bad shoulder and couldn't use crutches or the walker so the scooter was my only choice...I couldn't use it for about two weeks because the incision was in my knee and it was super tender but now it's okay.
The boredom is the most difficult thing to deal with but you can read or spend time on the pc...I've never been a big television fan but there are some good programs on that I have gotten hooked on.
I too have some great friends and neighbors that have brought us food and still come by to see how I'm doing. My husband has done an incredible job taking care of me...a real surprise....he said now he realizes how much I did to keep our house running.(about time,huh?)
Anyway, hang in there with the rest of us...thank goodness for this site.
God Bless,
Paula
catldyfromnpt
09-12-2008, 04:33 PM
hi Linda,
I almost went down the day after I came home and was just as worried. then I sat on my bed and had a complete meltdown over the whole thing and how I regretted it. but it got better after that. and xanax.
I had serious issues with the physical therapist at my hospital. I'd probably get kicked off the site if I referred to her as what I'm thinking.. but I wanted to use crutches, but had a hard time standing getting off the bed on one foot (keep in mind I'd been in bed for 48 hours and was dizzy as hell) I finally managed to stand, but felt like I was going to fall over with the crutches. she convinced me to try a walker. at this point I was pretty disgusted and said fine. I managed okay with that. she asked if I had stairs and I said no (luckily this house originally belonged to my grandparents and they'd had a ramp built. thank god. because i'm not coordinated enough to do stairs. ever) then she made a comment about how that was a good thing cause otherwise they'd suggest sending me to a rehab center rather than home. I basically told her off and never saw her again. thank god.
I use the walker almost all the time. about 3 or 4 weeks after my surgery I decided to give myself a break and try the crutches since the walkers so damn big. I did okay with them but didn't feel steady. then I started getting that pain in the abdomen like you mentioned so i switched back to the walker. I'm a little past 3 months post op now. STILL in a cast (thats another story. ultra conservative doctor. and I'm sick of being in the house.. but anyway...) now I'm getting shoulder pain from using the walker. so I'd definetely try to switch back and forth if you're comfortable with it. it makes things easier.
I also haven't attempted my living room couch. I use my wheelchair if I go out and thats only for doctor appts. I have a stool in the kitchen that swivels, which has been a godsend. I've even baked a cake and have a pork roast in the crockpot right now, simmering away for tomorrows dinner. I'm bored out of my mind. I spend alot of time on here, watching tv and reading.
I'm worried about my 'good' foot, just like everyone else is. I was told to wear a shoe on it for extra support, but half the time I forget to. I'll never go thru this again though. it just takes too long and its soooooo frustrating.
please don't hesitate to take the pain medicine if you need it. I still do. if I hurt, I take something.
hang in there hon. we've all been thru it.. or are going thru it.. I'm really glad I found this board.
take care.
~maryanne
I almost went down the day after I came home and was just as worried. then I sat on my bed and had a complete meltdown over the whole thing and how I regretted it. but it got better after that. and xanax.
I had serious issues with the physical therapist at my hospital. I'd probably get kicked off the site if I referred to her as what I'm thinking.. but I wanted to use crutches, but had a hard time standing getting off the bed on one foot (keep in mind I'd been in bed for 48 hours and was dizzy as hell) I finally managed to stand, but felt like I was going to fall over with the crutches. she convinced me to try a walker. at this point I was pretty disgusted and said fine. I managed okay with that. she asked if I had stairs and I said no (luckily this house originally belonged to my grandparents and they'd had a ramp built. thank god. because i'm not coordinated enough to do stairs. ever) then she made a comment about how that was a good thing cause otherwise they'd suggest sending me to a rehab center rather than home. I basically told her off and never saw her again. thank god.
I use the walker almost all the time. about 3 or 4 weeks after my surgery I decided to give myself a break and try the crutches since the walkers so damn big. I did okay with them but didn't feel steady. then I started getting that pain in the abdomen like you mentioned so i switched back to the walker. I'm a little past 3 months post op now. STILL in a cast (thats another story. ultra conservative doctor. and I'm sick of being in the house.. but anyway...) now I'm getting shoulder pain from using the walker. so I'd definetely try to switch back and forth if you're comfortable with it. it makes things easier.
I also haven't attempted my living room couch. I use my wheelchair if I go out and thats only for doctor appts. I have a stool in the kitchen that swivels, which has been a godsend. I've even baked a cake and have a pork roast in the crockpot right now, simmering away for tomorrows dinner. I'm bored out of my mind. I spend alot of time on here, watching tv and reading.
I'm worried about my 'good' foot, just like everyone else is. I was told to wear a shoe on it for extra support, but half the time I forget to. I'll never go thru this again though. it just takes too long and its soooooo frustrating.
please don't hesitate to take the pain medicine if you need it. I still do. if I hurt, I take something.
hang in there hon. we've all been thru it.. or are going thru it.. I'm really glad I found this board.
take care.
~maryanne
catldyfromnpt
09-12-2008, 04:37 PM
hey Paula,
saw your post after I posted my response.. i've never been a tv fan either, but I'm totally hooked on alot of shows now. especially the food network. thats why when I'm not sittign here, I'm sitting in my kitchen creating something and leaving the dishes for someone else. LOL
I do the same thing with my foot when i'm getting up. and always rest it on the floor. I can elevate it for so long!
saw your post after I posted my response.. i've never been a tv fan either, but I'm totally hooked on alot of shows now. especially the food network. thats why when I'm not sittign here, I'm sitting in my kitchen creating something and leaving the dishes for someone else. LOL
I do the same thing with my foot when i'm getting up. and always rest it on the floor. I can elevate it for so long!
Lesley54
09-13-2008, 12:51 PM
I too had the heavy splint for 2 weeks. I made them weight it when they took it off. The nurse thought i was crazy. It weighed 3 pounds. The cast is much lighter. I found using crutches much easier. I had a walker also. The hospital also made me walk before they would discharge me. I live in a 2 story house and go up and down the stairs on my butt. I am getting very strong arms between the crutches and the stairs. I use an office chair to get around the downstairs of the house (wood floors). I push myself around with the good foot and keep the casted foot straight up. I keep my bad foot on a chair when I eat at the table and in restaurants. The more active you are the faster you will recover. But, everything is an effort. I figured out the shower. I have a shower stall and put in a folding chair (metal) and have it near the knobs. I keep the door open with another chair to rest my leg on. I bought a plastic cast cover so it won't get wet. They have handles that you can put in the shower that are strong suctions to pull yourself up and down to move from seat to seat. But the shower does wonders. I am now 4 weeks post op. I am lucky, it is my left leg and now I drive short distances. My foot throbs, but less and less every day. Hope this helps you.
Lesley
Lesley
gaetano1
09-13-2008, 03:55 PM
I had triple arthrodesis done on Feb. 25, 2008. They built me a new arch, did a cadaver bone graft, put 3 screws in my foot and lengthened the achilles tendon. I spent 1 night in the hospital and after night 2 did not need pain pills; however, I did take the 800 mg. Advil from time to time. I also had the plaster splint for 2 weeks before graduating to the cast which was on for a total of 11 weeks. At 7 weeks they allowed me to walk on it which helped. From the 11 week through the 13th week they put me in an inflatible boot cast which could be taken off to bath and sleep. On week 14 (June 3) I could do tennis shoes part-time. And on June 10th I was back in regular shoes full-time. As of today my gait is just about back to normal and I rarely have any sort of pain. It took me about 1 month to regain my energy. I'm up to walking 3 miles a day in about 55 minutes and have been back to the gym for a month doing muscle conditioning. When in shoes other than tennis shoes, my foot still swells a little but is going down by the week. I even put on low heels for church without a problem. Luckily I had one of those rolling crutches which turned out to be a godsend. After the first week I did just about everything I've always done (cooking, laundry, vacuuming, etc.). I did use crutches some, purchased a commode chair to fit on top of my toilet, and also bought an inflatible cast protector for the shower and went up and down steps on my butt. Between that action and the rolling crutches my shoulder took a beating. I had a fantastic surgeon (Dr. George Quill), but unfortunately they don't quite tell you the whole story when describing the convalesance period. If they did, nobody would go through with the surgery! Good Luck.
shelleybutn
09-15-2008, 10:07 PM
maryanne, my "good foot" also is becoming awful. it's more painful than the surgery foot. i am now out of boot sometimes, still work in the boot. am getting more soft tissue pain now, not bone pain.
hope recovery is going well. haven't chatted in a while.
shelley
hope recovery is going well. haven't chatted in a while.
shelley
catldyfromnpt
09-16-2008, 01:25 PM
I keep an online journal elsewhere and decided to share my first entry from after the surgery. thought you might get a little entertainment out of it and a little of an idea on how you actually feel a few days after surgery.. I don't even remember writing it. lol
this was written Sunday June 15th. I had the Surgery June 12th.
but first.. Shelley- I'm doing okay. I wrote an update on the thread that you started yesterday.
here goes.. probably should probably edit it a little. LOL
-------------------------------
this entry brought to you by 2 percocets and a xanax. yay
I got the good stuff.
This was NOT What I expected. Okay,I never expected it to be easy, but I didn't expect it to be this hard either and the 10 pound cast on my foot is driving me nuts. Keep in mind, I'm a person who can't stand wearing socks to bed. this things $%^&ing heavy.
I got there at 10:30 Thursday morning and went thru admitting quickly and they had me changed and in the OR by 11am. then person after person came in introducing themselves and i had no clue who was who and started to get really nervous at about that point. it took them 3 tries to find a vein for the IV(i really do have blood lol) and the anesthesiologist came in and asked me questions, this was my first surgery ever aside from tonsils when i was 7. then another anesthesiologist came in, this woman.. she was a $%^&*. sorry but she was. she gave me lidocaine to breathe in to open my airways a little which totally stressed me out because that was one of the few things I wasn't worried about and now I had this new worry.. i felt like i was gonna have a panic attack so the first anesthesiologist gave me something for that and thats the last thing I remember. I woke up in the recovery room at 6pm, my throat was sore as all @#%&ing hell, i had no voice and god, did my foot hurt. I think a rabid skunk gnawing it off would have hurt less. I ate a little ice and they got me some juice and i was able to talk a little, they said to push the pain button every 8 minutes and i watched that clock and did just that. lol
my mom came in about 7 and talked to me for a bit, they didn't put the cast on because i had so much drainage, I looked down and saw the drainage thing full of blood and fluids and almost passed out. told mom to go home so she could get out of the city before dark. i stayed in there til 11 and then they moved me to my room. I was still kind of groggy and out of it, i hadn't eaten all day so they gave me a bunch of cookies and cracker packets, i ended up snacking on them all 3 nights.
i had a fever the first night and the pain meds worked okay that night because my foot was still numb from the surgery. yesterday morning they removed the drainage bulb thing, and put the cast on. around the same time the numbness wore off and omfg did it hurt. they usually give foot surgery patients morphine for the pain. i can't take it cause it gives me migraines, I don't even know what was in the pain pump, i forgot, they gave me toradol with that and that brought me a little relief but not much. then that started giving me a headache too.
back to the first night for a second. I was up almost all night. i had a fever, then my blood count was high, so they did blood work to test my blood enzymes. keep in mind, I don't have blood. took them 4 tries to get some, now i have a bruise the size of the state of RI on my arm. as well as bruises on my other arms from other blood sucking attempts. lol luckily i don't have a fear of needles. so finally they get my blood and its 4am. i can't get comfortable and I'm tired, cranky and frustrated. i fall asleep til 7 when they bring breakfast. and coffee. thank god. coffee. i needed it. the food was actually good too, and considering i didn't have much of an appetite, i ate pretty good while i was there. til they brought me FISH the second night. i was like. um. no. and they brought me chicken like 10 minutes later so that was cool.
second night was better i slept thru almost the whole night and then the next morning was what i wrote about earlier, getting the cast and all the pain. getting around is a $%^&*. I tried crutches, but didn't feel safe, so I'm using a walker and going very, very slow. i have a wheelchair too, which is mainly for when I go out, which won't be often. Speaking of $%^&*es. the physical therapist was one. she comes in with crutches, lowers the bed to the height of an average bed and proceeds to go on and on about how to get up, etc. I'm groggy as all h*ll and of course I couldn't get up. then she asks if I have stairs and I'm like yeah, but we have a ramp too, then the $%^&* is like "thats good because otherwise we'd be talking about sending you to a rehab facility instead of home" I just gave her 'the look' she shut up. smart one. anyway. she asks me if I want to try the walker. I said fine. whatever. I just wanted her out. I hopped to the window and back to the bed and the #$%^& was satisfied.
so its not as easy as i thought it was gonna be. at all. I'm a little disappointed and regret doing it, but its kinda late for that and i know it'll get better each day and getting around will get easier. I'm just frustrated now. well not right now, I'm mellowed out now, but was frustrated earlier. right now, I'm just tired and pain meds are kicking in. i forgot i had xanax and took one of them earlier.
I know I'm leaving stuff out, I'm forgetting alot but it'll all come to me eventually. I'll catch up with you guys eventually, but not sure how much longer i can sit here.
this was written Sunday June 15th. I had the Surgery June 12th.
but first.. Shelley- I'm doing okay. I wrote an update on the thread that you started yesterday.
here goes.. probably should probably edit it a little. LOL
-------------------------------
this entry brought to you by 2 percocets and a xanax. yay
I got the good stuff.
This was NOT What I expected. Okay,I never expected it to be easy, but I didn't expect it to be this hard either and the 10 pound cast on my foot is driving me nuts. Keep in mind, I'm a person who can't stand wearing socks to bed. this things $%^&ing heavy.
I got there at 10:30 Thursday morning and went thru admitting quickly and they had me changed and in the OR by 11am. then person after person came in introducing themselves and i had no clue who was who and started to get really nervous at about that point. it took them 3 tries to find a vein for the IV(i really do have blood lol) and the anesthesiologist came in and asked me questions, this was my first surgery ever aside from tonsils when i was 7. then another anesthesiologist came in, this woman.. she was a $%^&*. sorry but she was. she gave me lidocaine to breathe in to open my airways a little which totally stressed me out because that was one of the few things I wasn't worried about and now I had this new worry.. i felt like i was gonna have a panic attack so the first anesthesiologist gave me something for that and thats the last thing I remember. I woke up in the recovery room at 6pm, my throat was sore as all @#%&ing hell, i had no voice and god, did my foot hurt. I think a rabid skunk gnawing it off would have hurt less. I ate a little ice and they got me some juice and i was able to talk a little, they said to push the pain button every 8 minutes and i watched that clock and did just that. lol
my mom came in about 7 and talked to me for a bit, they didn't put the cast on because i had so much drainage, I looked down and saw the drainage thing full of blood and fluids and almost passed out. told mom to go home so she could get out of the city before dark. i stayed in there til 11 and then they moved me to my room. I was still kind of groggy and out of it, i hadn't eaten all day so they gave me a bunch of cookies and cracker packets, i ended up snacking on them all 3 nights.
i had a fever the first night and the pain meds worked okay that night because my foot was still numb from the surgery. yesterday morning they removed the drainage bulb thing, and put the cast on. around the same time the numbness wore off and omfg did it hurt. they usually give foot surgery patients morphine for the pain. i can't take it cause it gives me migraines, I don't even know what was in the pain pump, i forgot, they gave me toradol with that and that brought me a little relief but not much. then that started giving me a headache too.
back to the first night for a second. I was up almost all night. i had a fever, then my blood count was high, so they did blood work to test my blood enzymes. keep in mind, I don't have blood. took them 4 tries to get some, now i have a bruise the size of the state of RI on my arm. as well as bruises on my other arms from other blood sucking attempts. lol luckily i don't have a fear of needles. so finally they get my blood and its 4am. i can't get comfortable and I'm tired, cranky and frustrated. i fall asleep til 7 when they bring breakfast. and coffee. thank god. coffee. i needed it. the food was actually good too, and considering i didn't have much of an appetite, i ate pretty good while i was there. til they brought me FISH the second night. i was like. um. no. and they brought me chicken like 10 minutes later so that was cool.
second night was better i slept thru almost the whole night and then the next morning was what i wrote about earlier, getting the cast and all the pain. getting around is a $%^&*. I tried crutches, but didn't feel safe, so I'm using a walker and going very, very slow. i have a wheelchair too, which is mainly for when I go out, which won't be often. Speaking of $%^&*es. the physical therapist was one. she comes in with crutches, lowers the bed to the height of an average bed and proceeds to go on and on about how to get up, etc. I'm groggy as all h*ll and of course I couldn't get up. then she asks if I have stairs and I'm like yeah, but we have a ramp too, then the $%^&* is like "thats good because otherwise we'd be talking about sending you to a rehab facility instead of home" I just gave her 'the look' she shut up. smart one. anyway. she asks me if I want to try the walker. I said fine. whatever. I just wanted her out. I hopped to the window and back to the bed and the #$%^& was satisfied.
so its not as easy as i thought it was gonna be. at all. I'm a little disappointed and regret doing it, but its kinda late for that and i know it'll get better each day and getting around will get easier. I'm just frustrated now. well not right now, I'm mellowed out now, but was frustrated earlier. right now, I'm just tired and pain meds are kicking in. i forgot i had xanax and took one of them earlier.
I know I'm leaving stuff out, I'm forgetting alot but it'll all come to me eventually. I'll catch up with you guys eventually, but not sure how much longer i can sit here.
mimi2945
09-16-2008, 03:25 PM
Hey,
I'm so glad it's over for you but I promise it will get better. The only thing that is now driving me nutz is the cast!! I'm so ready to get rid of it...the pain will start to ease up next week so in the meantime just take the pain meds before the pain starts..if it says every 3-4 hours take it at the 3 hour mark, that way the pain will be kept at bay.
You sound like you've got it all under control...you might want to look into the chair scooter if you plan to stay on one floor. I can't imagine life without it right now. I can at least go outside tor a breath of fresh air and we finally got a cool front (one of the leftovers from hurricane Ike) it was the coolest day yesterday since last spring...OMG, it felt great!!
But back to you, just take it easy ...that's truly the hardest part...staying still and not doing anything is the most difficult but you have to do it. The surgery was a piece of cake compared to staying down for 3 months...but look at me, I'm now 6 weeks post op...only 6 more to go(I hope) so hang in there...you've got all of us to b**** to and we're all good listeners...
Take good care,
Paula
I'm so glad it's over for you but I promise it will get better. The only thing that is now driving me nutz is the cast!! I'm so ready to get rid of it...the pain will start to ease up next week so in the meantime just take the pain meds before the pain starts..if it says every 3-4 hours take it at the 3 hour mark, that way the pain will be kept at bay.
You sound like you've got it all under control...you might want to look into the chair scooter if you plan to stay on one floor. I can't imagine life without it right now. I can at least go outside tor a breath of fresh air and we finally got a cool front (one of the leftovers from hurricane Ike) it was the coolest day yesterday since last spring...OMG, it felt great!!
But back to you, just take it easy ...that's truly the hardest part...staying still and not doing anything is the most difficult but you have to do it. The surgery was a piece of cake compared to staying down for 3 months...but look at me, I'm now 6 weeks post op...only 6 more to go(I hope) so hang in there...you've got all of us to b**** to and we're all good listeners...
Take good care,
Paula
mimi2945
09-16-2008, 03:39 PM
Hey,
I'm so glad it's over for you but I promise it will get better. The only thing that is now driving me nutz is the cast!! I'm so ready to get rid of it...the pain will start to ease up next week so in the meantime just take the pain meds before the pain starts..if it says every 3-4 hours take it at the 3 hour mark, that way the pain will be kept at bay.
You sound like you've got it all under control...you might want to look into the chair scooter if you plan to stay on one floor. I can't imagine life without it right now. I can at least go outside tor a breath of fresh air and we finally got a cool front (one of the leftovers from hurricane Ike) it was the coolest day yesterday since last spring...OMG, it felt great!!
But back to you, just take it easy ...that's truly the hardest part...staying still and not doing anything is the most difficult but you have to do it. The surgery was a piece of cake compared to staying down for 3 months...but look at me, I'm now 6 weeks post op...only 6 more to go(I hope) so hang in there...you've got all of us to b**** to and we're all good listeners...
Take good care,
Paula
I'm so glad it's over for you but I promise it will get better. The only thing that is now driving me nutz is the cast!! I'm so ready to get rid of it...the pain will start to ease up next week so in the meantime just take the pain meds before the pain starts..if it says every 3-4 hours take it at the 3 hour mark, that way the pain will be kept at bay.
You sound like you've got it all under control...you might want to look into the chair scooter if you plan to stay on one floor. I can't imagine life without it right now. I can at least go outside tor a breath of fresh air and we finally got a cool front (one of the leftovers from hurricane Ike) it was the coolest day yesterday since last spring...OMG, it felt great!!
But back to you, just take it easy ...that's truly the hardest part...staying still and not doing anything is the most difficult but you have to do it. The surgery was a piece of cake compared to staying down for 3 months...but look at me, I'm now 6 weeks post op...only 6 more to go(I hope) so hang in there...you've got all of us to b**** to and we're all good listeners...
Take good care,
Paula
klbs1961
09-16-2008, 04:30 PM
This is too funny, I am so scared about this whole thing! Surgery on my right foot is 10/09. Then later they are telling me I need the left foot done. Right now I am in a boot, and my left foot is really beginning to hurt. I think I will print your post and take it to my docs. I think before any doctor does surgery, they should have teh proceedure done on them first, that goes for PT's and pain docs. Kathy
catldyfromnpt
09-16-2008, 10:26 PM
yeah. I totally agree with you. my doctors probably never even had a cast before and then on my last visit had the nerve to b*tch at me because I'd scratched inside of it. hes good, but at times his bedside manner sucks. I should post more of my diary entries. they're pretty entertaining. or you could always join open diary. I don't remember alot from my first few weeks, so having the diary to write in gives me something to read back on (and a good reason to never do this again!) i use the same name there Catlady =)
klbs1961
09-16-2008, 10:51 PM
I have never heard of that, can you somehow provide more information? My husband found something on the web, it is an aerosol that you spray into the cast to help with the itch, and dries out moisture. I dont' know if ou read the post from Alex, but he got an infections from a sweaty cast! No thank you!
catldyfromnpt
09-16-2008, 10:55 PM
yeah, I did see his post about getting an infection from a sweaty cast. I worry about infection too, luckily we have central air, but this things still pretty hot. my incisions looked good at the first 2 cast changes, but the third one didn't look good at all and I've been worried about it ever since. thats part of why Im hoping I'll get 'the boot' tomorrow, then I can soak my foot. and shave my leg. ugh. I don't even want to think about how bad it must look under the cast.
got edited again. don't even remember what I said. lol
got edited again. don't even remember what I said. lol
klbs1961
09-16-2008, 11:25 PM
I don't see any numbers, found the site, use the same name.
scribytoo
09-17-2008, 01:38 AM
CatLady,
Loved your story. It's amazing how different it can be in some ways and how similar in others. I've gotten through 2 weeks, staple removal and a nicer cast than the splint was. Tonight I'm happy about it. Tomorrow will bring what it brings. I sure am glad there are others to share this with!
Linda in So. Dakota
Loved your story. It's amazing how different it can be in some ways and how similar in others. I've gotten through 2 weeks, staple removal and a nicer cast than the splint was. Tonight I'm happy about it. Tomorrow will bring what it brings. I sure am glad there are others to share this with!
Linda in So. Dakota
catldyfromnpt
09-17-2008, 08:36 PM
Kathy,
you have to join. start a diary, even if you don't write in it (but you should.. its fun and you meet great people just like here) then you'll be able to find me. I write about alot of really personal stuff, so can't have it public. but i trust everyone here.
btw.. CAST IS OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you have to join. start a diary, even if you don't write in it (but you should.. its fun and you meet great people just like here) then you'll be able to find me. I write about alot of really personal stuff, so can't have it public. but i trust everyone here.
btw.. CAST IS OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
klbs1961
09-17-2008, 10:17 PM
HORRAY!!!! I am so happy for you. Today was a bad day pain wise. I am training someone to do my job while I am out on sick leave, so I had her sit at my desk, while I attacked my filing pile. BIG MISTAKE:( I spent the remainder of the day with my foot up on my desk, popping pain meds. A reminder why I am allowing the docs to fillet my foot in 3 weeks. I created a diary, and used the same member name. Kathy
Lesley54
09-21-2008, 11:48 AM
I get my cast off On Sept. 25. 4 more nights in a cast. I have a waterproof cast. Have done some swimming. The biggest problem is the cast takes 24 hours to really dry. So I use the cast cover for showers but don't worry too much about it getting wet. It also does not smell. I have been driving short distances, have been to the movies (once) in a wheel chair and kept my foot elevated on the front railing out of the wheel chair. I get the boot on Thursday. I tripped on Friday night and put full falling weight on my foot. Freaked me out and had some pain yesterday and last night. Hope I didn't hurt anything, because I want this cast off!! I rented the Invacare knee walker and returned it the same day. Do I want to rent the Rolleraid with the boot? How much longer do you think I will be non-weight bearing? The dr. will tell me this week. Can't stand being dependent on people.
janewhite1
09-21-2008, 12:11 PM
The invacare knee walker is an accident waiting to happen.
I understand the Rolleraid and Turning leg caddy are much safer.
I understand the Rolleraid and Turning leg caddy are much safer.
klbs1961
09-24-2008, 10:40 PM
OK...pre-op is tomorrow at 4:00. Received the roller-aid today. Of course the kids feel it is a toy just for them. I also ordered some 'family safe' pj's. I got ones that have shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Anything else that would be helpful besides courage?
cripy
09-25-2008, 01:23 AM
Hey everyone,
I too recently had Triple Arthrodesis performed on my left foot/ankle on Auguest 22. I'm 24 years old male and was born with a nerve disease called CMT [Charcot Marie Tooth] and I have always had extremely high arches in my feet. Both my feet are affected by this, but my left has always been the worst and my ankle was practically "falling over" when I walked. I'm currently in an external "ring" fixator (link to after pic below) and they gave me crutches, a walker and a wheelchair. I don't really use the crutches or walker at all as my leg just has a big metal thing on it that just looks WAY too easy to "mess up"...and I don't want to mess anything up after all this trouble. I'm now into my 5th week after the surgery and stay in my wheelchair / couch. Luckily, I have the ability to work from home-- but cabin fever sucks. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow for some x-rays and things. (haven't seen him in 3 weeks so I'm excited)
I don't really have anymore pain and I have been off the pain medication for about 5 days now.
The good news is, my extreme arch is gone and my foot appears to be very flat (my fiancee is happy!) This surgery can be very intense on family members as you rely on them for -everything-.
I can't wait for the day that this external fixator is removed from my leg! It's a bit heavy and IMPOSSIBLE to sleep with! Also, since it has screws coming down everywhere sometimes when I just rest it on the wheelchair footing the screw Im resting on "slips" and my foot drops down. OUCH!
My Dr told me that I can take showers with this clunky thing on and that's almost impossible. My sponge can hardly reach all the crevices and I've been having a problem with not being able to wash all the soap off and getting that soap 'scum' you get that you can scratch off with your fingernails. (any tips on that are welcome) It always appears to be fully washed off but it never is.
I'm ready to have this thing removed and begin the next mission of trying to walk!
This board has some great stories and I love to hear all the good recoveries from this surgery as it makes me feel better about my recovery.
Thanks.
I too recently had Triple Arthrodesis performed on my left foot/ankle on Auguest 22. I'm 24 years old male and was born with a nerve disease called CMT [Charcot Marie Tooth] and I have always had extremely high arches in my feet. Both my feet are affected by this, but my left has always been the worst and my ankle was practically "falling over" when I walked. I'm currently in an external "ring" fixator (link to after pic below) and they gave me crutches, a walker and a wheelchair. I don't really use the crutches or walker at all as my leg just has a big metal thing on it that just looks WAY too easy to "mess up"...and I don't want to mess anything up after all this trouble. I'm now into my 5th week after the surgery and stay in my wheelchair / couch. Luckily, I have the ability to work from home-- but cabin fever sucks. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow for some x-rays and things. (haven't seen him in 3 weeks so I'm excited)
I don't really have anymore pain and I have been off the pain medication for about 5 days now.
The good news is, my extreme arch is gone and my foot appears to be very flat (my fiancee is happy!) This surgery can be very intense on family members as you rely on them for -everything-.
I can't wait for the day that this external fixator is removed from my leg! It's a bit heavy and IMPOSSIBLE to sleep with! Also, since it has screws coming down everywhere sometimes when I just rest it on the wheelchair footing the screw Im resting on "slips" and my foot drops down. OUCH!
My Dr told me that I can take showers with this clunky thing on and that's almost impossible. My sponge can hardly reach all the crevices and I've been having a problem with not being able to wash all the soap off and getting that soap 'scum' you get that you can scratch off with your fingernails. (any tips on that are welcome) It always appears to be fully washed off but it never is.
I'm ready to have this thing removed and begin the next mission of trying to walk!
This board has some great stories and I love to hear all the good recoveries from this surgery as it makes me feel better about my recovery.
Thanks.
catldyfromnpt
09-26-2008, 11:26 PM
Welcome Cripy.. I don't know how you can stand that external fixator, the very first foot doctor I went to showed me one of those. I said "no way" and he never saw me again. lol. no other doctors even mentioned them.
I had Triple Athrodesis on June 12th.. still in a cast.. It should come off at my next dr. appt on 10/8. I've had enough of this and want my life back.. we all do here. and its just as hard on the people that are taking care of us..
showers are tricky.. I have a shower seat and its awesome.. most of the time I just do sponge baths, its faster and easier.
I'll be glad when this is all done and over with. good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.. theres several of us on this board who have had TA and we've all come to rely on the support of each other.
~Maryanne
PS- Kathy.. how'd the pre-op go?
I had Triple Athrodesis on June 12th.. still in a cast.. It should come off at my next dr. appt on 10/8. I've had enough of this and want my life back.. we all do here. and its just as hard on the people that are taking care of us..
showers are tricky.. I have a shower seat and its awesome.. most of the time I just do sponge baths, its faster and easier.
I'll be glad when this is all done and over with. good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.. theres several of us on this board who have had TA and we've all come to rely on the support of each other.
~Maryanne
PS- Kathy.. how'd the pre-op go?
shelleybutn
09-27-2008, 08:42 AM
cripy, hang in there. why did you have to get the external fixator and not screws and cast? just curious. i had a triple may 9th and am finally kinda normal. can squeeze into a shoe sometimes. have pain but in other spots, not in bone so thats good.
hang in there and keep us updated.
shelley
hang in there and keep us updated.
shelley
klbs1961
09-28-2008, 12:22 AM
Maryanne,
The pre-op was postponed. It is now this Wednesday. I need help from everyone please. This is the problem: I am having aniexity attacks in the middle of the night over this surgery. Some nights I am lucky to get a couple hours sleep. I can fall asleep, but then the comments of well meaning individuals 'pops' into mind, and that is that! I try to laugh tings off, but I know it is going to hurt like *(&! One co-worker said "Oh, with he screws in your foot, when it gets really cold, your feet will really feel the pain" Helpful don't you think?
I appreciate your honesty when you said I believe you stated something to the effect of wishing for a rabid skunk to knaw off your foot. I understand that feeling, and it is different when someone that has been through the experience states the facts. I am sorry, my fears are getting the better of me.
Kathy
The pre-op was postponed. It is now this Wednesday. I need help from everyone please. This is the problem: I am having aniexity attacks in the middle of the night over this surgery. Some nights I am lucky to get a couple hours sleep. I can fall asleep, but then the comments of well meaning individuals 'pops' into mind, and that is that! I try to laugh tings off, but I know it is going to hurt like *(&! One co-worker said "Oh, with he screws in your foot, when it gets really cold, your feet will really feel the pain" Helpful don't you think?
I appreciate your honesty when you said I believe you stated something to the effect of wishing for a rabid skunk to knaw off your foot. I understand that feeling, and it is different when someone that has been through the experience states the facts. I am sorry, my fears are getting the better of me.
Kathy
cripy
09-28-2008, 01:41 AM
Well, when I began my journey into getting my operation the first Dr I visited said that my case was too complicated for her so she referred me to her professor.
After visiting the professor a few times, I found out he was a doctor known around the USA for certain procedures and has dealt with certain patients who fly to FL just to have a surgery done by him. This fellow obviously knows what he is doing.
He strongly recommended the external fixator to me and said that it's the best thing currently out for dealing with this kind of operation and it will allow a good recovery, allow "adjustments" to be made to your foot for better correction and it doesn't leave behind any "after product" (screws, etc...) I'm generally the type of guy that just lets the Dr tell me how it is because he's the Dr and I'm not...especially one who is a professor.
The external fixator is not easy, it gets in the way and is very complicated at times. It requires lots of maintenance and cleaning and can become a very tedious task. I haven't had too much pain after the first week or two (and everytime I go for adjustments its a painful day), but other than that...I'm pretty much pain free. My doctor is aiming for next Friday for removal[no promises though :(]
Somewhere down the line I have 3 more surgeries to go. One more surgery on my current operated foot to correct the toes and then the same 2 surgeries on my other foot. (Triple Arthrodesis and toe correction) :/
P.S.
Apparently applying an external fixator is serious business and takes some skill. My Dr went to Russia where the technique was invented to learn it best.
After visiting the professor a few times, I found out he was a doctor known around the USA for certain procedures and has dealt with certain patients who fly to FL just to have a surgery done by him. This fellow obviously knows what he is doing.
He strongly recommended the external fixator to me and said that it's the best thing currently out for dealing with this kind of operation and it will allow a good recovery, allow "adjustments" to be made to your foot for better correction and it doesn't leave behind any "after product" (screws, etc...) I'm generally the type of guy that just lets the Dr tell me how it is because he's the Dr and I'm not...especially one who is a professor.
The external fixator is not easy, it gets in the way and is very complicated at times. It requires lots of maintenance and cleaning and can become a very tedious task. I haven't had too much pain after the first week or two (and everytime I go for adjustments its a painful day), but other than that...I'm pretty much pain free. My doctor is aiming for next Friday for removal[no promises though :(]
Somewhere down the line I have 3 more surgeries to go. One more surgery on my current operated foot to correct the toes and then the same 2 surgeries on my other foot. (Triple Arthrodesis and toe correction) :/
P.S.
Apparently applying an external fixator is serious business and takes some skill. My Dr went to Russia where the technique was invented to learn it best.
shelleybutn
09-29-2008, 11:17 AM
That's very interesting Cripy. Hang in there. Hopefully it comes off soon. Will you be in a boot then?
Kathy, don't freak out. yes there are a few first days that really sucked. but just set up family and friends to help and you will get through it. pain meds are amazing. then it will get depressing about 6-8 weeks in cuz you are so bored and just want to do SOMETHING.
but it is worth it. hang in there. don't fret. when you start to freak out, just think of the pain that you are in NOW and that it will be better.
Kathy, don't freak out. yes there are a few first days that really sucked. but just set up family and friends to help and you will get through it. pain meds are amazing. then it will get depressing about 6-8 weeks in cuz you are so bored and just want to do SOMETHING.
but it is worth it. hang in there. don't fret. when you start to freak out, just think of the pain that you are in NOW and that it will be better.
catldyfromnpt
09-29-2008, 11:49 AM
Kathy, I had really bad anxiety and I just asked my primary doctor for something. he gave me xanax and it made a big difference. the best advice that i can give for after surgery is that each day gets a little easier.. let everyone help you.. you'll need it in the beginning cause just the short trip to the bathroom will exhaust you.. but every day its a little better.. and we're all here for you too.
Cripy.. I'm sorry you have to go thru this again. we all worry about that possibility.. but you already know so that really sucks. at least you have plenty of support at home.
Cripy.. I'm sorry you have to go thru this again. we all worry about that possibility.. but you already know so that really sucks. at least you have plenty of support at home.
klbs1961
09-30-2008, 04:42 AM
I noticed you are officially a 'senior member' Thanks for the info. I jut need this to be over with. I almost wish they could/would do both feet at the same time. If I have to be in pain, then let' make the most of it!
catldyfromnpt
09-30-2008, 12:31 PM
omg. the thought of having both done at once terrifies me. don't even think that! LOL
klbs1961
10-02-2008, 11:35 PM
I just want this over with!
shelleybutn
10-03-2008, 09:36 PM
seriously, too much trouble with one, imagine not being able to move AT ALL?!? forget about it. one at a time. don't worry, we are all in the same boat. my right one is starting to get soooo painful where before my left surgery in may it was the better of the two. but still, would never think to do both. you would be confined to a wheelchair for months and months.
klbs1961
10-03-2008, 11:21 PM
I know, I just am tired of the pain!
father33
10-02-2009, 12:42 PM
I had triple fusion in by right foot ankle 25/09/09 and am know in a full plaster cast for 16weeks. Iam finding it very painful and difficult using the walker. I always thought I was fairly fit and strong but like you I had to have transport from the hospital and be carried into the house because of the steps. Anyway I hope things can only get better. Kind regards. Colin.
canuck46
10-03-2009, 11:48 AM
I had triple fusion in by right foot ankle 25/09/09 and am know in a full plaster cast for 16weeks. Iam finding it very painful and difficult using the walker. I always thought I was fairly fit and strong but like you I had to have transport from the hospital and be carried into the house because of the steps. Anyway I hope things can only get better. Kind regards. Colin.
I didn't use a walker right after surgery. I did have a wheelchair bedside and could wheel myself to bathroom etc. When I was in a boot (after cast removed) I did use a walker and crutches. It does get better - I promise. I am 7 months out from my triple on my right foot/ankle and I can ride a bike, walk about a mile and it gets better everyday. We do have some setbacks when overdoing still get some swelling and pain. Most important to reduce pain is keeping your foot elevated as much as you can. Good luck, take care, Mar
I didn't use a walker right after surgery. I did have a wheelchair bedside and could wheel myself to bathroom etc. When I was in a boot (after cast removed) I did use a walker and crutches. It does get better - I promise. I am 7 months out from my triple on my right foot/ankle and I can ride a bike, walk about a mile and it gets better everyday. We do have some setbacks when overdoing still get some swelling and pain. Most important to reduce pain is keeping your foot elevated as much as you can. Good luck, take care, Mar
jhbopeep
10-12-2009, 10:56 PM
I have one question for others who have gone through this - did you ever have a brief slip where you put your foot down with a little weight on it? I've had a couple occasions where I lost balance briefly and it was down before I knew it. Never to stand on but know that one time there was a little weight applied. I'm so scared of this I'm afraid to try getting around more. I hope to never have to go through this again. My surgeon said I could rest the foot on the floor without putting weight on it (like sitting on the toilet,etc.) In fact, the splint is so heavy, I'm afraid if I turned a little funny in bed, it would roll right off the pillows:)
The rest of what follows is my "story" for the last week.
It's been 1 week and two days since my surgery. My orthopod said he was able to somewhat rebuild my arch and otherwise straighten out the foot. The first two days were far more difficult - painful - than either of my Total Knees. Even with the nerve block and PPA. But the anesthesiologist who did the nerve block seemed to be having some trouble and the same thing happened when I had the knee done on the same leg. Who knows? I struggled with spasms until they gave me some Valium. Once we got on the Vicodin on a regular around the clock schedule, it got much better.
I was in the hospital two nights rather than overnight. The Pt in the hospital was absolutely insistent I use a walker rather than crutches. I find it very difficult. PT wouldn't clear me to go home until I could prove I could get up 4 steps because that's what it takes to get in my house. We finally had to convince them that we were getting help to get up the steps in a wheelchair. Especially due to the size of my wrapped, splinted foot, the lifting is terrible. I can't be sure but having done a lot of leg lifts with weights in knee rehab, I swear this gear weighs between 10 to 15 pounds. I can barely lift it onto my bed much less the pillows. Looking very forward to getting it off next week when my staples come out. At that time I'm supposed to get a regular cast.
Once I arrived home, I had to go up 4 outside steps and simply couldn't do it. Not enough strength in my hop. So my husband and a friend got me up the steps in a wheelchair. Though we'd done a lot of setting up, nothing prepared me for how difficult it was going to be to get around. I can't use the knee roller because my TkR on that knee is only 3 mos. old. I can use the walker sometimes to get to the bathroom which is about 15 steps away. We did get a commode for easy access, especially at night. It is a great invention, even though I was very resistant at first. Once I was home, the pain stopped being bad and has only been discomfort most of the time. I'm working at spacing out the Vicodin more, taking only one, etc. But I won't let the pain come on and have come to recognize the limits on that after first taking it around the clock.
Then there was the issue of the wheelchair rental and my lovely 1950's door sizes. The only chair the rental place could offer will not go through anything but the archway to my hall. And it weighed 56 lbs. Finally a friend got me a more reasonably sized chair through the local VFW. It still won't go through the kitchen arch or the bathroom door unless we take the door off. That's certainly an option since it's just me and my husband. Because my husband works nights, my church has signed up people to come by and help me get my dog and cats fed and taken care of as well as seeing to it I get some dinner. They are such good friends!
I'm spending a lot of time in bed, reading and watching TV. I feel so inept with the walker and so afraid of hurting my "good" leg/foot. I'd like to go hang out on the couch in the livingroom but I'm afraid I couldn't get up. I really like getting up from taller surfaces...much easier. But like most people here, I've always worked up to 10 or more hours a day on foot and it's already getting kind of ...boring. Oh well, at least I'll get to watch the season change this year.
And since there's no way to go but forward one day at a time, I think I'm doing ok right now.
Thanks for listening to anyone who got through this whole thing. Oh, one more question,
Did anyone else working with a walker...or even crutches, get occasional burning muscle pain in the abdomen? It feels like muscle pull and usually happens when I first stand up.
Enough for tonight!
Blessings to all,
Linda
Dear Linda,
Just joined this web site after being diagnosed with the same sort of procedure you just had. I am having mine after the first of the year, and I, too, have had two total knee replacements. I also had surgery over ten years ago on both feet where they put a screw into both ankles in an effort to lift both of my ankles "off the floor". (Looked like an ice skating beginner!!). I am 69, my wonderful husband is 83 (married a "younger" girl - HA) - and he is so ready for me to do this. It means whether we will still have a life outside our house and car together. I don't have any muscles above my knees (don't know why) - so with arthritis, it is hard to get out of a chair. (Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the spread of my backside, now, could it?) Anyway, I will follow your recoup with great interest and support - You hang in there, too, lady. God Bless you, too. Jeanie
The rest of what follows is my "story" for the last week.
It's been 1 week and two days since my surgery. My orthopod said he was able to somewhat rebuild my arch and otherwise straighten out the foot. The first two days were far more difficult - painful - than either of my Total Knees. Even with the nerve block and PPA. But the anesthesiologist who did the nerve block seemed to be having some trouble and the same thing happened when I had the knee done on the same leg. Who knows? I struggled with spasms until they gave me some Valium. Once we got on the Vicodin on a regular around the clock schedule, it got much better.
I was in the hospital two nights rather than overnight. The Pt in the hospital was absolutely insistent I use a walker rather than crutches. I find it very difficult. PT wouldn't clear me to go home until I could prove I could get up 4 steps because that's what it takes to get in my house. We finally had to convince them that we were getting help to get up the steps in a wheelchair. Especially due to the size of my wrapped, splinted foot, the lifting is terrible. I can't be sure but having done a lot of leg lifts with weights in knee rehab, I swear this gear weighs between 10 to 15 pounds. I can barely lift it onto my bed much less the pillows. Looking very forward to getting it off next week when my staples come out. At that time I'm supposed to get a regular cast.
Once I arrived home, I had to go up 4 outside steps and simply couldn't do it. Not enough strength in my hop. So my husband and a friend got me up the steps in a wheelchair. Though we'd done a lot of setting up, nothing prepared me for how difficult it was going to be to get around. I can't use the knee roller because my TkR on that knee is only 3 mos. old. I can use the walker sometimes to get to the bathroom which is about 15 steps away. We did get a commode for easy access, especially at night. It is a great invention, even though I was very resistant at first. Once I was home, the pain stopped being bad and has only been discomfort most of the time. I'm working at spacing out the Vicodin more, taking only one, etc. But I won't let the pain come on and have come to recognize the limits on that after first taking it around the clock.
Then there was the issue of the wheelchair rental and my lovely 1950's door sizes. The only chair the rental place could offer will not go through anything but the archway to my hall. And it weighed 56 lbs. Finally a friend got me a more reasonably sized chair through the local VFW. It still won't go through the kitchen arch or the bathroom door unless we take the door off. That's certainly an option since it's just me and my husband. Because my husband works nights, my church has signed up people to come by and help me get my dog and cats fed and taken care of as well as seeing to it I get some dinner. They are such good friends!
I'm spending a lot of time in bed, reading and watching TV. I feel so inept with the walker and so afraid of hurting my "good" leg/foot. I'd like to go hang out on the couch in the livingroom but I'm afraid I couldn't get up. I really like getting up from taller surfaces...much easier. But like most people here, I've always worked up to 10 or more hours a day on foot and it's already getting kind of ...boring. Oh well, at least I'll get to watch the season change this year.
And since there's no way to go but forward one day at a time, I think I'm doing ok right now.
Thanks for listening to anyone who got through this whole thing. Oh, one more question,
Did anyone else working with a walker...or even crutches, get occasional burning muscle pain in the abdomen? It feels like muscle pull and usually happens when I first stand up.
Enough for tonight!
Blessings to all,
Linda
Dear Linda,
Just joined this web site after being diagnosed with the same sort of procedure you just had. I am having mine after the first of the year, and I, too, have had two total knee replacements. I also had surgery over ten years ago on both feet where they put a screw into both ankles in an effort to lift both of my ankles "off the floor". (Looked like an ice skating beginner!!). I am 69, my wonderful husband is 83 (married a "younger" girl - HA) - and he is so ready for me to do this. It means whether we will still have a life outside our house and car together. I don't have any muscles above my knees (don't know why) - so with arthritis, it is hard to get out of a chair. (Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the spread of my backside, now, could it?) Anyway, I will follow your recoup with great interest and support - You hang in there, too, lady. God Bless you, too. Jeanie
jhbopeep
10-12-2009, 10:58 PM
Hope you received my reply to your posting, Paula. I am new at this. Good luck with a speedy recoveryl. Jeanie,
mammymim
10-22-2009, 03:36 AM
Dear Linda,
Just joined this web site after being diagnosed with the same sort of procedure you just had. I am having mine after the first of the year, and I, too, have had two total knee replacements. I also had surgery over ten years ago on both feet where they put a screw into both ankles in an effort to lift both of my ankles "off the floor". (Looked like an ice skating beginner!!). I am 69, my wonderful husband is 83 (married a "younger" girl - HA) - and he is so ready for me to do this. It means whether we will still have a life outside our house and car together. I don't have any muscles above my knees (don't know why) - so with arthritis, it is hard to get out of a chair. (Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the spread of my backside, now, could it?) Anyway, I will follow your recoup with great interest and support - You hang in there, too, lady. God Bless you, too. Jeanie
Just joined this web site after being diagnosed with the same sort of procedure you just had. I am having mine after the first of the year, and I, too, have had two total knee replacements. I also had surgery over ten years ago on both feet where they put a screw into both ankles in an effort to lift both of my ankles "off the floor". (Looked like an ice skating beginner!!). I am 69, my wonderful husband is 83 (married a "younger" girl - HA) - and he is so ready for me to do this. It means whether we will still have a life outside our house and car together. I don't have any muscles above my knees (don't know why) - so with arthritis, it is hard to get out of a chair. (Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the spread of my backside, now, could it?) Anyway, I will follow your recoup with great interest and support - You hang in there, too, lady. God Bless you, too. Jeanie
mammymim
10-22-2009, 03:42 AM
Wow, I am glad this board is here. i have the triple on dec 15 th...I have 2 steps to get up into the house. i am 63, healthy still working as a nurse & my feet are killing me. I am looking forward to getting the foot fixed but not the recovery. i am worrying now that my house won't work for me. Shower upstairs...can you scoot up the stairs on your butt after a couple of weeks. i too have had both knees replaced & plan on using the knee scooter. The only way to get better is for me to go thru with it. but life will change drastically & that is what I am afraid of.If you have any words of wisdon let me know .Thanks
canuck46
10-23-2009, 08:59 PM
Wow, I am glad this board is here. i have the triple on dec 15 th...I have 2 steps to get up into the house. i am 63, healthy still working as a nurse & my feet are killing me. I am looking forward to getting the foot fixed but not the recovery. i am worrying now that my house won't work for me. Shower upstairs...can you scoot up the stairs on your butt after a couple of weeks. i too have had both knees replaced & plan on using the knee scooter. The only way to get better is for me to go thru with it. but life will change drastically & that is what I am afraid of.If you have any words of wisdon let me know .Thanks
Good luck on your forthcoming surgery. I am 7 mos. post and things get better and better but I too remember my fears. First of all good preparation is very helpful. I live in a multi-story house so I moved to the family room for a couple of months because it was on the same level as a bathroom and the garage to get to the car. My insurance covered a hospital bed which truly was a godsend since it was electric and I could get in and out very easily since I was also having sciatic problems so I had a triangle to pull myself up. They also paid for a wheelchair which I used to get to the bathroom and also came in handy for walks in the neighborhood while my husband pushed me!!! In the bathroom I had a raised toilet seat which takes the pressure off the knees and makes it easier to get off of without falling! I had the remote bedside, books, mags, and phone and lots of goodies that my friends provided me. Oh and my laptop was always within reach so I could talk to all my foot buddies. Don't worry about shower as my Dr. wouldn't let me until my foot was in a boot and incisions were healed. By then you will be able to crawl up the stairs. Also a shower seat came in handy. When I got my boot after the cast came off I was able to use my knee scooter and then crutches. In retrospect the time did go by quickly and I learned so many new ways to make my life easier. Just remember that it will be worth it in the end and your foot friends will be there to keep your spirits up. Lots of good wishes, Mar
Good luck on your forthcoming surgery. I am 7 mos. post and things get better and better but I too remember my fears. First of all good preparation is very helpful. I live in a multi-story house so I moved to the family room for a couple of months because it was on the same level as a bathroom and the garage to get to the car. My insurance covered a hospital bed which truly was a godsend since it was electric and I could get in and out very easily since I was also having sciatic problems so I had a triangle to pull myself up. They also paid for a wheelchair which I used to get to the bathroom and also came in handy for walks in the neighborhood while my husband pushed me!!! In the bathroom I had a raised toilet seat which takes the pressure off the knees and makes it easier to get off of without falling! I had the remote bedside, books, mags, and phone and lots of goodies that my friends provided me. Oh and my laptop was always within reach so I could talk to all my foot buddies. Don't worry about shower as my Dr. wouldn't let me until my foot was in a boot and incisions were healed. By then you will be able to crawl up the stairs. Also a shower seat came in handy. When I got my boot after the cast came off I was able to use my knee scooter and then crutches. In retrospect the time did go by quickly and I learned so many new ways to make my life easier. Just remember that it will be worth it in the end and your foot friends will be there to keep your spirits up. Lots of good wishes, Mar
scribytoo
10-24-2009, 01:47 AM
Hi. I haven't been here for a long time. I'm now a year and a month past my triple and I am amazed at how it has given me my life back! I was basically 12 weeks non-weight bearing and did about the same as Mar re the wheelchair, etc. But since I couldn't get it into the bathroom, I also had a bedside commode to help especially through the night. It was a tough go for awhile but I am so, so glad I did it. If I ever had to do something like it again, I would work very hard on upper body strength because I had to jump around on my walker to get through certain doors. I would have loved to try the knee caddy but the surgery on my knee just 3 mos. prior made that impossible.
Anyway, here I am, bionic knees and a fused foot...and feeling younger and happier than I had for years! If there is anything else I can share with you, I'd be happy to. There are tons of posts from others who have been through this and I think I must have written just about every stage of the healing process.
Linda
Anyway, here I am, bionic knees and a fused foot...and feeling younger and happier than I had for years! If there is anything else I can share with you, I'd be happy to. There are tons of posts from others who have been through this and I think I must have written just about every stage of the healing process.
Linda
mammymim
10-26-2009, 05:58 PM
Hi to both linda & mar, thanks to your replies. i was reading them late at night & was worrying about the recovery, You both helped me rest easier & I feel more encouraged knowing it was worth to you both to go thru with it. When I hear or read about those who don't fuse & have to have repeat surgery it scares me & yet I know that could happen. i am getting things prepared & projects lined up so i can stitch away & read all my favorite authors I have not had time for...also getting my flower beds weeded good before winter as I know i may not be up to it in the spring.Thanks so much. This board is so helpful
jhbopeep
10-26-2009, 10:25 PM
I have one question for others who have gone through this - did you ever have a brief slip where you put your foot down with a little weight on it? I've had a couple occasions where I lost balance briefly and it was down before I knew it. Never to stand on but know that one time there was a little weight applied. I'm so scared of this I'm afraid to try getting around more. I hope to never have to go through this again. My surgeon said I could rest the foot on the floor without putting weight on it (like sitting on the toilet,etc.) In fact, the splint is so heavy, I'm afraid if I turned a little funny in bed, it would roll right off the pillows:)
The rest of what follows is my "story" for the last week.
It's been 1 week and two days since my surgery. My orthopod said he was able to somewhat rebuild my arch and otherwise straighten out the foot. The first two days were far more difficult - painful - than either of my Total Knees. Even with the nerve block and PPA. But the anesthesiologist who did the nerve block seemed to be having some trouble and the same thing happened when I had the knee done on the same leg. Who knows? I struggled with spasms until they gave me some Valium. Once we got on the Vicodin on a regular around the clock schedule, it got much better.
I was in the hospital two nights rather than overnight. The Pt in the hospital was absolutely insistent I use a walker rather than crutches. I find it very difficult. PT wouldn't clear me to go home until I could prove I could get up 4 steps because that's what it takes to get in my house. We finally had to convince them that we were getting help to get up the steps in a wheelchair. Especially due to the size of my wrapped, splinted foot, the lifting is terrible. I can't be sure but having done a lot of leg lifts with weights in knee rehab, I swear this gear weighs between 10 to 15 pounds. I can barely lift it onto my bed much less the pillows. Looking very forward to getting it off next week when my staples come out. At that time I'm supposed to get a regular cast.
Once I arrived home, I had to go up 4 outside steps and simply couldn't do it. Not enough strength in my hop. So my husband and a friend got me up the steps in a wheelchair. Though we'd done a lot of setting up, nothing prepared me for how difficult it was going to be to get around. I can't use the knee roller because my TkR on that knee is only 3 mos. old. I can use the walker sometimes to get to the bathroom which is about 15 steps away. We did get a commode for easy access, especially at night. It is a great invention, even though I was very resistant at first. Once I was home, the pain stopped being bad and has only been discomfort most of the time. I'm working at spacing out the Vicodin more, taking only one, etc. But I won't let the pain come on and have come to recognize the limits on that after first taking it around the clock.
Then there was the issue of the wheelchair rental and my lovely 1950's door sizes. The only chair the rental place could offer will not go through anything but the archway to my hall. And it weighed 56 lbs. Finally a friend got me a more reasonably sized chair through the local VFW. It still won't go through the kitchen arch or the bathroom door unless we take the door off. That's certainly an option since it's just me and my husband. Because my husband works nights, my church has signed up people to come by and help me get my dog and cats fed and taken care of as well as seeing to it I get some dinner. They are such good friends!
I'm spending a lot of time in bed, reading and watching TV. I feel so inept with the walker and so afraid of hurting my "good" leg/foot. I'd like to go hang out on the couch in the livingroom but I'm afraid I couldn't get up. I really like getting up from taller surfaces...much easier. But like most people here, I've always worked up to 10 or more hours a day on foot and it's already getting kind of ...boring. Oh well, at least I'll get to watch the season change this year.
And since there's no way to go but forward one day at a time, I think I'm doing ok right now.
Thanks for listening to anyone who got through this whole thing. Oh, one more question,
Did anyone else working with a walker...or even crutches, get occasional burning muscle pain in the abdomen? It feels like muscle pull and usually happens when I first stand up.
Enough for tonight!
Blessings to all,
Linda
The rest of what follows is my "story" for the last week.
It's been 1 week and two days since my surgery. My orthopod said he was able to somewhat rebuild my arch and otherwise straighten out the foot. The first two days were far more difficult - painful - than either of my Total Knees. Even with the nerve block and PPA. But the anesthesiologist who did the nerve block seemed to be having some trouble and the same thing happened when I had the knee done on the same leg. Who knows? I struggled with spasms until they gave me some Valium. Once we got on the Vicodin on a regular around the clock schedule, it got much better.
I was in the hospital two nights rather than overnight. The Pt in the hospital was absolutely insistent I use a walker rather than crutches. I find it very difficult. PT wouldn't clear me to go home until I could prove I could get up 4 steps because that's what it takes to get in my house. We finally had to convince them that we were getting help to get up the steps in a wheelchair. Especially due to the size of my wrapped, splinted foot, the lifting is terrible. I can't be sure but having done a lot of leg lifts with weights in knee rehab, I swear this gear weighs between 10 to 15 pounds. I can barely lift it onto my bed much less the pillows. Looking very forward to getting it off next week when my staples come out. At that time I'm supposed to get a regular cast.
Once I arrived home, I had to go up 4 outside steps and simply couldn't do it. Not enough strength in my hop. So my husband and a friend got me up the steps in a wheelchair. Though we'd done a lot of setting up, nothing prepared me for how difficult it was going to be to get around. I can't use the knee roller because my TkR on that knee is only 3 mos. old. I can use the walker sometimes to get to the bathroom which is about 15 steps away. We did get a commode for easy access, especially at night. It is a great invention, even though I was very resistant at first. Once I was home, the pain stopped being bad and has only been discomfort most of the time. I'm working at spacing out the Vicodin more, taking only one, etc. But I won't let the pain come on and have come to recognize the limits on that after first taking it around the clock.
Then there was the issue of the wheelchair rental and my lovely 1950's door sizes. The only chair the rental place could offer will not go through anything but the archway to my hall. And it weighed 56 lbs. Finally a friend got me a more reasonably sized chair through the local VFW. It still won't go through the kitchen arch or the bathroom door unless we take the door off. That's certainly an option since it's just me and my husband. Because my husband works nights, my church has signed up people to come by and help me get my dog and cats fed and taken care of as well as seeing to it I get some dinner. They are such good friends!
I'm spending a lot of time in bed, reading and watching TV. I feel so inept with the walker and so afraid of hurting my "good" leg/foot. I'd like to go hang out on the couch in the livingroom but I'm afraid I couldn't get up. I really like getting up from taller surfaces...much easier. But like most people here, I've always worked up to 10 or more hours a day on foot and it's already getting kind of ...boring. Oh well, at least I'll get to watch the season change this year.
And since there's no way to go but forward one day at a time, I think I'm doing ok right now.
Thanks for listening to anyone who got through this whole thing. Oh, one more question,
Did anyone else working with a walker...or even crutches, get occasional burning muscle pain in the abdomen? It feels like muscle pull and usually happens when I first stand up.
Enough for tonight!
Blessings to all,
Linda
jhbopeep
10-26-2009, 10:29 PM
Hi Linda, How are you doing now? I'm going to have the same thing afteer the holidays. I am a diabetic and am going to get the "nerve" test from a neurologist before the surgery. I also have had two knee replacements - didn't really do me any good as I have pheriferal (sp?) neuropothy in both of my legs and have no balance at all. People have to help me down off the curb. Your situation sounds as though it is getting better. Please keep in touch. Jeanie
boston18
10-29-2009, 05:40 PM
Linda, I am 7 weeks out from having TA surgery and I have had a few slips where the foot has hit the floor when I was trying to use the "good" foot. I also slipped once when I was trying to be creative and not use the walker in my bathroom. I was very lucky and won't do anything stupid again........I don't think anything was hurt by these slips. I get around well in the wheel chair, washing clothes,mopping floors and other small things........although it takes a long time and much energy. I hate going up a step as that is when I ususally can't hop without the bad foot coming down.
I have xrays taken on 11/10 to see if the bones are fusing.
I wish you the best and hope you are doing well.
Carole
I have xrays taken on 11/10 to see if the bones are fusing.
I wish you the best and hope you are doing well.
Carole