nonwghtbearct

hi everyone,
first anyone that can take the time and respond to my questions, i would be more grateful than i can put into words. i will give you as much details as i can without being long winded. [I] am diabetic 49 year old male and have been for approx. 9 years. i am on an insulin pump and my sugar is in control. last may i injured the tendons in my right foot at work stepping in to a hole, was put in aircast which developed into a blood blister that broke causing a massive staph infection in the heel and instep causing removal of a large area of tisssue from infection. i was lucky to have a national recognized podiatric surgeon that saved my foot. i was put on a wound vaccum for maximium healing and endured skin grafting and the outcome exceeded expectations and healed even though there is some loss and scaring. i was non weightbearing and one was on top of the at the end of august when it was close to being healed i lightly steped on the foot going to the bathroom, due to the weakness to the tendons and ligaments from surgery, it fractured multiple bones in the outer part of foot and dislocated in 2 place one mid foot so severely the front half of the foot bone was on top of hindfoot bone. i had to have an external fixator surgically placed with 19 pins to stabllize the reconstructive surgery then went to a full cast to the knee for 6 weeks, when it was removed the fractures had healed, but themid foot dislocation only partially so a fifth operation was performed requiring a triple arthrodesis with internal pins and screws to stabilize the ankle and hind foot, the incisions were removed at 2 weeks, unfortunately one small area at the end of the incision at the outside ankle is draining tissue fluid (it is healing and depth is down to 2.5 cms deep). my surgeon said the stability and flexibility have healed enough to start physical therapy and limited weight bearing, but won't until the open wound heals closed. it has now been 8 1/2 weeks since the arthrodesis at this stage the flexibility up and down and the toes feel good the outer side of the foot and the ankle area feel stiff and ache and i.m on vicodin every 4 hrs as needed, i was on percocet but hated the feeling and made me feel nauseous, i also try to limit vicodin to early morning and before bed as i don't like painkillers in general. my surgeon is great but not one for answering questions or giving time frames. my questions to any of you goibng through this or have gone through it is what can i expect as far as future recovery? process of weight bearing?crutches?walker?walking boot?how long in each? pain levels during process? work ability how soon, i do a good deal of standing and walking supervising my employees? my wife has been an angel through 8 months of non walking and taking care of me and i would like to take her somewhere in april, but not in a wheel chair do you think i would be able to be with 1 crutch by then or a cane perhaps? one final question any advice on how to handle the depression of loneliness and being non weight bearing for 8 months? i am on antidepressants and have books,dvds,tv, laptop and exercise my arms and good leg to strengthen but i am at the stage where nothing seems to alleviate the frustration and hopelessness of walking again(how we all take something so basic for granted) as much as friends family and coworkers are there and supportive, i need to talk to people that really understand my feelings and frustrations. any thoughts, suggestions,help comments, or advice from fellow sufferers would be incredibly helpful and appreciate. anyone i can help or answer questions for please feel free to e-mail me as life is not a one way street and i still believe there is good kind people out there and we need to help and support each other. thank you very much and god bless