Question about recovering... - Foot Problems Message Board

KarynLR · 04-23-2004, 08:32 AM

Hi all,

I'm having foot surgery on 17 May 04 to correct a bad plantar fasciotomy. I have nerve damage and a ton of scar tissue and the PF is still all junked up, so the orthopedic surgeon is going to in and try to reverse the nerve damage and clean up the PF. While I'm not worried about the surgery so much, I am worried about the recovery, especially getting around on crutches and generally, being bored! I'm 20 and still live with my family so I have help, but during the day they're gone. I was thinking of doing SlimFast while I'm recovering (even though I think it's a bad weight loss program) to limit food preparation and to help offset the potential weight gain that could occur. I'll be in a non-weightbearing/walking cast for a total of 6+ weeks. I have some questions for the board, but most of you seem to have had bunion surgery, so maybe the recovery is different--but here goes! 1) I've heard a lot of people say they keep their foot elevated 23 hours a day for 2 or 3 weeks-- is that true? 2)Are you at all worried about DVT? I'm taking a summer class on Saturdays too, for 4 hours, and I'm worried about how I'll handle that with the cast/pain. 3)How long did you stay on the painkillers? 4) Did you get the cast on right away after surgery? If so, how does that work when you still have stiches and all that? My surgeon is saying that more likely than not, I'll be staying overnight in the hospital to get IV antibiotics and so he can put a drain in my foot. I have an appointment with him next week to go over the MRI and surgical plan. I know this has to be fixed, but I'm worried... also 5)How often did you have followup visits with your surgeon? and finally

6) what kind of anesthesia did you get-- and which would you recommend?

Thanks for all the help!

--Karyn

eko · 04-23-2004, 03:31 PM

Wow, you have a lot of questions ...

I'll tackle the anesthia questions first. I have had foot surgery with both a general and a local w/ sedation. I personally prefer the local w/ sedation. Usually Dr. will use a general when the procedure is longer and more complicated.

I don't know about changing your diet too much while you are recovering. Your body will need those nutrients to help you recovery from your surgery. Eat a healthy diet and maybe substiute slim fast for one meal.

Elevate, elevate, elevate ... the more you elevate, the less pain you will have and faster your recovery, I cannot stress that enough.

DVT - I've had it, ended up with a pulmonary embolism. It is uncommon, but possible (I was one of those lucky ones). Know your risk charactoristics and symptoms. Ask you Dr. what kinds of leg exercises you can do while lying in bed to keep the blood moving.

Pain killers-the longest I was on them was about five days.

Everyone is different when it comes to recovery. To fight bordom, yu have the intranet, get some good books to read, get some movies or DVDs to watch. Find a project you can work on while lying around.

I wish you the best of luck! -eko

brittsmom8 · 04-23-2004, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarynLR

Hi all,

I'm having foot surgery on 17 May 04 to correct a bad plantar fasciotomy. I have nerve damage and a ton of scar tissue and the PF is still all junked up, so the orthopedic surgeon is going to in and try to reverse the nerve damage and clean up the PF. While I'm not worried about the surgery so much, I am worried about the recovery, especially getting around on crutches and generally, being bored! I'm 20 and still live with my family so I have help, but during the day they're gone. I was thinking of doing SlimFast while I'm recovering (even though I think it's a bad weight loss program) to limit food preparation and to help offset the potential weight gain that could occur. I'll be in a non-weightbearing/walking cast for a total of 6+ weeks. I have some questions for the board, but most of you seem to have had bunion surgery, so maybe the recovery is different--but here goes! 1) I've heard a lot of people say they keep their foot elevated 23 hours a day for 2 or 3 weeks-- is that true? 2)Are you at all worried about DVT? I'm taking a summer class on Saturdays too, for 4 hours, and I'm worried about how I'll handle that with the cast/pain. 3)How long did you stay on the painkillers? 4) Did you get the cast on right away after surgery? If so, how does that work when you still have stiches and all that? My surgeon is saying that more likely than not, I'll be staying overnight in the hospital to get IV antibiotics and so he can put a drain in my foot. I have an appointment with him next week to go over the MRI and surgical plan. I know this has to be fixed, but I'm worried... also 5)How often did you have followup visits with your surgeon? and finally

6) what kind of anesthesia did you get-- and which would you recommend?

Thanks for all the help!

--Karyn

Hi Karyn:
Sorry! didn't mean to post this without a reply but I was at work and had to sign off rather quickly!!
I haven't had the same surgery as you but I do know about crutches!! What a pain!! I had ankle surgery about a year ago and I was in a half cast for 10 days and then they took the sutures out. I then got a cast. So I was with crutches for another 3 weeks. After 3 weeks I went to a walking cast. Get a backpack to use with your crutches. Even a small one is great if your just going to the store, etc. I borrowed my daughter's very small backpack/purse.
Try not to scratch the inside of your cast!

I did cheat and used a hanger and when they took the cast off I did have a few sores on my leg. They even found a nickel inside my cast! Go figure!
As for the diet: I know what you mean about potential weight gain. I'm a little paranoid because last year I lost about 40 lbs and I'm afraid I'm going to gain some of my weight back when I have my next surgery. But I think that being on crutches is a great cardio workout!
While your family is away during the day, have a cooler with food and drinks in it. And make sure your leg is really elevated. It helps with the pain.
Remember if I can do the crutches thing (and I'm in my 40's) then you can too!

Take Care and Good Luck,
Karen

twobadfeet · 04-23-2004, 09:18 PM

Hi Karyn,

I didn't have the same surgery as the one you're scheduled for, (mine was a bunionectomy), but I do know about being non-weight-bearing for what seems like forever. Since you'll be non-weight-bearing for six weeks, have you considered renting or buying a Roll-A-Bout? It gave me back my mobility even though I couldn't bear full weight for weeks. If you're not familiar with the Roll-A-Bout, you can find out what it is and how others here have felt about it by doing a search.

BTW, I agree with eko on the dieting after surgery. Your body will need good nutrition in order to heal well. Once your doctor gives you the "all clear" you can start an exercise program that doesn't compromise your foot. You can find plenty of information on both exercise after surgery and what to do to avoid DVT by running searches here. I think you're smart to try to line up stuff to do to prevent terminal boredom. For me the answer was a favorite series on DVD, but whatever you choose, be sure it's something you'd really WANT to do even if you weren't off your feet. Good luck and keep us posted.

twobadfeet