could use some encouragement - Foot Problems Message Board

StephanieVD · 07-01-2004, 09:58 PM

My os appt Tuesday didn't go as well as expected and neither did my GP appt. The os (fellow, not the actual os I am seeing) said my pain is from scar tissue entrapping the nerve, posteror tibial tendonitis, subtalar instability (which doesn't make sense), arthritis and too much swelling from the surgery. He said I need to see which ones will go away on their own and see if the pain goes down to a more manageable level. In the meantime he gave me darvocet for the pain because I can't take anti-inflammatories because I have bad stomach problems.
I also saw my GP who said all the blood work looks normal and the CT is pretty much not giving much info. He is still worried about infection because of the pain and fevers and some drainage. He changed one of the antibiotics, but the new one is now making me sick. I go back Tuesday July 6 and he's hoping the blood cultures will be back. He thinks I still have an infection and would like to admit me for a week or so to see if the IV stuff helps and to keep a closer eye on it than when I had the PICC in at home. Guess we'll see what happens. I need the infection gone because I am supposed to have hand surgery before school starts for a chronic dislocation of my thumb, and he won't do it unless I am cleared.. which technically by my os I am.. so we'll see I guess when I see the hand guy.
I sprained my knee really bad Tuesday night. Looks and sounds like an ACL tear or strain. The knee is grossly swollen and unstable.. Have an appt with my sports med os for July 12, but am currently not able to walk really unless on the high level painkillers. I twisted it when I put down my newly surgified ankle and twisted.. oopsie. I am not used to the loss of ROM in the ankle so before all the surgeries I wouldn't have gotten hurt, guess I just have to get used to the ankle and that will prevent my knee problems, lol. I am pretty sure its the ACL, but its not torn all the way or I wouldn't be able to walk.. but that could also be the swelling.. I got my PT to look at it and he was worried.
This is all so frustrating, I feel like this is never going to end. I am a walking disaster. My hand and my knee problems are from my ankle (fell down the stairs and dislocated thumbs cuz ankle) and I am losing my cool. I have to wait to see my ankle os until mid August and I am so frustrated.. I dunno. Have you guys ever felt like this?

CLC · 07-02-2004, 06:18 PM

I hear you. The word frustrating is an understatement. I am having a hard time walking a good bit of the time now to. I am 37. I see a new foot doctor on July 16. I am praying and hoping that this one will be able to figure out what is wrong with me. I wish the appt was sooner, but he only sees patients on Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon. I think he is only taking patients on referrel. According to my primary he is the best, of course I am thinking why didn't you send me to him to begin with. Of course, I am holding my breath as to the outcome of this appt. I have seen 2 orthos, 2 neuros, 2 rheumys, my GP, 2 podiatrists, a vascular doc etc etc with no progress. When I saw my GP today, of course my foot wasn't bothering me as much then but now later today, oh boy. I tried to go to an estate sale and the grocery store. They have suggested everything from, tendonitis, ms, lupus, peripheal neuropathy. I do have bunions that are hurting. The GP states they aren't that bad yet and they like to wait until they get really bad, as bad as they can get, before they do anything about that. Now that I'm thinking about that statement, I'm thinking, what, do I have to crawl into a doctors office before they will believe me and help me. Yikes!!! Sorry, I guess I just unloaded to you. Frustrating you are absolutely right. I hope all works out well for you. Hang in there and I will say a prayer for you. Take Care.

kehorner · 07-02-2004, 06:55 PM

I am so sorry that you are having so much trouble. I know that it is hard enough dealing with one thing at a time. I had ankle surgery and there were some nights when I was frustrated that I was stuck in the cast and had to use the crutches and that it still hurt. I can't imagine what you are going through. Please take care of yourself and remember that things will get better eventually, no matter how bad they seem now. You will get through this. Just have patience and remember that people here are rooting for you.

CrazyCatLady · 07-02-2004, 07:49 PM

It looks like I'm not the only one having a rough day today. I'm sitting here wanting to work and wanting to go to school so I can do something with my life and I can barely walk. I feel like everything is going so slowly and it's going slowly because I've done something wrong. This is ridiculous and it's probably PMS talking, but it's got me down.

I'm also worrying because for the last week or two, my ankle has been popping and catching (I have a little mobility within the cast, mainly just wiggling my forefoot a little bit.) It's basically like when you go to crack a knuckle: I get pressure in the ankle when I rest my heel down or move my leg in certain directions and then POP and some pressure/pain. I didn't have that preoperatively. I see my os on July 12th, so we'll see what goes on.

I wish I had something amazing to say or some piece of outstanding advice, but I can't even take my own advice of going with the flow. I will tell you to keep in touch. Let us know what's going on. It helps to just put it out there and know that someone is thinking about you.

Oh, and one more thing. Throwing yourself down the stairs is not conducive to good health!

Come on now. Everyone who's anyone knows it's better to jump out of a moving car. LOL.

But seriously, I hope you start seeing the silver lining. It does suck to have an operation and not see the results you thought you would and then have more problems on top of that.

Take care of your body first. It's the most important thing you have. Take good care of it and be persistent. Most importantly, be careful! It's easier said than done, but take it slow and take care of yourself.

Still sending good thoughts your way...

jdm · 07-02-2004, 10:49 PM

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you. As my dad always says to me, "Keep the faith." Things will get better.