Gourmet Gayle

One Week Done, Only 9 More To Go

To all of my Foote Pals Both Pre & Post Op: Today I got hooked up with laptop, and wanted to share the past 7 days. Am sure those of you “Post” will relate, and maybe those of you “Pre” will gain a bit of insight that could be helpful for when you go for foot surgery.
Day #1: Wednesday of last week: We arrived at hospital about 11:30 to do check in paper work. Once the “I”s were dotted and “T”s crossed placing my life in the trusted hands of staff, I was whisked off to what the nurses refer to as the room they get the patients JUICED UP in. I was instructed to strip off all clothing, and put on one of those sexy little hospital gowns that show butt crack. Definitely not from Victoria Secrets Summer Collection. It was only a matter of minutes between the scrubbing of foot, shaving of the leg I had just made smooth in shower at home that same morning and the time they wheeled me down to surgery. I was already feeling “Juiced” on happy pills. What I remember most about going into surgery was the Red Metal Mac Tool Chest sitting above my head, which I though for sure contained a saw, hammer, set of pliers and maybe with any luck at all, a first aid kit. I asked the Anesthesiologist if it came from his garage, and he pulled out a squirt gun, set of clown glasses and a fuzzy hand puppet, assuring me I was in good hands. I then asked the nurse if my Doctor remembered to bring some ELVIS music for me to hear – and at the very moment I heard the first few bars of Don’t Be Cruel {how appropriate for the occasion}, it seemed like I woke up back in the hospital room. I knew they were giving me full anesthesia and a block from knee down, but had no idea it would happen in the blink of an eye. Later I learned the actual surgery took over 3 hours, instead of the anticipated 1½ as planned. When I woke up, I was hungry, thirsty and feeling nothing at all from the knee down on the operative foot.
I was hooked up to one of those self administered morphine drips – and apparently didn’t push for the medication very much during the night, because the next morning:
Day #2: Thursday --- the drip was removed, and I was placed on Oxycontin and Percocet for pain. The second day went fine until early evening when the BLOCK began to wear off. Got to tell you folks, that as this happened; I thought I’d fly through the roof. The pain was incredible – worse I’ve ever had in my life, and believe me, I’ve had several surgeries in 60 years. The nurse came in with every kind of medication imaginable, none of which eliminated the throb and gut wrenching pain. She called the doctor over and over again, and FINALLY, after about 4 hours into the agony, they reinstalled the morphine drip. My advise to anyone going into surgery is to make sure there is pain control when the block wears off – because that’s when it’s needed the most.
Day #3: Friday --- Doctor came in and told me I would have some PT later, to learn how to maneuver crutches and use the Rolleraid, and that I should be able to go home that evening. I was really tired on that 3rd day. Mostly I think because of the pain my body had gone through the night before. I was weak and shaky during PT, never did conquer crutches on the stairs. The therapist (thank goodness) suggested I spend another night in the hospital, with at least one more therapy session the next day before leaving. I rested comfortably the rest of the day, with foot elevated and the meds arriving before the pain.
DAY #4 Saturday --- Therapy went better, even though I was still very tuckered out and frail. I was able to go up 2 stairs, without falling – so the therapist said I could go home, as long as there would be “another set of hands” to help out. Fredly, my sweetheart, arrived abut noon, ready for our journey. The nurse rolled me out of the hospital, and while he loaded the crutches, the Rolleraid, over night bag and flowers into the car the nurse opened up the back door behind drivers seat, I moved as close to car as possible, and scooted my butt back on seat, and they held leg up till I got in securely. We padded the seat with the pillows I had taken to hospital and placed my bad foot atop them, while I leaned up against my over-night bag for support on opposite door. This probably sounds more complicated than it actually was, but the first little road trip is scary and we made the most of it. Once home, Fredly brought the Rolleraid around, and I somehow scooted to it, and between the two of us, I managed to “ride” from the driveway to the front door, then back to the bedroom, which has been my “HOME” ever since. Fredly had stopped by the local Medical Supply store, and rented a portable potty that greeted me next to the bed with sheer embarrassment. I thought to myself: NO WAY was I going to diminish myself to a porta potty in my own home. That thought soon faded after my first attempt on crutches the 14 steps from bed to bathroom. SECOND SUGGESTION for those of you Pre-Op: GET A PORTBLE TOILET. Loosing ones dignity is nothing compared to falling or hitting an operative foot that is totally non-weight bearing. The potty has become my best friend second to Fredly, who has to empty it, but so far has done so without a complaint in the world. Pillows were propped, ice machine ready to wrap around foot, several times each day, drawers next to bed filled with necessities, telephone within reach, TV Remote handy, knitting next to me, and prescriptions for medications filled as directed. Necessary items: Prunes, stool softeners& fiber, one thing for sure: medications, (all of them) tend to plug – so for your pre-ops out there, be sure to have the aforementioned available when you arrive home. Constipation is right up there with the worse of foot pain, so do everything you can to prevent it.
DAY #5 Sunday – I was ready for a shower. We wrapped my leg with garbage bag, and then used duck tape to secure. (Don’t laugh. it worked better than a cast covers since I have pins protruding from 4 toes) Because I’m still shaky on crutches, I used the Rolleraid to get to bathroom, then propped self on a shower chair, with foot hanging out one door. Thankfully we have a hand wand in the shower, so I was able to direct the water to necessary yucky parts. As wonderful as the clean shower felt, I was equally exhausted. Spent the rest of the day recovering from the “water adventure”
DAY #6 Monday – Physical Therapist came to do house call, giving me 3 sets of reps for bed exercise. She explained how quickly the rest of my body would tire if I didn’t do as much moving around as possible from the mattress. I was surprised how much better I felt after simple stretching. Am still taking prescribed amounts of meds – trying to fend off pain, and they are working, while sill allowing me sanity. Thought for sure I’d be tripping out on this much medication, but apparently the medicine is all going to my foot, thankfully – and I’m able to focus on television, movies, knitting, reading and company that pops in occasionally. Must admit to needing a nap in the afternoon, but believe the anesthesia has something to do with this too.
DAY#7 Tuesday – Nothing new today, just tying to find a comfy spot to lay in bed. Still using the ice machine several times a day, along with elevation. I ventured out of the bedroom, using crutches on the 2 stairs, then onto Rolleraid and went to visit kitchen and living room that I hadn’t seen since before hospital. My special treat was looking out onto the back deck at the many dahlias that bloomed. I sure miss working in my garden. Funny how the little things like “walking” working in the yard and even standing in a shower are all taken for granted till one has only 1 foot.
DAY #8 MY ONE WEEK MARK !!!!! I made it Footie Folks ….. Am not too comfortable on this lap top yet, but then again, there isn’t really any cozy position here in bed …. But will try to check in with you all every day or so. Thanks again for all the helpful advise, useful suggestions & hints – most of all the continued support throughout this foot journey. Stay in touch please. GG ((~.~))