Gourmet Gayle

On Tuesday, July 5 - I went for my 10-day post op, after total foot reconstruction. To begin with, I’ve been pretty proud of myself for being off all drugs the last few days. The only pain I’ve had is in my *** – from being bed bound. Anyway: I had no clue that this would be the day STAPLES WOULD BE REMOVED, nor did I even think to swallow a pill or two before the appointment. I’m sharing this with all of you New Footies: BEFORE YOU GO FOR FIRST POST OP VISIT – TAKE DRUGS. More than likely, if you have staples as I did, they will be removed. When we arrived at Medical Building, Fred (my S.O.) went to gather a wheel chair from the Doctor’s office after he parked the car. He was able to wheel me up to the designated building. When I got in, the receptionist sent me directly back downstairs (thankfully on elevator) for x-rays. I was surprised they could shoot film through the plastic-cast & mega Ace bandage, but they did. I was quite surprised when the Tech. Showed me first addition film, seeing 1/2 A DOZEN screws and pins. The screws were the same kind one would Molly into a wall, and the pins were similar to stuffing a turkey. As soon as x-rays were finished, we proceeded back up to the Doctor’s office. The assistant removed my bandages for the first time, and naturally I was mortified at seeing my swollen purple foot, with as much as a dozen incisions filled with metal staples, ranging in size from one inch to about 9. Doctor told me that my foot looked excellent. I’m thinking he must tell all the beautiful women that same thing, just to woo them before sending in his sidekick to do the pricking of metal from beneath the fresh wounds. I was really surprised that there was no anesthetic involved. I inquired why they couldn’t do a Spray On or something to deaden my wounds before extracting the metal or a shot but was told it could cause infection, so they had to do it cold turkey. (Turkey: again I felt like Thanksgiving… having thoughts of the big bird when I saw the pins) I gathered strength for the first 30 or 40 staples, while bellowing every cuss word I have learned since 6ht grade, and finally said STOP informing the Nurse/Assistant that I’d need to reschedule when I had some major drugs in my body. They allowed me this. We made another appointment for two days --- and I will definitely swallow enough drugs to fly.
Doc told me I could be up and around on Roller aid for more time, so that’s what I did when I got home. BIG MISTAKE, I felt fine once home, but apparently over did it, because that evening my foot started to ache almost as bad as when the block wore off in hospital. SECOND WARNING: START WALKING, WITH CRUTCHES OR ROLLERAID VERY GRADUALLY.
I’m not sure, but over doing it with enthusiasm is the only reason I can figure out to cause such horrendous pain that evening.
TODAY: THURSDAY, JULY 7: I’m on my way back to Doctor to have rest of staples removed. Do I want to go? HELL NO…Knowing this visit will probably be worse than 2 days ago because there are even more staples left. Doc gave me 1 Ativan to take before coming in, and suggested I also swallow a couple of the pain meds given when I left the hospital – however I’m still going to ask them to give me a shot of something.
That’s my tale of woe footie friends. I’m still laptop challenged; so only drag this pc onto bed occasionally --- to check in with you all.
I HOPE MY LITTLE STORY WILL BE HELPFUL TO SOME OF YOU NEW POST OP FRIENDS --- AND THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER DRUGS, DRUGS, DRUGS WHEN YOU GO FOR 1ST OFFICE VISIT. Being brave won't get you any "Atta Girl" -- only pain. TA TA FOR NOW. ((~,~)) GG