mediamom

Thought I'd post since it's now been about 4 weeks since my surgery. First off, tried everything prior to having surgery---cortizone, alcohol injections, shoe inserts and nothing helped. Never had piercing pain but did have the electrical sensation running into my toe--plus a lot of joint pain and general aching of the forefoot. My physical exam was not entirely conclusive but MRI was. Immediately following surgery I was confused by the podiatry resident saying they "released ligaments" and thought I actually had ligament release in addition to removal of the neuroma. Turns out I did NOT have ligament release---thank goodness. What she meant was that the ligament was cut to get to the nerve but it was then stitched up again after the nerve work was completed. In terms of my neuroma, turns out I had 3 small ones running along the nerve between the 2nd and 3rd toe. Doc made an s-shaped incision between 3rd and 4th toe so he could also inspect the 4th area for any signs of neuromas (none), which I was glad he did and wouldn't have known to even ask about. What was unusual is the incidence of 3 neuromas on one small piece of nerve and doc said it explained why my physical exam was not typical. Sure glad those little buggers are gone!

As for my recovery, I still have that feeling of a lump under my foot but it's gradually getting smaller. What's odd is that there is no real lump. Doc said it's the brain sort of fooling me and adjusting to the nerve being gone. I have no hematoma there and on examination, no lump. So "it's in my head"?? Odd huh? But it's associated with the numbness and his partner told me that gradually the sensation will get smaller and smaller. My swelling is way down and today I wore a regular Aerosole sort of dress shoe (very padded wedge type) with no discomfort. I cannot go barefoot and I'm still a bit bruised on the top of my foot. Also very stiff and sore first thing in the morning. Doc said to expect 6 weeks until I'm fully back in my normal shoes (not heels obviously)---when swelling should be mostly gone and basic healing of the area is complete. Based on where I am now at 4 weeks, that seems doable. I should also add that wearing my little inserts with the metatarsal pad helps a lot (though they make my shoe too tight). Gonna try taking the lining out of some of my shoes to see if that will make enough room to accomodate the insert as they do really add additional comfort.

Anyway, after 3 foot surgeries in 3 years, sure hope this is the END!!!

Best to all.
Lesley