major "blues" 6 weeks after PTTT/calc osteotomy - Foot Problems Message Board

mjjenner · 07-27-2008, 04:58 PM

I had surgery six weeks ago. Been partial weightbearing x 2 weeks tomorrow. One week ago started using one crutch at times and at PT a little on the treadmill (with boot, of course) and bike, too. This whole weekend I have been SO blue. Right now, I can't stop crying. It's so hard to do things around the house. I did some laundry, tried cooking a little (used the knee walker). It's just so frustrating to have everything be so hard, not to be able to just jump in the car and go. My husband has to take me places. It seems no one calls and there's no one to talk to. I am very fortunate in that my husband didn't have to go away for 10-14 days (he is on a forest fire management team and usually goes away a lot during the summer) so I have him here. I'm tired of this 7 pound boot and know I have a long rehab ahead of me. I don't know if I am overdoing it. I'm so tired. I have had two episodes of extreme fatigue, dizziness, even confusion, and am wondering if I have low blood sugar. I have lost a lot of weight and am trying to eat more. I read books to keep busy, watch a little TV (not a big TV girl), play a few games on the computer, look at a few things on the internet. I am going to work 3-4 hours a day and have PT for 2 hours 3 times a week. I am just exhausted. We went out for dinner with some friends and even though my foot is on an extra chair, I can't stand to be there more than an hour or so. Same on Friday night when we went out again. We passed up a great dinner out with some friends because I knew it would be 2 hours at the restaurant and I just couldn't do it yesterday. And now I can't stop crying.

dncergrl53 · 07-27-2008, 05:24 PM

mjjenner. I am so sorry you are down. Remember this is temporary... It is true that people start forgetting about us when we are out of commission, but there are things you can do. Can you invite some friends over for dinner, but get take out instead of cooking? Most of our favorite restaurants have take out, esp if you tell them you are housebound this summer. We did and it was fun. Can you start a new hobby like knitting? Could you organize your photos or even start your Christmas cards? Don't bother with housework or cooking unless you enjoy it. Get instant-y types of meals. I also found it useful to do situps until my heart rate went up and I got sweaty. It feels so good to exercise. You might be anemic so maybe you should see your doctor. And if you get moody at certain time, it stands to reason it would also happen when you are recuperating. I got to the point of calling my friends and out and out telling them I needed some company and they would be depositing in the Bank of Karma if they came over. I also found it helpful to watch comedies. Hang in there...

forevergimpy · 07-27-2008, 05:44 PM

Sorry to hear times are so tough right now. I know when I initially hurt my foot I was 30 weeks pregnant and the injury and pain messed with my blood pressure. I've always had low blood pressure to begin with, but the injury and inactivity didn't help and I experienced most of the same symptoms you've described. I remember I couldn't even take a shower without having to lay down afterwards! And it stinks to feel so housebound and lonely to only have to turn down invites because you know that you won't be able to tolerate it.

I totally agree with calling some close buddies to come over for a visit or carry out would be a great start. You could be super comfy in your own home, and still enjoy the company of others. Don't know if you like cards but there's a great card game called Phase Ten that's pretty easy to play but takes a while. Several of my friends have come over for a visit and played cards here in the living room while I stayed in my recliner. It was a major boost to the psyche!
Hang in there, remember that each day home is another day of recovery behind you and one day closer to being up and independent (and pain free) again!!!

mjjenner · 07-27-2008, 06:39 PM

Thanks for the replies. I know that some days are good and others bad. I just really need to sit down, but there are things that need to be done. I did fix myself supper and my husband will just have to face the dishes when he returns tonight. I can't do any more. I haven't sat down long enough to even do my stretching exercises today. I know that tomorrow is going to be a super busy day -- I have to spend at least 4-5 hours at work (instead of 3) because I have to do payroll, then go to PT for two more hours. Also, I am worried about what I think are the hypoglycemic episodes and will go to the doc for that on Tuesday, I hope. Geez - I feel like I am falling apart and complaining.

Tracie1204 · 07-27-2008, 07:58 PM

Hey there,

I am so sorry you are feeling so down-----I have had a very "down" weekend myself----and I really don't know why. I completely understand the lack of friends thing----I have had one friend who constantly remained in contact with me----I have been out of commission for 11 weeks ----but even the one person who claims to have the title of "best friend" has seemingly fell off the face of the Earth for the last, oh, 9 weeks!!

This may sound weird, but I think I do better during the week---I don't mind watching TV and playing on the computer---but for some reason, on the weekend, I don't really have a "routine" and I just feel all out of sorts! LOL

I had to buy a new car, b/c I drive a straight, and I no longer can do that---so we are in the process of selling that car----so I just now,in the last two weeks have had the capability of leaving the house on my own.

I think we are all entitled to our "down" times----and I just have to keep telling myself that it HAS to get better-----right??

I hope you feel better tomorrow----and just keep posting---we will all listen and try to support each other as best as we can!