Sunny 77 - - Foot Problems Message Board

sandcastles · 09-09-2008, 03:37 PM

Hi Krista,

I hope that all is well with you.

Today I had my 2nd cast (Fiberglass) replaced with a “walking cast” - I have the surgical shoe also.

My question to you is - I thought that I would be running about with the “walking cast” (not literally)

- it seems to me that this “walking cast” is much like the other one and it is difficult to actually walk in - when the doctors make reference to a “walking cast” do they simply mean that you can put a little weight on it (PWB) - but not actually walk in it?

I should have asked these questions today - but because I had to allow 60 minutes drying time for the cast - I didn’t actually step down on it while I was at the OS office.

Thank you for any insight.

Sandy

sunny77 · 09-09-2008, 05:26 PM

Sandy,
How many weeks post-op are you? When do you get this cast off? Will you be going into a boot or a regular shoe?

At 6 wks, I was able to start bearing weight as tolerated. Typically around 6-8 wks, permission is given to do that. If you have a walking shoe on it, my guess is that you are allowed to start putting weight on it, gradually building up to full weight on it. Some use both crutches, but bear more weight, then go down to one crutch and put more weight on the foot until you can go without crutches. You may want to check in with your doctors office just to be sure of what he wants you to do though. Don't want to push ahead if that's not what you're supposed to do. I'm surprised he didn't give you instructions...he should have done that w/out you having to ask!

Let us know what you find out! You're getting there...soon you'll be free of the casts and on to bigger and better things!

Sunny

sandcastles · 09-10-2008, 06:59 AM

Hello Sunny,

Thank you for responding.

I am 7 weeks today p/o. If you recall, I had the same procedure (s) that you had.

I can't believe how stupid I was not to ask more questions at the OS office! He told me that I’d be in the walking cast for 5 weeks (ugh) (I just got out of the other cast (s) and that was 7 weeks)! So, a total of 12 weeks in a cast - then 4-6 weeks in a boot.

I just find it difficult to actually put weight down on my foot - perhaps I need to acclimate it slowly.

I’m OLD (50) and I suffer from extreme osteoporosis. Even at this chronic age (being jocular) I was very active before surgery - golf, tennis, biking and I ran (not like I use to, but I gave it my best). Six months ago I had bunion and hammertoe surgery - it was during that recovery that my foot started with the pronation and I had horrible debilitating pain in the arch area - hence the surgery.

I was thrilled to find this board to say the least.

Thank you Sunny - I have read each one of your posts, they are very informative. I don't know what I would have done w/o this message board - it's been a godsend.

Sandy