I am just over 3 weeks post op tendon transfer/calcaneal osteotomy. I value this site for all the information I have received here. My doctor had told me early on that I have to be careful about all I read on the net because "there can be so many negative stories out there" about this surgery. Well I have found that to be not so true here with some very positive stories and advice! I wanted to be a positive story! But I am just a little down lately. I have been having some creepy nerve pain (I have posted about). And I am feeling strain because my other foot is in the same condition as the one I just had surgery on....in fact the doc told me after the MRI this summer that the other foot was worse. I have/had ruptured tendons in each foot. I have flat feet/pronation and I just wore them out over the years I guess. So I have another surgery in my future for one thing. But the thing is now with trying to hobble around on crutches.....the other foot is killing me more than ever. This is keeping me from getting around as much. I wear my custom orthodic in a slipper at all times on the other foot and don't know what else I can do. It's like my feet are fighting over which one can hurt me more! I stopped taking the pain meds before the 2 week mark...I don't like them much but I may need to start up again! Has anyone else out there had both feet start out bad? How did you do it???
Hurts -
Bless your heart. The good foot going bad is everyone's fear, isn't it? I have driven my ortho nuts with my paranoia about it and am already mentally preparing for the 2nd surgery.
I agree that this board, even at our worst, remains positive and encouraging. Keep reading, keep posting - keep laughing! (like we have anything else to do since we are on our butts most of the dern dang day!)
I'm 2 weeks out - same surgery - getting cast today. I'm a dork on crutches and have stuck to the wheelchair mostly. I think that takes alot of pressure off my other foot. Altho it's hurting just from the hoppage to the potty! I'm also lucky to have a house/doors that accommodate the chair. Is that an option for you?
How bout wearing an aircast on the non-surg foot? Just to keep it stable...
I also printed Smile's thread re: her accelerated weight bearing for my doc. Sharing the weight has to be helpful to the "good" foot. Unconventional but I like it!! Let's get on with it!!!
I will keep you posted about what my doc says - he's quite chatty and always happy to hear me out. (Bless HIS heart - I came to his office so armed with info from this board, he was laughing and rolling his eyes at my questions! He learned quickly that he needed to be completely honest about expectations, pain, etc. One of his first comments, as he tenderly held my hoof, was that he would "kinda break the heel..." I asked him if he would please go ahead and break it all the way. I'm not a "kinda" kinda girl! 'Nuff said - kid gloves were off after that!)
Try to stay positive and know that all of us, even the people who just read & may not post, are with you, girl! With all of us!! It helps to know that even when it's rotten - someone - somewhere is the same boat! Or boot, if you will!
Take care.
Hurts to Walk - Wow - can't imagine having both feet out - talk about challanges! I am terrible on crutches and don't know what I would do without my "knee caddy". My doctor told me to look for one prior to the surgery to have ready at home. Maybe a knee caddy would help you? Its essentially a small padded shelf at the level of your knee, on wheels and with a handle you can use for steering. My insurance covers as durable medical equipment and I only pay $25.00 per month to rent. I don't know what I would do without it as I have a bad knee over the "good foot" and having the caddy allows me to put most of my weight on the knee supported by the caddy. Hard to explain if you haven't seen one but it really helps. I am one week post-op from Posterior Tendon Transfer and Calcaneal Osteotomy. Good luck.
hi.. i had a different type of surgery.. but I'm also trying to protect my 'good foot' and I'm wearing a sneaker on it at ALL times (except when I'm in bed..) and its made a difference.. the last thing any of us want is to go thru all this again. once is enough.
Sorry you're having problems with the other foot! It makes recovery twice as hard! Managing your pain and trying to support that foot in whatever way possible might be the best you can do. I was told that there was nothing I could do to stop things from progressing in my "good" foot...and sure enough, it went bad Can you take some type of anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain in your "good" foot? Maybe ice it and elevate it along with your surgery foot? If you haven't gotten a knee scooter, like someone mentioned a few posts earlier, I'd recommend that. It saved me both times...and it doesn't put as much pressure on your "good" foot since it's more just propelling you, not bearing the weight. Turning Leg Caddy is a good brand, and there are others as well. Merwin is a medical equipment company in Robinsdale, where I got mine from. Have you talked with your dr about what you can do for your "good" foot?
I know exactly what you are dealing with, because I am in the same boat. I had surgery on my right foot 20 years ago for flat feet. Now the pain in my left was getting to bad I just could not deal with it any longer – you know, constant swelling, painful steps that take your breath away. Any way, while planning for surgery, my right foot started to get the worst burning pains I had ever experienced! Mid stream, now I HAVE to have surgery on my right foot AGAIN! Remember this began having to have surgery on my left foot. All I can say is ice packs, and motrin. I take vicodin on a regular basis, the pain is so great, I have no problems with the meds. Good Luck! This is really a pain in the foot.
Thanks for all the replies. I knew my fellow posters would understand. I had my doctor appointment today. I am depressed because I have two more weeks of NWB. I guess the heel is not quite where he wants it to be. So we stopped and picked up a (borrowed) wheelchair from a relative. I think that will really help the "other" foot. I was not going to get the wheelchair or a scooter because I thought I was superwoman you know? I live in a four level home....four flights of stairs so the wheelchair will hang out on the kitchen level so I can get around and do some cooking...I miss it soooo much! So I now have crutches, a walker, a wheelchair, a shower/bath chair, an aircast boot...wow 42 never looked so good! My kids get a kick out of all the "equipment"! I just thought the heel would heal faster. I am not overweight, I don't smoke....blah blah. Well I will just keep popping the calcium and the advil and take it easy for a few more weeks so you are all stuck with me!
4 flights of stairs?! I think I'd park myself on one level (probably the kitchen, like you!) and stay there. I've done alot of cooking myself, I've got a barstool height chair at my counter and my walker has a basket, so I throw everything in the basket and bring it to where I'm working and create whatever I feel like making. I've made a few cakes already. it passes the time!
Funny MasonQ! Yes I don't want to look too "able" right? I still enjoy the takeout pizza and the Subway subs for dinner! I was sooooo lucky the first week post op....I had 2 friends and a neighboor all bring us dinners. I just miss the INDEPENDENCE of cooking! Even cleaning! And Catlady, as far as 4 flights of stairs I HAVE parked myself on the family room level with a bathroom. But I do alot of crawling up and down stairs.....now I need knee pads! Thanks all for keeping me company! We will be here for you Klbs1961!
Hi
I am new to this site but wanted to let you all know that you have given me hope, and a few chuckles. I was scheduled for surgery to align my foot, kinda break my heal, with tendon tranfer and stabalization insert for Oct. 16, but have reschedule (by me) it for Jan 15th. I too will have to have both feet done, hopefully will be able to get other foot done end of 2009. This surgery was suggested to me two years ago but I was too chicken . . . but you all have helped me realize it may be painful but it will be worth it.
I already have a list of items to get at home, I know it is three months out but we live kind of out in the boondocks,so when I am in the city I will look into renting these items. So far I have: knee scooter, shower chair, wheelchair, crutches and walker - are all these needed? Any more suggestions?
Thanks
I actually use a walker in the bathroom....the regular old walker (no tennis balls on this one). I can hoist my self up off the potty using the walker handles. But don't let that stop you from getting the special seat. I thought I would need less "equipment" and I ended up getting some after surgery when I realized how tough it was to do anything/get around. Both feet for you too Marybn? Well at least we will totally know what to expect the second time right? There....I found the silver lining!
Probably my biggest near disaster with surgery was when I had the NWB cast (about a week out) and got up in the night, crutched to the toilet and had a near miss sitting down. I screamed, scared my husband to death. I avoided a total fall by grabbing the TP holder. Clunked my foot on the floor, scary......be careful with the bathroom issue!!!!
LOL. The screams from the other room make my hub nuts. It's usually me cussin a blue streak cuz I can't do something fast enuf or reach something - some kinda Crip Moment. He comes running & then wants to just roll me down the stairs, I'm sure!
I can go much faster & maneuver better n the wheelchair than anything so far. My a** is gonna be broad as a barn but my arms r getting muscle-y!!
I would NOT b looking 4ward 2 a 2nd surgery but I do agree just getting it over with is the best bet.
Oh! Another thing I rented was a couple of those rolling hosp table/cart/thingies! Put one by the bed- one n my den. Holds all ur crap (those pill bottles just look so natural!) & Jim could just roll the whole mess away when we had company. Cheap to rent. $20? Made eating & the all important laptoppage much easier!
OK high toilet seat is added to my list!
How is the ride home after surgery, we live six hours from where I am having surgery (we really do live in the boondocks) and is little concerned about the ride - or will the pain medication see me through this? Also did you have someone home with you and for how long?
I think the pain meds will make you sleepy enough to get you through the ride. I think you will have to sit in the back seat with your leg/foot elevated. It might be best to really try out a comfortable position to ride in, plan on taking multiple pillows with you. Maybe also you could get an anti-nasaua drug as well since you have such a long ride. Are you staying overnight?
I am actually schedule to stay two nights, go in Thursday morning and get out Saturday. I will practice sitting in the backseat, thanks.
If my husband is there for two - three days, and have a friend come mid-day the rest of the first week will that be enought help?
Can you take some type of anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain in your "good" foot? Maybe ice it and elevate it along with your surgery foot? If you haven't gotten a knee scooter, like someone mentioned a few posts earlier, I'd recommend that. It saved me both times...and it doesn't put as much pressure on your "good" foot since it's more just propelling you, not bearing the weight. Turning Leg Caddy is a good brand, and there are others as well. Merwin is a medical equipment company in Robinsdale, where I got mine from. Have you talked with your dr about what you can do for your "good" foot?
