surgery 1/22 - Foot Problems Message Board

merrynan · 01-19-2009, 08:37 PM

I am having surgery 1/22 and would love to know how you are doing. How long were you in the hospital. I was told 1-3 days and that I did not need to go to rehab as long as there was someone home with me. My husband is a great guy and a good cook too, so I should be okay but I am dreading the long recovery. I am self employed and my work requires running around to different locations. I love my work and the thought of being confined for a long time has me getting very anxious. I am getting the ice cuff because I am trying to anticipate and it was recommended by my surgeon. Any suggestions from anyone out there will be greatly appreciated.

Good luck to you.

lovelyladi · 01-20-2009, 11:28 AM

Well another newbie to TA. I am doing better than I expected.

My thoughts at day 5

The hardest part is the total immobility. If I move around too much or even put my left foot down it throbs. If I drop something I cannot pick it up.

I spent 3 nights in hospital, needed to gain mbility, pain contol and have fever drop to normal. By mobility I meant able to get to bathroom (with help)

I spend my days in a recliner, my nights in bed (king size) with my hubby with leg on a triangle shaped pillow I purchased from Foot Smart on line. I did not need to sleep alone and it is comforting to have hinm right there if I need him.
I canno sit at the table or a desk because myfoot needs to be up (heart level)all the time. I am doing very well with the swelling...my soft cast is actually a bit loose now.

I have hired a nice older woman to stay with me from 10 to 5 escorts me to bathroom, serves me lunch etc. I could not yet be alone all day. Fear of falling during transferring from knee walker to toilet etc.

Hopping on a walker was not really an option for my 60 year old no cartlige right knee while my left foot is immobile. I would be in much worse shape without my "roll-a-bout" knee scooter (walker) If you are younger, thinner and with good knees the other options -crutches, walkers etc may work for you

Good luck with you surgery... feel free to ask any and all questions

Shelly

I too am used to being out and around all day...the next 11 weeks will be very tough I too am scared.

lovelyladi · 01-20-2009, 11:34 AM

Just a few other thoughts:

I had a lot of bleeding in hospital and had to have my soft cast replaced.

My surgeon said absolutely no ice cuff...did not want to risk wetting the soft cast

Shelly

shelleybutn · 01-20-2009, 05:13 PM

merrynan, just read all of this post, we put lots of suggestions up for shelly. i used the cryo cuff with the pump so it pumped cold water thru the cuff all night long. didn't get my cast wet at all. being stuck at home was hard, try to do little trips out once you feel up to it. my insurance covered a wheel chair and my husband would push me around grocery or walmart or wherever.

keep asking questions, we got answers!!!

shelley (with 2 e's)

shelleybutn · 01-20-2009, 05:14 PM

oh ya, i was in hospital only 1 night and went home the next afternoon. but i am only 31 (sorry shelly) and did very well. my husband took a few days off and then my two friends stayed with me for the first two weeks.
shelley