There is absolutely no way I could have worked, even from home, within two weeks. I know this is a huge decision but keep in mind that your foot is only going to continue to deteriorate. As time continues to move forward, the pain will continue to get worse.
Can you explain why you don't feel like you could have worked then? Energy level, pain management? I had acl reconstruction last year with an autograft and started working from home 10 days out but could have easily gone to my office. The only reason I worked from home was because my surgeon thought it prudent to protect the graft to spend less time on my feet getting from a to b.
Any time my foot was hanging down or NOT toes above nose, the swelling and pain would take over. The first two weeks are really important to following toes above the nose. Once the swelling starts, the pain also goes up. I know some have gone back to work several weeks following this surgery but I think it would be difficult
The Following User Says Thank You to Missyluke For This Useful Post: Moxie410 (12-10-2011)
Thanks. I just hate losing my routine. I have looked into the laptop laid back thing and it looks like I could work from bed with my foot sky high with this. Also, my dog helps keep me going so even though I'll have help with her right at first i'm glad not to be boarding her like I did with my acl surgery. That sucked and I missed her but I had that huge cpm machine in my bed and it just wouldnt have worked with her in the bed too. She was a godsend in getting me back going once I got rid of that machine. I also became quite genius in doing laundry, washing dishes and carrying my food in Tupperware so I'm glad at least to have had the whole NWB experience before.
Thanks again for the support and information! I keep trying to tell myself mine won't be too bad considering they feel like they have caught it early enough to save me from more severe surgical intervention, but I also don't want to be too optimistic on a speedy recovery. Hope for the best prepare for the worst.
>I don't understand the short period of time given that the condition has worsened. Am I missing something?
I'm not following the reasoning either.
> Did none of you feel up to working within two weeks even if all you had to do was sit at a desk with your foot elevated or work from the bed on your laptop?
I thought I would be, but i 110% was not. My surgeon said I could be back part time (working from home) in one week, and full time in about three. I returned part time after 5weeks and am now 11 weeks out and still working part time (mostly at this point due to the need for extra time off for physical therapy and occasional nerve surges). I had some nerve pain issues that I think increased my time off, but even without them, I think my surgeon was way off..If I had to do it again, I'd plan on *at least* 4 weeks off. (Whereas I followed what my surgeon said and told my boss I'd definitely be back by 2wks, thinking I was overestimating given the surgeon saying it would be 1wk).
>Can you explain why you don't feel like you could have worked then? Energy level, pain management?
Both, i think..plus the fact that if you have a pain spike at 3am and take opiates, you probably won't be shiny and awake at 7am.
*Everything* takes so much energy and effort post-op. I thought I had healthy 'youth' (36yrs) or some version thereof on my side so i'd be fine...it kicked my butt.
>Did any of you follow a strict vitamin regimen pre and post op? I asked my surgeon about it and he said to go for it as long as no fish oils and no vitamin e.
I was told to do no vitamins at all for 2 weeks before. I think this is just because it's easier for them to do a blanket removal lest 'I didn't realize...' ones slip through.
That said, don't forget about vitamin K (e & omegas 3s can cause bleeding...k can cause clotting) and herbs. A lot of vitamins now have added herbs which may not mix well with anesthesia.
Post-op I returned to my usual vitamin regimen, adding in bromelain for its inflammation assistance.
I also already take C above and beyond the RDA, but if you don't - there is a study showing 500mg of C helping reduce the # of patients with RSD after wrist fractures. (This isn't a wrist fracture, but if there's a chance the water-soluble vitamin possibly could help, I'm all for it).
>does anyone have any links to studies on these procedures?
I don't think we can post links on this board. Send me a pm if you want me to send you some.
>That makes me want to cry, actually this whole situation does. I'm having a hard time deciding to go for the surgery considering that it's totally a pain level I can deal with at this point.
I know that struggle all too well..
>I had acl reconstruction last year with an autograft and started working from home 10 days out but could have easily gone to my office.
I believe swimbunnie had the same thing and thus could first-hand comment on the differences. From what I've read (and heard from my surgeon), the knee recovery is much quicker/easier...Again though - I haven't gone through it so that's my spreading hearsay.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do!
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Update -> Also, keep in mind, MRIs are estimates. The images can both under and over-report issues.
No way I would have been able to work either. You get so exhausted doing anything as it takes so much effort. Also the swelling issue and you're most likely still on pain pills then, too. They are doing SO much to your foot at once you need to focus using your energy to heal.
I found vitamin D helpful as you are inside without sun and trying to heal bone. Helps with depression, too. I also took vitamin C and calcium as well.
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"All American Procedure" surgery April 4, 2011
Hardware removal July 14, 2011
At 17 months post op, I still remember how completely exhausted I felt just using the knee walker to go from bed to the bathroom at three weeks post op. Plan on being home for several weeks. The recovery is long and difficult but when I look back at how much pain I was in just walking from room to room prior to surgery, I knew that I had no option. For me, having the surgeru gave me my life back
I can tell U all that the surgeon that did my procedures insisted that I get a hospital bed since I have a multi-level home. I was flat on my back with my dang foot in the air for 5 or 6 weeks. It was nice when it was that way....they getting up to use the restroom and the surge of blood made ya wanna scream.
I am now 21 months since my initial injury...and 17 weeks since my revision for non union. I would be a LOT happier if I was pain free and could walk....but one day at a time I guess.
Please take care and thank you all for the support and advice.
sorry that you had to have a second surgery. I also live in a multi level home. We have a comfortable pull out in the living room. I spent about four weeks downstairs. My husband pretty much waited on me. At four weeks, I finally slept upstairs. I scootched up the steps on my tush with my husband there, spotting me and did the same to get downstairs in the morning. My husband had to help me get from the floor into our bed. My poor husband had to bring all of the pillows upstairs and then the elevated toilet seat and then the walker and of course bring them all back down in the morning. At four weeks post op, I was going sturr crazy just leaving the house for dr appointments. We borrowed a wheel chair and my husband pushed me a few blocks to a local bagel store. Eating out felt so good. The blood rushes and sheer exhaustion that resulted from doing anything would have made working impossible
Roxygirl, can I ask your age or is that too forward? Also have you had other ortho surgeries in the past?
I luckily have a one story so bed and bath are on the same levels but I have to step one up yo get out of my bedroom then one down to get to the living room and kitchen.
I can tell U all that the surgeon that did my procedures insisted that I get a hospital bed since I have a multi-level home. I was flat on my back with my dang foot in the air for 5 or 6 weeks. It was nice when it was that way....they getting up to use the restroom and the surge of blood made ya wanna scream.
I am now 21 months since my initial injury...and 17 weeks since my revision for non union. I would be a LOT happier if I was pain free and could walk....but one day at a time I guess.
Please take care and thank you all for the support and advice.
I am 55. I had knee surgery 6 years ago and carpal tunnel surgery 2 years ago.
Luckily, we have a half bath on the lower level so I had access to a toilet. My husband helped me wash my hair in the sink and I did sponge baths until I was able to make it upstairs.
I am 55. I had knee surgery 6 years ago and carpal tunnel surgery 2 years ago.
Luckily, we have a half bath on the lower level so I had access to a toilet. My husband helped me wash my hair in the sink and I did sponge baths until I was able to make it upstairs.
So you definitely have a clear frame of reference vs the other procedures and felt this was the worst? How quickly were you up and around after knee surgery?
Thanks for all the info and the quick replies. You can't know how appreciative I am.
On another note, I am quitting smoking so I'm sure that will be driving me crazy soon too but it's past time I did that anyway. I literally can't get this surgery off my mind for five minutes, can't sleep or dream about it when I do.
My knee surgery, I was using crutches NWB on the leg for about two weeks and then pwb for awhile. After the knee surgery, I was in the hospital one night and then went home with a CPM machine. I was able to get around pretty well after two weeks.
Recovery for the flat foot surgery was much longer. First, you have to give the osteotomies time to heel so that they don't shift and second, tendon work takes awhile to heal. My surgeon was conservative but considering my outcome, that is fine with me.
Stopping smoking is a very good thing because smoking can interfere with the way your body heals. It was amazing how quickly my foot went from mildly painful to making it difficult to walk from one room to the next. I had NO option but to address the foot. I am happy that I didn't wait too long. I did not need any fusions but if I waited much longer, I may well have been looking at fusions.
Be sure that you have pillows, an elevated toilet seat and a knee walker. These items are must haves. A shower chair is also very helpful. I kept a small dorm sized fridge that we had from my son next to the pull out. I was able to keep cold drinks, yogurt and sandwiches in it. Believe me you will NOt want to get up to do anything the first few weeks until those blood rushes stop.
The recovery was long and hard but it gave me my life back!!!!!! As long as you have a good surgeon with lots of experience with flat foot surgery, things should be fine. Good luck
It's on December 21.
I know about the smoking and how it can slow healing aside from all the other reasons! I have been so fortunate in the past to have healed quickly surprising the doctors in some cases even though I was a smoker but I can't keep tempting fate.
So I'm two weeks post op and feeling great, ready to get back to work and just wishing it hadn't been my right foot so I could drive. Had a couple of rough days first the day after surgery when I came home and second about a week out after my first cast change and wound check when the new cast was applied too tight. Guess I'm just lucky and obviously haven't see any results yet so soon after, but very positive about a good outcome as my surgeon was really pleased with the surgery. Once in there they found a spring ligament rupture as well as a posterior tibial ligament rupture both of which were repaired as opposed to tendon transfer for either. Also, osteotomy without any need for graft but do have a pin where they cut my heel bone and moved it over a bit. I don't have the actual op report yet as my first follow up with the surgeon is tomorrow. Hope to get it then. Also loving the knee walker affectionately being called the "buggy" now. It has been a true lifesaver and speaking from experience I know I wouldn't be doing nearly as well if I was on crutches right now. I've been able to get out to dinner, the grocery store a few times and over to friends house for Christmas eve and New Year's eve though obviously not partying too hard in the process. Have had one fall and a couple of slips on the buggy that hopefully won't hold me back. Navigating my split level on the buggy takes some serious coordination! Also on a good note it's been 24 days since I quit smoking and am still doing great losing weight despite being somewhat bound to the house and bed. Good luck to all, and thank you all for the pre-op feedback. My sanity might have been in question without it.
Glad to hear you are doing so well. I am 7 months post op, also right foot and remember how frustrating it was not to drive for over 3 months. I had a little setback about a month ago....trying to do too much, I aggravated the transferred tendon, but it seems to be settling down. My job requires me to be on my feet a lot and the floors are concrete. Now I keep my Aircast boot handy, so when it starts getting irritated, I can switch into it, and keep on my feet without further aggravating it. The time I can manage without the boot is getting longer, so I'm going to keep with my plan, slow and steady.
Saw the doc yesterday and he seemed thrilled and shocked with how well I was doing. Very minimal swelling, x-rays look great despite my fall off the buggy and my range of motion when the cast was removed for exam seemed far more than he expected. He actually used the words wow, great and amazing so I was very happy! Not having to take any pain meds on a regular basis but definitely on the exam days as it gets a bit riled up then. Released to go back to work officially
Now my only complaint is being tied to the cast and buggy considering I feel fine. Kind of thought I would at least get through the cast phase in a haze of pain meds and not be too bothered. I'm ready to get out and about and then it hits me I have no way to do so on my own. Can't stand not being self sufficient!
I had the surgery Sept 15th to replace the posterior tendon in my left ankle that was ruptured. It has been a long process. Went to the doctor the other day and he told me that it would take another 9 months before it wil be completly healed. Bummer. Since My mom has alzheimer's and my husband had a stroke i am th eonly care giver. I had to hire someont to care for them because I could put any weight on that foot. Thank heavens for my mothers walker it had a pad and was able to get around put my knee on it and got around that way until the cast came off. Then I had a boot and had weened off of it with physical therapy but then I stepped off a curb and twisted it now the outside of my ankle hurts am in ohysical therapy and where the boot when I am in pain which is most of the time. I didn't realize that this surgery was going to have such a long recovery. Thank heavens it was my left foot at least I can drive. Good luck I have the best surgeon in Miami, Dr Thomas San Giovanni he only operates on ankles. That is his specialty.
The Following User Says Thank You to Maytte For This Useful Post: foxandhound (11-20-2012)
I had the surgery Sept 15th to replace the posterior tendon in my left ankle that was ruptured. It has been a long process. Went to the doctor the other day and he told me that it would take another 9 months before it wil be completly healed. Bummer. Since My mom has alzheimer's and my husband had a stroke i am th eonly care giver. I had to hire someont to care for them because I could put any weight on that foot. Thank heavens for my mothers walker it had a pad and was able to get around put my knee on it and got around that way until the cast came off. Then I had a boot and had weened off of it with physical therapy but then I stepped off a curb and twisted it now the outside of my ankle hurts am in ohysical therapy and where the boot when I am in pain which is most of the time. I didn't realize that this surgery was going to have such a long recovery. Thank heavens it was my left foot at least I can drive. Good luck
The following user gives a hug of support to Maytte: swimbunnie (01-07-2012)
