Hi! First time posting... Four weeks ago, I had my first ankle surgery - peroneal tendon repair and tightrope procedure for a syndesmotic ligament tear. I've been NWB for four weeks and go back to the doctor this morning and will hopefully be PWB after that. In two weeks, I'm having a Brostrom procedure and this fun process will start all over again. I'm a bit anxious about transitioning to the boot today for PWB. Any recommendations to manage the pain?
Just take it easy and take meds before you see the doctor. Keep the meds going faithfully and don't try to push it too hard, too soon. It is a long process. When I started bearing weight it was my heel that about drove me through the roof.....just slow and easy would be my recommendation...and continue to ice it as well.
The Following User Says Thank You to joyful123 For This Useful Post: augirl423 (05-25-2012)
So we are completely skipping PWB and going to full. This makes me nervous, but the pain isn't horrible. It was really weird feeling at first - like pins & needles on the bottom of my foot, but that's better now. I am still using my crutches to help me out some. I am really impressed with how well my incision has healed since my last appointment. I came home & took a great bath, shaved & exfoliated my leg - felt SO good! Second surgery will likely be July 11th or close to that.
So we are completely skipping PWB and going to full. This makes me nervous, but the pain isn't horrible. It was really weird feeling at first - like pins & needles on the bottom of my foot, but that's better now. I am still using my crutches to help me out some. I am really impressed with how well my incision has healed since my last appointment. I came home & took a great bath, shaved & exfoliated my leg - felt SO good! Second surgery will likely be July 11th or close to that.
Wow, be careful going to FWB so quickly...and definitely keep the crutches handy....the heel/bottom of foot was hard for me too at first. I'm glad your incisions is healing. I had the boot on after my surgery and it rubbed in the incision - they finally put me in something else, but it took that part of the incision longer to heal! And I know what you mean about the first bath! Amazing, huh?
I was surprised he wanted me to go FWB. I kept saying "are you sure?" He was sure. I'm definitely going to take it VERY slowly. The bath was so amazing. I can't wait to take another one!!!
Yes, the bath feels so good. I was staying with a friend and her shower/tub was upstairs, so I didn't get to take a shower every day.... was about every 3 days....and it always felt so good
Welcome to the boards! There's a wealth of knowledge and a lot of friendly people on here to help you! A lot of us just went through the surfer you just had and the surgery you are about to have. I must ask why they didn't do the Brostrom at the same time they repaired your peroneal tendon and syndesmotic ligament? Is it on the other foot? I had a Brostrom-Gould, peroneal tendon repair and fibular groove deepening for peroneal tendon subluxation on 2/22/12 and I'm still in PT so I understand what you are going through. I was NWB in a cast for 6 wks and then went WBAT (weight bearing as tolerated) and it took me about 2 weeks to get rid of both crutches. Like JOYFUL, my main problem was my heel. It would light up with weight at first, but you get used to it. Then where my big toe and foot meet hurt a lot (still does hurt) and a cyst formed but has gone down a lot. Keep your crutches handy, don't go FWB too fast. Take it easy and take your meds if you need them. Oh and also like JOYFUL said, take meds before you go to the doctor. I took them before every visit until the last 2-3 and it helped a good bit with cast changes, boot, and the manipulations he does every time I go. Is the "au" in your name for Australia or a college like Auburn University if you don't mind me asking?
My tendon tear was so severe that he didn't feel like I could handle all of it at the same time. I wish he had been able to do it all because I'm not looking forward to going through this again! It's my right foot so still no driving. Last night was a little unnerving sleeping without the boot, but I survived it. I just rode down to the beach with my parents and have a bit of swelling (my once pretty, narrow foot looks like it belongs on Fred Flintstone right now). I'm going to go ice & elevate for a while. Any suggestions for the dry skin? My right leg looks like a molting snake right now!
Yes the boot can alleviate pain. Try Shea butter. As in 100% Shea butter you can get at a popular bath store! I used this on mine and it got it pretty moisturized pretty quickly! And wow about your tendon tear! I thought mine was bad! (The doctor told my husband that it was shredded!). Have fun at the beach! You're brave! And yes, I remember the Fred Flintstone days! My foot looked like that too and still does on days it swells a lot! Oh and I figured that was what the "au" was and all I have to say to that is War Eagle, All In!
I will get some Shea butter. :-) My tendon had a two inch long hole in the middle of it. He thought it was just going to have some micro tears so he was surprised. I am wearing the boot except when I'm laying on the couch or in bed so that is helping with the pain. Looks like I won't get to enjoy the beach though - TS Beryl has other ideas.
War Eagle to you!!! I'm so ready for football season...
A 2" hole, wow! Guess neither of you were prepared for that huh? Ouch!! Yes try that Shea butter! I felt so much better after using it!! When is the next surgery? Sorry you wont be able to enjoy the beach! I can sympathize because I had my first ankle surgery in the summer. That and being on crutches in 95 degree weather was why I decided on a winter surgery this time! LOL! I am so ready for football season too!!
I bought some Burt's Bees shea butter & Vitamin E lotion. It's wonderful! The second surgery probably will be July 11th. I don't want to forgo my vacation the last week of June. I'm fortunate enough to have a job where I can work from home so my time away from work was minimal and will hopefully be even shorter with the second surgery. Now that I'm FWB, it's nice to have some of my "freedom" back. But I sure do wish I could drive!! That is the most frustrating part of this whole thing.
Yeah, I had surgery on my right foot, it was very frustrating. I am single and live alone, but thankfully I had stayed with a friend and her husband for five weeks. I also work at home frequently so I only missed two weeks of work and then they let me work at home for the next eight or nine weeks. It's still uncomfortable for me to drive to work as I'm an hour away from where I work, but it is getting better! Hang in there!
I know that has to be frustrating! Thankfully, both surgeries were on my left ankle! Hang in there!! That's great you work from home!! Going anywhere special for your vacation?
I am also single & live alone. My mom stayed with me for the first two weeks, then I came down to their home on the coast. I couldn't have done any of this without them!! I am hoping he will let me drive after my next appointment on the 11th. My office is only 25 miles each way and I would only have to go in two days a week - in off-peak traffic. I just want to go to the grocery store for myself! It's the little things...
Yeah I TOTALLY understand about the "little" things and having your independence back, not having to ask or rely on someone else to either help or get stuff for you. I was going stir crazy when I got home. I was fine when I was with Judy & RB, but once I came home I just got so stir crazy because I couldn't drive or do much still.......so hang in there. I'm glad you are 25 miles from work. I'm 52 miles - one way from work, but like you I only have to go in twice a week. The Navy Academy has their graduation today - so traffic was a bear trying to get into Annapolis today. Hopefully by the time I leave it will be cleared out some!
The little things become so important and what are luxuries! I can only imagine how this was further complicated by your right foot being the one involved! I hope he will let you drive too!! Hope youre feeling ok today!
