Unless you go through this surgery (or any other foot surgery) I really do not think you understand what a long and at times difficult recovery this is. It is hard for most people to understand that for the first several weeks you really have to keep your foot elevated most of the time.
The Following User Says Thank You to Missyluke For This Useful Post: cinder (08-17-2012)
Thank you MissyLuke. My head is spinning trying to figure out if and when I can return to work if my surgery is on Nov. 2nd. I am on my feet and walking so much during the day at work. I also do climbing and hanging. Oh my getting nervous and trying to figure things out. Thanks for your help.
I would talk to your surgeon about the expected return date. Could you put in for short timr disability? If you are on your feet a lot, I couldn't imagine returning to work much before 4 months
The Following User Says Thank You to roxygirl1 For This Useful Post: cinder (08-17-2012)
Thank you so much. He did mentioned at least several months and to be re-evaluated on February 25th on the letter I asked for to bring to work. I am trying to decide if it is best that I just stay out the rest of the school year and take the extra 3 months and recover. I am not worried about the sick time because I have enough to carry me through and I think I will be eligible for disability. I guess I am afraid of actually be out that long. I don't know why.
The following user gives a hug of support to cinder: ginger62 (08-17-2012)
I also work in a school as an SLP. I had the surgery the end od July and returned to work in December the first month back was difficult. Can't you tell them that you will be out for 4 to 6 months and just wait to see how you do?
That would be a good plan the 4 - 6 month plan. I don't know why I feel so uncomfortable or afraid of being out so long. I wish I could get over it because I am afraid that as it gets closer I will not go through with it. Thanks for the encouragement.
I had no choice but to do the surgery. Over a one year period things got progressively worse. By the time I scheduled surgery, I was in agony after taking 5 or 6 steps. I don't know how bad the pain is but another option would be to talk with the doctor about getting a custom Arizona style brace to get you through the school year and then have the the start of the summer and then you would only have to takt 6 weeks off.
The Following User Says Thank You to roxygirl1 For This Useful Post: cinder (08-18-2012)
The Arizona brace is a big help. I got mine last year after knee replacement and I never would have been able to work another 2 years without it. They can be expensive...mine was hand casted and about $1500. If you can't schedule surgery within 3-4 months I would highly recommend it. It takes some getting used to but it can be a life saver.
Thank you so much. I will check into it. But I fear that I will only be prolonging it and it is never really a good time to have it done is it? I am getting to the point that this is so life changing and I cannot do the things I used to do and with the demands of school and small children I don't think I would be able to continue. I probably should just keep my surgery date and move forward instead of all this worrying. Thank you so much.
The following user gives a hug of support to cinder: ginger62 (08-20-2012)
Good for you. I will put it on the calendar so I can go through your journey with you and we can heal together about a month apart and compare. That would make the time go by for us hopefully. I remembered you were going to the doctor on the 20th so I guess he agreed that it needed to be done. Did he say if you will spend the night in the hospital?
Hey Cinder,
I'm still waiting too hear about hospital time. It seems to be an insurance vs. reality issue. All the procedures are technically "outpatient". Starting to make plans and prep around the house though. Getting nervous and excited at the same time. I can't remember what it what was like to walk without a significant limp! How are you doing?
It is such a big decision, but in the long run we will both be able to walk so much better after the recovery period. I did go into school today to set some things up and I came home in such pain. I hope I can do two more months. I was considering pushing the surgery back once again, but after today I do not think it would be a wise decision. Please keep me informed when things are finalized. My doctor did tell me I will have to spend the night in the hospital. I am not looking forward to that. I too have started to do things around the house and pick up bulk items. It's like "nesting" isn't it? Hang in ther too.
Just checking in to see how you are doing and if everything is still all set. Going back to work has been very difficult and now I realize that I made the right decision. I am still set for November 2nd. Keep in touch.
The Following User Says Thank You to cinder For This Useful Post: ginger62 (09-18-2012)
Hey Cinder, good to hear from you! my surgery got pushed up to 9/25, so now I'm racing around like a madwoman trying to get everything ready. I manage a fairly busy store here at the beach and we are still in the shoulder season, but I have great assistants so they'll handle it. I have to learn to let go and focus on getting through this surgery!
OH MY GOODNESS! Lots of luck and when you feel up to it, give me some updates. I will be thinking about you and sending you quick healing thoughts. I'm sure your assistants will be great and now it's time to take care of "YOU." So get well and I look forward to hearing from you when you can.
The Following User Says Thank You to cinder For This Useful Post: ginger62 (09-23-2012)
Good Luck - yes I am still scheduled for November 2nd. We can recover together! I will just be a little behind you. I will be sending healing thoughts and good wishes to you all day. Take care of yourself.
Just checking in. I have been thinking about you and hope everything went well. When you are up to it, let me know how you are doing? Rest up and take care of yourself.
Hey Cinder, I'm doing alright. Got home late this afternoon and think I overdid it a little. Looking forward to some good rest tonight. I'm glad to have this part behind me. It hurts some (okay, I won't lie...today has been pretty bad since the block wore off). Just trying to keep ahead of it.
My surgeon was great as was everyone at the hospital. I went back to the hotel for the night and we drove back today. It wasn't as bad as I thought! I will keep you posted.
