All surgeries are different, al hospitals have their own rules. For my anke surgery I had to remove al clothes but they did not insert catheter during surgery. My thought is that the surgery is not long enough to warrent the need.
But, I will tell you that I have had several surgeries (plus delivering two babies). With a bowel resection, a hysterectemy and a bladder sling I had a catheter each time. It was inserted when I was asleep but regardless, the nurses are so thoughtful, considerate and understanding to all your needs. Don't be embarrased to ask any questions or express your concerns. They have already heard those questions several times prior. Also, keep in mind that these nurses are people too and they could be (or have been) in the same situation with the same concerns.
As far as the male doctor is concerned (I've always had a male doctor) they too are considerate. Even my ob/gyn doc is very nice. Of course, if he wasn't I wouldn't continue to see him.
Put your mind at ease. Your concerns are legit as you have never been in this situation prior (I was in a panic for my first baby, not knowing what to expect). Don't worry about clothing, catheter or anything other than getting your ankle fixed and how much better it will be after recovery. The waiting can be very nerve wracking so concentrate on getting better and assure yourself that everything at hospital will be just fine.
The Following User Says Thank You to ddill For This Useful Post: Star6 (02-10-2013)
All surgeries are different, al hospitals have their own rules. For my anke surgery I had to remove al clothes but they did not insert catheter during surgery. My thought is that the surgery is not long enough to warrent the need.
But, I will tell you that I have had several surgeries (plus delivering two babies). With a bowel resection, a hysterectemy and a bladder sling I had a catheter each time. It was inserted when I was asleep but regardless, the nurses are so thoughtful, considerate and understanding to all your needs. Don't be embarrased to ask any questions or express your concerns. They have already heard those questions several times prior. Also, keep in mind that these nurses are people too and they could be (or have been) in the same situation with the same concerns.
As far as the male doctor is concerned (I've always had a male doctor) they too are considerate. Even my ob/gyn doc is very nice. Of course, if he wasn't I wouldn't continue to see him.
Put your mind at ease. Your concerns are legit as you have never been in this situation prior (I was in a panic for my first baby, not knowing what to expect). Don't worry about clothing, catheter or anything other than getting your ankle fixed and how much better it will be after recovery. The waiting can be very nerve wracking so concentrate on getting better and assure yourself that everything at hospital will be just fine.
Thanks so much ddill, i guess just waiting to see my orthopedic next then knowing i have a wait till surgery and the fact that my ankle is driving me bonkas is really starting at times to get the better of me lol. Thanks for your answer and i guess that means it is okay to ask him next appointment just to check.
But yes thanks for the concerns being legit and yes it is nerve wracking particularly when i cant sleep properly and i had to start walking on my bung ankle again cause my good foot started getting aches etc in spots being only on it. And its really made my ankle worse again sigh.
Can i ask did you have problems at all with the catheter or not? My guess is its okay to ask if that might be a possibility or not? And yes i really do need to get my ankle fixed as its sooo unstable when every step i take on solid ground causes it to collapse on me. You really did ease my freakout so thanks lol much appreciated.
Star-in response to how he found out, or at least from what I remember in my drug induced state...I had been wheeled into the OR after I was pretty out of it, I was laying there and my surgeon was just standing there waiting for the rest of the OR team to finish prepping everything (they also do a "time out" before they stsrt) and the anethesiologist brought it up and the dr said no, it's not needed, surgery should only be around 2 hours. Of course mine almost went to 3 hours but still not too bad.
Also for me, I was so tired of dealing with my ankle not working, and working 40 hours a week straight on my feet, I didn't care at that point what I had to have done. I just wanted my ankle fixed! So for me that's what gets me through all the embarrassing hospital stuff.
__________________ 10/2001 Left kneecap tightened and LR
06/2003 Modified Brostrom on right ankle
10/2012 Biopsies under general
12/2012 Arthroscopy, impingement removed with Brostrom-Evans procedure
Star-in response to how he found out, or at least from what I remember in my drug induced state...I had been wheeled into the OR after I was pretty out of it, I was laying there and my surgeon was just standing there waiting for the rest of the OR team to finish prepping everything (they also do a "time out" before they stsrt) and the anethesiologist brought it up and the dr said no, it's not needed, surgery should only be around 2 hours. Of course mine almost went to 3 hours but still not too bad.
Also for me, I was so tired of dealing with my ankle not working, and working 40 hours a week straight on my feet, I didn't care at that point what I had to have done. I just wanted my ankle fixed! So for me that's what gets me through all the embarrassing hospital stuff.
Guess i can see your point there. As i am soooo tired of my ankle. But yes that would just be something i would be nervous about so i figure maybe i should just ask my surgeon about it when i see him next? i dont know if its worth bringing it up or not and i know my mums planning on going too just cause she wants to hear whats being done etc too which is fine but i dont think she will really want to hear me ask that lol so yes i dont know guess we shall see i may ask or not and i may just let her know in advance that i plan to ask.
i guess its just something i am not comfortable with but guess i just have to wait and see and ask if i have the guts too
No problem. My mom has actaully gone to every one of my appointments with this current OS. Of course it's about a 45 minute drive out, so it's kind of nice, we usually do a shopping/lunch trip out of it! And it's especially nice because if I forget to ask questions, my mom jumps in and asks them for me. Sometimes I forget about things I have complained about, but she remembers! Moms are amazing like that
I think the best thing would be to write out all the questions you have, no matter how small or large and ask away at your next appointment. That way you are going into surgery with a clear plan. I wasn't nearly as prepared for my last visit before surgery. I had been doing all the conservative things the dr recommended, and that was just another visit of, oh PT didn't work....and even though I knew surgery was a strong possibility, I really didn't think he would discuss it at that visit! So the dr and I first went back and fourth on should I do it now, should I wait....I even discussed wanting to do it before January so my 2012 insurance would pay for it...I did forget to ask a couple questions, but it wasn't a huge deal. Even though my visit wasn't specifically for pre-op, he totally took the time and sat there and answered honestly every question my mom and I threw at him. I knew then, that I had a great surgeon and I trusted him.
__________________ 10/2001 Left kneecap tightened and LR
06/2003 Modified Brostrom on right ankle
10/2012 Biopsies under general
12/2012 Arthroscopy, impingement removed with Brostrom-Evans procedure
No problem. My mom has actaully gone to every one of my appointments with this current OS. Of course it's about a 45 minute drive out, so it's kind of nice, we usually do a shopping/lunch trip out of it! And it's especially nice because if I forget to ask questions, my mom jumps in and asks them for me. Sometimes I forget about things I have complained about, but she remembers! Moms are amazing like that
I think the best thing would be to write out all the questions you have, no matter how small or large and ask away at your next appointment. That way you are going into surgery with a clear plan. I wasn't nearly as prepared for my last visit before surgery. I had been doing all the conservative things the dr recommended, and that was just another visit of, oh PT didn't work....and even though I knew surgery was a strong possibility, I really didn't think he would discuss it at that visit! So the dr and I first went back and fourth on should I do it now, should I wait....I even discussed wanting to do it before January so my 2012 insurance would pay for it...I did forget to ask a couple questions, but it wasn't a huge deal. Even though my visit wasn't specifically for pre-op, he totally took the time and sat there and answered honestly every question my mom and I threw at him. I knew then, that I had a great surgeon and I trusted him.
Yes it is nice to have your mum there to ask the questions you forget And yep have already started a question list, Guess at least i have time to prepare for it And think i will ask about that as it would just ease my mind but in the meantime i am not going to worry about it as its on my list and can now be put out of my mind till then
And wow you really need get surprised with the surgery remark i went there and first appointment i got told you need surgery we will get you to try the boot but next appointment if the boot doesnt work and you come back we will discuss surgery and what he wants to do in it.
And the first time i saw mine i felt i could trust him as he was friendly and made me laugh and honestly answered what we asked him. And he knew problems i was getting when i didnt mention or bring it up he just knew! Which i must say i was impressed with.
And yes guess i went into my appointment knowing everything else had not worked out for me and hence the surgery comment was a bit of a surprise but it was a relief too as i knew it would have to happen.
Thanks for your help and response its good to have somewhere i can come to ask questions without judgement
This was my second ankle reconstruction, so as soon as I injured my ankle in April, I knew surgery was needed. The first OS I saw thought PT would cure me...I knew better! So it wasn't a surprise to be told I needed it, I just didn't think I would be told at that appointment. I later found out that even though he ran me through conservative treatment, he had a feeling surgery was needed.
And no problem! I love being able to come here and ask for help and help others!
__________________ 10/2001 Left kneecap tightened and LR
06/2003 Modified Brostrom on right ankle
10/2012 Biopsies under general
12/2012 Arthroscopy, impingement removed with Brostrom-Evans procedure
This was my second ankle reconstruction, so as soon as I injured my ankle in April, I knew surgery was needed. The first OS I saw thought PT would cure me...I knew better! So it wasn't a surprise to be told I needed it, I just didn't think I would be told at that appointment. I later found out that even though he ran me through conservative treatment, he had a feeling surgery was needed.
And no problem! I love being able to come here and ask for help and help others!
okay wow sorry to hear you got through PT again but guess they like to make sure they cover all the bases before they operate
Guess that was the same with mine he wanted me to try the boot first and come back if it didnt work but he straight away offered surgery after looking at my scans and his physical tests and finding out we had been trying physio all this time too and that it didnt work.
the boot was also cause of my injury i have some nerve damage too and still get swelling and have lost a ton of muscle in my ankle. SO i can understand the boot there too.
Unfortunately it pressed right in my injury and made things worse for me so i had to stop using it.
And yes hopefully one day i may be able to help others with whatever i have to have done lol though right now its me asking the questions and showing some sympathy cause i understand how everyone else is feeling with theres.
How is things going for you right now? hope its going well
Im in that point of recovery that sucks! I'm bouncing between 1 and 2 crutches depending on pain. I'm so ready to be off them! PT is going, I see results, but it's slow. I'm stressing even more that I'll be going back to work full time feb 19. It's terrifying knowing that I will be on my feet 40 hours a week when I go back. My boss said she'd try and find me some desk work, but most of the work I do is running around! I figure I'll bring crutches to work in case I need them!
So I'm frustrated that this is a longer recovery than my first ankle reconstruction!
__________________ 10/2001 Left kneecap tightened and LR
06/2003 Modified Brostrom on right ankle
10/2012 Biopsies under general
12/2012 Arthroscopy, impingement removed with Brostrom-Evans procedure
I'm back again with some more thoughts regarding the catheter. This has nothing to do with the ankle surgery as there wasn't a catheter but several years ago I had surgery for a bowel resection (they actually removed about two feet of my intestine) and after the surgery they removed the catheter (it tickles) and then I was drinking water but couldn't pee. At that point they decided to try a straight catheter (just a tube that allows pee into a cup then they remove the tube). So obviously this was the first time I had a catheter inserted while awake. I too was a little nervous and she washed the area and then I asked when she was going to do it but it was already done and the pee was flowing. So, inserting a catheter is not painful, in fact I wouldn't even call it uncomfortable. Not to worry. I doubt that you will even have one for such a short surgery.
When you talk to the doctor you can ask him lots of questions about pain, drugs, length of surgery, etc. and just kinda let the question of a catheter slip in there and it will be a normal pre-op question. Speaking of pre-op....several on this board told different stories of what they had to do prior to surgery i.e. two showers w/antibacterial soap, no nail polish, no creams, etc. so you can talk about those too.
Personally I found waiting for the surgery to be much more nerve wracking than the actual surgery or hospital routine.
Im in that point of recovery that sucks! I'm bouncing between 1 and 2 crutches depending on pain. I'm so ready to be off them! PT is going, I see results, but it's slow. I'm stressing even more that I'll be going back to work full time feb 19. It's terrifying knowing that I will be on my feet 40 hours a week when I go back. My boss said she'd try and find me some desk work, but most of the work I do is running around! I figure I'll bring crutches to work in case I need them!
So I'm frustrated that this is a longer recovery than my first ankle reconstruction!
Damn really hope it works out well for you Erie. And i really hope work works out when you go back! Hope you dont have to do too much running around to start.
And yes sounds good with the crutches i would say definitely take them in case.
Best of luck with it all.
The Following User Says Thank You to Star6 For This Useful Post: Erie0385 (02-10-2013)
I'm back again with some more thoughts regarding the catheter. This has nothing to do with the ankle surgery as there wasn't a catheter but several years ago I had surgery for a bowel resection (they actually removed about two feet of my intestine) and after the surgery they removed the catheter (it tickles) and then I was drinking water but couldn't pee. At that point they decided to try a straight catheter (just a tube that allows pee into a cup then they remove the tube). So obviously this was the first time I had a catheter inserted while awake. I too was a little nervous and she washed the area and then I asked when she was going to do it but it was already done and the pee was flowing. So, inserting a catheter is not painful, in fact I wouldn't even call it uncomfortable. Not to worry. I doubt that you will even have one for such a short surgery.
When you talk to the doctor you can ask him lots of questions about pain, drugs, length of surgery, etc. and just kinda let the question of a catheter slip in there and it will be a normal pre-op question. Speaking of pre-op....several on this board told different stories of what they had to do prior to surgery i.e. two showers w/antibacterial soap, no nail polish, no creams, etc. so you can talk about those too.
Personally I found waiting for the surgery to be much more nerve wracking than the actual surgery or hospital routine.
Thanks Ddill for that information have my list of questions here that i am writing i do hope the catheter thing isn't needed but will ask my surgeon at the next appointment when i find out what he wants to do for surgery.
And yes i would feel totally uncomfortable with the catheter. But thanks for your help guess right now though i need to put it out of my mind and not fret about it as i have it on my question list so i don't have to keep worrying and feeling uncomfortable about it now.
Seems most people on these boards haven't had to have it. So i really hope not but will check with the surgeon in case.'
Star:You probably said earlier but.....when is you next appointment?
Diane
Next Appointment is 26th of Febuary
__________________ Surgery done! Fibula bone manipulated and pinned into place plus ligaments repaired. Not sure of all details of whats done till see ortho
My internet connection was down for a day and a half. Amazing how dependent we are on it.
I'm doing super. I only took the Percocet for a couple of days but continued ice and elevation. Last two days I have not done either and the swelling is down and no pain. Life is wonderful --or would be if my husband hadn't broken the dishwasher!
Tomorrow the staple come out and I assume a cast goes on. Can't decide what color I want. Maybe pink since I put pink polish on my toes.
I always use the knee walker to get around and it has been a life saver. Hoping to find someone who needs it when I am finished.
I'll be back tomorrow after staples are removed....
Hi Ddill(Diane),
Can I ask a question? I just had an ankle/foot reconstruction surgery last Weds. 2/6/13. Because of suggestions by many here, I rented a knee scooter. I use it exclusively right now because I despise my crutches. I have had several knee surgeries in the past 9 yrs and I am so sick of the crutches.
So, I wonder how portable the scooter is? I am thinking of taking it to use at work once I go back. I work at an animal hospital as a client care specialist, and I will have my own office to work in where I can put my leg up and ice. I feel like the scooter offers more stability. Especially if I am scooting along (lol, the image cracks me up) and I happen to get jumped on by a dog (always a fear when I'm on crutches). I only use it in the house because I'm still early in my recovery. But I love it. Have you used it anywhere besides the house yet?
Scooter is very portable. When I had mine, I took to the mall. Great to use on concrete and tile floors. mine had warning labels which stated not to use outdoors though. Mine had a lever which made the handle collapse for easy storage in a trunk. Good luck!!
The Following User Says Thank You to Btrfli1 For This Useful Post: lauralei51 (02-12-2013)
The knee walker transports easily and goes to dr appts, grocery stores and walmart (so far). I don't see any reason why you couldn't take it to work with you. Much more stable than crutches.
Re: Questions about FOot/Ankle Surgery? 
