I had my 6 week checkup this morning, and my surgeon gave me the boot, both literally and figuratively! I am officially released to physical therapy, with no more followup appointments.
It's AMAZING how more functional my right foot is now. At this point, I can move my foot up and down but not left to right. Before, i could only move my foot in one direction -- in -- which wasnt particularly useful for walking normally. My foot is quite swollen to my eye (but not my surgeon's) and the incisions (and there are many all around my foot and even on my shin) are technically healed but still kinda crusty from being in a cast for 6 weeks. A few showers should take care of that.
For the next 2-3 weeks, my orders are PWB to FWB with boot on all the time (except bedtime). Then I can start phasing in a shoe, at which point I can DRIVE! After 4 weeks, I should theoretically be out of the boot altogether. No pain standing for X-rays and surgeon, but I haven't attempted PWB yet.
So I am basically thrilled with the outcome of my fairly complicated surgery so far!!!
__________________ Jan 18, 2013: PTT transfer, peroneal longus to brevis tendon transfer, calcaneal osteotomy with medial slide, plantar fascia release
So I walked throughout my house, PWB with crutches! I have no idea how many pounds I am putting on my foot, my surgeon was far less specific than others seem to be. I am using a gel cup on my heel. No real pain. I do have a mental block when it coes to stretching my Achilles and plantar fascia, so my steps are short. :-)
__________________ Jan 18, 2013: PTT transfer, peroneal longus to brevis tendon transfer, calcaneal osteotomy with medial slide, plantar fascia release
I am 6 weeks tomorrow. As you know been trying to PWB, but is still sore. I seriously feel like I am stepping on a rock. I have a lot of numbness on the outside toward the middle of my heel/bottom of foot.
I did some walking yesterday but not much but had it down a lot (I elevate it quite a bit still) and it swelled up a ton. Now today when I went to walk on it, it was more painful than it has been. I don't know if I should keep pushing it or not. I am not using it very much at all.
Pam, I am really sorry to hear that things aren't improving. Have you started seeing a PT yet to get some advice how to move forward? Feeling like there is a rock in your foot surely must be a sign that somethings wrong, maybe scar tissue?
I retreated to my bedroom and I am icing my foot without the boot. My forays through my house have caused some swelling. Just having my foot free is unbelievably wonderful. Now if I can just get rid of my flaking skin, yech. I swear my first scrub left things even worse!
__________________ Jan 18, 2013: PTT transfer, peroneal longus to brevis tendon transfer, calcaneal osteotomy with medial slide, plantar fascia release
No, I am not in therapy yet. The plan was for 2 weeks PWB with the walker (part time on the scooter when it got too much) and then two weeks (which starts tomorrow) without the walker. Then start PT. HA, I can hardly get around my house with the walker. I think what I am feeling is the numbness which he seemed surprised was as extensive, but he said could be due to all the fluid in there from the trauma. I also think the one incision is getting irritated. It bled under the skin which has since come off (not a scab, not a bruise, it was strange.) and there is a spot that is raw where the skin peeled and I know that gets irritated when I walk in the boot too, but that is only part of it.
I see my dr again on March 11. I have called the office twice and told them that I am not doing great with the PWB and the lady at the desk said just do what it tolerated.
It is nice to have it free when I am laying down, and at night. But that boot is heavy.
Be careful with your skin. I do have sensitive skin, and when I put regular lotion on it at first it got red and irritated, so I have been using baby lotion and that has worked great. I think now I could go to normal lotion, but the first few days, I had to be careful.
Thats great news. I'm glad it went so well for you You dont have to see your OS anymore? I cant wait for the day I no longer have to see mine...though it will feel kind of bittersweet since i've been seeing him for over 2 years. I'm so happy though at your doing so well. Its really great!
__________________ 1/24/11 accessory navicular bone removed
Congrats on your new found freedom!! I think the best feeling in the world is finally being out of a cast!! Then of course being able to shower normally! Take it slow the first couple of days, you don't want to cause too much pain and swelling.
For me driving for the first time was such an odd feeling! It's like I was 15 again learning how to do it. I think I mentally psyched myself out about it. But now it's like I have my old/new foot back lol
Erin
__________________ 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
You dont have to see your OS anymore? I cant wait for the day I no longer have to see mine...though it will feel kind of bittersweet since i've been seeing him for over 2 years. I'm so happy though at your doing so well. Its really great!
