After a few hours of back to back meetings at school, I rushed home to meet my friend so that we could ride over to the theatre for Les Miserables.
I brought my handicapped pass with me and luckily the theatre allowed us to park for free! We went to the actor's chat back and then we went to dinner before the show. Since we were already parked, we had to try to find somewhere in walking distance. Of course this was challenging, because with me and my boot and walker, we had to consider options much closer than traditional walking distance.
We ended up finding a Chinese restaurant that was between .25 and .5 miles away from the theatre. With my slow behind it was a 30 minute walk each way. This was the first time that I tried to walk any significant distance. It was extremely challenging and my ankle screamed, but I did it! This gave me confidence as I knew I would be able to add a little more walking back into my daily routine.
The show was awesome, especially since my friend and I got upgraded to box seats, since that was the handicapped accessible seating. This allowed me to sit with my foot elevated on my walker during the show. I would much rather not be disabled, but at least it has a few perks.
Ever seen a flatter foot? This was the beginning of my PTTD surgery journey...
Left Foot Pre-Surgery X-ray: Ankle with heel valgus and flatfoot deformity
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Day 42: 6 weeks + First day at school with my boot
*6 week surgery anniversary*
On the 6-week anniversary of my surgery, I was off to school for the first time armed with my boot and walker.
The first thing on my schedule was a meeting at 9 am, that I ended up being late for, despite waking up at 6:30 am. It took me 2 hours to shower, put my clothes on, and gather my stuff for school. I have to be so careful with my incisions that it takes me exponentially longer to get ready. The only positive is that now that I have the boot, I can wear many more of my bottoms since I can put them on before I put the boot on.
Next, I had to go to my lab. My class had a midterm that was online that day, so I didn't have to teach. I just had to be available in case they had any questions. This was a big relief because it allowed me to rest my leg, which tires pretty easily now that I am partial weight bearing with almost no muscle mass on that leg.
I had another meeting and then I was on my way home. My ankle was absolutely throbbing because I had been at school for 7 hrs, much too long for my new foot.
I spent the rest of the evening icing and elevating. My foot hurt so much that I had to take a hefty dose of acetaminophen.
On the 6-week anniversary of my surgery, I was off to school for the first time armed with my boot and walker.
The first thing on my schedule was a meeting at 9 am, that I ended up being late for, despite waking up at 6:30 am. It took me 2 hours to shower, put my clothes on, and gather my stuff for school. I have to be so careful with my incisions that it takes me exponentially longer to get ready. The only positive is that now that I have the boot, I can wear many more of my bottoms since I can put them on before I put the boot on.
Next, I had to go to my lab. My class had a midterm that was online that day, so I didn't have to teach. I just had to be available in case they had any questions. This was a big relief because it allowed me to rest my leg, which tires pretty easily now that I am partial weight bearing with almost no muscle mass on that leg.
I had another meeting and then I was on my way home. My ankle was absolutely throbbing because I had been at school for 7 hrs, much too long for my new foot.
I spent the rest of the evening icing and elevating. My foot hurt so much that I had to take a hefty dose of acetaminophen.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Walker Adventure
Just before I got in the shower, I got a call from my medical supply company that I could come pick up my rollator walker. I submitted the prescription last week, but they were of all things "out of stock." How could the medical supply company be out of walkers????
I was excited that I could come pick it up because after 6 weeks of relying on my crutches primarily and also a wheelchair, the walker would give me a little more independence.
My medial supply company changed their policy just 4 weeks after my initial dealings with them that they no longer deliver or pick up medical equipment! I was shocked to hear this on the phone, as they had delivered my wheelchair just a month prior. I was told that their closest local branch was greater then 20 miles away. Where I live, this translated to a 1 hr and 45 minute adventure west.
When I finally got there, at least they had the walker, and even waited a few minutes after they closed at 5 pm to allow me to pick it up. I got totally lost on the way trying to find them. Since it was so difficult for me to get out there, I also begrudgingly turned in my wheelchair. I knew that I didn't want to have to make another trip there.
My walker has 4 wheels, a seat, and a hidden storage area. This walker has been a LIFESAVER. It is so much easier for me to get around than the crutches and I can actually carry my stuff with me (hidden in the compartment and on the seat).
All in all, this was such a busy day for me, cast off, first shower, and a trip to the other side of the world to pick up my walker.
I was excited that I could come pick it up because after 6 weeks of relying on my crutches primarily and also a wheelchair, the walker would give me a little more independence.
My medial supply company changed their policy just 4 weeks after my initial dealings with them that they no longer deliver or pick up medical equipment! I was shocked to hear this on the phone, as they had delivered my wheelchair just a month prior. I was told that their closest local branch was greater then 20 miles away. Where I live, this translated to a 1 hr and 45 minute adventure west.
When I finally got there, at least they had the walker, and even waited a few minutes after they closed at 5 pm to allow me to pick it up. I got totally lost on the way trying to find them. Since it was so difficult for me to get out there, I also begrudgingly turned in my wheelchair. I knew that I didn't want to have to make another trip there.
My walker has 4 wheels, a seat, and a hidden storage area. This walker has been a LIFESAVER. It is so much easier for me to get around than the crutches and I can actually carry my stuff with me (hidden in the compartment and on the seat).
All in all, this was such a busy day for me, cast off, first shower, and a trip to the other side of the world to pick up my walker.
First Shower
When I got home from my appointment, I couldn't wait to get in the shower and wash my leg for the first time in 6 weeks. The entire time that I had my casts, I bathed sitting on a bath chair in my tub. I was so ready to get back to showering.
I took off my boot and then realized that taking a shower was going to be harder than I thought. First, I had to move my 3 in 1 toilet/toilet extender/shower chair from the toilet to the shower. Then, I transferred all of my showering supplies from my tub to my shower. Next, I realized that my shower has close to a foot ledge that I would have to figure out how to get over in order to get in. I kneeled on a chair sitting in the bathroom and transferred myself directly to the shower chair.
I turned on the water and there it was...my first shower!
I had to carefully scrub my newly exposed leg to get some of the dead skin off. I also had the arduous task of removing the steri-strips from my incisions, which after 4 weeks, had hardened into my skin and scabs.
When I got out, I put loads of lotion on my surgery leg, and put a sock on to protect it.
Scars after first shower (Excuse the hair on my legs that has been growing for 6 weeks!):
I took off my boot and then realized that taking a shower was going to be harder than I thought. First, I had to move my 3 in 1 toilet/toilet extender/shower chair from the toilet to the shower. Then, I transferred all of my showering supplies from my tub to my shower. Next, I realized that my shower has close to a foot ledge that I would have to figure out how to get over in order to get in. I kneeled on a chair sitting in the bathroom and transferred myself directly to the shower chair.
I turned on the water and there it was...my first shower!
I had to carefully scrub my newly exposed leg to get some of the dead skin off. I also had the arduous task of removing the steri-strips from my incisions, which after 4 weeks, had hardened into my skin and scabs.
When I got out, I put loads of lotion on my surgery leg, and put a sock on to protect it.
Scars after first shower (Excuse the hair on my legs that has been growing for 6 weeks!):
Day 41: Post-op Appointment #2
The time has finally come for my cast prison sentence to end! I have reached the 6-week mark. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.
I was so ready to get the cast off, that I arrived to my appointment 30 mins early. For anyone who knows me, you all know that that is realllly early for me. I sat in the waiting room both excited and anxious to be moving into the next phase of my recovery. When I got called back, the cast technician came to my patient room to cut my cast off. I have heard that the cast saw is a frightening experience because you can't tell if the saw is going to cut into your skin. I was sweating bullets the entire time because it literally seemed as if he would cut into my leg.
The technician couldn't get the cast off fast enough. Waiting to see what my leg and ankle looked like was like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. He finally got it off, and I was surprised that my skin didn't look as bad as I had assumed it would, it was just really dry. I was surprised to see how dark my scabs were on my incisions.
After getting the cast off, I went for another round of X-rays. I didn't get the digital images this time, but they didn't look much different from my 2-weeks post-op X-rays. You can see a stronger white color on some of the break lines, which indicates the bones are growing back together.
Next, my doctor came and looked at my ankle and the X-rays and he was pleased with the progress. He didn't have much to say, so I made sure I cornered him with the list of questions that I prepared for the appointment. Below are the list of questions I asked and my doctor's answers:
1) How do I take care of the incisions/scars? Remove the steri-strips when you get home and use an over the counter scar treatment.
2)When will I be able to swim again? I would wait at least 4 more weeks to allow the bones to continue to set. (This answer broke my heart. I had really been hoping that he would have allowed me to return to the pool sooner)
3) Can I return to cycling with both feet? Yes. As long as you wear the boot and don't push it too hard. (This was a small victory!)
4) When will I be able to fly again? 2-3 weeks at the minimum, but I would wait at least 4 weeks.
5) When will I be able to go to the beach? 6 weeks minimum. (My heart broke for the 2nd time. With no swimming, no beach, no flying, I knew my upcoming spring break would be seriously lacking in fun)
6) Can you refer me to a Physical Therapist that works with athletes? Yes. (The PT coordinator arranged my PT at a Sports Medicine clinic.)
7) Will I have to wear the boot at night? No. We'll give you a brace. (This was another small victory) He went on to recommend that I get an orthotic insert to put in my boot that would provide some support for my new arch.
With that all settled, I was off to the cast room for my boot fitting. I was given a wonderful black terminator boot and a stirrup brace for night (the same kind volleyball players wear for ankle support). I was dreading having to put my foot in a 90 degree position in the boot (considering my ankle was casted at an angle to allow the newly transferred tendon to rest). I have read that many people have trouble with this. Luckily, for me it wasn't too much of a struggle. My incisions touching the sides of the boot was the worst part. After my boot fitting, I was approved to start partial weight bearing 20-40%. The first few steps, with the support of my lovely crutches, were really difficult.
Next, I met with the PT coordinator and got my prescription for PT. And then, after checking out of the administration desk, I was on my way home. I stopped at Wallgreens on my way home and picked up some gel orthotic inserts for my boot.
My next post-op appointment is in 6 weeks on April 5th, 2013.
I was so ready to get the cast off, that I arrived to my appointment 30 mins early. For anyone who knows me, you all know that that is realllly early for me. I sat in the waiting room both excited and anxious to be moving into the next phase of my recovery. When I got called back, the cast technician came to my patient room to cut my cast off. I have heard that the cast saw is a frightening experience because you can't tell if the saw is going to cut into your skin. I was sweating bullets the entire time because it literally seemed as if he would cut into my leg.
The technician couldn't get the cast off fast enough. Waiting to see what my leg and ankle looked like was like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. He finally got it off, and I was surprised that my skin didn't look as bad as I had assumed it would, it was just really dry. I was surprised to see how dark my scabs were on my incisions.
After getting the cast off, I went for another round of X-rays. I didn't get the digital images this time, but they didn't look much different from my 2-weeks post-op X-rays. You can see a stronger white color on some of the break lines, which indicates the bones are growing back together.
Next, my doctor came and looked at my ankle and the X-rays and he was pleased with the progress. He didn't have much to say, so I made sure I cornered him with the list of questions that I prepared for the appointment. Below are the list of questions I asked and my doctor's answers:
1) How do I take care of the incisions/scars? Remove the steri-strips when you get home and use an over the counter scar treatment.
2)When will I be able to swim again? I would wait at least 4 more weeks to allow the bones to continue to set. (This answer broke my heart. I had really been hoping that he would have allowed me to return to the pool sooner)
3) Can I return to cycling with both feet? Yes. As long as you wear the boot and don't push it too hard. (This was a small victory!)
4) When will I be able to fly again? 2-3 weeks at the minimum, but I would wait at least 4 weeks.
5) When will I be able to go to the beach? 6 weeks minimum. (My heart broke for the 2nd time. With no swimming, no beach, no flying, I knew my upcoming spring break would be seriously lacking in fun)
6) Can you refer me to a Physical Therapist that works with athletes? Yes. (The PT coordinator arranged my PT at a Sports Medicine clinic.)
7) Will I have to wear the boot at night? No. We'll give you a brace. (This was another small victory) He went on to recommend that I get an orthotic insert to put in my boot that would provide some support for my new arch.
With that all settled, I was off to the cast room for my boot fitting. I was given a wonderful black terminator boot and a stirrup brace for night (the same kind volleyball players wear for ankle support). I was dreading having to put my foot in a 90 degree position in the boot (considering my ankle was casted at an angle to allow the newly transferred tendon to rest). I have read that many people have trouble with this. Luckily, for me it wasn't too much of a struggle. My incisions touching the sides of the boot was the worst part. After my boot fitting, I was approved to start partial weight bearing 20-40%. The first few steps, with the support of my lovely crutches, were really difficult.
Next, I met with the PT coordinator and got my prescription for PT. And then, after checking out of the administration desk, I was on my way home. I stopped at Wallgreens on my way home and picked up some gel orthotic inserts for my boot.
My next post-op appointment is in 6 weeks on April 5th, 2013.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Day 39: This sucks!
I am a few days away from being 6-weeks post-op. For the last 4-weeks, I have been anxiously awaiting the end of my prison sentence of non-weight bearing in a fiberglass cast. Thankfully, I have less than 2 days left to go! For the most part, I have been able to return to my daily activities, however; I still can't go longer than 2-3 hrs without needing to elevate my leg. Attempting to put in 6-8 hr days at school nearly kill me.
This week was especially challenging because I finally swallowed the bitter pill of me being a disabled person (albeit temporary) in an abled bodied world. Every day, I wake up to a world full of obstacles that I am not used to facing. It has been quite the challenge to try to remain positive and optimistic.
There are so many things I miss about my old life and so many things that I am worried about the possibility of not being able to do in my future life. You all know how the saying goes, "you don't appreciate what you have until it is gone." Only time will tell...
This week was especially challenging because I finally swallowed the bitter pill of me being a disabled person (albeit temporary) in an abled bodied world. Every day, I wake up to a world full of obstacles that I am not used to facing. It has been quite the challenge to try to remain positive and optimistic.
There are so many things I miss about my old life and so many things that I am worried about the possibility of not being able to do in my future life. You all know how the saying goes, "you don't appreciate what you have until it is gone." Only time will tell...
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