Foot surgery - lots of crutch-time

[GLC1968]

So, as some of you may have read, I had a little accident over the weekend.

I basically was knocked over by a couple of our large dogs while I was holding a heavy bin of hay and standing on an uneven and muddy surface. I somehow ended up putting all my weight onto my right foot (including the weight of the bin) while it was turned essentially upside-down underneath me. I felt a 'snap', I screamed in pain and then I laid there in the mud running worst-case scenarios in my head. Funny thing is, I my worst-case was essentially accurate. *cry*

I broke my 4th metatarsal near the base of it (at my mid-foot) and I did some serious damage to my Lisfranc joint. http://www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00162 I have surgery next week and then I'll be in some type of soft-splint for 1.5 weeks. Then I get a hard cast for 8 weeks. After that, a walking boot, assuming I'm healing as expected. It'll be months before I can run again, but I should be able to swim once I get the hard cast off.

So, the bigger difficulty (now that I've accepted that I will have no 2012 tri season) is logistics. I cannot drive as it is my right foot and both of our cars are standards. We are going shopping for a junker for me that is an automatic so I can at least get myself to work (driving with my left foot, which I've done before). 75 minutes round trip is too far to expect my husband to drive twice a day when he works full time, too!

And then there is the situation with crutches. I don't mind walking with them but without hands, it's really, really hard to do stuff. Laundry, carrying things, dishes, cooking, etc. And I haven't been out back since the accident, so all animal care has now fallen on my husband.

Any helpful hints on functioning with crutches? Or getting around? Or managing with a cast on? I'll take anything I can get at this point!

[Biciclista]

I am so sorry to hear about your foot! what a bummer. Can't you get a scooter?

[Hi Ho Silver]

I've had to endure life on crutches a couple times due to knee surgeries. I found that carrying things and getting along was fairly easy if I pre-planned before the surgery.
- I put everything that I would normally use in an easily reachable spot that didn't require bending or stretching.
- To carry things as I "crutched" along, I bought a rucksack with several pockets. I also used a fanny pack at times.
- To manage moving things like plates and drinks, I bought a cheapo plastic server cart at Walmart (about 3 feet high, with handles that made it easy to push).
- I facilitated showers by bagging up my leg (from mid-thigh to below the knee) with Saran and using surgical tape to keep water out. And I bought a cheapo plastic stool to sit on while I showered.

Good luck with your surgery and healing!

[indysteel]

I don't have any advice for you to GLC, but I do have sympathy. I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I hope the surgery goes well and that your recovery is fast and full.

[ny biker]

Yikes. That sucks.

I was on crutches for months back in 1993-94 due to ankle surgery. I lived and worked in NYC at the time.

I lived alone, so for the first few weeks after the surgery I stayed at my parents' house. However they had planned a vacation before I scheduled the surgery, so they were not there the whole time. My sister came over to help out each day. I went out and got a fax machine so I could work from my parents' house.

Once I was back in NYC, I think I still worked from home several days a week. I honestly don't remember how I did laundry, though I think my laundry basket was on wheels so I guess that made it easier to get to the basement where the laundry room was. I do recall using only disposable plates, cups and utentils for eating, and since I don't cook anyway I'm sure I survived on easy meals that could be prepared with the microwave or toaster oven.

For carrying things, I used my backpack. I was even able to get takeout from McDonald's (including a drink!) back to my apartment with it. That backpack was a lifesaver.

The hardest thing for me was that I had no upper-body strength at the time, so getting around on crutches was hard at first. Fortunately that won't be a problem for you. (The other hard thing was that it was a very long and slow recovery from my surgery, and most of my "friends" thought I was faking it, even though the doctor felt my recovery was at a normal pace. I'm not friends with those people anymore.)

I never tried to shower with the cast on, although I think it might have been possible to cover with plastic to keep it dry. I just didn't want to take the chance of getting it wet. I got by with sponge baths and washing my hair in the sink -- I put a chair next to the sink to rest my leg on.

Since I wasn't going out in public initially, I stuck with clothes that were easy to get on and off -- loose t-shirts and shorts with an elastic waist --and didn't worry about how I looked.

I had several different casts during the recovery time. One was hot pink and one was red. I might have had a blue one, too. I remember being shocked the first time they removed the cast -- the muscles in my lower leg were completely gone. I also remember looking in the mirror one day after the cast was finally off for good and I was in physical therapy, and seeing that the muscles were coming back. That was a very good day!!

I also recall that my skin got really itchy inside the cast after a while. But I'm pretty sure I had one for 12 weeks, so hopefully yours will be off before that becomes a problem.

One good thing for you is the season. My initial surgery was in early July during a heat wave, and I had a follow-up procedure the following January. So I had to deal with both summer heat and humidity and winter snow (and cold toes!!). I would definitely have preferred spring weather.

Overall I'd say to take it one day at a time and let your body heal. It's no fun but you'll get through it. And at least you have the internet to help you pass the time -- I was stuck with reruns of "Behind the Music" on VH1 :eek:.

Good luck!!!!!!!

[GLC1968]

Wow, thanks for the detailed replies, you guys! This is helping a lot. Unfortunately, I didn't have any time to prep for this, so I've had to do a lot of things I might otherwise have skipped. The morning that I got injured, I'd put butternut squash in the oven and our sheets and towels in the wash before going outside. We also had a guy coming to give us an estimate on some floor work that afternoon, so I had to finish the squash recipe, put sheets back on the bed, fold towels AND wash our muddy floors (gotta love dogs in the winter!), with a broken foot. Oy!

The clothing issue is a problem. Right now, I'm on strict orders to prop my foot above my heart so that the swelling will go down before surgery. The problem with that is that most of my pants won't fit over the current splint (which is no longer removable) and I can't prop my foot up that high with a skirt on while at work. Plus, I have a standing desk at work, so that's another issue. I'll have to figure out how to make it all work when I'm there tomorrow. Today I'm working from home, but I can't do that every day. Maybe half the week?

I have ordered a knee scooter, but I'm not sure how much it will help me. They apparently aren't good over varied terrain and our house is a crazy mix of floorings! I'm certain I'll just deal with the crutches at work since it's easier there. The scooter will probably just be a home thing (and maybe for grocery store or other errands). I'm hoping that we'll be able to change the wheels on the scooter ourselves to something more rugged (it comes with hard plastic smooth wheels), so that I can use it outside in the garden and around our house. I'm thankful we live in a single floor ranch though!

I like the idea of sponge baths, using a fanny pack and backpack and paper plates! Thanks guys - keep the good ideas coming!

[Wahine]

((((GLC))))

You've had a lot of good advice here. Definitely get a good back pack, that's a necessity. Definitely get a stool for showering etc.

You should have very good upper body strength from swimming and you might be a candidate of Lofstrand (http://www.walkingequipment.com/lofstrand.htm) crutches. The advantage of these is that you can let go of the crutches and use your hands a bit and the crutch stays attached to you via the cuff part. So you're not constantly messing with leaning the crutch on something while you use your hands. Imagine getting into your car. With traditional crutches, you would have to lean the crutch on your car, find you keys and open the door, hopefully your crutch has stayed leaning on the car and has not fallen away from you where now you have to hop over to get it... With Lofstrand crutches, the crutch would never leave your arm and they are easier to transport. The downside is that they are more energy intensive. So you might want a set of regular crutches to switch to on tired days.

The serving tray is a good idea but if you can get one of these (http://www.activelivingnow.com/Drive_Medical_Aluminum_Rollator_with_6_Wheels_p/r6bl.htm) or these (http://www.overstock.com/Health-Beauty/Buckingham-Easycaddy-Walker-Tray-and-Storage-Bin/5817236/product.html?cid=123620) new or used at an estate sale or on Craigslist, it would be really helpful around the house. Most Doc like the second option better because the walker automatically "brakes" when you put weight on it to move forward, so it's more idiot proof when it comes to walking non-weight bearing which you will have to do for some time. The fancy walkers use a hand controlled brake, so you have to be paying attention a bit better. The advantage of these over a serving tray is that it acts as your "crutches" as well as a way to transport things in the house. I have had patients set up a simple wheeled walker (option 2) with a tray that they attach all kinds of things to using bungees, like a laundry basket.

Being able to balance well on one leg is really important, so start practicing now.

And finally, most people that are on crutches and non-weight bearing for any length of time get really tight in their hip flexors from holding their leg up in front of them as they crutch. So try to mimic, normal walking motion with your injured leg even though you're not allowed to touch it to the ground. Here (http://youtu.be/Qcg4shTS0Sc)is a good stretch that you can do for your hip flexors that doesn't require any weight bearing through the foot.

I hope that helps.

[Pedal Wench]

Not much to add, but can you wear nice shorts? Given the situation, a relaxed dress-code might be in order. And I hate to say it, but would a wheelchair give you more mobility?

[jobob]

Oh nooo! Get well soon.

[ny biker]

While I was at my parents' house, we arranged it so I could stay on one floor only. I slept in a room on the main floor that used to be my grandmother's bedroom, rather than in my old room upstairs. So if you could arrange to spend most of your time at home in a limited area, that would be help. Once some time has passed after the surgery and you're feeling stronger, you can expand into other parts of the house.

As for clothing, wear what you have to at work. They should understand if you need to ignore the dress code for a while. I've seen several co-workers at various jobs wearing more casual clothes than normal due to a temporary health situation. It's better for them to have you there in shorts or sweatpants than for you to be unable to work at all.

BTW, your brain will need time to recover from the anesthesia. I remember months after surgery I looked over some spreadsheets I had worked on at my parents' house, and I found a bunch of stupid errors. At the time I worked on them, I thought I was fine, but in retrospect I was not firing on all cylinders.

For housework, could you hire a cleaning service to help out for a few months? Or maybe find a teenager from the neighborhood to help a few hours a week with things like laundry and vacuuming?

[GLC1968]

I should mention that even though my surgery isn't until next week, I'm non-weight bearing on that foot now due to the injury. I also have to keep it highly elevated to reduce swelling before the surgery. And I'm allowed ZERO pain killers from now until surgery day.

Thanks, Cassie!

Those crutches look very interesting. I definitely have the UB strength and I expect it to only get better as this goes on. ;) I might have to see if my doc will issue me a pair of those so that I don't have to buy them!

I'm already noticing the weird feeling in my hipflexors. On the leg that I stand on, it starts to ache. On the leg I'm holding up (I hold it behind me, holding it in front of me actually makes the foot hurt for some reason), it gets tight. I'm constantly stretching that leg out behind me while I'm standing still during the day.

Sitting with my leg so high in the air is also doing a number on me already. I ache in all sorts of weird places! Every morning is a new learning experience...where do I hurt today?

I've taken to wearing light, thin sports bras because my regular bras were causing rubbing under my arm pits. But, that area is already toughening up as are my palms.

[GLC1968]

For housework, could you hire a cleaning service to help out for a few months? Or maybe find a teenager from the neighborhood to help a few hours a week with things like laundry and vacuuming?

I wish! We live out in the country and have no neighbors. And we never hired a cleaning lady a few years ago when we really needed it because no one would come all the way out here.

My husband has been really, really good about helping out...so we'll manage. I'm just fiercely independent, so it's killing me to have to be so reliant on everyone else!

Ooh, yoga pants. I have yoga pants that are all black...I could totally wear those to work! Thanks for suggesting sweat pants, that's what reminded me!

[Grits]

I am so sorry!

While I was non-weight bearing after breaking my first, second and third metatarsals, I did get the knee scooter and used it on the first floor of my house. If I was going somewhere where there was a lot of area to cover (like the grocery store or my son's school) I would get my husband or son to load it in the car for me. I could have probably done it, but it is fairly heavy. It was a life saver, though.

When I was using my crutches, I had a bag I hung around my neck to put stuff in. Also, get food and drinks in small single serve containers. You can't get a gallon of milk out of the fridge, but you can put a small bottle/container of milk in some type of bag you can carry over your shoulder or around your neck. Likewise, it is hard to make a sandwich, but if you can get someone to make some in advance for you, or get some microwaveable meals then you can manage that.

I was lucky enough not to have to drive during the first few weeks after my accident. I know it was not wise, but after a few weeks I did drive with my right foot, but I don't recommend it, especially for any long distance. I only did very short trips. I have heard there is some type of adapter you can get to allow you to drive with your right foot, but didn't look into it myself.

I borrowed a shower chair and recommend that highly. You can back up to it while it is in a tub or shower, prop your crutches against the wall, and it is very stable while you sit down on it. I then had a regular chair in my bathroom with everything I needed to get ready right there. Once I went downstairs, that was it for the day. I didn't come back up again until bedtime.

It sucks, but you will get through it. Good luck!

[emily_in_nc]

When I was non-weight-bearing for 8 weeks after fracturing my pelvis, I used a walker. My DH made a simple tray for it out of household materials he had around in the garage, and it enabled me to make my own meals and carry stuff from place to place in our house. We had a 2-story house, so I was limited to downstairs until I learned to butt-scoot up and down stairs! :D

I was extremely lucky as my manager allowed me to work from home, first part-time, then full-time, until I came back into the office at 9 weeks when I was cleared for driving. That meant that the physical therapist came to my home, I could rest or nap when needed, and I didn't have to dress nicely! Doesn't sound like you will have that option. I was on full pay with our company's short-term disability for the first six weeks and only started working from home part-time the last two weeks of that time period. Does your company have any short-term disability policy? If so, it surely seems like not being able to drive would fully qualify you for it. I can't imagine they'd require you to come back to work immediately after surgery when you probably need to be resting and doing PT as I did.

After my six weeks, my disability would have changed over to long-term at just 60% of my salary, so I worked full-time from home after that until I could go into the office.

I only used crutches for a couple of weeks and hated them! After getting used to a wheelchair and a walker, I found them scary and hard to maneuver. I was always scared I'd fall over backwards! By the time I went back to work, I stopped using crutches completely and just limped. That gradually stopped as well.

I surely do wish you well! As you're now realizing, your athletic schedule is the least of your worries at this point, as mine was too. I was injured while on a training ride for a spring century. Needless to say, that year's training went out the window, though I did manage a 50-mile event in the fall!

Good luck!

[soprano]

My husband spent 20 weeks on crutches after breaking his heel a few years ago. Here's my list of tips and tricks:

Follow your doctors' and PTs' instructions to the letter. You will reap rewards in terms of a faster, easier and more complete recovery.

Get someone to commit to stay home with you for a day or two after surgery until you have demonstrated that you can go to the bathroom by yourself. Pain meds + crutches are a bad combo.

More on pain meds: Pick up a bottle of Senocot or similar while you're at the pharmacy.

Find out what you need to get a disabled parking permit. You'll probably need a doctor's note/prescription. The nurse at your ortho's is a good person to ask. We picked up a form at the doctor's office and after that it took 10 minutes at the county office (Texas). Try not to cry when you see how long it's good for.

Making the move to a wheelchair might be hard mentally for you, but if your spouse suggests it, *please* rent one to supplement crutches. It will make his life so much easier if he doesn't need to pre-plan every outing around uneven surfaces, very close parking and strangers bumping into you.

Use a travel mug or Tupperware container and a sling bag for beverages and soup.

See if you can arrange the kitchen so that you can easily prepare simple meals for yourself. If you put the cereal/oatmeal and some spoons right next to the fridge, you can manage your own breakfast. This can help make you more independent.

Get a shower chair and a showerhead with an extension hose. Showerheads are super easy to swap out - PM me if you want detailed instructions. If you can fix a flat on your bike, you can install a new showerhead.

Have your husband go to Target/Wally World/wherever for some cheap pillows to prop your leg up on after surgery, so you don't have to worry about leaking fluids onto anything you care about.

[pll]

{{GLC!}} Wow. I hope healing is smooth and faster than expected.

I have no experience in this (knock on wood), but maybe checking into one of these "iwalkfree (http://www.iwalk-free.com)" devices might be worthwhile?

[redrhodie]

I'm so sorry about your foot! Is taking time off work possible? I don't know how tdi works, but could that be an option, at least until you don't have to keep it elevated?

[Artista]

Oh GLC...this sucks. I've recently been through a non weight bearing experience. I wasn't sure at the time that I would live to tell about it but I found out that IT DOES GET BETTER:)

You've already gotten a lot of good advice. Here are a few other things that I wish I had known before my experience with crutches:

I didn't realize how quickly muscles atrophy from non-use, or how many muscles would be affected. I wish that I had consulted with a physical therapist every 1-2 weeks while I was non weight bearing. A good therapist would have anticipated which problems I might experience and could have given me home exercises to maintain as much muscle, proprioception, flexibility, and motor control as possible while still protecting my injured limb. I probably could have avoided several problems that took me months to overcome had I not waited until I got out of the boot to work with a therapist.

I wish that I had had a stable walker to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night, even if I didn't use the walker for anything else. Crutches were OK for the first few weeks but I became increasingly unstable in the middle of the night as the weeks wore on. I now suspect that much of the instability was due to core muscle atrophy that I didn't realize was happening.

Most importantly, I would not have filled my down time by reading internet horror stories about people who were having trouble recovering from an injury similar to mine. Those stories scared me silly. I didn't stop to think about the majority of people who healed well and didn't have time to write about it because they had gotten back to their normal lives. I would have spent less time Googling and more time asking questions of the healthy, positive, people on TE. You're on the right track by posting here:)

[Sky King]

14243 When I was using the scooter I put a rando bag on it to carry my stuff. Personally I found it somewhat hard to use but maybe it was the model. Also I would consider one of those super nice walkers that have wheels, brakes, baskets and a seat.

finally, once you can start rehab, I have been seeing results from deep water exercise. I have to be careful to not get too carried away as that hurts my foot (same break as you)

[GLC1968]

Wow, so much good information! Thank you, sincerely, everyone. Really!

I hadn't thought about gloves for the crutches, so I'll definitely start wearing those.

And Muirenn - I just thought about my hiking pants yesterday, good suggestion! I have two pair, one with zip off legs. Both are stretch/flexible (ie, comfy!) but presentable and both are designed to work over hiking boots, so they'll be perfect! I also have one pair of wide leg dress pants that will also work (also with some stretch), so that should get me by at work. I can wear the one pair of jeans that I can get over it or a pair of yoga pants on Fridays. :)

And I can wear skirts once I don't have to elevate it so much (and once it gets warmer).

I've ordered a knee scooter that arrives today, so we'll see how that goes. I'm hoping we can rig it a bit with all our extra bike parts, to make it more suitable for my needs (like bigger, more rugged wheels). It'll probably only be used at home. I managed at the grocery store with my husband just fine last night on the crutches. I really mostly want the knee scooter for in the kitchen. I want to be able to balance my weight over both legs/hips evenly while I'm standing there cooking/prepping. And of course, having both hands free and the ability to scoot between sink, counter, stove, fridge, etc, would be helpful. I never wished I had a tiny little galley kitchen more than I do right now! ;)

[Artista]

I found the scooter most helpful in wide, open, areas like shopping malls and my workplace. It wasn't so good in tight spaces like my home due to the scooter's large turning radius. I felt like I spent as much time pivoting the scooter on it's back wheels at home as I did scooting around on it. Home is where I wish that I had had a walker.

[jobob]

I didn't stop to think about the majority of people who healed well and didn't have time to write about it because they had gotten back to their normal lives.

Excellent point. I think this holds true for any sort of opinion poll, consumer review, and so forth -- people are simply more inclined to post about negative opinions & experiences than positive ones.

Sending virtual hugs.

[withm]

It sounds like you already have a lot of options for clothes, but thought I'd put this out there. I did this in while in college for a totally different purpose, but it worked fine.

If you can sew... and need to wear a favorite pair of dress pants (or any other for that matter),

Carefully rip the lower inseam seam of the pants leg with a seam ripper.
Sew a strip of velcro along the seam allowances of both seam edges with a loose stitch - 6 stitches/inch or looser if you can.

This way you can get the pants on/off and then use the velcro closure to close up the pant leg. This assumes the cast is not so big that the pants leg can't be closed up and that you have 5/8" seam allowances. If the cast is bigger you could insert a gusset of some coordinating fabric.

This would be like having zippers at the ankles of your pants that you see on some winter sportswear.

Once you get the cast off, then you can just remove the velcro (remember that long stitch length you used?) and restitch the original seam. Now you slacks are back to normal. However if your seam allowances are bound together, or felled this probably won't work.

[Wahine]

I didn't realize how quickly muscles atrophy from non-use, or how many muscles would be affected. I wish that I had consulted with a physical therapist every 1-2 weeks while I was non weight bearing. A good therapist would have anticipated which problems I might experience and could have given me home exercises to maintain as much muscle, proprioception, flexibility, and motor control as possible while still protecting my injured limb. I probably could have avoided several problems that took me months to overcome had I not waited until I got out of the boot to work with a therapist.

This is very true. the more exercises you can do to maintain your muscle mass in other parts of your leg the better. Here are some video links for some non-weightbearing exercises that can help:

Side plank (http://youtu.be/eLPoJpXmTyQ), you should be able to do the version with bent knees.
Bridging (http://youtu.be/HjYJBl3IhsA)with the ball under your claves. Just make sure the ball is close enough to you that you're not putting weight through your foot.
Hamstring curls with the ball (http://youtu.be/l9n8fnCgrtM), you would do the bum hover version just rolling the ball in and out, keeping the ball at above the ankle in the innermost position.
Gluteus medius strengthening (http://youtu.be/9Iy-QrcuGno).
Kneeling exercises on a Bosu ball are excellent if you have access to one. This video (http://youtu.be/FqCKWDw3DhI) shows someone kneeling and using a Wii. I chose it just to show the body position and how hard it is to stabilize. You can do lots of stuff from this position, pretty much any exercise you would normally do standing. Trunk rotations with your arms crossed are a great way to get excellent core work not just for your torso but also your hips.
Then there are all the fun things you can do from a plank with your shins on the Bosu, like this (http://youtu.be/EILBIs55ilk) (just from your knees of course).

Finally, I know it sounds nutz but if you do heel raises on your non-injured side it will actually help slow the atrophy of the injured side. Part of what causes atrophy is that our body shuts down nerve impulses to the muscles around the injured area. Our nervous system behaves weirdly sometimes. But we can take advantage of that weirdness by working the other side. When you work one leg you get an overflow of neurological activity to the nerves that relate to the other side. That overflow is estimated to be as much as 20%. There is good research out there to show that you can have a clinically significant delay in atrophy by working the opposite limb.

Boy, I'm a bit verbose this morning.

[Veronica]

Boy, I'm a bit verbose this morning.


Nahhh... you're just a fount of knowledge! :D

Veronica

PS I have no helpful advice GLC, but I am sending you positive vibes.

[Artista]

Wahine's exercises sound excellent. I'm guessing that I could have been at least a month ahead in rehab had I done this stuff while I was non weight bearing. Some of the rehab that I had to do had nothing to do with my broken ankle. For instance, I experienced back pain for the first time in my life because I inadvertently let my core and glutes atrophy.

The idea of maintaining some calf muscle on the injured side by working the good side is intriguing. Strong calf muscles can help reduce swelling in the lower leg but I'm not sure if a strong, non working, calf muscle can still help move swelling up and out. Still, the more calf muscle that you maintain, the faster you can rehab. Take it from someone who had nothing but a mushy, jiggly, sack of skin left on the back of her leg when she got out of the boot.:eek::p:rolleyes:

The good news is that even if you don't have the energy or motivation to exercise while you're healing, you can STILL get fit again. It just takes longer.

[GLC1968]

Ah, so much more good info!

I am definitely committed to maintaining as much conditioning as I can while going through this. I'm actually kind of looking forward to the freedom to focus on UB strength and core. I've got tons of workouts and equipment at home, so I'll have no trouble keeping myself occupied!

That's interesting about working the opposing calf to reduce atrophy. It must only be to a point though, right? I mean, my brother jokes about how when his cast finally came off, he had one weakling calf and one 'Scottish Highlander' calf from all the hopping around (he hated his crutches and opted to hop most of the time...ah, to be that young again!). I definitely have plans to work my quads and hamstrings with bands and things (on both legs) as best I can. I know the calf will get weak though. And that's doubly a bummer since I spent a year conditioning my calves to minimal running...I'm not looking forward to starting that process all over again!

[Veronica]

Maybe it will be easier this time around.

I don't wear anything but barefoot style shoes now and I think that helped with my transition. Merrell has some really cute barefoot "Lifestyle" shoes or some weird name like that. :D They can be your reward for healing.

Veronica

[GLC1968]

I'm actually wearing a Merrell Pace glove (the kids version) on my good foot right now! I don't want to wear my regular shoes (all of which are 'barefoot style') during this period as the left one will get more worn out looking than the right one that stays in the closet. I don't LOVE this particular pair for every day use, but they are comfy and secure on my foot for when I need to hop so I don't mind letting the left one get worn out. ;)

At least I can keep my left foot nice and 'barefoot' strong!

[Selkie]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mishap and injury! Sending you lots of good wishes for a quick recovery.

[yellow]

Oh, GLC, so sorry to hear this. You are a tough cookie and will come through just fine. I don't have any words of wisdom about the crutches but I do know that surgery sucks. Be good to yourself; accept the help hubby gives you with grace and plan a nice way to say thank you. Do what you can to keep your upper body active in the first couple of weeks after surgery; my body shed muscle after my surgery 2 yrs ago. It was not what I expected. Lots of glutamine in the week or so following surgery (but someone probably already told you that)!

[bikerHen]

Feeling your pain in so many ways! :( I had a total hip replacement in January. I could hardly walk and couldn't swing my leg over my bike all last fall. I was right there where you are now, just without the crutches. After surgery I had to used a walker and I hung my biggest pack back over the handles for hauling stuff. Loved the in-home PT, it was a great help. I was back on the spin bike and using my Bowflex a week after surgery. It wasn't much at first but getting my muscles moving again felt sooooo good. And as much as I hate stretching it has become new my best friend.

Also I assume your doctor has issued you a disabled parking permit? Use it! I was a little embarressed to use mine but my total fear of slipping on the ice took care of that. It was wonderful for hubby to get me out when I started to go stir crazy at home. Also gotta say I LOVED the motorized carts at the grocery store. They really do make shopping possible and they're a lot of fun too! :rolleyes: Just go when the store isn't too busy. We also rented a wheelchair for a couple of outings. I just didn't have the strength to walk or stand for very long.

For what it's worth, I spent the time before my surgery doing what I could at the gym to get myself in as good of shape as I could. It was a tremendous help post surgery. I'm sure prior to the accident you were working out as well. Like my doctor said, I was training for surgery! Two months later, other than a persistent limp I'm getting around pretty good. Back on the bike, weather permitting, back at the gym and in the pool, but can't run anymore so I've had to tossed my budding tri dreams to the wind.

It all sucks now but it does get better! I'll be spending more time doing stuff around the house and less time training this summer but that's not a bad thing either. Hang in there!

[SallyRides]

Wow - I know most of what you are going through. I had to have surgery on my left great toe - had it fused in Dec. '11. I was completely NWB for 8 wks. I had crutches, and the knee scooter. Hated the scooter, as it was not comfortable and bothered my back if used for long periods of time, but at least I could go back to work with it, and have my hands free. I wish I had read some of the suggestions you've gotten here! Would have been so helpful. Mostly, I found ways to get things done with only one operational leg/foot, but let me tell you, it was exhausting some days! So much more work than "normal" living. You CAN do it, tho', if you put your energy into making things work. Not the same as working out, but it does take energy and strength.

I also was amazed at just how much muscle atrophy can occur in a short time. When my 8 wks were up and my Pod ok'd me for no crutches, he also said I could try my bike, inside on a trainer. Yay! I was so excited. Then when on the bike, I was so discouraged by how my left calf felt. It was disgusting!! It literally flopped around as I pedaled. NO strength or conditioning at all. Such a weird feeling. That was mid January. I've kept working it. It is not at 100% yet, but maybe 75-80%. So much improved. More work ahead but it will happen.

You will get back to where you were. You need to give it the time needed. Unfortunately, it takes longer than we would wish. :-( Good luck! I hope your healing goes smoothly and you find a way to work around any present obstacle.

SR

[NadiaMac]

So sorry to hear about your accident. Crutches and casts are a pain! I had foot surgery several years ago and was on crutches for almost two months. Here's a few suggestions
-showers: I love my showers. I put a small wooden stool (20 bucks at target) in the tub and replaced my glass shower doors with temporary curtains. I transferred onto the stool by sitting in the edge of the tub, then scooting over onto the stool. Casted leg was left dangling out of the shower resting on the rim to stay dry. This was safe and kept the foot dry. You can also buy a shower bench on medical equipment websites that achieves the same goal. Another option is to cover the cast with a trash bag. This worked ok for me, but hanging my leg outside the shower was easier.

- eating. I either ate standing up in the kitchen (I was living alone and did not have help at dinner) or hopped between my kitchen and sofa where I was mostly hanging out. having food that is amenable to hopping is key (no soup). I did a lot of hopping on one foot during my recovery, which may not be for everyone

- backpacks are essential, as everyone else noted. My sister also got these little pockets that clould be installed on the crutches. Handy for carrying a water bottle or other little things. I didn't end up using them much

- stairs. Echo others' suggestions to set yourself up on the ground floor if you can. I live in a second floor flat up two flights of stairs. I went up and down the stairs at home on my rump. Safer and saved energy

- not sure if anyone mentioned this, but i found the disabled toilet stalls much easier- the toilet is higher and this makes getting up and down to the seat easier with one leg. The bars also help..

- get a disabeled placard for your car if you can (i had one for six weeks after my foot surgery and it was useful especially at work where there is a long walk from the regular parking). Crutching is exhausting. Minimize walking if you can.

- swimming is a good exercise option once you can put your leg into water. I used a pull buoy until I could kick again (took a while for me since I couldn't flex my foot for a while, but may be different for you)

Good luck!
Nm

[GLC1968]

Excellent advice all! Thanks again!

So here is my update. On Friday, my knee scooter came. I put it together and it has been a HUGE help at home. Our house is fairly open (all one level except for the basement) so it is actually really, really good for getting around while holding things. My knee was beginning to ache some, but since I'll be on crutches at work during the week, I'll be fine (less scooter time). I'm not going to take the scooter to work since I mostly work from my desk anyway. Luckily, I'm also near the entrance and everything I need is pretty much within arms reach, so it's totally doable (much more so than at home).

We found a car on Saturday. It was a LONG day with a LOT of driving around but luckily, it was successful. I was losing hope at one point though - apparently cheap daily drivers are in hot demand! We bought a 93 honda civic with 170K miles on it (or something like that). It drives well, but it's not pretty. It's missing a lot of parts too, so I've been combing the internet for replacements of the important ones (like side view mirrors!). I don't doubt for a second that we'll be able to get our money back when we resell this car at the end of my crutch time.

I don't yet have a handicap permit, but I've got the forms filled out and I'll take care of that after my surgery on Thursday (or, I'll get my H to do it).

Showering is fine. I just bag my foot, use a shower stool (we already had one from years ago!) and luckily, our shower is big enough for me to get in there, but small enough that I'm in no danger of falling over really. If I was forced to use the shower in our master bath, I'd be in trouble (it's a tiny stall type shower, but it's out of commission right now anyway).

The biggest challenge right now is my marriage, actually. My husband is not handling this well and it's taking all of my mental energy to try and help him deal so that we don't end up divorced before this is all over with. :( It's only been a little over a week, I am worried we won't make it 2 - 3 months!

[GLC1968]

Yeah, it's really strange. I mean, I'm working very hard to be as independent as possible but I don't think it's helping. I mean, I did all my laundry, half of his, washed and changed the sheets and towels, cooked a couple of meals and have been taking care of the indoor animals.

I get it that all the outdoor animal care has fallen to him and that sucks. And I'm not cooking as much as I was but it's hard work doing it on one foot! I know he's also disappointed that we've had to cancel a bunch of planned events for this summer so I'm hoping it's just kind of the initial shock that he's adjusting to.

Honestly, I think a part of it is that he got a little too excited about the fact that I had to cancel my tri season and I think he thought that meant a lot more fun for both of us...forgetting the reason I'm not doing any races.

Luckily, everyone at work has been really, really great. I don't think it would be the same if I still worked upstairs as an engineer...but down here in HR, everyone has been awesome about it (and very helpful). I'm actually the third person in the past 9 months in this group to be on crutches for a foot injury, so I think they are kind of used to it!

[Crankin]

What do you think your DH is mad about?
A couple of years ago, the male half of our cycling friends broke his hip in an early season crash. It was a very long recovery and he spent a lot of weeks working from home after he went off of medical leave. My friend (his wife) was extremely annoyed and complained the whole time, how "hard" it was. Basically, he does everything around the house and she was pissed she had to do things like go to the dump and do laundry for both of them. She's kind of rigid in how she likes things and a perfectionist, so the fact that she had more work pushed her over the edge.
I bet the change in routine and increased load is what's bugging your DH.

[GLC1968]

I bet the change in routine and increased load is what's bugging your DH.

I'm sure. But I'm also dealing with this change and I'm also the one in pain, so it doesn't seem fair that he's the one with the attitude.

I'm really trying to be understanding, but it's frankly exhausting.

I talked to my mom about it briefly because there were two periods in her life where she was fairly helpless (more so that I am now) and my dad had to take up the slack while also being the sole breadwinner. I'm thinking about asking my dad (who is incredibly tactful) to give my husband a call. Maybe they could commiserate a bit? I don't know. My husband is not very good at opening up to people either...though, if anyone could get him talking, I bet my dad could.

[tulip]

Sheesh, sorry to hear about your foot, GLC. Now about your H (I noticed you didn't write "D" in front...). What's this about him being all pissy? This is when marriages get tested--when things get hard. YOU should not have to figure out a way to not make him mad--you are dealing with enough as it is. Have you talked to him about why he's feeling put out? Maybe just giving him the chance to have someone listen to him would help. I like your idea of your dad giving him a call just to "see how things are going."

If he truly cannot handle your being on crutches and picking up the slack, then there are ways to deal with that. Hiring someone to help with the animals or the house is one. You say there's no one because you live in the country, but I would bet there is someone who would be grateful to earn some extra money. If your H cannot cook (or refuses to), you might have to bring someone in to cook for you for a while. I have a friend who does not like to cook at all, and she hires someone to cook for her once a week and put all the meals in ready-made in the freezer for her. It's very convenient (she has a super high-powered job and works all the time) and she gets healthy homemade meals. I bet a caterer would do that, and it would be delicious and very convenient.

It sounds to me like you are already doing a whole lot in the house. Maybe he's resentful because you are being so independent and not letting him take care of you. If that's the case, lighten up and let him do things for you. It's okay. Of course, that might not be the case at all.

Once you have surgery, you will be out of it for at least a few days. Have you talked to him about that? I mean, really out of it, and you NEED to rest, you can't be doing laundry and stuff.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and figuring out what's going on with the H.

[GLC1968]

Thanks, tulip...some good advice there!

Just to clarify, I only call him my H because for some reason, the abbreviation 'DH' has always annoyed me. It has nothing to do with this situation! He is still my 'D'ear. ;)

[Wahine]

A significant injury like this is hard for everyone to adjust to. You're right, it is a far greater inconvenience for you and you're the one having to deal with the pain.

Take the following with a big grain of salt. I am not a counselor, psychologist or otherwise. I'm just a PT who's done this job for 17 years.

I often see interesting relationship dynamics come out when a partner is injured. Often, the uninjured partner is scared, they feel helpless, there are a lot of unknowns for them too. So while you are the one dealing with the injury, you are also the one who has control in a sense. You're the one that knows how much pain you're in, you're the one that can make decisions about what will work for you, when to take meds etc. He has no control right now and he probably wants to help but doesn't know how. This is often worse when the injured partner is very independent and/or stoic.

So my advice is to give him a lot of verbal feedback about how you are feeling, about what's going on and how he can help. Even with little things, like getting you a glass of water once in a while. If you are trying to figure something out, bring him in on the problem solving, he may not have any good suggestions but it will help him feel more in control. I don't mean that in a bad way, like he is "controlling". I mean it in the way that none of us are comfortable with feeling like we have no control over life, and gaining some of that back makes one feel less helpless.

Finally, know that as the new routine becomes familiar and the basic survival part of his brain realizes that things are going to be alright, it will get better. I know that you are having a very hard time right now, he knows it too and it probably scares him that his independent wife has suddenly been thrown for a loop.

[jessmarimba]

Sorry to hear about your injury! I have no advice that anyone else hasn't already given. My time on crutches was awhile ago and I was on tour at the time, so nothing would really apply anyway. I will say that I had the most beautiful abs by the time I could start walking again! Good luck with everything.

[GLC1968]

Crankin for the win! (Wahine hit it pretty close, too).

For the past two days, my H has been MUCH better. What he does hasn't changed all that much, but his attitude has. I asked him last night why the change of heart and he came clean about how he was feeling before.

He said he felt resentful that he had to do everything even though I was here (he's used to doing everything when I travel). He felt it wasn't fair and being perfectly honest with me, he said it irritated him. In addition, he doesn't like weakness and it really threw him for a loop to see me 'needy'. Upon reflection, it makes sense. He doesn't handle it well when I am sick, either. Luckily, that doesn't happen much!

He said he had a 'talk' with himself. He realized he was just being selfish and that this 1) wasn't on purpose!, 2) wasn't the end of the world and 3) is only temporary. Things around here are so much improved with is new attitude. It's a big relief for me too because I have zero idea how I'm going to react to the surgery and recovery. At least now I know that I don't have to worry about him too. ;)

[7rider]

That is great to read!
On top of everything, you don't need that stress too!

[Crankin]

Phew. I'm glad that 60K I paid to Lesley University was worth it.
Just kidding. But, I was seriously astounded at how mean my friend was to her husband. I figured out what it stemmed from after awhile, when I realized that she does not deal well with change and that her DH does almost everything. There's a reason we are friends... we're both kind of alike which some see as selfish, but I think she surpasses me. I always say I keep my compassion for work, but really when my DH broke both wrists and had to have surgery on one and splint the other, the only thing I said I wouldn't do was, ah, wipe his bum :eek:. He figured it out, although I think he asked for help from DSs a couple of times.

[Wahine]

Phew. I'm glad that 60K I paid to Lesley University was worth it.

:D:D I think I find this particularly funny because I often hear myself say the same thing in my head from time to time. :D:D

[GLC1968]

Yeah, this has definitely be a learning experience. One big thing I have learned is that my husband lacks the 'nurturing' gene. I kind of suspected it by seeing how he deals with our animals, but this just confirmed it. It also makes me very glad that we decided against having children a long time ago. ;)

My surgery is at 7:30 tomorrow morning and we have to be at the hospital at 6 am. Oy, that's early. Luckily, I won't be expected to have any energy, so I should be able to handle it. :p

[Crankin]

Good luck, GLC.
And for what it's worth, the couple I described doesn't have any kids, either. And, that was a really good decision for them, although he would have been a fabulous parent. It was a miracle we found them, just when both of our kids were gone. Our "regular" friends are fat, inactive, and laugh at our tales of our adventures.

[Wahine]

Good luck GLC. Who's doing the surgery?

[GLC1968]

Jakob Langer at Tuality in Hillsboro.

Speaking of which, here is a funny coincidence...tonight we just sold our bowflex to someone off craigslist. Turns out, he's the head of PT for Tuality and could very well end up treating me! Small world!

[Wahine]

What a coincidence! Sounds like the universe is lining things up for you.:D

[redrhodie]

Hope it goes well today! Thinking about you, sending hugs.

[bmccasland]

Good luck with your surgery and recovery GLC!

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck with surgery, GLC. Am thinking of you!

On the "nurturing gene", my DH is the same. He took very little time whipping up a tray for my walker when I came home from my orthopedic surgery in 2005 so I could do more for myself and he wouldn't have to "do it all". He's a very practical, hard-working person, but not the "mommying" type at all.

We didn't have kids (due to infertility on his part), and that was probably a good thing. Perhaps nature really does know best in some cases, at least.

I love my DH. He's smart, hard-working, and we have many shared interests and values, but a nurturing soul he is not.

[OakLeaf]

Sending good thoughts for quick healing and a minimum of pain.

[SheFly]

GLC - hope the surgery went well. Have been thinking about you, and sharing your story with DH (who is VERY much like yours!). Take care of yourself.

SheFly

[GLC1968]

Surgery went well, I guess. I don't remember it! ;)

Actually, what I do remember (apart from the nausea) was outstanding. Everyone at the hospital was wonderful. Truly. It made it all a little easier to take.

Recovery, on the other hand, is a b1tch. :p I took one Vicodin at the hospital and it was awful. When I got home, I took the anti nausea meds and they helped but then I decided that I'd wait to take any more pain meds until I couldn't bear it anymore. I would much rather deal with the pain than I would feeling dizzy, sick to my stomach and generally awful. There were a couple of super intense pain spells last night and this morning it feels like there is a red hot poker jammed into my foot, but I'm dealing. I'm also still a little dizzy and groggy from the anesthesia.

I'm still not eating much, either. AND I have to keep my foot elevated above my heart, so I'm not very comfortable either. Honestly, this sucks a lot and I cannot wait for it to be over with. :(

But I'll survive.

Oh, and the doc told my husband that I completely tore my ligament off the bone in that joint. It was apparently worse than he'd thought. He gave me a couple of xray films they took after the procedure and they show three huge screws in my foot! Owie! One of the worst parts is also knowing that I'll go through all of this again after my ligaments heal because those screws will have to be surgically removed, before I can walk on that joint. Oh joy. ;)

[indysteel]

What a huge, huge drag. I really feel for you. I hope your pain lessens to dull roar soon.

[ny biker]

Glad it went well.

As I recall, the follow-up surgery to remove the giant screw from my heel was much easier to deal with than the initial ankle surgery that put it there. And while I was under, they broke through some scar tissue that had developed. It was actually a good thing -- an important step toward recovery.

After my first surgery, I had one of those morphine drip machines. The anesthesiologist told me never to press the button unless I was actually in pain. Then he made me press the button to show I knew how to use it, even though I was not in any pain at the time. I threw up a few minutes later. Thanks, doc. :(

The morphine also made me itch all over, and I continued to feel nauseated. So they gave me companzine for my stomach and benadryl for the itch. I remember being awake, but physically unable to open my eyes.

Anyway, it's all in the past now. And this whole experience will be all in your past. Just take it one day at a time.

[Crankin]

Glad it went well.
As one who can't even take a Tylenol with codeine, I admire your decision to take pain over nausea and dizziness. Give in to being on your back with your foot up for a few days and by then you'll be ready to start scooting around and working on your upper body. I think it helps to look at recovery from surgery as you would training for an event. But right now, you need to let your body heal, just from the shock of surgery.

[soprano]

To reduce narcotic-related nausea, lay down and keep your head still. I have a touchy tummy and it helps to take Vicodin with food.

Pain is much easier to deal with if you stay on top of it. You will also heal faster and take fewer pain pills overall if you take care of your pain before it gets ahead of you. Don't wait until it becomes unbearable, because then you will have a harder time getting it back under control. If your meds aren't working for you or the side effects are unbearable, call your doctor. Different pain meds work better for different people and there are lots of other things out there to try.

On the nurturing/caregiver thing: Being thrust into the caregiver role is surprisingly difficult. Even though my work+life load was objectively manageable, I remember feeling constantly overwhelmed. It was a marriage changer; we're stronger now, but it was definitely one of those trial-by-fire things. We flew in my mother-in-law for a week at one point so I could get some rest and it was a huge help.

[emily_in_nc]

Glad you made it through the surgery okay, GLC, but what a drag about the pain. I am SO lucky that narcotic painkillers don't bother me at all. I was actually on them for close to a month after my pelvic surgery, though I tapered down every week until I switched completely to ibuprofen. I can't even imagine getting through the first month of recovery without painkillers. You are one tough cookie!

Hope the pain lessens soon.

[goldfinch]

To reduce narcotic-related nausea, lay down and keep your head still. I have a touchy tummy and it helps to take Vicodin with food.

Pain is much easier to deal with if you stay on top of it. You will also heal faster and take fewer pain pills overall if you take care of your pain before it gets ahead of you. Don't wait until it becomes unbearable, because then you will have a harder time getting it back under control. If your meds aren't working for you or the side effects are unbearable, call your doctor. Different pain meds work better for different people and there are lots of other things out there to try.



Absolutely. There are some meds I can take and some I cannot. Also stay on top of the anti-nausea drugs. I used to take those for migraines.

[redrhodie]

Right now is the worst it's going to be. Tomorrow it will be better. Soon this will be a memory.

[Wahine]

I'm glad it went well.

As for positioning, you can get your foot above your heart in positions other than on your back, like lying on your side with your foot propped on the arm of the couch with a few pillows, and lying on your stomach with your knee bent. It is really uncomfortable to bee on your back all the time. :(

[jessmarimba]

Glad you're doing well! I also can't take any pain meds without getting really sick. I'm ok with percocet in very low, extended-release doses but that's about it. I find pain much easier to deal with mentally and emotionally than nausea! In away, I think the predictability helps. When you're sick to your stomach, it's so difficult to tell what's going to send you over the edge.

Hope the boring, painful, stuck-on-your-back phase passes quickly!

[OakLeaf]

(((((GLC)))))

+1 on asking for a different pain med. People can have very different reactions to meds that are closely related chemically.

But also, I've read that the pain-relieving qualities of opioids are overrated just because of their ability to also improve people's mood and make them better able to deal with pain. Honestly, after my wreck last year, Aleve helped me more than the Vicodin 7.5 they prescribed. I don't know if you're allowed any NSAIDS, but don't dismiss them just because they're OTC.

Hang in there.

[GLC1968]

I spoke to the hospital on the follow up call and asked about taking other pain meds (OTC) and she approved tylenol only...but to keep track of how much I was taking. She said that I'd have to speak to my doc before taking anything else.

Then, when my doc called, I asked him. He said Tylenol was fine, but he also approved Ibuprofen. I've been alternating between the two every 5-6 hours now and it helps.

I have a pretty high pain threshold, so just taking the edge off it with these two OTC drugs helps enough. And it's a little better every day, too.

Today I need to get my rear end downtown so that I can pass my Shamrock run registration to a friend. This should be an interesting adventure! After two days of lying here, it'll feel good to get out, I suppose.

[bmccasland]

After my knee surgery last summer, I turned in most of an unused Rx for Oxycodon at my local police department for disposal, street value of $2500 according to the Sargent who met me at the door. Oxy make me sicker than any puppy should be. Remember asking Friendly Sargent how anyone gets hooked on it - all he said was that people do, dispite it making them ill.

I wound up switching between tylenol and ibuprofen too, and using an icebag after fun time in the "knee machine".

Hope you get to feeling better, an are more mobile soon GLC! ;)

[ClockworkOrange]

You poor thing, so pleased the op has gone well and you appear to be coping extremely well.

Hope you don't mind me going off Topic briefly but after reading this thread, it just shows what a gutsy crowd of people we are, perhaps it's because we ride, or because we are females?

My friend has been in a similar situation since 28th Dec and is doing well and she has been using her exercise bike, somehow managing not putting any weight on her bad foot. Reckon she has got massive muscles in her left leg though!!!

Carry on repairing well. ;)

[Sky King]

My bil is an orthopedic surgeon, he now suggests taking tylenol and ibuprofen together. Depending on my pain, I take 200 mg of each. Sometimes I take 800 mg at a time ( I am one who can't tolerate narcotics either) It does seem to last longer than taking just one or the other.

[smilingcat]

Not much more I can add than what everyone else has said. I also do not handle meds. To help with the nausea, I eat as much fresh ginger as I can. Dice up ginger in to really small pieces and add it to oil and vinegar salad dressing. or eat it plain, in thin slices. Or make a fresh brewed tea with ginger and touch of honey to cut the hot taste.

There is also a light Chinese chicken dish with ginger. It's very light and refreshing.

Ginger is one of the herbal remedy for nausea. It does help a lot!! Has to be fresh ginger though.

Eat well, heal faster.

[smittykitty]

Glad you're doing well. The ibuprofen helps with swelling, so keep taking it along with the Tylenol. Be careful though, it may upset your stomach after a few days.

Good luck healing. You'll be back on your bike and out in the barn in no time.

[GLC1968]

More updates.

Today I got my hard cast. They removed the post-surgery splint and I was stunned at how much my calf had atrophied in just three weeks. It was amazing (and gross). The incisions are healing well but are not closed enough to allow me to have a waterproof cast so that I can swim. Oh well. I'd rather heal completely than to risk it anyway.

I did get an application for a handicap hangtag signed, so I'll be trying to get on of those tomorrow at the DMV.

I have been getting around inside the house on a knee scooter. I have been surviving the world outside our house on crutches. BUT, this afternoon, my hands-free crutch was delivered so I'm super excited to try it. If I can operate it, it'll make a HUGE difference in doing things around the house.

Oh, and on Sunday, I was able to do a full lower body workout on DVD that I've had for years. It's a weight based workout done totally on the floor and I was able to do the whole thing with the exception of the warm-up. I'm so excited about it and I plan to do it a lot (probably alternating with upper body workouts). My cardio is going to suck when this is all over, but at least I can maintain most of my muscle!

And just for good measure, here is my x-ray:
http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/GLC1968/xraysmall.jpg

[Wahine]

Thanks for the update! I was wondering how you were doing. It sounds like things are going well so far.

Happy healing!!

[Crankin]

Keep up the good work!

[Artista]

You're one tough cookie!

On another note, foot X-rays always crack me up with what looks like super-long toe-bones;)

[OakLeaf]

Glad you seem to be coping. Thanks for the update - keep healing!

[GLC1968]

I have another update!

Today I had my 4 week appointment after getting my hard cast. Thursday will be 6 weeks post surgery. He said I was healing well and he was impressed with my mobility in my foot. Today I got a walking boot instead of a hard cast!!

My orders are to swim, to walk as I can (slowly transitioning off the crutches over a period of 4 weeks) and that I can bike after a couple of weeks, but only on a trainer. My next appointment is in 6 weeks and he said that the last week before the appointment, I should try walking on soft surfaces without the boot if I feel up to it.

He also gave me a pass on physical therapy at this point suggesting that all of my own activity should be plenty. I'll need real therapy once the screws come out, but until then, I'm on my own.

Screws come out 3-4 months post surgery, so it'll be a while.

Oh, and strict orders to do NO running (or any impact) for likely 6 months, maybe up to 9 depending on how I do with the walking. Bummer. That means that there is one more race I need to cancel for 2012. :( And I would bet money that he veto's any plans for hiking this summer, too. I figure I'll ask about that at my next appointment.

All I know is that I cannot wait to go wash my foot and shave that leg! :p

[OakLeaf]

Yay!

[Veronica]

All I know is that I cannot wait to go wash my foot and shave that leg! :p


EWWWWWWW!!! Gross! :D

Mostly good news. :) Maybe you'll find he'll allow hiking on "easy" stuff.

Veronica

[ny biker]

Sounds like you're making good progress.

Enjoy the wash and shave.

[Crankin]

All your hard work has paid off.
Happy swimming.

[GLC1968]

Thanks all!

Update: the leg is now hair free and I've managed to slough off most of all the dead skin. That was pretty nasty though - I expected the hair but the skin was really, really weird to see!

I'm sitting here with a naked foot and it feels really odd. I feel kind of exposed. Funny.

I already have an appointment for a pedicure on Saturday. Priorities, right? :D

[jobob]

Yay! Small steps, grasshopper. ;)

[pll]

Glad to read you are recovering smoothly. You had me laughing with the "sitting here with a naked foot"!

[GLC1968]

Another update:

I'm walking basically crutch free already. I was told to slowly transition to weight bearing while using both crutches, to weight bearing using one crutch to walking without the crutches, all while in the boot. All of this was supposed to take 4 -6 weeks. I was told to gauge my walking/efforts on pain. Even being perfectly honest with myself about the pain (and not trying to be too stoic or anything), I'm already walking. I can walk almost naturally in the boot with no crutches (did it for almost the entire weeked) already. I can even take partial steps without the boot on soft carpet. I SWEAR that I'm not in pain...so what gives? That seems way too early (not that I'm complaining).

I've been swimming a couple of times already too and that went quite well. I'm finding myself more limited by ankle pain due to weakness than I am by pain in the joint in question. Pushing off the wall with only my left foot felt completely natural and I didn't once have to even think about it, so that pleased me.

Tomorrow is two weeks post cast removal and I'm going to try putting on a cycling shoe and soft-peddling on the trainer. Eeek! ;)

[emily_in_nc]

How wonderful that you are healing so fast! Obviously you know not to overdo it, but so long as you listen to your body, which it sounds like you are doing, then go for it!

[Blueberry]

Yay!! I'm so happy things are moving forward more quickly than expected. So long as you keep paying attention to your body - have fun!! You'll be back out there in no time!!

[OakLeaf]

Yay! Sounds good to me, but if you really don't think you should be progressing so fast, might be worth a call to your PT or surgeon?

[Crankin]

Sounds like things are going really well. And you may just be someone who heals quickly. But, please don't overdo it.

[Catrin]

Awesome! Do be careful about not over-doing things, though you may just be one of the fortunate ones that heals quickly :)

[indysteel]

Yay, GLC!!! Although perhaps a call to your doc is wise, as Oak suggested. Either way, the end is in sight!

[jobob]

Great news!

[GLC1968]

I figured it was time for an update!

So I progressed to boot-less eventually. I was even able to do a 25 mile ride at the Pacific Crest sports weekend without too much foot pain. It did alert me to the fact that while my foot is healing, the rest of me is really out of shape! But that's ok...I can fix that.

Now I'm doing PT twice a week and my foot/ankle/calf/leg strength is returning. I took a kayaking class last week and learned that while I'm improving, there is still quite a difference in leg strength as I had a hard time keeping my kayak going straight. :o

Day after tomorrow is my second surgery. My doc will be removing the screws because they are really causing me a lot of pain. Some of it is normal, but some of it is due to one of the screws being a little too long and it bangs into my next metatarsal bone. Ouch. With any luck, progress after surgery will go quickly. I think I'm a fairly fast healer on soft-tissue stuff, so once the wound it closed again, I'll be starting some water therapy right away. It'll still be a couple of months before I can start running, but honestly right now, I'd be happy with walking a normal pace without pain. :)

So I'm getting there. I'll post an update after the surgery. I don't really know what to expect. I'm a tad nervous because my doc thinks one of those screws will be a difficult removal so he extended my surgery time. They will be putting me out under general anesthesia, so who knows how bad it will be. I just pray he doesn't go in there and find out that the ligaments are all still detached and that all of this was for nothing! :eek:

[PamNY]

Best of luck with your surgery.

[Wahine]

It sounds like things are going well. It's a long journey but you are well on the way. :)

[jobob]

Wishing you all the best!

[Veronica]

Hope all goes well. Thanks for the update. I had been wondering... :D

Veronica

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck with the surgery -- sure hope you have nothing but good news after he gets in there and checks things out!

Keep us posted...

[Crankin]

Good luck!

[Catrin]

Good luck and hope it goes well!

[GLC1968]

OK, they're out!

Surgery must have gone well as I was out of there in less than 45 minutes. I remember going into the operating room and moving to the surgical table, and then nothing after that. Apparently, they woke me in the room when they were done and had a conversation with me but I have zero memory of that. I guess I was coherent enough that they decided I didn't even need the recovery room so I was taken straight back to my room in the initial check in place. That's where my memory starts - when they woke me there.

I glanced at the clock and was amazed it had taken so little time!

A few minutes later, I ate my paleo food, got up to use the bathroom (after my husband arrived and brought me my walking boot) and then they let me go.

Orders are to not remove the dressing for 5 days and then I can take it off and shower, but no swimming or bathing (submerging it). I'm allowed to walk using the boot only. We will evaluate at my post op appointment after that (in 11 days).

Right now, it's a little uncomfortable, throbbing a bit and there is some pain, but honestly, compared to when the screws went in, this is NOTHING. I'm a little antsy with all this couch time already, but I really need to keep it elevated, so I'm sticking it out. :)

[emily_in_nc]

Glad it went so smoothly!

Too bad the recovery time takes so much longer than the surgery, right? Hope it heals quickly, though, and you're back to a more normal life very soon. Keep us posted!

[Wahine]

Yay! That's great news that it feels better already. Remember that your bone will need some time to heal, it has to fill in those holes left by the screws. But you'll be doing much better very soon.

:D

[spokewench]

Glad all went well! Now, the recovery . . . again! Hang in there.

[GLC1968]

More good news!

Today I had my first PT session post screw-removal. I got my stitches out on Monday and he cleared me to start PT again. The first session went well. I was able to pick up exactly where we left off two weeks ago and movements that used to hurt no longer bother me even though I'm clearly still pretty weak on that side. Progress should be really good from here on out. My therapist said I'd be OK to hike at the end of August provided that it's a tame route and that I promise to take and utilize my trekking poles. I'm so excited!!

AND...she said that as long as I promise to run/walk, I can do a half-marathon in December. So I'll either be looking at the Rock n Roll in Vegas or the Holiday Half here in Portland. She wants me to start aqua jogging immediately. Yay!

Friday will be 5 months since the accident. :eek: I can't believe I've been dealing with this for THAT long even though sometimes it seems like forever.

[Veronica]

That's fantastic news!

It's been a long road that's for sure.

Veronica

[Wahine]

Great news!! Keep it up and you'll be back to normal before you know it. :D:D

[OakLeaf]

Yay!

[GLC1968]

Tomorrow is exactly 8 months from my surgery.

Today I was finally cleared to start running again! Go me!

(I'm wearing a perma-grin today).

[OakLeaf]

Yaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy! Go you! Have fun!

[Catrin]

Tomorrow is exactly 8 months from my surgery.

Today I was finally cleared to start running again! Go me!

(I'm wearing a perma-grin today).

This made me smile, it is such good news! Have fun!