Foot surgery - lots of crutch-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:

[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!

[OakLeaf]

Yay!

[Veronica]

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

EWWWWWWW!!! Gross!

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

Veronica