Getting a Handle on my Foot Surgery

On December 12, I had foot surgery to correct an issue that it seems I'd had my entire life but was aggravated by a simple side-step hop at the beach (trying to keep my tennis shoe dry).  Dr. Pedro Cosculluela with Houston Methodist Sports Orthopedics preformed my surgery after working with us to give every other option a try.  Although I have great confidence in my doctor, I wasn't keen on the 7-8 weeks of absolutely no weight on this foot that is required as part of the recovery.  

My husband purchased this wonderful knee scooter for me to be able to traverse the parts of the house that were accessible and allow me to get outside for appointments and a new perspective every now and then. 

 
About my surgery - I had an extra bone in my foot.  This isn't uncommon but it is uncommon to dislodge it and have the pain I was experiencing.  The little (just under an inch) bone had to come out. This meant that I needed some tendon work which led to having the tendons in my heal realigned.  This last could have been put off a short while but why would I want to have another surgery in a year? So basically, we undertook to rebuild my foot.  I have lots of new hardware to ensure that the tendon work lasts, including a wedge to keep the cut opening in my heel open, a plate screwed in with 4 screws to ensure the wedge stays in place, and a bolt to hold the realigned tendons where they are supposed to be.  

I left the hospital a few hours after the nearly 1-hour surgery, coming home with a temporary, disposable nerve block pain pump in my leg.  This was such a blessing! I felt nothing, not even my toes, for the three days it was in place. I came home in a semi-rigid cast to allow for the expected swelling.  After a few weeks, when the stitches were removed, I got to sport a cherry red traditional cast. I saw the doctor this week and instead of the expected walking cast - I got a boot!  I can now put weight on my foot, do daily activity walking and begin some physical therapy.  

I had dreams of just taking off and walking across the room, getting into my closet (something I haven't been able to do with the scooter due to space limitations), doing errands and being able to handle my own showers.  Well, I'll get there but it takes time to rebuild muscle that has been totally unused for 7 weeks and to get the foot to accept the motion that walking requires after being cast in set positions. 

None of my recovery would have been possible without the care and attention of my family.  My husband and daughter have had to do just about everything for me for 7 weeks, all while working their own jobs and having the added responsibilities of the holidays.  I spent lots of time sitting with my foot up, knitting and doing quiet activities.  

I am so very appreciative of the care I have received, the prayers for myself and my family throughout these months and for the ability to now be able to walk, even a little, as I see my life returning to a more normal routine.  

On a side note, I'm still doing Weight Watchers and have even been able to lose weight while being inactive.  I have a 5k scheduled for May and my doctor feels that this is going to be very do-able!