Hello,
As I posted in my last entry I started a new job! It's been going pretty well. I've been working about 20 hours a week. Yes, This job is a Standing job so this is a huge deal! It took 3 weeks before I had a TERRIBLE day and I had to ask to get off of work 2 hours early but I had been working 5 hours. It was something with the weather making it ache more then usual. I know this because a Co-worker of mine had Jaw surgery and was also really struggling. He got sent home the next day because it was so bad he couldn't talk. (this makes me feel a little better about having to ask to leave early).
That day was on the 4th. So it's been 7 days sense that happened and honestly me feet have been surprising me this whole time. I've been able to manage the job as long as I have Ibuprofen in my system. If I don't then the swelling causes it to hurt more. I also use compression socks and a ankle brace depending on how things feel in the morning when I wake up.
I'm a bit nervous though.. and this is why I'm writing this entry. This week is Valentines week. Which, for a candy shop means we need all hands on deck. So they are working me about an extra 10 hours. I"m not sure if this is something that will continue or not. However, because I am still trying to get my bones to grow back (as far as I know the right foot is on track but the left is not even close...) I get really paranoid.
My last doctors visit was about a month ago. I have another month before I seem him again. I"m so so so so so nervous that I"ll show up and he'll take the normal X-rays and say "oh no what happened this or this or this has happened).... Sense I've gone from pretty much doing the LEAST amount of physical activity to working 20-30 hours a week. I"m hopeful though that when I show up to the doctors office and get those X-rays he will say "well looks the same or has improved such and such". If that's what happens then I will basically have no fears. Because by then I would have been working for 2 months and it didn't HARM me. That's my only anxiety as of now. That I am harming myself by trying to move on and enjoy the world I live in. If I go to that doctors appointment and he tells me to quit my job.. I will probably.. NO scratch that.. I WILL burst into tears. These last 3 weeks have been heaven for me. Besides pain of course. But emotionally I"ve been living in bliss enjoying my life again.. Meeting people and hopefully making some friends. Either way I'll be more then heart broken if I can't continue...
This are all just hypothetical fears of course (none of this HAS happened yet). I can't know what will happen until it does. But I need to vent. So... my foot blog was the best place to vent about.. well.. MY FOOT.
Other then all of this today I started some Physical therapy works outs I found on line to help strengthen my foot and my tendons. I'll let you know how that goes and if it is helpful. Also I"ve gained so much muscle back (not all of it). It's amazing how wonderful it feels to have stronger legs again. I've also been riding my bike up a gradual hill to work pretty much every day I work so that helps! I feeling less exhausted then I did the first 2 weeks. Normally I be passed out by now. So that is all GOOD news. lets hope the worst is behind me. Good luck to anyone thinking about or going through this surgery/recovery. Remember I am here if ANYONE needs to vent/ Talk. I will listen and try to help. I know what this is like and how hard it really is.
Always,
Kristy.The.Foot.Gal
Hi Kristy! Found your blog as I'm about to have foot surgery in three and a half weeks... eeek! They're doing my right foot first: calcaneal osteotomy, sinus tarsi implant, and Achilles elongation. I'm not sure what to expect as this is my first real surgery and I've never broken a bone. It seems like you're a year in and still not 100%? My surgeon said that she typically does the second foot 4 months after the first. Any tips/hints for surviving the first few weeks after surgery?
ReplyDeleteOooh i'm so glad you found my blog! Makes me feel good that I can actually help people!
DeleteReally My best advice is make sure your support system (friends and family) know how hard this will be for you. I don't want to scare you but if you've read my blog you probably already are! Everyones experience is different from what I've read online. This blog is mostly about my second foot and partially about my first. I waited about 6 months before getting my second foot done.
Make sure to be prepared for the emotional roller coaster it can be from having your feet "taken away" from you. That's something I didn't really prepare myself for. It takes time and patients to go through this. You bare your whole weight on your feet.. I never had broken a bone before either. Also if you can use your own bone then I highly suggest you do! I didn't know it was a option and I sorely regret not doing more research! Your own bone will heal better (most likely).
Lastly LOTS OF ENTERTAINMENT... I can't even tell you how many shows I've watched sense my first surgery... and how many shows I watch NOW because of both surgeries! I love TV shows mainly because when I am lortab it's easier to keep up with a show then with Movies. Just get things you TRULY enjoy. Find some hobbies you would like to hone your skills in because you will have time. Lots and lots of time! If you are doing both feet you'll have so muuch time. Again make sure your family and friends know how much of a change this will be for you. You will need them more then ever to help you get out of the house.
Most importantly NEVER be afraid to ask your doctor about something and don't push yourself TOO much. Listen to your body.
I hope this is helpful! Feel free to ask me ANYTHING else.
OOh and make sure to have kind of a little station of things next to you. Like pills,water,snacks,books. It's a lot of work getting around the house and on crutches you can't exactly carry things. So if you can rig something up do!
We bought a knee scooter while back in the US so hopefully that will make things a little easier once I feel up to getting around some. (I got a hairline fracture in my foot about two years ago and being on crutches for several weeks was absolutely miserable.) Our flat is set up pretty open so getting around the house shouldn't be too much of an issue. Unfortunately, there aren't really any ADA-type laws in the Middle East so getting around anywhere else will be a challenge I'm sure.
DeleteI think it's finally starting to hit me what exactly I'm getting myself into. The little things like the logistics of taking a shower and being stuck on my back for weeks is a little daunting. I'm trying to stock up on some books, and I have no doubt that netflix and hulu will get a ton of use. I've already started recruiting friends to come over and keep me company :)
Anyhow, I'm about three weeks out from surgery so just trying to get everything in order now!
let me know how you are doing tami. I'd love an update. So sorry I didn't reply to this. Please know i'm here.
DeleteKristy..Its been awhile since I have replied to one of your entries and I have to say I absolutely admire you for going through ths and writing this at the same time..Im just over 7 months since m calcaneal osteotomy and still struggle a bit. I had more surgery to remove a mysterious piece of metal that was mistakenly dropped into my foot during surgery which delayed my recovery so I ended up on crutches for 19 weeks before I could wear a shoe. I still walk with a limp but I am getting stronger slowly but surely and am looking forward to this coming weekend as I will be getting my srews removed!! I dont know how long the recovery will be but know it wont be as long as the initial surgery so it wont bother me too much..when people say how unlucky I am I always reply that I AM THE LUCKY ONE! There are so many people in wheelchairs who would only ever dream of being in my position..
ReplyDeleteI truely hope you are doing good now and wish only the best for you and Tami, I hope your starting to heal well now..
You seem like such a beautiful person Daniel! This comment is amazing and I 100% agree about the how lucky we ARE. I actually have found out I have to get surgeries again... I"m going to be updating TOMORROW on it actually.. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow that will actually decide what exactly the surgeries are going to be (most likely the exact same surgeries and maybe more). But I just keep looking up. Because if these things allow me to continue walking during my life then I will do it.
DeleteI know that when I got my hardware removed it was only a 2 week recover to let the incision heal! Please keep me updated on how you are. I would love to keep in touch with others dealing with this situation. no one else will understand it the same way. We are all just wanting to live and live strong. Best of wishes!
Im really feeling for you having to maybe go through that again?? I hope you don't but know you will become a very strong person from it, both mentally and physically. Your attitude is right so you will have the best chance of success. .by now you would have had your appointment and know more so I will wait for you updates and hope the news isn't too bad..
ReplyDeleteI will keep you posted also..you are 100% right in commenting that no one else will understand in the same way..
Best of luck and my email address is daniel_ratten@hotmail.com if its easier to contact me that way..