So, let me start with yesterday, because chronological details work best for me! :) You got the details up through early evening through yesterday's blog. What you don't know is that I had the only bad night's sleep of this whole post surgery time, last night. I happened to be re-positioning my heel down into my boot shortly after I updated my blog when all of a sudden I moved the top part of my foot somehow and ZING I was bolted to attention by searing pain shooting through my foot! Wow! What the heck did I just do and (note to self) don't ever do that again! Well, turns out this horrible aching continued in my foot the whole night. About half way through the night I was debating about taking one of those little pain pills again, but decided I didn't want that in my system, so I took an Aleve at about 4 AM to get 2 hrs of decent sleep. The Aleve is 12 hrs. so I've been good all day now, with no further soreness due to this really big mistake! (PS - doc later says this was a nerve through the incision area and is normal)
I was litterally giddy with excitement for this morning's appointment. Shortly after I checked in and was taken to the room to wait for the doctor, one of the assistant guys starting unwrapping my feet, which is when I learned that my stitches were also coming out today! SAY WHAT???!!! Today?! Serious?! Unbelief. I never thought for a second this was happening today already. I quickly conclude in my mind that I'm ok with this, but wait, isn't it going to hurt? Will I be able to shower, feet and all again tomorrow? I have questions and no time to think them through!
First, the scissors cutting through the colored bandages. Slight tugging and tightness. Not sure I'm liking this idea. Then, we're down to the gauze and SURPRISE! it's stuck with dried blood to the incision area. "Are you going to wet that down a bit so it doesn't rip everything open?!" Starting to freak just a little bit. "No, we don't want to introduce any liquids to the area." Really? Sounds like a good idea to me! Anyway, he proceeds to slowly peel off each layer of the gauze very slowly. I think I'm going to live. :) Lastly, he gingerly peels off this papery piece of material that is stuck right to the incision and stiches. And I survive! Yeah, me!!
Next, the boots go back on for a trip down to x-ray(photos above). This was pretty uneventful, which I am thankful for! Notice in the photos the bone with the new little screw. The doc says they do a "v" cut to give the joint more stability during and after healing. I'm not a doctor, but that sure makes sense to me. Also notice third toe on right foot is still hinged to the left. We are expecting this to go back where it used to be in time when I get to use this part of my foot again.
After x-rays, the doc comes in and we discuss how terrific everything looks, review x-rays, and talk about next "steps" - which are boots for four more weeks and come back for another visit at that time - oh, and don't forget your tennis shoes! :)
Regarding boots: on at ALL times when walking/standing, can be off to sleep and sit.
Regarding showers: yes (not sure yet how that works with boots)
Regarding driving: no
Regarding exercise: nothing with feet. Walk as comfort allows. No fast walking, long walks or running. He has caught a previous client running with one boot on - seriously!
Regarding physical therapy: not yet. Feel free to gently stretch big toe back and forth, but not physical therapy until boots are off. Feet need to rest and heal first.
Doctor is now done with me, and I think I've asked enough question - imagine that! :) Nurse now takes over to remove those stitches. I don't think I've ever had stitches removed before? Apparently just a slight tug, a snip at the knot and a little pull. Not too bad. Then the application of something to help these little strips stay stuck on to keep the incision closed a while longer. Amazing how sensitive this incision area is. YIKES! I can barely touch that area without knowing that I don't want anyone near my feet any time soon. Honestly, right now I can't imagine the incision being touchable for a LONG, LONG time.
Off to home I go. No stitches, no bandanges. Just me and my moon boots.
Another day of work on the sofa today, but now I have socks on and at lunch time I take a little walk with the dog.....just four houses down and back, but sweet nonetheless.
It was a very good day.
WOW!! Such good news except the pain last night. You gotta feel so good Deb! And thank you for your kind words you sent me too. What's interesting is I go back for my post operation check up next Tuesday and then I have another appointment already scheduled for Nov. 29th. It sounds like you don't go back for another month is that correct? Your right foot looks so different compared to the very first photo you posted. Kudos to you Deb!! Your outlook is so great! And I bet your dogs were so happy to get out with you even for a short walk. Hopefully the snow and ice stays away for a little bit, so the roads don't get slippery. Just one more thing to worry about with those boots on. So happy for you!!! And I hope you don't knock your foot again to bring back that pain you felt the other night.
ReplyDeleteGreat news on your dr visit today. You will be amazed how quickly your incisions heal now that the stitches are out. Wonderful to hear you were able to do a short walk. Julie is your surgery tomorrow? Keep us informed as you can. Are you starting a blog? Wished I would have found good blogs like this one and Sara's before my surgery.
ReplyDeleteKatbrid - yes here is my blog address http://downsbunionnews.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI am going to go make a post now.
Sara, I wanted to ask you are your feet that swollen? Looking at them they don't look bad at all.
Yes, my next appointment is in four weeks and supposedly I leave with tennis shoes on. If your question about swollen feet is to me, I would say they aren't very swollen. My toes are the most swollen and honestly I really think I could fit in my shoes right now, but I don't even dare try that yet!
ReplyDeleteDeb, Katbird, or Sarah,
ReplyDeleteNeed some advice. My foot feels asleep and sort of has that itchy feeling on top of the foot, but nothing painful. I did take pain pill at 6:30. My husband suggestion is that I should just wait until I feel pain that I can not tolerate. Is that what I should be doing or would you take a pill every 4 hours regardless? I was planning on taking one again at 10:30 and then again at 2:30 a.m. yet now I'm second guessing myself. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks, Julie
LOL and yes Deb that question was to you on your swollen feet or not.
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie - I didn't know if I was going to have pain or not, so I just took the pain pills every 4 hours - set my alarm so I didn't forget. I took day of surgery (Tues) and the next day (Wed). I never felt pain so I took my last pain pill Thurs at 8 AM and was good to go. I say take them for the first day or two no matter what - why not stay ahead of it, just in case!
ReplyDelete