week 22

Im walking normally for shorts periods during some days. At other times I have a small limp, and at other times I use a cane to take the pressure off.

I wear flip flops, sketcher rocker shoes, or sneakers.

At times I get a sharp twinge in my foot that lasts a few mins at the most.

My ankle is bigger than the other foot. On the top of my foot it is also a bit bigger and looks swollen although the foot is hard and it doesnt hurt like a swollen foot does. I dont know if this will go away or not.

In a weeks time, I may take pain meds once.

I am able to comfortably get pedicures and my skin looks normal pretty much aside from peeling (and that may be bc Im in the desert,lol), and the scar on the outside of my foot is raised. The others have flattened out. Because my foot is bigger, the raised scar is slightly above the incision scar (if that makes sense) and it is flat. Its kind of like where the incision and staples were is where the scar should be but swelling has caused them to separate,idk.

The other day I didnt want to pay for a cab bc I was low on funds. I was able to SLOWLY walk from the mall and that was about 20 mins of walking after having been inside the mall. Although its doable, Id much prefer a bike.

From the beginning, I added "tarsal coalition" to my gmail messages so I get notified when it comes up in searches,etc. Ive been able to answer quite a few questions from people who are contemplating their options regarding the condition. I am happy to be of service to others who have no info on this. If you are in forums, please pass on my url to others. There is nothing worse than me reading someone who knows nothing about it to tell someone to get orthotics or to just do stretches.

Take care and happy healing!

ALMOST week 18

Its NOVEMBER!

Ive been doing a LOT of walking. Its been a pain trying to find sneakers that are comfortable. I start off pretty good in the morning and as the day progresses I start to limp more and more. I dont take pain meds daily. Some days I only have to take it once. For the most part, Im good. Even when it does hurt, like at this moment, its not a deep pain. Im resting with my feet up. May soak them for awhile. I go without my boot but if I feel I need a bit more support Ill wear it.
Today, my toes were tingling a little. Actually, just the big one. The irritating part is that they dont have motorized vehicles for handicapped people in stores. Add to that the fact that you have to leave your license with them to "check it out". Its a pain!!
But, at the end of the day I dont complain because this pain is manageable, its temporary, and I know that in time all will be well. Well, kind of. I still have flat feet! lol

walking

I would just like to say that although I continue to walk slow and sometimes have a limp, I can walk UP the stairs fairly normal and there are times when I am walking and I have a prettymuch normal gate. I LOVE IT and I appreciate those times. Its good . . .great that I was able to complete this procedure and that everything worked out.

All things work together for his greater good and he (God) takes care of me :-).

The previous entry tells how many weeks its been. Im not expecting to be back to normal at this point but I am definitely grateful for where I am!!!!!

17 weeks

shy by a few days.

I was supposed to take the boot off the other day. I continued to wear it. Even as I was going to school I heard a scripture-"Take up your bed and walk". Still, I wore it a few more days.
Yesterday, I took it off as soon as I got home. I went and got a pedi/mani. Although my foot is still sensitive, it felt fine and wasnt a problem. She did use a wand to scrub but it wasnt a harsh one.

I shouldve gotten my toes painted a color :-(

Anyway, I ended up walking a couple blocks last night. SHWAY SHWAY mind you but I did it,lol. No pain once home and I didnt take pain meds yesterday. Today I didnt wear the boot to school and although I felt discomfort here and there it was in the foot, not the bone. For some reason I feel I keep stressing that. To me, this shows me what I feel is from the operation and that the original problem is solved.

There is NO WAY I wouldve been able to walk as much as I have been otherwise. Now, a soak after walking too much pretty much does the job. Before there was NO WAY that wouldve worked.

I AM EVER SO THANKFUL TO GOD, THE DR's, AND FOR NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS. Without them, it wouldnt have been possible.

I think of those who arent able to lay around and rest up from July to October. All I can say is that (1) I was able to leave and get around without being tired by around Sept but I wouldnt have been able to work if it had entailed standing. (2) regardless of your job buy or purchase (based on price) a knee roller. YOU WILL NEED IT and you wont have to depend on others. Made my life much easier! Also, If you have a choice between a big one that has a pivoting/turning front wheel axis and basket OR a smaller one that doesnt pivot.  .  .GET THE SMALLER ONE even if it doesnt pivot. It was much easier for me to handle the latter and I did have experience with both. The smaller one folding with one click and was easy to take around. The first one was a hassle to take anywhere so I didnt and that kind of defeats the purpose.

Times up!

As of yesterday, I should be done with this boot and walking with shoes. I will,however, continue to wear it to work as Im afraid not to. I dont ahve lots of swelling and only a bit of pain here and there. My foot still has sensitivities and that is cool. I am walking better and better and as long as it isnt too much walking I am ok.

Bones feel great

Still satisfied

want a pedicure but just dont know about the sensitivity. . .

week 15

I am no longer walking like a just had a hip replacement. Being that I am starting a new job in a new place (see other blog), I have been doing a good bit of walking. Ive noticed that I have more mobility in my ankle-it moves up and down when walking more freely so that I am now walking with my foot instead of my whole leg.
I experience soreness from walking too much but I will add that both feet tend to hurt after a lot of walking as I am flat footed. Having said that, there is pain from walking to much but it isnt pain in the bones or a feeling of arthritic pain. The pain I feel is more so from the operation. No, I do not feel heel pain like some speak of feeling the screws in the heel. For that I am definitely grateful!
According to the doctore, I have one more week in the  boot but I may wear it for a bit longer. I noticed that my leg is still small from where the boot rests on my leg,lol.
Ill definitely be glad when I can walk comfortably again as I want to go and do lots of things in my new environment. I do wait patiently knowing that once healed, I wont be plagued with the pain of arthritis that no amount of pills would heal!

Ma salaam

Incisions

My incision is beginning to itch off and one and I wont dare scratch it. I did buy that liquid St Johns wort and I figured I wouldnt need it after having the cast on so long but it came in handy last night!!!!
I puts some on both incisions on the side of my foot.

*side note*
When I touch the incision,It creates this tingling sensation in my foot,especially on the opposite side of my foot-around the big toe.

So I put that on and it felt better. No itching or funny feeling all night. And let me tell you why!

liquid St Johns Wort helps nerve cells to regenerate and reduces pain. (It also helps with mood stabilization)
Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies That Work Best

****Please keep in mind that all supplements,vitamins,herbs,etc are not created equally! So the items you can pick up at WM arent of the same quality of items at a reputable health food store. And that is not to say that you should go to a GNC either. Some of your mom and pop places are great, you can even get Tumeric from your local farmers market and cap it yourself as health food stores sell capsules by the bag.Also check out Eastern herbalists AND do your research!!!!!
These items have side effects for some as well. What works for me may not work for someone else just as with regular meds.

HAPPY HEALING!

Week 13

So Im getting about 100 readers per month. That tells me that people want to know about this deformity and about the surgery. I hope that blog is helping you guys-even if you arent saying anything,lol. I promise I dont bite. Right Amy?

Differences between my last update (9 weeks) and now?

• occasional discomfort
• walking more
• no need to readjust 'bubbles' in boot so maybe that has to do with less swelling
• big toe still sensitive,not numb but close to that feeling. I dont like it touched so no pedis for me
• have NOT walked on it without a boot. Will wear skechers shape ups sandals after Im dont with boot
• regular ibuprofen works fine but I take the prescribed ones if Im going to be doing a lot of walking
• still a little foot peeling-on heal and by big toe
• It is difficult to walk up or down stairs. I do it sideways
• no crutches but a cane would be helpful

I think thats it. Just wanted to update my status and progress. I havent been doing the 3 exercises with my ankle and calf daily but the doc said I didnt need physical therapy so its no biggie.

*I am still taking my bone health supplements because I wasnt taking them when I was supposed to so I have a lot left. FYI, they are horse pills and you (or I) have to eat with them or they will make you sick. At least thats my experience with most vitamins. And I think they make your nails grow.

If you are reading this and will be getting a procedure soon or have just gotten it-GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING and read about how to aide your body in the healing process. It has been my experience that this doesnt have to be such a bad experience as it has been for others. I have been blessed to go through this process with ease and I wish the same for you (or someone you know). God has given us everything we need on this earth. There are supplements you can take to  help relieve pain and to help your bones heal (coupled with a diet change and listening to your doctor).

HAPPY HEALING!

walking

I
AM
WALKING!

well, for the most part. I was down to one crutch for the last couple days even though the doc said id be off in a week. Today, I still have it by my side but Im mostly walking on my own.

Now, its not a regular walk mind you. Its more of an elderly walk. . .like someone who has a "bad hip" kind of walk,lol. I also notice that my foot tends to land on the outside, as if Im walking on the side of my foot. Thats something that I pay attention to because I did read (somewhere) that you have to make sure you dont start walking that way.

Before I put my boot on this morning I stood up without anything on my feet. It feels funny and I have to make my foot touch the floor completely. Im supposed to be out of this boot by the end of October. . .

I do see that the swelling is less than I expected. Even at the end of the day, its not like I thought it would be. I imagined this big, sausage toe looking foot, possibly shiny from the skin being stretched so much, somewhat painful and needing elevation.

Nothing of the sort, thank God!

As stated before and it remains true-any discomfort I feel is virtually non existant when compared to what I felt before! Anything that i DO feel is in the foot as opposed to before where it was deep in the bone. Makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD!!!

and Im not even walking, walking yet.

Good thing Im not on the market for a man because the looks my walking will attract wont be the ones I want,lol.

skin

or scales as one would have it.
I did a very good job of NOT peeling off any skin. That was my plan initially but I decided against such craziness. As it is now Thursday, a week has passed and my foot is almost back to normal skin-wise. 2X daily moisturizing with shea butter and/or vaseline (shea butter is preferred)-of course socks are changed out as well.

I washed with a moisturizing soap and a gentle exfoliant on the leg and foot but not around any incisions. I would also let my foot soak while I sit in the tub and bathe. I continue to sit on a stool with the shower running as I do NOT want to sit in water with dead and peeling skin. TOO GROSS!

Not much itching to speak of and thats possibly because I keep it from being dry. I continue to walk on crutches-some days adding more pressure than others. Last night while sleeping, I would feel a small discomfort here or there. One doesnt realize how stretching pulls on the whole  body until something like this. I try to stop my stretch from going into the ankle,lol.

So far, short "pains" are more so in the areas of incision. No discomfort in the heal yet but that could change when I get into shoes,idk. I will be sure to post if I get pains that are equal to or greater than what I felt pre-surgery. That was the whole reason I did this after all-to get rid of pain.
So far I continue to be pleased!

walking

Since Thursday, my cast has been off. The doctor said I was doing well and that I should start to apply pressure immediately.
I was a bit nervous about that but I did it. He said that I did not need physical therapy and to apply more pressure daily . . .and put the crutches aside in a week. . .take off the boot by the end of October. . .expect full healing anywhere from 9-12 months.

Hows the foot?

crusty isnt the word! thick scales, surgery "tape", tight skin. . .
Not really itching. I have a regiment for my skin.

OH, and my leg IS little,lol. But back to my skin. First day home.

Soaked in hot water with soap and oil in water. Washed my foot and dryed it off. Melted shea butter and lathered it on my leg and foot and then carefully placed sock onto my foot. YOU WILL NEED HELP.

This is something I do day and night. Each time I remove a sock, skin comes with it. I WILL NOT PEEL. . .I dont want to have sore skin or to hurt on my foot unnecessarily!!!!

It is now Sunday and my leg is no longer crusty. The foot looks much better but still has dead skin. The tape is gone now. Less skin falls off now and I am pleased with it and hope it doesnt take too too long to get back to normal.

Im wearing long socks on that one foot and Im changing it out tonite again. TURN THE SOCKS INSIDE OUT WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF SO THE DEAD SKIN WILL FALL OUT AND SO THE SOCK WILL WASH CLEAN.

I continue to be happy with my operation and I dont regret it. I am taking it easy and adding pressure each day. I am also doing short excercises-rocking ankle up and down 20 times and resting-do this twice. I am also using a towel around my foot-push against towel for 5 secs. Do this 10 times and rest. Repeat. Also pulling back on towel to stretch calf muscle for 5 secs each for 10 times. Repeat.

I do this morning and nite and got it from a physiotherapy site that gave exercises to do after getting leg cast removed.

anticipation builds

I GET MY CAST OFF IN 3 DAYS AND I AM SO EXCITED. Not because Ive been itching-because I havent been, not because Ill be able to take a shower/bath-which I really want to do so that I can wash my leg,lol, but because once this sucker is off I can get an update on my bone health, I can get my boot, my records, and. . .

ILL BE ABLE TO FLY AND GO TO WOOOOOOOOOOOOORK!!!!!

Now, normally people arent so excited about work but my case is a bit different.

number one-I love my job. I would do it for free

and

number two-I am moving to another country and looking at pictures isnt quite cutting it for me anymore. Ive been doing so since March and Im so excited to be finally ready to leave.

The butterflies will soon start to flutter.

Actually, I have two days!
Thats even better!!!

Tarsal Coalition Fusion Week 9

DISCLAIMER

While laying in bed last night I realized a major thing that I should have mentioned about this whole recovery thing-

I have not worked since the surgery as I am in the education field and have had the summer off. Ive been able to keep my foot up for 90% of the time and that has a lot to do with my level of discomfort/pain.

If a child were getting this, I would definitely recommend having it done right before school lets out so that they will be much better when school starts back. If it were an adult, I would recommend using short term disability if you havev that. If I were starting the school year here I would have probably gotten on STD (maybe I shouldnt have used that acronym,lol) even though I would have felt terribly guilty about not starting the year with the kiddies.

soooooo, yeah. FOOT UP, FOOT UP, FOOT UP-for much longer than one would think

swelling. week 7

When I went to the doctor on the 19th one of my main concerns was swelling. I keep my foot elevated mostly throughout the day but I still found myself uncomfortablewith tight skin and a FAT foot. he gave me ibuprofen but it didnt really take the swelling away like I thought it would so I havent been taking it too much but I figure I may need it when i leave the country so I just went ahead and asked for the meds.

The good news is that the swelling hasnt been so bad. The worst part is at night but its not pain. . .just discomforting. I still sleep with my ice pack in the bed on a stack of pillows but I dont think my foot stays on it all night. Its better than not having anything.

Im keeping an eye on time frames but also keep in mind the fact that everyone's body is different and that I cant count on any of these schedules. I also realize that my diet isnt what it once was even before I was preparing for this procedure. Im disappointed in my lack of veggie intake and increase in processed foods. One major reason this is an issue is because i havent cooked in forever.

I continue to take supplements but do need to be more consistent-a problem because I have to eat enough to keep them from hurting my stomach. I have yet to master than technique without feeling like a glutton.
As far as the swelling, Im happy with where I currently am. I had a dream that I was walking on my foot. When I woke up, I was briefly startled because I was concerned about whether that happened in the dream or if it happened in real life,lol. I DEFINITELY dont want to walk on my ankle/foot!

I strated washing my toes. The sensation isnt as bad as it was before. I can touch them and wash them without it driving me crazy but my big toe is still the worst. They continue to peel and I am repulsed at the thought of my skin under this thing. Scaly isnt really the word for the skin. Its thick and doesnt just come off . . .wait. Alligators are scaly so maybe that is a good term,lol.

ok, Im done rambling now. Just wanted to log my swelling experience. Im thinkign that if Im here now, Ill be so much better in 3 weeks! I know the time will fly

surprise

ok, so I went to the doctor last Thursday for my cast removal and x ray. I was excited about my xray more than anything. Wanted to know how the bones were doing. I went with questions written down so that I wouldnt forget anything and pretty much was counting down the days.
fast forward and Im sitting on the table looking crazy because my doctor seems to flip the script on me like he was having a bad day. I didnt say a word and sat there chewing my bottom lip like, WTH????

ok, so lets rewind-PA was my initial visit. I told her my time table, why I needed to get the operation at that time (asap) because I was slated to leave the country in September. She subsequently put me on the books and told me I should be ready to go around that time. And let me just insert here that I know nothing is concrete and that there could have been complications to lengthen my healing process. OKAY, so after I see her, she talks to doctor (clue him in to my file did you???), he looks at the bones and sends me for a cat scan and after a week or so, I go in for the pre op. AT PRE OP, he mentions me leaving the country (for good) and he goes on to tell me that there are good doctors there and that I should be in good hands. He was conversational and everything was on course.

Let me also mention the time frames I was given-PA "youll be in 2 casts, each for 3 weeks and then a boot. . ." DOCTOR "You will be in 1 cast for six weeks and then a boot". So when he tells me during post op (2 wks later) xray that Id be in a cast for 4 weeks, I thought that Id be in the cast for 4 weeks and then a boot.

Back to now, I have no problem with my healing process in and of itself. What I DO have a problem with is him acting all brand new on me. He even acted as if he wouldnt have performed the surgery had he known my timetable. NUMBER ONE, talk to your PA. Better yet-TALK TO ME!!

Now im in another cast for 3 weeks because I need more healing. That puts me on the original time frame, IN THEORY but Ill get to that in a minute. So when I go back I should be in a boot and walking (he said walking but from what Ive read, I know its gradual and not all at once). I had no issues with him but now Im wondering why he cant be a little more specific about things and why is there no paperwork to chronicle what I should expect as far as healing/time frame. Now I know there is google and a wealth of information out there but im KINDA paying you sooooo. . .um, yeah.

So back to that time frame-and forgive me for being all over the place. He is going on vacation the week I should be getting this off and no one else can see me but him so that puts me off another week and keeps me in the cast for another month. That part was a bit irritating as well.

Now, Im not mad at all. I know that all things work together for his good and I want to heal and nicely as possible. What made it a big deal to me is how he responded to me as if we had never had the conversation. My husband and I talked about how the medical field is now so impersonal and thats to the detriment of the health field as we see it. Not the only detriment-just one of them.

He didnt even ask what color I wanted so now I have a blue cast. No biggie,lol.
Man, my leg and toes are soo peely!!! so gross. This cast is lower and it was so crusty. My toes were too and i put vaseline all over them and brushed it off. No itching still and its been 7 weeks so far if I include the pandages for two weeks. No real pain, just the irritation of the swelling. I continue to keep my foot elevated and use ice often. I also finally got ibuprofen 800mg and take that 3X daily. I keep the heavier stuff on hand but dont use it.

This time will fly by and I hope to meet a much more pleasant disposition after his week long vacation!

Its official

I HATE CRUTCHES

They didnt seem so bad in high school. But then again, in high school I had a fracture so it wasnt imperative that I use the them.

Yesterday I took the knee roller back. I couldnt bring myself to pay another 65 dollars for two more weeks of using it. Granted, I could have taken it for the entire month but I figured Id be ok as I was going to be in a boot. idk. Whats done is done at this point. My main thing now is waiting for this period where swelling is normal. Once that is gone, Ill feel so much better. Im dealing with it, though, because I know it is healing and I dont want to stop or slow that process with drugs. So when it gets to be bothersome I take the darvocet but since its not really for swelling I dont really bother. Actually, ice works much better for me in that regard.

So me and these crutches are going to be frenemies for quite awhile it would seem.I will definitely be getting back on my regiment of more healthy eating/drinking. I want my bones to heal expiditiously!

Bone healing

Im still doing well. I havent been taking my vitamins as regularly as I should but I am going to rectify that.
Today, Im just looking over some information about bone healing just to get an idea of what I can expect as far as this healing continues. Ive read some of this before but every search seems to turn up something different.

Talks about the stages of bone healing and what can help or hinder that process:
http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/Bone_Healing.htm

Great information on how to deal with swelling. This site explains in plain terms why you NEED swelling and how to deal with it (treat it) without halting the healing process. That was very important to me! :
http://www.betterbones.com/bonefracture/speedhealing.aspx

Quirky site but gives you a rough ESTIMATE on how long it may take bones to heal depending on where they are in the body:
http://www.doctorsecrets.com/your-bones/time-to-heal-broken-bone.htm

Gives a list of calcium rich foods and also lists other supplements that help with bone repair. Some of the information may be repeated but its important info if  you want to heal!!!
http://www.foodandlife.com/healingbonesresearch.htm

Post op guidelines-weekly report of what should be happening: (im on track!!!!)
http://www.worksafebc.com/health_care_providers/Assets/PDF/ankle_fusions_bone%20grafts.pdf

meds

OK, so let me preface this by saying that I would recommend the doctor I saw as well as the facility that I went to.

I do have a problem, though, with how things are handled when you call in regarding questions about medicine. . .I say this because I have called on several occasions about my medicine. The first time, it was cool, they changed it. The medicine still makes me sick so I just recently called to let them know that. Each time, I call and have to leave a message and then the admin assist calls me back. He doesn't really ask me any questions, he just sends me in another prescription. I think my issue is that I wasn't specific enough when telling him my issues with the meds or my problem.

the problem is my swelling-it is uncomfortable and what causes pain. And while it is not severe, it does prevent me from sleeping at night.

This time they give me darvocet and after I look it up online I realize its another narcotic and doesnt deal with swelling-only pain. I WANT SOMETHING TO STOP THE SWELLING.

I should have gone back to get some Arnica but the errands I ran the past couple of days were in the opposite direction and wasn't really convenient. In the meantime, I continue to ice and keep the foot elevated. In addition, I am going to do some research to see what I can do for myself without necessarily having to call them back. I feel like a druggy.

I feel like I can take this more in stride because I dont have to go back to work before this is over. I can imagine that the stress of paying for this-even when you have insurance-in addition to the stress of wondering when you can get back to work if you arent salaried, release negative things into the body and can delay healing.
I am happy to report that I continue to have a pretty good time with everything. No itching in the cast yet (FINGERS CROSSED). No severe pain and none to speak of so far. . .

*Bathing*
I use a milk crate and put it in the tub and place  towel over it to sit on. I run the shower and bath with my left leg hanging over the edge with a bag over it.

*getting around*
I use a knee roller. Im renting it monthly. Here it is 65 a month. There may be cheaper ones, idk. If one needs it for longer, you may find one on craigslist for about 150. They retail for 300+. They are more convenient than crutches and I am able to do pretty much anything for myself around the house. With crutches, I would need my husband to go in the kitchen to get everything I need.

About to go and get my cast

Week in review

Its been awhile since Ive written. Ive been meaning to. Even opening the page and posting a title but thats as far as Ive gone. So I will be recapping the last week because it definitely had its' highs and lows.

MONDAY-Monday I began to feel a little sick each time I got up to use the restroom. I put it off as nothing and continued taking my perc and sleeping on and off like a baby. I thought that maybe I wasnt eating enough with the meds so I tried eating more although I didnt really have a appetite. I was eating every few hours but it was only by a little.

TUESDAY-same dull-little achy-feeling but mostly when I had to get up to use the restroom. Im started to get irritated. Well, not so much irritated as antsy about laying in bed for SO LONG. ugggghhhh. Its only been since Friday so I told myself I shouldnt even bother counting because it made the idea even worse,lol. I would color occasionally but always ended up back at the internet either surfing or watching tv/movies online.

WEDNESDAY-ok. I cant take it anymore. The pain isnt severe based on what my idea of severe is but Im not saying much. Staying strong, being still. Thought about calling about meds but thought that MAYBE, I should just eat more. Later that day though, after they are closed OF COURSE, I couldnt take it anymore. I was in tears although I do think a part of it was that Id been in this room-in this bed-for so long. For a brief amount of time I think I was actually going crazy. I think I got 3 or 4 hours of sleep that night. Man, it was definitely rough!

THURSDAY-called the doc 1st thing that morning. Had to leave message and they call you back. He missed the call back so now its cat and mouse :-(. I called too and left message about nausea and he called me in hydro instead of oxy as well as some phenergan. MAN, DID I LOVE HIM. So this conversation was at around 12 and he said itd be in in a couple of hours. 6 hours and MANY calls to Walgreens later, I had my medicine. I was soooo happy to get it!!!!!!!! I felt like myself again. Like I had before all this craziness.

***insert*** I realize that this entry is mostly about my stomach when I actually had an operation on my ankle so I should only make sure to address THAT feeling. It was painful but not much higher in degree than when it was really hurting me from doing strenuous activities-or even wearing heels for an evening/night.
Monday and Tuesday I took half pills and 1 whole at night so I dont think it was THAT bad at first because of that. By the time Wednesday came, I refused to take them anymore and I just lay there taking the pain. I didnt want to add anything to my stomach besides food and water because the pain was that bad and I was afraid to make it worse.

FRIDAY-back to normal. My family came down to see me, to bring me home cooked food, and to buy me a few things. I was very grateful as it saved me quite a few dollars. My granny even brought me back some flowers and I wanted some too!!! I told my husband, "That's why shes my favorite person",lol.
The pain was still there and I was napping on and off but mostly while they went out to the store(s). They left and I slept the night away.

SATURDAY-good day. I felt like myself again. I got up from time to time just to get some things for myself. Not much pain to speak of besides a couple firey like shootings up my foot. I keep ice handy so that I can put it on my ankle on either side, sometimes on the bottom. I continue to do TOES ABOVE NOSE -drs orders.

SUNDAY-Feel good Sunday as well. Last Sunday I was joking about being able to go to church. This Sunday, I dont think I could go if someone payed me even though I still feel much better and even emptied. filled, and ran the dishwasher today and yesterday.

MONDAY-I cant take this sweaty, feverish smell! Im tired of sponge baths. Ive had a slight fever (99.+) today and yesterday. Sponge baths are not working anymore and I NEED to sit in some water. ok, how am I going to work this??? I sit sideways in the tub-legs hanging over side-and ease myself down and then run the water. We took turns washing parts of my body before I let the water out to dry off. We dried me off and he had to get in to get me out. So worth it-I feel like new $$,lol.

TODAY:
again in the kitchen straightening some things-ugh. I had 1 pain pill=actually 1/2 since this morning. I know that a small fever is good for me but I tire of being a bit chilly. I dont get as tired when Im up initially. I continue to take vitamins. Just used the last of my symphytum so I have to go get more. I only needed to take arnica for 10 days. I was drinking so much water-I need to get back on that.
I have two days-more like one-before going for the follow up. I am expecting miraculous news. And maybe more meds? lol

worst part thus far

Ok, so Im taking these percs and if I take a guess Id say my eating is somewhere between a bird and a horse. Big gap, I know. I haven't really been keeping track but I think Ive been eating a little more often but not as much as I usually eat and I think it is posing a problem.
When I get up, I feel nauseas. I HATE it1! and Im not up for long-restroom breaks, brushing teeth, washing face. Normal things.My stomach hurts and it makes me not want to take the meds. In my opinion, the pain in my ankle isn't unbearable. It's more irritating than anything. Surgery was Friday and it is Tuesday. The past couple days I got off my regiment of 2 pills every 4 (or 3.5) hours. 325 mgs.
But I started feeling better and I guess forgot that I'd had SURGERY and that I should continue taking meds as scheduled. Now, it was my option as to whether to take 1 or 2 and I needed to start at two. But rather than go to 1 and then 2 at dinner, I was actually able to take 1/2 and be ok. I actually felt good during the day. Keep in mind that I am also taking my homeopathic remedies so that has something to do with that I'm sure.
BUT, and yes there is a but, I shouldnt have done 1/2 AND gone more than 4 hours w/o medication. Part of the reason I was ok with it is because the meds also delay healing as some inflammation is a healthy part of healing. Tossing and turning, however, definitely counteract the process of healing and last night I had little to no sleep.
Add to that bad dreams that could possibly be coming from the meds and youve got a groggy, nauseas person. I even woke up calling Thomas' name to come and help me,lol.
So I sit here now rearranging my body and want-NEED- to eat a bigger meal than I have been.
This morning at 6 am he made me breakfast. I was so thankful to have a husband who did so willingly even though the pancakes were gummy and the eggs had salt in them and he KNOWS I dont put salt in my eggs (ever). But yet he "has" to have it even though he never seems to miss it when I make the eggs, which is most often!
But back to the point,lol. I had half the 3 pancakes and and 2 scrambled eggs. I took 2 percs and went to sleep. Woke up at 11ish and had cream of wheat and took 1 perc and layed down. shortly after getting up, I feel that sickness again. I recently took my "green drink" and will be eating some fruit. Soon he will be going to get us a SUB sandwich and i HOPE its goooood, and that it fills me up!

I know that I have a loooong way to go as this is just day 5 but I would think the initial part, right after surgery is the worst. 2nd would be starting to walk again. But I cant put the cart before the horse so I live right where I am and I have great faith that my bones are healing even as I type this.
*and if this is your first blog, go back to the beginning where I talk about homeopathy and natural healing*
But yeah, I used to wonder about faith but now I understand what the verse means that says "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word. . ." because my faith has definitely grown by leaps and bounds.

SIDE NOTE: Be careful of handing tumeric-it stains white things, including your MAC computer keys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ugh!

Um, yeah, I have to go wash my face mask off because when I do get my cast in 9 days, I WILL be wearing makeup/eyeshadow again because I will have been laid up in bed looking HORRIBLE for 2 weeks.

A bit of a turn around

It is still the day after but the pain has gotten better. It wasn't unbearable but it has become less painful between dosages. I continue to take Bromelain & Tumeric 3-4 times a day as well as Arnica 6 times a day and Symphytum 4 times a day. I do believe that has helped with the level of pain I feel along with constant elevation and ice packs being placed beside or on my ankle.I have been on 2 Percocets per dosage and hope to be on 1 tomorrow. I will see how that goes. I am able to sleep well and I have not been nauseated from the meds.

Its getting real

On a scale of 1-10, my pain level is at a 7. There are some differences to be noted, however. I know that this throbbing is temporary and it means that I am healing-unlike before. Also, hmmmm. Maybe thats the only difference,lol. Its not unbearable and I hope it doesnt become so. I have 14 minutes before I can take my next set of Percocets.
I am currently laying up with 2 ice packs wrapped in a grocery bag and inside a towel on my wraps. Its taking its time getting through but anything will help. In a perfect world, my leg could stay numb AND heal. In this world, I lay here with a throbbing ankle in the hopes that the meds melt as swiftly as possible and provide relief for more than what feels like a minute.

The morning after

I woke up at 220 to pain and called my husband only to be told it wasnt time for medicine yet. I took my other supplements and dosed off to sleep. Ive been waking up off and on as there is only so much sleep I can get when on my back with my leg in the air. The pain is on excruciating but it definitely is sore and kind of painful. I think that my current mode of thinking is that this will be the last of the throbbing pain that sometimes exists for no reason so im cool with this.
I can wiggle all my toes slightly now so the block has all but worn off. The pain that I am feeling is in the deep part of my ankle-where I would feel the pain otherwise. I think that up until this point, the most uncomfortable thing is laying on my back with my leg in the air.
Ive still been getting up to use the restroom. Ive been drinking so much water that I have to get up frequently but they say its necessary to provide the body with the tools it needs to heal.
Im going to drift off now. . .

So far,so good

I had surgery at about 845 this morning. I wasn't nervous or anything. I prayed in between nurse visits and preparatory shots. They gave me an IV and came back for a block behind my knee. I was a little sleepy and  was kind of in and out when they took me to the operating room. I remember talking to them about Abu Dhabi and how so many people were going from so many fields and then. . .I remember the nurse waking me in the recovery room. I was sleeping so well and probably would have opted to stay there had it been a free choice,lol.
I understand why they say no food or drink because I was rather nauseous. I kept trying to throw up but nothing would come up. Initially, I opted for some ginger ale but relented and got a shot later. Good thing I did because Im sure my ride home would have been even worse had I not done so.
Got home ok and went straight to bed. Family dropped in to see me and Thomas has been taking care of me. I ate soup around 2 (I think) and began eating regular food around 5, which consisted of corn on the cob, pasta salad, and fruit salad. I began taking the pain meds (perc) around 5 I think, so that they would be in my system. He said the nurse told him to,idk. At that time, my foot was still numb and I didnt feel anything save a little pressure now and again.
I drifted in and out of consciousness and tried to color but only managed to do a little. After taking the meds I have about 15 minutes before Im basically out again. Im using one of those times to type this. Its 240 am now and I started to feel a little something in my foot about 11:00. I felt something more when I woke up 20 mins ago and called for him to bring me more meds and water.
Ive been drinking LOTS of water. Ive also been taking my bromelain and tumeric as well as my arnica, keeping my foot elevated, and eating a pretty healthy diet. I will be drinking a green juice/superfood for breakfast in the morning. I wonder how I will feel tomorrow. Whether the pain will be more than this. Tomorrow, I will begin taking my other vitamins for bone health. The process is beginning.

My diagnosis

L coalition resection

ST Fusion

Bone graft

My healing process should take 8 weeks. I am scheduled to be in a wrap for 2 weeks, a cast for 3 weeks, and another cast for 3 weeks. My ankle should be realigned and it should alleviate the pain I have been feeling. It should restore up and down movement but side to side will be non-existant. It was that way before so that is not an issue.

After the casts are off, I will be in a boot with limited to no pressure on my foot. During this "adventure" I will be using a Knee Walker to get around. It is easier than crutches but more expensive. Renting it will be 65 dollars per month-probably not covered by that thing we call insurance.

My supplements

I began to take L-Lysine and Zinc in the mornings before eating.

Before breakfast I take a super foods powder in apple juice. The name is the brand is Garden of Life and the powder is Perfect Food Raw Organic.

The product info is as follows:

*Rich in Chlorophyll, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Enzymes and Probiotics
*RAW Organic Green Super Food
*RAW Organic Veggie Juice in a Bottle
*RAW Energy, Organic Soul
*Healthy Detoxification
*Healthy Digestion and Elimination
*Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
*Immune System Support

Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 SCOOP
Servings Per Container 30
	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value
Total Calories	25	N/A*
Total Carbohydrate	5 Gm	2%
Dietary Fiber	1 Gm	4%
Insoluble Fiber LESS THAN	1 Gm	N/A*
Sugars	2 Gm	N/A*
Protein	2 Gm	N/A*
Vitamin C	4 Mg	7%
Calcium	40 Mg	4%
Iron	4 Mg	24%
Chromium	120 Mcg	100%
Sodium	85 Mg	4%
Potassium	340 Mg	10%
RAW ORGANIC GREEN JUICE BLEND (ORGANIC BARLEY GRASS JUICE, ORGANIC ALFALFA JUICE, ORGANIC OAT GRASS JUICE, ORGANIC WHEAT GRASS JUICE, KAMUT GRASS JUICE	3500 Mg	N/A*
RAW ORGANIC VEGGIE JUICE BLEND (ORGANIC BEET JUICE, ORGANIC CARROT JUICE, ORGANIC SPINACH JUICE, ORGANIC BROCCOLI JUICE, ORGANIC TOMATO JUICE, ORGANIC KALE JUICE)	3200 Mg	N/A*
RAW ORGANIC SPROUT BLEND (ORGANIC AMARANTH SPROUT, ORGANIC QUINOA SPROUT, ORGANIC MILLET SPROUT, ORGANIC BUCKWHEAT SPROUT, ORGANIC GARBANZO BEAN SPROUT, ORGANIC KIDNEY BEAN)	1150 Mg	N/A*
RAW PROBIOTIC AND ENZYME BLEND (SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII, AMYLASE, PROTEASES, LACTASE, GLUCOAMYLASE, ALPHA GALACTOSIDASE, LIPASE, PECTINASE, PEPTIDASE, BROMELAIN, PHYTASE, PAPAIN)	100 Mg N/A

In addition to eating many more vegetables and fruit to provide my body with nutrients, I am taking this to supplement those things I am still missing.

A NUTRIENT RICH BODY IS VITAL TO HEALING, ESPECIALLY AFTER SURGICAL PROCEDURES!!!!

My regimen consists of:

1.Tumeric & Bromelain (pain and healing)

2.Bone Power (mineral supplement for bone health, contains many of the vitamins necessary for healing)

3.Glucosamine and Chondroitin with MSM (for joint pain as I have degenerative arthritis)

4.Arnica (for relief in swelling and bleeding post surgery)

5. Symphytum (promotes healing of bone trauma-proven to speed healing)

I also learned that HYDRATION is paramount even though it means LOTS of getting up and using the restroom. you may choose to wear a depends,lol,(seriously).

Add to that- rest, STAYING OF YOUR FEET, toes above nose for HOWEVER long is advised, and having a positive disposition about the whole process.

Post surgery healing

Vitamins & Supplements you can take Post Surgery to promote healing:

Vitamin C (ester): helps support the immune system, acting as an antioxidant to hasten recovery. Ester C is vital for wound healing and repair and growth of tissues damaged by surgery. Vitamin C also eliminates toxins, protects the body from infection by enhancing the immune system, and counteracts tissue-damaging free radical molecules generated during stressful situations.

Vitamin A: help fight infection and speed recovery after surgery (use according to your doctor's instructions).

Vitamin B (complex): supports proper protein metabolism and cellular energy production, crucial for healthy tissue repair and efficient cellular function.

Vitamin K: helps reduce post-operative bruising and internal bruising.

Selenium: A mineral, which, in combination with other compounds, can be used to speed recovery.

Bromelain: A natural pineapple enzyme that helps reduce post-operative bruising and swelling, lessen postoperative pain, and help accelerate healing.

Zinc: Zinc promotes the healing of wounds, plays a big role in the repair and maintenance of healthy cells

Amino Acids: Certain amino acids, especially L-arginine and L-Glutamine, are crucial for healthy tissue formation during healing.

Bioflavonoids: Quercetin, rutin, and other plant flavonoids help protect capillaries against damage, strengthen tissues, and can reduce bruising.

Enzymes: Protein-specific enzymes such as bromelain and papain assist the body’s natural ability to control inflammation and swelling.

Natural Healing Remedies*:

Arnica: reduces inflammation and swelling.

Meadowsweet: an herb which has been used for centuries by herbalists to treat fever and pain by a natural chemical similar to the pharmaceutical aspirin. Meadowsweet has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties without side effects such as stomach ulcers.

Comfrey: contains allantoin - a chemical that encourages bone, cartilage and muscle cells to grow.

Supplements to avoid before and after surgery:
Bilberry
Cayenne
Echinacea
Garlic
Ginger
Gingko Biloba
Ginseng
Kava Kava
St. John’s Wort
Valerian Botanical
Vitamin E
Vitamin K

http://www.wellsphere.com/complementary-alternative-medicine-article/surgery-recovery-best-ways-to-promote-natural-healing-and-a-speedier-recovery/400054

Homeopathy: Just Good Medicine

At the end of this post is a video that briefly explains homeopathy. I believe that everything we need is already on this earth. And while I an thankful for Dr.s and the work they do, I also believe that medicine has become about the $$ and that much better forms of treatment are often ignored because it is not profitable.

That includes supplements and the like, based on whatever a person's individual needs are regularly or at any given time. I think it is important not to discount something because it hasn't been approved by the FDA, especially when the ingredients are 100% natural.

Think about it: how many times have they approved something that has been proven to cause disfigurement, retardation, death, deformities, sickness, and multiple ailments. Look at any commercial concerning the latest medicine and listen to the fast disclaimer about the side affects of said medication. Think about the fact that aspirin and tylenol


"An FDA review found more than 56,000 emergency room visits a year due to acetaminophen overdoses. About a quarter of them were unintentional overdoses — and about 100 of those people die each year, the FDA estimated."
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2002/Sep/20/hf/hf01a.html

Regardless of one's belief system, I do believe there is a better way. For this reason, I have been doing my due diligence to find out how and what I can do to better equip my body with the things it will need to heal itself. That is not to say I am against OTC or prescribed pain pills. Truth be told, I will, no doubt, welcome those which will be given to me. I do realize, however, that these same pills halt the healing process and should be used in moderation as much as possible.

Furthermore, I am sure I have just hit the tip of the iceberg in terms of what information is out there and, in the end, I want to find a homeopathic Dr. I will begin with what I have and have faith that things will work out for his good.