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!

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.

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.

Background

I have always had issues with my feet: flat feet, occasional swelling, ankle pain. . .
Never really thought much of it, thought it was just an issue because of low-no arches. At 19 I joined the military only to be plagued with more issues. I was unable to walk and subsequent x-rays showed that I had a fused talus. At least that's what they told me.

Fast forward: I left the military and suffered pain whenever I walked or stood too much. As I got older, I began to alter my behavior based on the recuperating period I would need afterward. I invested in insoles, shoes, pain killers, etc. None of them were a longterm solution.

Fast forward again: I get a job with insurance and vow I will get myself "fixed" but keep putting it off. A year and some months after that I am doing an activity that has me on my feet for 3 days and I begin to PAY for it off and on for months so I finally decide to do something about it. Never mind the fact that I am on somewhat of a schedule and need to be healed ASAP. OH, and that thing called INSURANCE? you STILL have to shell out big dollars for cat scans (300+) and the procedure itself (600+). I had already figured I would be paying $2000 dollars out of pocket based on the fact that that amount is my cap. Sometimes they will bill you and other times you have to pay outright. Money is a big factor for many people so if you are considering this procedure, contact your insurance company as well as the Dr. you plan on getting the procedure from to find out their billing practices.