I can’t walk the walk….yet.

1st cast

 

 

 

 

2nd cast

 

 

 

 

Week 5 

 

 

 

Cleaned up a bit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whew, has it really been that long since I have updated?  Week 5 I was put in my boot. As I said in my previous post, it was really bothersome. I’ve really struggled with my post-op doctor, and his non-care attitude. He basically said I shouldn’t be in pain after week 4. The boot rubbed, and bothered the incision. I tried socks, pads, Kleenex and complaining. ” Normal” “You’ll be fine” ” Get a life”..Okay, so the Dr. never said THAT, but I’m sure he thought it. I have had 3 adjustments, and on week 7, I was told I could put partial weight on it. This is when it became even tougher. I was able to put weight on it, and walk with the crutches slightly, but ever time my heel would hit the ground, pain would shoot through the lower heel into my actual foot ( Where the arch is) I asked about it. Normal. Asked about the boot again. Dr. Cut off plastic insert inside boot. Sigh. I suck it up. 

 

 

 

I started Physical Therapy at my insistence on week 6. They are AWESOME! My PT is truly what is keeping my head above water. He is probably more frustrated with my Dr than I am.  I have made huge progress in rotating my foot, doubling the degrees in which I can do so in 3 weeks time.  I have exceeded all expectations he ever had for me the first 2 weeks.

 

(Week 6, day before starting PT)

 

 

 

(1st Day of PT)

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunantly, the heel pain intensified as I tried to put weight on my foot. Guess what it is? Plantar fasciitis. What is that you ask? Wilki:” Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot caused by excessive wear to the Plantar fascite that supports the arches of the foot or by bio mechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation. The pain usually is felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. It is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing or sudden changes in weight bearing or activity.  ha HA. So, all my complaining about the way the boot felt. I really think that is why I have it. If I had been referred to a place that could have formed the boot to my particular arch, maybe I would not be in the position I am now. The possible remedies or  Initial treatments include stretching of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, keeping off the foot as much as possible , arch support and heel lifts, and taping. ”

 

My Doctor says yesterday, 9 weeks post injury ” yep, must be the boot. Wear a regular shoe. See you in 2 weeks. ” PT today says ” unacceptable, let’s fit you with shoe inserts, and get that area stabilized.” Immediate relief to my heel. aaaahhhhhh. I walked in the kitchen for the first time in 9 weeks, in a shoe, without crutches and I didn’t cry. ( It was probably 6 halted steps, but I did it!)

 

 

Of course, I have a little way to go before I can walk without the assistance of crutches. But I feel now that it will be possible. This has been the most difficult thing I have ever gone through physically, and I have had 5 children! It has tried my patience, my faith and my mental well being. But, the sun is started to shine a little more each day as I make small ” Steps” of progress.  I have good days, and some really bad ones. I yell at my foot, and feel sorry for myself. But I have come to realize that I can’t change what happened, but I can progress, and get better.  So, I am going to do it. 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Frustration. Not his real name. Should be. I called his office this morning after attempting to put on my beautiful EZ set Bledsoe moonboot. Dr. F had a hard time getting it on me yesterday. He kind of threw me in it. He was double booked, and pretty busy. See ya, no questions answered….we’ll discuss it another time.  I basically walked out stunned after attempting to ask about when I would be able to put any weight on it, when physical rehap would start ECT.

So, back to my point:) I called and told the nurse about not feeling like the boot was fitting correctly. I am also in a lot of pain.  I have been trying not to take meds other than Advil. She said he would call within the hour. 2 hours later..I called back when I had not heard from him. She promised she would call him to remind him I needed a call. 

5:30 pm, he calls. ” What’s wrong?” I tell him, that I feel as if my heel is in limbo with no support, and  I didn’t think it was on right. ” Normal to be in pain,” he says” you’ll be fine. I only have 3 sizes in that boot, and you can’t just go to the store and buy one. ” Me. Mouth agape. Okay. ” What about the pain ?” I ask. ” You’ll get used to it, it will get better. The end.

Okay, I know surgeons in general are great surgeons, but don’t have great bedside manners. I have never had an injury that required surgery, but I like to be an informed patient. Is that too much to ask? As far as pain goes, what is normal and typical for one, may not be with another. Am I just being A baby, and suck it up and cry all day? What is an ” ‘acceptable” time frame?

On a lighter note, I got to bathe last night for the first time in 5 weeks, and it was wonderful! I have pictures of my leg, but need to find my cord to upload them. Thanks for all the comments so far, I appreciate them!

~Christi

I am almost 5 weeks post op. I ruptured my left AT on December 18th playing basketball. I got the second cast off today, and got my boot on. The boot is very uncomfortable, and doesn’t seem to fit well. I am wishing now I had my cast back! I am trying to find a comfortable position in bed without the boot on. Any suggestions?  I have an ace bandage on, but my foot feels like it is on fire. I was not prepared.

I am glad my husband found this informative site. I have been very depressed, and frustrated.  I am the Mom to 5 children ages 4-13, so this has been even more difficult to manage. I will upload the pictures I took earlier tomorrow. I am determined to get better as soon as I can.  Thanks!

 

Christi