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.