Nov 25 2010
Orthotics Week 3
So it was my third visit to Charlie at the Blackburn Orthotics Department today. He has left my foot at the 15 degree angle but has put a much thinner wedge on the bottom of the boot - about an inch depth.
It’s nice to be closer to the floor, and so in line with my other foot but it’s definitely going to take some getting used to. The other thicker wedge was curved at the front so that you could roll off it as you walked. This one is just flat and comes out past my toes, so I can only step forward and then bring the good foot up to join it.
He also did the Thompson test again, and said there’s no movement yet but he expects to see something next week.
The wound is looking really good. We’ve been using sudocrem on the actual wound site, as I was getting blisters as well and didn’t want to risk anything nasty. I’m using E45 cream on the rest on my leg and foot to combat the dry skin - it’s just flaking off at the moment.
Apart from that I’m getting around much better - using just one crutch (as it helps to even out my hips somewhat) - so at least I feel a bit more self sufficient and can carry things. I have another week off work and then I’m going to work from home. Nice to have some time to myself though.
You sound a lot more positive, amazing what a boost you get from making progress, even if it’s just being able to carry a cup of tea!
A friend recommended Bio Oil for the scar, it costs about £8.00 from boots, I’ve been massaging it into the scar twice a day and using it to gently massage the AT. It sinks in well and I’m sure it’s making a difference. Make the most of your time alone!
I’ve never seen a Vaco boot up close, but having to lose the rounded sole in order to get more balanced sounds unfortunate. That “roll over the boot” way of walking is a great, fast, and energetic way of getting around while you’re healing, and it’s much harder without a rounded sole.
Maybe Gunner or one of the other VacoCast Veterans here has a recommendation?
Hi,
By the reading of your blogs it seems that you are progressing well. I’m about 3 weeks behind you, and I too am using the Vacoped which I had to buy myself as southampton dont have the budget for it. Its good to hear that you got to 15 degrees and now down to the smaller wedge so soon. Has charlie not allowed you to try some walking in the pool yet? I was informed that this would be a good way of exerciseing by keeping the boot on too. I’m at the physio’s in 2 weeks and I hope there as good as charlie sounds, good luck with the future…keep us informed.
ems72,
Glad to hear you are progressing well. It is a good feeling when the mobility returns and you can start doing things for yourself. As the wedges come out the closer you are getting to walking in two shoes again. Take care. Paul
Hi guys - thanks again for all the helpful comments
I did ask about going in the pool with the Vacoped boot on and Charlie just snorted and asked if I’d seen the video of the guy sky-diving in one… He doesn’t think I’m ready for the pool yet so I’m going to leave that for a bit.