grammy’s AchillesBlog

I am one layer of “risers” lower - I took a lift out of my boot last night after one week post cast - as the doctor instructed. I did it at night so my foot/ankle/calf could get used to the difference without weight since I sleep in my boot. This morning I noticed some stiffness and cramping but took 2 advil when I got to work and have been happily more balanced in my walking (with a walker) and going up the curb, 3 steps, etc to move about my house. I rested and elevated some - but am VERY excited to be a bit lower in the boot! I am going to send the knee scooter back later this week as I feel more secure using the walker and am building more endurance now. I mostly use the walker for balance but with one less lift, even that is better. I am sure I will have more questions soon. But tonight I am enjoying just that bit of freedom.

Is it normal to have more swelling than when I first got my cast off? I haven’t really done that much but I haven’t had my foot elevated as much as before. How long does the swelling stay around? I am sleeping in the boot and taking it off a few times a day when I know I won’t be tempted to stand..I do some toe wiggling and ankle movements. It just seems more swollen than when the cast came off on Thursday. Should I be concerned? Do I just need to elevate more? I try to keep it elevated but “toes above the nose” is difficult to achieve when you are trying to get back to some type of normal! Any thoughts or advice? I wasn’t really an athlete before this but I was active…compared to the last six weeks.

First, thanks for all the comments on my question about what to do about being in a boot, PWB and working.  I plan to try to get an office chair with rollers that will be tall enough for our counter and computer in the morning. And I will take the knee scooter to prop my leg on.

The cast is off!  I was fitted for a boot with 4 lifts and can put as much weight as I want or don’t want on it!!!  It is way awkward with so many lifts but next Thursday one comes out!  They told me to sleep in the boot with a pillowcase over it.  The doctor was in surgery and I saw the PA who said everything looked normal (big sigh of relief) but that I still had to keep my battle scar dry until it is cleaner.  I was really looking forward to getting in a pool and feeling light on my feet!  I go back in 3 weeks and then will begin some PT.  As for now, I am to move my ankle and toes a bit each day.  Already life is a bit easier in an old house with lots of stairs!  I plan to keep my knee scooter until I go back to the doctor in three weeks - I think.  My caretaker (husband) is looking forward to a day off when I go to work tomorrow!

I am 36 hours away from casting off the cast! I will be in a boot with several inserts - if I remember exactly what the doctor said. I have been using a knee scooter and a walker but was wondering what I might need to be PWB and back at work. Any suggestions? I own a flower shop and the next two months = most of the years profits so I need to be somewhat mobile. Although I am very thankful for my knee scooter, I find it awkward and somewhat difficult to maneuver. Should I try to find some crutches to try? Reminder - I am 60 and not very fit - but I do hope to be moving in that direction! Any ideas?

Best wishes to all of you for 2014!