Question
Just a quick question. On the 21st I am going to get my first cast removed. The doctor told me to bring my boot along because he is probably going to put me in it. How painful will the appointment be due to stretching? I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but just the thought is making me queezy. The reason I ask is because I am not sure I should take the entire day off of work. The last thing I want to do is sit at work all day in pain. Thanks for any input.
on July 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hey Jen,
When I went to the boot, it wasn’t painful at all. It was a lot less painful then my first and second casts. At two weeks post op, the doctor wanted me to try and stretch to 90 degrees….yeah, ouch. I couldn’t quite make it, so I had to go back a week later and try again. I was successful that time and a week after that, I was in the boot…..no pain involved. I think that the boot is more for protection than anything else….and the boot is less constrictive. Good luck….you’ll be fine. Oh, go ahead and take the day off anyway.
on July 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Jen,
The only pain I had was moving my foot to the 90 degree point..when I was still in the cast stage…going into the boot is no problem…but you could take the rest of the day off to celebrate your newfound freedom of easier movement and ability to take the boot off…don’t sweat it…Kevin
on July 6th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I would not worry about the flexion — if you are not quite 90 degrees you can get a heel lift for the boot. If your doc does not give you one, ask for one, particularly if you do want to go to work afterwards. I had a heel lift in for 3 days, then took it out.
I found the boot to be much more comfortable than the splint and cast, so I would not be worried. You will find it to be a great milestone!
on July 6th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Hi, if you’re really worried, you could buy a couple heel pads or the ones that are like jelly and put them in the heel and that will lift up a little more so you won’t be at too much of an angle.
maybe that will help? That actually helped me walk in my boot easier.
Cathy
on July 6th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hang in there - I’m from the Lehigh Valley area too. I am only three weeks since surgery and I can’t wait until tomorrow to get my stitches out - and then another cast! It is my right leg, so no driving at all. I’m so blue, but Giant has the scooters which are great!
on July 7th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Jen..
No pain with removal of the cast. I agree with the earlier posts, some MDs put you in the boot with wedges to make an easier transition. If your cast was at 90 degrees do your best to avoid the wedges, faster recovery IMO.
Let us know how it goes.
Doc Ross