Feels like I’m stuck in slow motion - 2nd post-op appointment
Hi everyone,
I’m now about 6 1/2 weeks post-surgery and went in to see the surgeon this morning. Was told to take out the 2nd of 3 wedges in the boot today, take the remaining one out in two weeks, and make an appointment for 4 weeks from now. No PT, no driving, just a “we want to keep you in the boot to protect the tendon”. Although I kind of expected this, but the reality is sinking in that I still am not anywhere close to getting behind the wheel, shopping, running errands, etc. for at least another month minimum. I really wanted to be told I could start something constructive towards recovery like PT so mentally it felt like some headway was being made. I feel like I’m stalled out! The only positive so far is that the spot that the boot was irritating on the incision site is less painful now that one more wedge is gone!
My 1 1/2 year old was so happy that I made it out of the house with the family for a picnic last Sunday that he actually smiled every time I looked back at him while in the car, and then decided to sit down with me for most of the outing even though he usually runs around the play area like mad…guess he figured he had to keep me company.
Keep posting with all the great progress and coping tips as I’m hanging on every word!
Happy healing,
Moms “owie”
Hey, you are right where I was at 6 weeks. I could have written that post. I had such hopes for being mobile and starting to do stuff, and the doctor told me 4 more weeks in a boot. I felt depressed — I had expected more.
I started doing stretching exercises with the foot, and within a week felt like I was making progress. Did he tell you to do that? I did it at night in the AM– and if I took the boot off to rest. He just said - no strength exercises, just gentle stretches, like flexes and the alphabet. That helped me mentally.
Finally at 10 weeks he told me I could try driving. I It felt weird for a few days but soon felt normal. He also kept me part time in boot and part time in shoes. Strange! Also, no PT! But, with each week, I think just “doing stuff” has been my PT, much to my surprise.
So, a long comment, but you are probably just a few weeks from being ready to get to that next phase. It seems like a long way off, but it will come before you know it. You are not close to full recovery but you are close to having more mobility.
Keep trying to get out of the house - I am sure it is not easy with kids, but it helps you feel normal. And this injury makes life anything but normal.
Hang in there — I feel your pain!!
Comment by tennisjunkie — July 31, 2008 @ 5:07 am
I’m with you - at 4.5 weeks I was told come back in 6 weeks - so still looking at that 10 week mark for another shift. Now I’m less than 3 weeks away from it. I had to fight to get into the boot and I’ve been taking it carefully and doing my gentle stretching exercises/alphabet, too. Like tennisjunkie said - it is a good mental boost to know we are making progress. My foot feels great, but I still wear the boot and all because I know it is still vulnerable. So I do what I can to help while letting it heal.
It sounds like your family (even your 18 mo old!!) are very supportive, even though none of you wants you laid up. Again, I agree with TJ’s advise - keep trying to get out of the house when you can, it is good for your mental state, there is normalcy in it and you can engage with others.
Another tip I got from here was to have things to look forward to. Maybe schedule something fun (not overly demanding, but an activity that you want to do) for a few weeks away. Mark the calendar with the weeks and have that be something you are counting down to and preparing for. Maybe just a day trip or an event you have been wanting to do.
It sounds like you are coming along well, so yay on that. Hang in there.
Comment by sheila — July 31, 2008 @ 6:39 am