Well Today was my 3rd post op visit, 5 weeks post surgery. I was expecting to go in and have my cast changed to the neutral position. I even had it in my head to convince the doc to let me go into a boot this week but talked myself out of it thinking that another week wouldn’t kill me. Funny how things never go as we plan.
I went into the cast room and was chit-chatting with another patient. I told him I had been in a splint and/or cast for 6 weeks, then the doc came in an over-heard me say that. He left but didn’t examine me because my cast was still on. The PA came back shortly and said, well we are going to put you in a boot!! I was over the moon ecstatic! Happy and grinning like an idiot! They came in, sawed off my cast and started fitting me for a boot. I had so many questions but never really talked to the doc.
He came back in after I asked them to ask him to and he explained things, he said that I can start ROM PT and begin walking FWB in my cast. I was completely shocked! He then said in 6 weeks I will start strengthening at PT for 6 more weeks. That’s where things got iffy. I asked him when I was supposed to go back to work. He told me 12 weeks!! What the heck?? He told me on my consultation that it was going to be 6 weeks of casting and 6 weeks of PT. I was in such shock and disbelief.
Here I was under the impression I am half way through my disability and he comes out saying he’s adding an additional 6 weeks. I wasn’t emotionally prepared for that. He swears he warned me about this during our consultation but my mother and I never heard him say that. I understand that I don’t have a desk job and I have to be able to stand on my feet for 12 hours but I thought this would happen by 12 weeks!
After many tears he explained that after 12 weeks post op I can make the decision when I’m “ready” to go back to work. I’m not sure how I will know this but he said he will release me when I’m “ready”. So I get the boot on and they say okay, “Walk”. HAHAHAHAHA
Not funny actually. I can’t walk. The pain in my bones is awful. I can’t put all my weight on it. I haven’t used my leg in 6 weeks. How do they expect me to do this?? I feel defeated. I used my scooter and left the office. After I got home I began trying crutches. Using 2 crutches and weight bearing is possible, but EXHAUSTING.
Well, I start PT in an hour, just ROM. I’m nervous. This has been such a bad day…
Here is my boot
This is my super hairy leg, you can kind of see the difference in the size of the calf
7 responses so far ↓
kkirk // Nov 7th 2012 at 7:22 pm
Good luck with PT let us know how it went? I’m sure at first, it is going to hurt and be hard to walk, but with PT and time it will all come back. I’m cheering for you, and running two weeks behind, since my doc. wants me NWB for 2 more weeks. Good luck.
brokenbride // Nov 7th 2012 at 10:05 pm
I’m not sure what type of nurse you are, but I’m guessing a scooter wouldn’t work?
The reason I ask is when I was in the ER for my injury, there was a doctor using a scooter.
crutchesintx // Nov 7th 2012 at 11:12 pm
12 weeks going back to work seems like a long time. Once you get used to FWB I think you will see your tolerance/endurance go up and you will be able to last 12 hour days in the boot no problem.
I remember when I first went FWB at about 6 weeks, it was exhausting. The following week I went on vacation and walked in around in my boot the full time. When I got home I definitely saw that my endurance in the boot had gone up. At about 8 weeks I was walking normal just with a big clunker on my leg.
I have a feeling you will be up and at em in a couple of weeks.
rupturednurse // Nov 8th 2012 at 1:19 am
Kkirk, thanks! I know what it feels like to feel behind, somehow I ended up out of my cast early, I think my doc made a mistake, but it’s on him!
Brokenbride, I’m an ICU nurse, per my employee health I cannot return until I am without restrictions
Crutchesintx, my job does not allow me to go back with any assistive devices. period. no limitations. They are ridiculously strict. my doc did say I could go back when I felt ready (after 3 months post op), he just said most likely that wouldn’t happen tip 12 more weeks…
Ali // Nov 8th 2012 at 4:06 am
RN Im not a nurse, Im an ot but like yourself I have to move pretty fast. There are times I need to be able to run if need be. You got to be fit to look after others
I was so frustated but it does pass!! send me an email if you want to chat anytime. heal well x
crutchesintx // Nov 8th 2012 at 12:28 pm
Gotcha. 12 weeks then sounds about right. Today is my 12 week check up and my official first day back in two shoes.
rupturednurse // Nov 8th 2012 at 3:59 pm
Ali- Thanks I’ll take you up on that!
Curthesintx- It’s hard to believe it, but after yesterday I think I finally realized how hard this is going to be. Congratulations on your 12 wk check up!!
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