Update - in the boot
Went for my cast removal and follow up appointment on Monday, 12/1/08. Other than the 1.5 hour wait past my appointment time (is that Ortho doc’s in general or just mine? It’s every appointment!) things went well. Thankfully, there was zero odor when the cast was removed, very little dead skin, and the wound was healing nicely.
The doc put me in a walking boot (DJO Maxtrax) and told me for the first 7 days I could gradually put more weight on it (always with the boot) until I was putting 100% of weight on it after 7 days. After that, he said I could try walking (always with the boot) with whatever aid I wanted; one or two crutches, walker, etc.
He also gave me some stretching exercises and told me that with my range of motion he would hold off on starting physical therapy until my followup in one month. I’m hoping that with enough demonstrated improvement I can keep delaying or even avoid physical therapy.
My calf had noticeably atrophied, but not as bad as I was thinking. I’ve also experienced almost zero pain in the surgical area, but my foot does turn various colors based on unknown factors.