On April 21, I had an appointment with my surgeon. That is 18 weeks and 2 days after the surgery. He said I'm getting some "power" in my foot. He also said the tendon they replaced is much bigger than the tendon they replaced it with as are the corresponding muscles so that I have to work harder to build the strength. He showed me how pushing down with my 4 small toes lifts my arch and suggested that I work on training myself to stand and walk like that (he said, "mind over matter") then laughed that he's never suggested that before to someone. He also said that the pain I feel in the very back of my heel is likely the screws and he recommends that I get them taken out. We tentatively said mid December (when my teaching is done for the term). Apparently, it's a simple surgery with no need for crutches after and a fast recovery. My next appointment with him is August 25 and we'll book the surgery then. I find the pain in the back of my heel seems worse when the weather is bad but I'm not sure if that's just a coincidence or not.
I also finally saw (in the x-ray) the tiny screw that was used to attach the Flexor Digitorum tendon on to my big toe area. I wasn't 100% sure that was there but I saw it very clearly in the x-ray. According to the surgeon, that one will never have to come out, it's embedded deep in the bone.
My rehab is going well. I am able (just as of this week) to lift myself up onto my toes. This is big for me as I was a little concerned I'd never be able to do it. According to the journal article I read about this surgery, in some cases, patients can not do this after the surgery. It still hurts to do it but it is now possible which is excellent. I feel my strength coming back for sure but it's almost been 5 months!
I swam in the All Out Swim Meet on April 16 and was able to complete all my races with pretty good times. The worst part was walking around the deck in birkenstocks (not running shoes) and getting onto the blocks safely. The timers at my lane would help me up and the starts were quick so there wasn't a lot of time to get wobbly! Swimming has been the best therapy for me through this entire recovery.
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ReplyDeleteHow are things going? I just found your blog. I am facing similar surgery. I am 46 and not in shape like you. I am scared to death.
ReplyDeleteLisa, It is a challenging surgery, I must say! I'm doing well ... have a lot of strength back and mobility. I still have a lot of pain and discomfort but I'm pretty sure that is from the screws (which I plan on having removed at some point). I'm seeing the surgeon again on Aug 25 and will report via the blog on the results of that appointment. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHello, Kelly! I'm having the same surgery, as you, in Dec...one year after you. I have had PTT for over 10 years. I've managed it with orthotics. Now the pain is always there and nothing helps. It's time to bite the bullet. I may not have had to have such an extensive surgery if I had done something about it 5 years ago. Thank you for your blog! It's put me at peace more than anything else I've read because it was truthful but encouraging because you were so positive. How are you doing? Still having pain? Still limping? Any regrets? Is your foot still swollen? Take care! :) Susan
ReplyDeleteSusan, how did yours go?
DeleteSorry it took so long to reply. Here is my update and answers to your questions. Please give me an update on your foot. You should be weight bearing now. I hope the first 3 months weren't too awful for you.
My foot deformity was worse than they realized, apparently, since the repositioning of the heel wasn't sufficient to lift my arch. My foot still collapses. I still have some pain but it is better than it was before the surgery. I have done a lot of physio and exercises and I'm active (swimming, walking, cycling, yoga). I wear major orthodics and "sensible" (read: ugly) shoes. But I still am glad I had the surgery. I have to have the screws removed because they hurt a lot (like very painful bruises) so I hope to have that done soon (still waiting to hear from the surgeon).
My foot is definitely not worse! But it isn't perfect either. It is still swollen right at the tendon area under my ankle bone (I'm starting to think it will always be like that since it's been 15 months since the surgery). So, no regrets.
Thinking of you Susan. Hope it went well for you.
My mom is supposed to be getting this surgery and she wants to know what do you feel are the pros and cons since having the surgery? How has your foot changed for the better? or is it worse?
ReplyDeleteMy bottom line answer: I'm glad I had the surgery. My foot is better but not perfect. For some reason I imagined it would be "normal" after the surgery but it isn't and I very sure it never will be. But I don't regret having the surgery. It was much more difficult than I imagined getting around and managing after the surgery so hopefully your mother has help. I also found myself getting somewhat depressed as the weeks of non-weight-bearing dragged on. Watch for that and have things for her to do. My husband took me out just about every day somewhere to keep my spirits up. Those are the cons, I guess. Pro: I could not have continued the way it was doing anything except maybe swimming. So, my activity level is definitely improved since the surgery.
DeleteMy current report: My foot deformity was worse than they realized, apparently, since the repositioning of the heel wasn't sufficient to lift my arch. My foot still collapses. I still have some pain but it is better than it was before the surgery. I have done a lot of physio and exercises and I'm active (swimming, walking, cycling, yoga). I wear major orthodics and "sensible" (read: ugly) shoes. But I still am glad I had the surgery. I have to have the screws removed because they hurt a lot (like very painful bruises) so I hope to have that done soon (still waiting to hear from the surgeon).
My foot is definitely not worse! But it isn't perfect either. It is still swollen right at the tendon area under my ankle bone (I'm starting to think it will always be like that since it's been 15 months since the surgery). So, no regrets.
I hope it goes well for your mom.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this blog - it has already helped me so much. My surgery is in 10 days, ptt replacement, moving the heel over, nicking my Achilles to loosen it up, and a bunionectomy thrown in while they're at it. I've read so many negative things, but you just gave a nice straightforward, honest account and it's calmed me down so much. Thank you, and good luck with your screw removal. Please continue to keep us posted,
Jen
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice that I found your blog, I had started one very likely just yesterday (in spanish, I am in Colombia). I had surgery last week (my tendon was completely broken, it had to be totally reconstructed .... in addition, some of the bones were also damaged, so... many screws).
I teach in the university and I am a semi-pro sporter as well (triathlon, MTB) , so I really hope that I can come back to competitions.
In the meanwhile, pain lot of pain and working at the computer, we will see what comes next :)
Good luck to you, it is a special feeling to know "you are not alone" with your troubles...
Big Hug,
Claudia Rubiano
I'm so glad I found this blog. I'll be having this surgery soon, and I've been reading a lot about the procedure itself but found very little information about the recovery. Your story is most helpful. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteEdna Beam
Kelly - I have to decide whether to have to have this same surgery, or live with my current condition. My posterior tibial tendon is torn. I am fine wearing tennis shoes and am always conscious of what surface I walk on (or it will hurt). I have to say, this blog has been VERY HELPFUL to know what to expect! Thank you for documenting all of this.
ReplyDeleteMy question is, you are a few years removed now and I'd love your opinion. My absolute hands down favorite exercise is running. I'm not fast, pretty or good, but I just enjoy it. I only run approx 3 miles. The surgeon said I will be able to return to running after the surgery. I was surprised that you still had discomfort/pain even several months after your surgery. Are you able to run? Even now, several years later, do you still experience discomfort? I would hope that my foot would return to "nearly normal" after the surgery. What has been your experience? THANKK YOU! again for documenting this.
Thank you so much for writing this informative blog! I have surgery scheduled for December 17th. I work in a school so I'll be out after for 2 weeks. I'll be returning in January. I had a major fall where I rolled my foot inward (most people roll out) and broke it in two spots and tore my tendon. The tendon doesn't work and the surgeon felt we've waited long enough. I feel we've waited long enough, I've been in a boot since April! I cannot walk much without it at all. Before the fall I was a runner and haven't done much since. I just feel awful. This blog has certainly helped ease my nerves. But, I only have my husband home with me post surgery for 4 days. He'll go back to work after that.
ReplyDeleteMy question, if you're still around, is whether or not you are able to run this many years later?
I particularly appreciate Fenn11/Jen's and Vlinder's remarks. Like them, I just had "the works" on December 9, 2015. I had a hard cast for six weeks and have to have a walking boot for four weeks. I had to be non-weight- bearing (NWB) for a total of seven weeks. I am not heavy. I had pain and problems for over 10 years and had to insist on an MRI so I could get past the PA to the doctor. My posterior tibial tendon was actually shredded. The doctor didn't know how I'd been walking.
ReplyDeleteThe pain after surgery wasn't bad after the first week. I'm not one to take many pain meds.
My biggest hurdle was being NWB and living in a tri-level home. Very isolating to have to be upstairs despite all the comforts my sweet husband put in place. Thank goodness for wonderful friends and neighbors who came to visit me to help keep my spirits up.
I also work for a school district...I truly hope yoi,Vlinder, are able to return to work as soon as you would like. I won't be able to return until Feb 1st! Apprehensive about how it will be to begin walking on it this week.
Does anyone have a great suggestion on the best, most comfortable shoes to wear post-surgery. Great recoveries to you all!
Carol
Dr.Micheal Nirenberg is the most recognized and experienced podiatrist surgeon in Northwest Indiana. He has a vast and professional experience in handling all kinds of foot and ankle cases and he has also expertise in forensic podiatrist.
ReplyDeletePodiatrist Crown Point
Carol
ReplyDeleteI am curious how your doing after having your shredded tendon repaired. Biggest question for me is, are you able to walk without orthotics and shoes? I was told by my surgeon under no condition should I walk barefoot. I wonder is this a permanent order or just while I am in the healing and strengthening stage? You most likely won't stop by this post again but if you do.... Thanks Cheryl
Carol
ReplyDeleteI am curious how your doing after having your shredded tendon repaired. Biggest question for me is, are you able to walk without orthotics and shoes? I was told by my surgeon under no condition should I walk barefoot. I wonder is this a permanent order or just while I am in the healing and strengthening stage? You most likely won't stop by this post again but if you do.... Thanks Cheryl
Hi Kelly, I had a similar surgery as you a little over 5 weeks ago. I am 34 and had been an avid runner, swimmer, and cyclist before all of this pain started. What ultimately made me want to have surgery was my frustration with the pain I felt during my barefoot walk from the shower to the pool. (I has been wearing an Arizona brace for nine months prior to having surgery, which usually lessened my pain while I was wearing it, but the brace could not get wet.) Now to my question, are you still having pain walking to the pool in birkenstocks?
ReplyDeleteAre you still having pain walking to the pool in birkenstocks?
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Get well!
ReplyDeleteAchilles Tendonitis Brace
My posterior tibial tendon is completely torn with a 4cm retraction. It took a year and a half for a doctor to order an MRI. I am an active 70 year old and still work. My surgeon said it takes a year to totally recover from this surgery. I’m not sure if I should do it or just go on with the orthotics and brace. Any input would be appreciated .
ReplyDelete