Today, I had my visit with the surgeon, saw my x-rays, had my old bandage/cast/splint removed, had the stitches removed, and a new cast put on. I was really nervous for it. I was afraid of moving my foot and resting it on the bed with no cast on it. The dr. said it looked good, was healing well, and there wasn't too much swelling. The most swelling is on the outside where they went in to break the heel. The inside actually looks slightly less swollen that it has been for the past 2 years or so!!
The burning I've been feeling is apparently partly a result of swelling after too much activity during the day and partly the nerve firing in ways my brain can't process as it returns to normal. The numbness is all the way down the outside of my foot and on my heel. I can feel touching and such so it is not nerve damage. It may take a few more weeks to be fully back to normal.
The physio therapist (Neuville) who took the cast off, removed my stitches and put on the new cast was excellent. He was very understanding of my nervousness and was very gentle. I have a light-weight cast (fibreglass) and it is blue (I had a choice: white, black, blue).
When I first got there, I went for x-rays. The screws were clearly visible. The splint cast and bandage that came off (check out how hard I'm gripping with my hands!) was messy inside with dried blood (ugh). I spent a bit of time shaking after it first came off but calmed down somewhat while waiting for the stitches to be removed (I'm such a whimp -- it didn't even hurt, I was just nervous). There were about 8-9 stitches on the inside of my foot, 4-5 on the outside of my foot where they went in to break the heel (this is looking up my leg), and 1 in each of two holes in my heel where the screws went in. Here you can see the purple arrow they drew on my foot to indicate this was the "right" (correct) one!!
After the stitches were removed, steristrips were put on. Then a sock like thing was put on my foot and I had to flex it as much as possible (which was difficult but I was able to do it). If it wasn't flexed, then when the cast came off, I'd be stuck walking on my toes! It is also turned in to the left (inside) a bit because it will encourage healing in my tendon which was quite damaged. It just means that I'll have to work to stretch it during the physio after the cast comes off.
I lay on my stomach to get the cast put on. I think this was Neuville's way of keeping me from freaking out too much. He was also quick to put my bed flat to keep me from watching during the removal of the stitches (which I must admit didn't hurt very much at all). He first put a bunch of soft cloth in the heel / foot area. The cast is still wet here. Finally, I get a glimpse of the new blue cast and here I look pretty pleased to have the ordeal over with!!
As long as the cast is on, I'll have to keep my foot above my knee as much as possible. My next appointment is Feb. 4 ... which is 5 weeks instead of 4 because my surgeon is away the previous week. I expect then I'll get this cast off and start the physio.
I asked about advil vs. tylenol because I don't find the tylenol helps. The surgeon said that advil discourages bone healing. Who knew? So, tylenol it is ... or maybe I'll switch to wine ... just kidding!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas Adventures
Well, I'm getting better every day. I must say that I felt quite down for a couple of days after the percocets ended. I'm not sure if it was related to going off them but I was certainly emotionally low for a couple of days. It was good to be distracted by all the activity and energy around Christmas. I feel much better now and am thankful to my family and friends for cheering me up so much and putting up with my emotional weirdness. I also had a bit of trouble with one of the common side effects of the tylenol ... I won't go into detail here but ... Yikes! Lesson learned!
Christmas Eve, Donny's dad and his sister and her family came over and we had a nice dinner with my them and my parents, too. So, we had Peter, Jenny, Milan, Kristina, Amanda, and Jessica over. Maddy and Aleks came over too so we had a houseful of kids which made it even more fun! Here are the kids by the tree and Woody in his Christmas "outfit". I sat at the table for much of dinner (my dad helped me get settled in my spot with my foot on the piano bench!). This was my longest time at the table yet and I even had a small glass of wine! But had to return to my favourite couch position to get my foot above my heart after a while.
On Christmas day, I had two outings to my sister and Geoff's house. We went over after lunch for a visit and gift exchange then returned there for dinner. It was a long day and I was pretty exhausted at the end of it. My foot felt like it was
going to explode by the time we got back home. The tylenol doesn't really seem to help but I'm pretending it does and hoping for a placebo effect! Here I am at Sue and Geoff's with Donny and my dad.
On Boxing Day, we had our annual Secret Santa party. For the first time in a long time (forever?), I did none of the dinner prep. It is a weird feeling to sit back and let others create the dinner. It was delicious! Donny used Uncle Frank's marinade on a beef tenderloin then BBQ'd it to perfection. We had roasted potatoes (my mom's creation), BBQ'd asparagus, Donny's awesome caesar salad, and green beans. Delicious! We exchanged gifts: I gave moccasins to Mary and Susan gave a gorgeous sweater to me.
On Monday, we went to Donalda Club for lunch with Lynn and Linda. It was really nice and much of the Gray family was there. Kevin was curling in a bonspiel while we were there so we got too see a couple of his awesome shots! My foot was down for too long, though, and again it felt like it was going to explode. Here I am with it up on the table as I eat. Peter commented that it was ironic there was a Club rule against txting but it was okay to have your foot on the table??!! "What kind of a Club is this?"
I came home and lay in bed with my foot up and read my book for a couple of hours and it felt good again. The sunset was beautiful last night and I got to see that from my window as I recovered my foot.
So, that recounts the busy weekend! I see improvement but realize that I can't push things too much because my foot must still be above my heart for the majority of the time. I have noticed that there seems to be room in my cast so when I move it around, it feels like my foot is moving around in the cast (splint) slightly. I guess the swelling is down.
Christmas Eve, Donny's dad and his sister and her family came over and we had a nice dinner with my them and my parents, too. So, we had Peter, Jenny, Milan, Kristina, Amanda, and Jessica over. Maddy and Aleks came over too so we had a houseful of kids which made it even more fun! Here are the kids by the tree and Woody in his Christmas "outfit". I sat at the table for much of dinner (my dad helped me get settled in my spot with my foot on the piano bench!). This was my longest time at the table yet and I even had a small glass of wine! But had to return to my favourite couch position to get my foot above my heart after a while.
On Christmas day, I had two outings to my sister and Geoff's house. We went over after lunch for a visit and gift exchange then returned there for dinner. It was a long day and I was pretty exhausted at the end of it. My foot felt like it was
going to explode by the time we got back home. The tylenol doesn't really seem to help but I'm pretending it does and hoping for a placebo effect! Here I am at Sue and Geoff's with Donny and my dad.
On Boxing Day, we had our annual Secret Santa party. For the first time in a long time (forever?), I did none of the dinner prep. It is a weird feeling to sit back and let others create the dinner. It was delicious! Donny used Uncle Frank's marinade on a beef tenderloin then BBQ'd it to perfection. We had roasted potatoes (my mom's creation), BBQ'd asparagus, Donny's awesome caesar salad, and green beans. Delicious! We exchanged gifts: I gave moccasins to Mary and Susan gave a gorgeous sweater to me.
On Monday, we went to Donalda Club for lunch with Lynn and Linda. It was really nice and much of the Gray family was there. Kevin was curling in a bonspiel while we were there so we got too see a couple of his awesome shots! My foot was down for too long, though, and again it felt like it was going to explode. Here I am with it up on the table as I eat. Peter commented that it was ironic there was a Club rule against txting but it was okay to have your foot on the table??!! "What kind of a Club is this?"
I came home and lay in bed with my foot up and read my book for a couple of hours and it felt good again. The sunset was beautiful last night and I got to see that from my window as I recovered my foot.
So, that recounts the busy weekend! I see improvement but realize that I can't push things too much because my foot must still be above my heart for the majority of the time. I have noticed that there seems to be room in my cast so when I move it around, it feels like my foot is moving around in the cast (splint) slightly. I guess the swelling is down.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Going outside
Today was a good day (day 9). I went outside for the first time since leaving the hospital to come home. I spent the morning visiting my in-laws with Donny, Hazel, and Woody. It was fun to get out and to have a visit. I used a hat on my right foot (socks won't fit) but it fell off on my way up their outdoor stairs.
I think the feeling is coming back in the top part of my baby and next-to-baby toes. They are tingling and sore like major pins and needles. When I run my finger over them it feels like it does when you have a piece of glass in your foot and rub it. I hope this is a good sign!
Only 3 percocets left ... 'nuf said.
I just "crutched" to the end of the street to deliver a thank-you in person to Sue for all the delicious food she's been bringing me and no one was home!! Crutching that far was a challenge! Hazel came with me to pick me up if I fell but I didn't. But it was surprisingly hard on my hands. It would be hard to crutch that far on a regular basis but hopefully my hands and legs (yes, plural, "legs" -- the one with the bad foot has to hold up the heavy cast) and arms will get used to it.
I think the feeling is coming back in the top part of my baby and next-to-baby toes. They are tingling and sore like major pins and needles. When I run my finger over them it feels like it does when you have a piece of glass in your foot and rub it. I hope this is a good sign!
Only 3 percocets left ... 'nuf said.
I just "crutched" to the end of the street to deliver a thank-you in person to Sue for all the delicious food she's been bringing me and no one was home!! Crutching that far was a challenge! Hazel came with me to pick me up if I fell but I didn't. But it was surprisingly hard on my hands. It would be hard to crutch that far on a regular basis but hopefully my hands and legs (yes, plural, "legs" -- the one with the bad foot has to hold up the heavy cast) and arms will get used to it.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Day 8 -- up and about
Today was a very good day. I'm down to 1 percocet every 5 hours and I am moving around more and sitting upright (with leg up) for longer.
I have tasks I can do to help out. Today, I zested and squeezed the lemons for my mom's famous "Gramma Butterworth's Lemon Butter". Yesterday, I cleaned out my jewel box and found something I can use as an "ankle" bracelet to dress things up a bit.
I had lots of visitors: Kevin came by and I caught him under the mistletoe :-) Ralph brought me more of his famous pate. Martina brought a fashionable (chic) carrying device for me! Betty and Mary came by for tea and cookies. We made some tentative plans for our Secret Santa dinner (our house Boxing Day) and New Year's Eve.
I was able to read some of my book. I'm reading the Lost Symbol right now. Nurse Woodchop stays close and acts as a pillow for my foot if needed. My mom said my head is clearer (less drugs). Hazel and I tested that hypothesis with a game of Crazy Eights Count Down which I LOST (again) but I think I was more in touch with what was going on. I don't think I've ever won that *#(*& game (drugs or no drugs).
I have tasks I can do to help out. Today, I zested and squeezed the lemons for my mom's famous "Gramma Butterworth's Lemon Butter". Yesterday, I cleaned out my jewel box and found something I can use as an "ankle" bracelet to dress things up a bit.
I had lots of visitors: Kevin came by and I caught him under the mistletoe :-) Ralph brought me more of his famous pate. Martina brought a fashionable (chic) carrying device for me! Betty and Mary came by for tea and cookies. We made some tentative plans for our Secret Santa dinner (our house Boxing Day) and New Year's Eve.
I was able to read some of my book. I'm reading the Lost Symbol right now. Nurse Woodchop stays close and acts as a pillow for my foot if needed. My mom said my head is clearer (less drugs). Hazel and I tested that hypothesis with a game of Crazy Eights Count Down which I LOST (again) but I think I was more in touch with what was going on. I don't think I've ever won that *#(*& game (drugs or no drugs).
One Week
Today, I played "One week ago right now ..." off and on all day! It's hard to believe it's been one whole week already.
I slept well last night and got up at 8am, did my whole morning routine by myself!! Jenny and Jessica came over in the morning for our annual foodbank Christmas donation. We normally all walk over and help out for a bit but this year, I didn't get to go and Milan and the two older girls were up north so Donny, Hazel, Andrew, Jenny and Jessica went. I walked them to the door to see them on their way and sat up to have a visit with them for quite a while.
Today I had delicious soup from Sue for lunch. The previous two days, I enjoyed Martina's chili. It's great to have healthy food delivered!
I feel better today. There is still pain but I feel like I can handle it better. Maybe the pain is getting less, maybe I'm getting used to it. I'm moving around more often but still need my leg up most of the time. When I move around, my toes turn quite red!
I've been moving around more. I even go into the kitchen now and then to look at when my mom is doing and check on things! "We" decided to do Jamie Oliver's "get-ahead gravy" for Christmas dinner this year (I'm addicted to the Food Network!!) I sat in the living room shouting out the ingredients and instructions and my mom did the work! It is delicious! I can't wait to try it with the turkey juices.
I slept well last night and got up at 8am, did my whole morning routine by myself!! Jenny and Jessica came over in the morning for our annual foodbank Christmas donation. We normally all walk over and help out for a bit but this year, I didn't get to go and Milan and the two older girls were up north so Donny, Hazel, Andrew, Jenny and Jessica went. I walked them to the door to see them on their way and sat up to have a visit with them for quite a while.
Today I had delicious soup from Sue for lunch. The previous two days, I enjoyed Martina's chili. It's great to have healthy food delivered!
I feel better today. There is still pain but I feel like I can handle it better. Maybe the pain is getting less, maybe I'm getting used to it. I'm moving around more often but still need my leg up most of the time. When I move around, my toes turn quite red!
I've been moving around more. I even go into the kitchen now and then to look at when my mom is doing and check on things! "We" decided to do Jamie Oliver's "get-ahead gravy" for Christmas dinner this year (I'm addicted to the Food Network!!) I sat in the living room shouting out the ingredients and instructions and my mom did the work! It is delicious! I can't wait to try it with the turkey juices.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day 6
I've discovered that my "Day n" post is mostly about "Day n-1" because "Day n" isn't finished when I write the Day n post! Does that make sense? It does in my brain ...
Yesterday (Day 5), I tried to take tylenol instead of percocet for one dose and I paid for that decision. The pain was constant and strong all day even after I took a percocet in the afternoon. So, last night I took 2 percocets before bed and had a terrific sleep. Even when I woke up in the night, I didn't feel uncomfortable and could change position without too much pain at all. I also took 2 this morning when I woke up. Now I will try for 1 every 4-6 hours. It seems if one gets into a position of significant pain, it is hard to get back out to feeling okay. So, I will more slowly wean myself off these meds.
The "Nurse Navigator" phoned last night. This is a really neat service that is being piloted in a couple of hospitals in Toronto. One of the nurse navigators came to see me in the hospital before I was released and introduced herself. They call you after you get home (if you agree to being called) to check how you are doing. They also give you a phone number and email address so you can contact them. It is supposed to cut down on the number of people who have to come back to emergency after surgery. It is also reassuring to know there is a number to call if you have questions or concerns.
I've had a pretty good day so far (Day 6). I'm doing more and more for myself but it's tricky to crutch and carry anything. I'm going to have to rig up a back pack or something to carry stuff as I crutch around.
My sister came over last night for dinner and asked me if it kind of nice to be able to lie around and do nothing and I have to say it isn't really even a little nice!! I actually did think it would be nice to have an excuse to do nothing but it is pretty frustrating to be dependent on other people.
Maureen and Frank came by today. I always enjoy a visit with them. I even got up to crutch to the front door to see them off, navigating the 4 stairs down and back up by myself!! Martina came again today too. It is so great to have these visits with her. She brought me a Sudoku book which is great because I think my mom was tired of printing online puzzles for me!
So far so good on Day 6.
Yesterday (Day 5), I tried to take tylenol instead of percocet for one dose and I paid for that decision. The pain was constant and strong all day even after I took a percocet in the afternoon. So, last night I took 2 percocets before bed and had a terrific sleep. Even when I woke up in the night, I didn't feel uncomfortable and could change position without too much pain at all. I also took 2 this morning when I woke up. Now I will try for 1 every 4-6 hours. It seems if one gets into a position of significant pain, it is hard to get back out to feeling okay. So, I will more slowly wean myself off these meds.
The "Nurse Navigator" phoned last night. This is a really neat service that is being piloted in a couple of hospitals in Toronto. One of the nurse navigators came to see me in the hospital before I was released and introduced herself. They call you after you get home (if you agree to being called) to check how you are doing. They also give you a phone number and email address so you can contact them. It is supposed to cut down on the number of people who have to come back to emergency after surgery. It is also reassuring to know there is a number to call if you have questions or concerns.
I've had a pretty good day so far (Day 6). I'm doing more and more for myself but it's tricky to crutch and carry anything. I'm going to have to rig up a back pack or something to carry stuff as I crutch around.
My sister came over last night for dinner and asked me if it kind of nice to be able to lie around and do nothing and I have to say it isn't really even a little nice!! I actually did think it would be nice to have an excuse to do nothing but it is pretty frustrating to be dependent on other people.
Maureen and Frank came by today. I always enjoy a visit with them. I even got up to crutch to the front door to see them off, navigating the 4 stairs down and back up by myself!! Martina came again today too. It is so great to have these visits with her. She brought me a Sudoku book which is great because I think my mom was tired of printing online puzzles for me!
So far so good on Day 6.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Day 5
I'm getting through Day 5 just fine. I know I'm better except that I tried not to take the Percocet today and took tylenol instead. This has made for a higher level of constant pain which has been quite distracting. As much as I dislike having a fuzzy brain from the drugs, I really dislike feeling so sore. I am due for a Percocet at 3:15pm so I've been counting the slowing passing minutes.
Thank goodness CBC has curling on ... I'm really enjoying it.
I had more visitors yesterday: Pearl, Susan, Katie, Martina, and Jennifer! It was great to have people coming and going! Hazel and her friends did my hair with hot rollers and it was ... well, let's just say interesting. No visitors yet today ... hint, hint ... but Janet and Chris brought me a bell to ring for service. How fun is that!!?? (for me)
I slept great! Fell asleep at ~10pm and Donny and Andrew got home from their respective events at 11:30. I woke up then, took a pill, and went to the bathroom. Back to sleep until 6:30am. Another pill at 7am. I had a shower today finally (don't be too grossed out, I've been basin bathing! and washing my hair in the sink!). The sitting shower was uncomfortable but worked with a garbage bag taped to my leg and then a towel on top of that. I have to twist quite a bit to keep my right leg outside of the shower and up on a chair.
The trick so far has been to keep from getting too bored, too sore, and too demanding of my helpers. They have been very patient with me. Guess I should use the bell sparingly!
Thank goodness CBC has curling on ... I'm really enjoying it.
I had more visitors yesterday: Pearl, Susan, Katie, Martina, and Jennifer! It was great to have people coming and going! Hazel and her friends did my hair with hot rollers and it was ... well, let's just say interesting. No visitors yet today ... hint, hint ... but Janet and Chris brought me a bell to ring for service. How fun is that!!?? (for me)
I slept great! Fell asleep at ~10pm and Donny and Andrew got home from their respective events at 11:30. I woke up then, took a pill, and went to the bathroom. Back to sleep until 6:30am. Another pill at 7am. I had a shower today finally (don't be too grossed out, I've been basin bathing! and washing my hair in the sink!). The sitting shower was uncomfortable but worked with a garbage bag taped to my leg and then a towel on top of that. I have to twist quite a bit to keep my right leg outside of the shower and up on a chair.
The trick so far has been to keep from getting too bored, too sore, and too demanding of my helpers. They have been very patient with me. Guess I should use the bell sparingly!
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